"Downton Abbey," the beloved British historical drama, has had its fair share of heart-wrenching moments, especially when it comes to the character of Cora Crawley, the Countess of Grantham. Portrayed by Elizabeth McGovern, Cora's journey from an American heiress to a devoted English aristocrat is filled with both triumphs and tragedies. Here, we count down the ten saddest moments that have defined her character's arc.
10. Her Marriage for Financial Security
Cora's marriage to Robert Crawley wasn't purely based on love. While they eventually grew to love each other deeply, their union began as a financial arrangement. Robert needed Cora's substantial dowry to save Downton Abbey. This pragmatic start to their relationship cast a long shadow over their marriage, making it one of the bittersweet aspects of Cora's life.
9. Loss of Her Dowry
Cora's entire inheritance was legally tied to the Grantham estate, leaving her and her daughters without direct access to her fortune.
This Victorian practice of entailing property to male heirs only added to her woes, as it meant her daughters were disinherited in favor of a distant male relative, highlighting the gender inequalities of the era.
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