Top 5 Period Dramas

I really, really like period dramas. I love the costume, the houses (and if it's based on an Austen, the romance). I would like to say I'm pretty obsessed. So, without no further ado, here's my list.


Number 5: Jamaica Inn

This isn't your typical Austen. It's about smugglers in Cornwall and its based on Daphne du Maurier's book. It's quite bleak, and with stellar performances from Jessica Brown Findlay, Matthew McNulty and Sean Harris. The music is beautiful, and the filming is beautiful, although it is slightly jarring when you exit the dark, barely lit Jamaica Inn into the bright sunlight of the moors. The twist at the end is very gripping (ok, so I haven't read the book). The only downside is the sound quality. On the second episode that aired, the BBC said that there were some sound quality faults. However, for the majority of the series I could not understand the majority of what Sean Harris was saying. I'd recommend putting subtitles on, even if you are British.

Number 4: Downton Abbey

I love Downton Abbey as much as the next person, and I do spend the majority of each season being envious about the three sister's clothes.
 Each episode is full of twists and turns, which makes this series a very compelling watch. However, I would say series four certainly was not the best. It wasn't as good as the previous three, which was a shame.

Number 3: The Mill

 Ok, so I binged watched the first series of this yesterday. It's bleak, yet it's not Wuthering Heights, and there are lighter moments. It's compelling, particularly as the main character Esther has a big mouth and a strong moral compass. I loved her. It's interesting as it's partly inspired by real events and the series includes historical moments such as people trying to fight for the 10 Hour Bill to become law. However, it's certainly quite dark, and you may not be into that sort of thing (in the first five minutes of the first episode a child gets his hand trapped in a machine). It stars Kerrie Hayes as Esther, Holly Lucas as Susannah and Matthew McNulty as Daniel (again?! (It must be because he does attractive, mysterious Victorian working-class man very well )). The second series starts today on Channel Four. You can find the first series on 4od.

Number Two: Oliver Twist

This is not the musical. Or the old black and white version. This BBC version (2007) is new and modern and from what I can remember it doesn't edge round the darkness and violence like the musical does. When I was bombarded by the musical at school, I found this to be startlingly refreshing and brilliantly acted by Tom Hardy, Sophie Okonedo, Timothy Spall and William Miller. Definitely worth a watch.

And now, drum roll please for the number 1!

Number 1: Pride and Prejudice

 So, I know this isn't particularly a period drama that has been shown on the TV, but I love Joe Wright's film adaptation.  I haven't seen the 1995 BBC version, so I can't compare, but I utterly adore this adaptation. Yes, they have missed things out of the book, but the filming is beautiful, and this film has possibly one of the most beautiful soundtracks.

What are your favourite period dramas?

What would you recommend??

~ Lucy x