"Downton Abbey" is not a very historically accurate show. Some viewers have noticed things that are out of place, such as television antennas, pictures of the Queen, and even plastic water bottles being included in scenes. Some of the costumes are incorrect as well, with outfits not matching the clothing that would be worn at that time.
It isn't just little mistakes, either. Quite a lot of the major storylines or themes in "Downton Abbey" don't make sense for the time period. One example of this is the fact that the Crawley family — at least the women — are too innovative and advanced. Most aristocratic families at that time would not be as progressive. Storylines, such as the one where Irish nationalists attempt to kill King George V, never actually happened. Meanwhile, the show doesn't properly represent the effects and consequences of the Spanish Flu pandemic, which killed hundreds of thousands of people in England.
There's also a big issue when it comes to the servants. Generally, those working downstairs in estates like Downton Abbey would be constantly dirty and have little access to clean clothing or water to wash properly. According to historian Jennifer Newby, servants would stink and be filthy. Their relationship with those upstairs would be different as well, with the lords and ladies taking little interest in them and rarely talking with them unless necessary.
