In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo. Germany declared war on Russia and France. Britain declares war on Germany when it violates Belgian neutrality. In the first 18 months of war, 2.4 million men signed up voluntarily. A quarter of the men of fighting age volunteered in England and Wales. Fighting continued on the Western Front until 11 a.m. on November 11th, 1918. By that time, 772,000 British were killed and 1,676,037 were wounded.
The latter-day Edwardians prepare to leave the past behind them. In the final episode, the family and the servants enjoy a day at the races, ""the sport of kings,"" and, back at Manderston, they reflect on their personal experiences and discuss a bygone era they have come to know so well. A servants' ball is held downstairs and the family is invited. Chef Dubiard is holding a grudge because the Olliff-Coopers haven't been eating the Edwardian culinary delights he's been cooking for them. He refus
