‘Downton Abbey’ creator returns to ITV with new 1840s period drama ‘Belgravia’

ITV has commissioned a brand new period drama from Julian Fellowes.

Belgravia will be based on the Downton Abbey writer’s 2016 book of the same name, with Fellowes penning the scripts.

Described as “a tale of secrets and scandal,” the New York Times bestselling novel is set in London in the 1840s, over seven decades before the events of Downton Abbey.

An initial six episodes have been ordered, Deadline reports.

Filming is expected to begin within the next few months, directed by John Alexander (Jamestown).

The series will be produced by Carnival Films, the makers of Downton Abbey.

Belgravia is available to buy on Amazon.

The official synopsis for the novel reads: “On the evening of 15 June 1815, the great and the good of British society have gathered in Brussels at what is to become one of the most tragic parties in history – the Duchess of Richmond’s ball. For this is the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, and many of the handsome young men attending the ball will find themselves, the very next day, on the battlefield.

“For Sophia Trenchard, the young and beautiful daughter of Wellington’s chief supplier, this night will change everything. But it is only twenty-five years later, when the upwardly mobile Trenchards move into the fashionable new area of Belgravia, that the true repercussions of that moment will be felt.

“For in this new world, where the aristocracy rub shoulders with the emerging nouveau riche, there are those who would prefer the secrets of the past to remain buried…”

Julian Fellowes certainly has a busy 2019 ahead of him!

In addition to his Belgravia adaptation, the Oscar-winning English screenwriter also has the upcoming Downton Abbey movie, Netflix drama series The English Game (exploring the origins of football in the late 1800s), NBC’s much-anticipated The Gilded Age series, an adaptation of Paul Torday’s novel The Girl On The Landing, Masterpiece movie The Chaperone (reuniting with Downton star Elizabeth McGovern), and Rothschild banking dynasty drama Five Arrows.

The Downton Abbey movie be released in cinemas worldwide this September.

Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection DVD box set is available on Amazon.