Downton Abbey: Every Servant, Ranked On How Good They Are At Their Job

Downton Abbey wouldn’t survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. Their commitment to their employers and the home they serve shows in the meals they provide, and the cleanliness of the estate.

But doing one’s duty is more than just cleaning and cooking. So much of it is about the personal relationships built with your coworkers and employer, as well as the commitment to go above and beyond. Looking at all the staff of the series, here are the 10 best ranked on their job performance.

10 Mr. Molesley

Mr. Molesley began as a butler for the Crawley House serving Isobel and Matthew Crawley. Eventually though, after Matthew’s death, he is brought on as a footman for Downtown, serving the house all the way through the most recent film.

Molesley is decent at his duties but often falls into embarrassing situations. He often has pitfalls, most recently so speaking out of turn in the presence of the King and Queen. But Moseley’s dedication and kind demeanor earned him at least a spot on this list.

9 Tom Branson

Tom was an Irish radical turn chauffeur for Downton Abbey. As the driver, he took all of the family to and from the main house and around the countryside. Tending to the vehicles, he was a skilled mechanic as well.

Sadly, falling in love with your employer’s daughter isn’t a great resume builder. Pair that with his outspoken criticism of the house he served, hid great work was overshadowed by personal issues. Luckily though, he found a place as a member of the family instead.

8 Alfred Nugent

Alfred was nephew to the villainous Mrs. O’Brien. Luckily, he was far kinder and more capable than his aunt ever was. Alfred played the role of one of the home’s footman after Thomas became Valet. Alfred was rarely at the forefront of proceedings, which makes him one of the best employees at Downtown.

He did his duties and rarely allowed for personal problems to overshadow his work. Eventually, when he felt called to pursue bigger dreams, he did so without a ton of fanfare or fuss.

7 Ms. Baxter

Baxter took on the role of Lady’s Maid for the Countess of Grantham after Mrs. O’Brein’s exit. She earned the job after the reference from Thomas but was soon embroiled in blackmail due to her past. While she was constantly working hard in her position, her past became an ultimate roadblock.

Cora eventually learned that Baxter had been convicted for a crime she didn’t commit. While she brought a history of criminality to the house, her honesty was actually respected by Cora, earning her a higher spot on this list.

6 Daisy Mason

Daisy was apprenticed to Mrs. Patmore, serving as second in command in the kitchens of Downton. In the early seasons, Daisy is often more concerned with flights of fancy than her position, but as the series progresses, so do her priorities.

Daisy becomes an incredibly valuable member of the staff. Thanks to the teachings of Mrs. Patmore, she soon is prepped to take on the role of lead cook one day. While loud ideals and spirited nature can become a roadblock at times, the house would suffer without her hard work.

5 Anna Bates

Anna has often received the worst cards in life. Her husband and his past have brought a lot of heartache to her arcs in the series. But, although her personal life is often in shambles, it rarely gets in the way of her work at Downton.

Time and time again she overcomes whatever current tragedy has befallen her and her loved ones, and delivers some of the best work in the house. She is constantly working to better the lives of her peers and her employers no matter what.

4 Thomas Barrow

For a long time. Thomas was one of the most villainous characters in the series. But, after a lot of development, he soon becomes one of the most sympathetic. But, looking beyond that, he is one of the most dedicated staff members period.

He is dedicated to working to the best of his ability (as long as he is awarded in return). Thomas is constantly rising in status in his role, eventually even taking on the duties of Butler come the end of the series. While his personality needed some ironing out, his work ethic never faltered.

3 Mrs. Patmore

Sometimes experience trumps anything else. Mrs. Patmore was the lead cook at Downtown throughout the entire series, serving as a teacher to Daisy and feeding all the family and servants. While she had a rough exterior, it was never enough to overcome her talents and ethics.

Mrs. Patmore is one of the most skilled cooks that the series ever confronts. Rarely has her talent or her methods been challenged by anyone. Not only that, but she remains a great, yet tough, mentor to those assigned under her.

2 Mrs. Hughes

Mrs. Hughes was the head Housekeeper in Downton, overseeing all of the maids and female staff in the household. Mrs. Hughes was a friend to all of her staff, but she never allowed herself to be manipulated by her sympathies.

Mrs. Hughes ran a tight ship with her staff, creating a culture of strong work ethic as well as personal respect. Alongside her eventual husband Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes was dedicated to running as strong a household staff as possible.

1 Mr. Carson

While Mrs. Hughes was dedicated fully to her work, no one was as dedicated to the house as Mr. Carson. Since he first started out as a footman, Carson was dedicated to the old ways that made a grand house work.

His dedication to Downton was arguably stronger than even the family who lived in it. He gave his entire being to ensure that every event, whether it was a simple breakfast or a grand feast, went off without issue. No other member of the Downtown staff, not even Mrs. Hughes, gave more to their work than he did.

About The Author

Matt Berger
(214 Articles Published)

Matt Berger is a writer, comedian, actor, Paddington enthusiast, and Corgi dad. He currently writes for Screen Rant, has written for Bloody Disgusting, hosts the Film School Sucked podcast, and co-hosts the Macabre podcast. Matt is an alumni of Portland State University with a degree in English and Film Studies.

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