Cora Crawley

Grew up… in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cora is the daughter of Isidore Levinson, a multi-millionaire who made his fortune in the business of dry goods. She came to London in 1888 for her first “season” as an eligible young woman.

Living… in Yorkshire. Cora has been residing in England ever since her marriage to Robert Crawley, the Viscount Downton, in 1889. The couple now has three daughters: Mary, Edith, and Sybil.  

Profession… Countess of Grantham. She assists her husband, the Earl of Grantham, in running Downton. Robert has a difficult job and Cora always provides plenty of love, support, and counsel.   

Relationship Status… happily married. Cora fell in love with Robert when she met him during her first season. He, however, took much longer to reciprocate. At the time, Downton was in desperate need of money – money that Cora’s wealthy father could provide if Robert proposed. He only returned her affections after about a year of marriage.

Challenge… finding a way to secure her children’s futures. Cora has not been able to produce a male heir, meaning that Downton could eventually go to someone who is unwilling to support her daughters. The only option left is marriage, and Cora is determined to find Mary, Edith, and Sybil some suitable husbands. In her opinion, “A single man outranks a holy grail.” And if he’s well-bred, wealthy and handsome, so much the better.

Personality… sweet and understanding. Cora is a dedicated mother and a loving wife. She wants the best for her family and tries to assist in any way she can. She is cheerful, funny, and kind, the perfect hostess for any visitors to the estate. But just as she is caught up in her family’s success, she takes it too much to heart when bad things happen.