Dialects of nostalgia: Downton Abbey and English identity

This article explores both Englishness and nostalgia in the period drama, Downton Abbey (Julian Fellowes, ITV, 2010–). The story of the Earl of Grantham and his family engage the viewer's emotions by recreating a by-gone era, which could actually stir an acute reflexive nostalgia. Given its popularity, we will explore the ideological use of nostalgia for this contemporary performance of Englishness. Through a close narrative analysis, we will further analyse the meanings of both English estates and social class in the series. Thus, we will see how instances of collective nostalgia may reveal underlying cultural values.