Christianity banned in 'Downton Abbey,' that's why Crawley family are never seen saying grace at dinner — historical advisor

The Crawley family from 'Downton Abbey' are never seen praying before a meal. PBS

For several years now, "Downton Abbey" historical advisor Alastair Bruce has tried his best to make sure that all the details incorporated into the show—from house decorations, fashions, and even dialogue—fit a 1912 setting.

However, there was one thing he could not touch on—Christianity. Bruce has been directed by executives in charge of the series to "leave religion out of it," and many fans of the show have noticed it, too, according to The Telegraph.

The Crawley family has never been seen in the process of sitting down to dinner, said Bruce, in order to avoid showing the characters saying grace.

"In essence you hardly ever see a table that isn't already sat at. We never see the beginning of a luncheon or a dinner, because no one was ever allowed to see a grace being said, and I would never allow them to sit down without having said grace," Bruce explained.

Bruce really wanted to incorporate prayers into the show, but all of his suggestions were shot down. "I suggested a Latin grace, but they decided that was too far, and no one would've known what was going on," he said.

The show's higher ups were so insistent about not incorporating religion that even table napkins folded in the shape of a bishop's mitre were not spared. "Everyone panics when you try to do anything religious on the telly," he said. "I still wish we could've got some decent napkin folds, but I was always left with my triangle."

There is only one more episode left for "Downton Abbey" Season 6, which is the Christmas special. Bruce said a lot of surprises still await fans, and they should be prepared for anything.

"It is going to end in a way that you might not expect. It will be both exciting and emotional and it will leave you thinking lots of things," he guaranteed.

related articles
Downton Abbey star Brendan Coyle stars in movie honouring Irish woman\'s heroic rescue of a million Vietnamese street children
Downton Abbey star Brendan Coyle stars in movie honouring Irish woman's heroic rescue of a million Vietnamese street children

Downton Abbey star Brendan Coyle stars in movie honouring Irish woman's heroic rescue of a million Vietnamese street children

Cinderella actress Lily James thinks Disney princesses should be regarded as \'superheroes\' because they are \'always nice\'
Cinderella actress Lily James thinks Disney princesses should be regarded as 'superheroes' because they are 'always nice'

Cinderella actress Lily James thinks Disney princesses should be regarded as 'superheroes' because they are 'always nice'

Downton Abbey faces final curtain after Season 6
Downton Abbey faces final curtain after Season 6

Downton Abbey faces final curtain after Season 6

News
Keir Starmer shares Easter message praising Christian compassion
Keir Starmer shares Easter message praising Christian compassion

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued his 2025 Easter message, offering warm wishes to Christians across the UK and abroad, while praising the enduring message of Easter as one of “hope, redemption and renewal.”

Why is atheist Keir Starmer's Easter message more Christian than the King's?
Why is atheist Keir Starmer's Easter message more Christian than the King's?

What is behind Keir Starmer's newfound love for Christians?

Concerns for Christian freedoms in New South Wales after introduction of conversion therapy ban
Concerns for Christian freedoms in New South Wales after introduction of conversion therapy ban

Despite the testimony of many ex-LGBTQ people, the state of New South Wales insists that conversion therapy doesn't work.