14 of the most romantic British period drama couples
Is there anything better then a good love story?
From the blaze of passion between our romantic leads to the agony of two characters whose relationship seems to take two steps back for every step forward, love is what fascinates and keeps us watching just-one-more-episode late into the night.
Here’s a list of 14 of the most romantic couples in British period drama, in no particular order, from our guest writer Jessica Werre:
1. Amy Dorrit and Arthur Clennam in ‘Little Dorrit’
Before Claire Foy was the “queen” of drama in The Crown she won our hearts as sweet kindhearted Amy Dorrit, a seamstress who grew up taking care of her father who has been in debtor’s jail since before she was born.
Arthur Clennam’s valiant determination to right the wrongs that caused Amy’s misfortune begins to slowly win her over – and us as well!
Little Dorrit is available on DVD.
2. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett in ‘Pride and Prejudice’
How can this couple not make this list?
The quiet and stoic Mr Darcy and the sharp-witted Elizabeth Bennet makes for a clever romantic story that we can’t help rewatch again and again.
The BBC’s 1995 Pride and Prejudice mini-series is available on DVD.
3. Harriet Vane and Lord Peter Wimsey in ‘The Dorothy Sayers Mysteries’
Some relationships are balanced by the strengths of each making up for the weaknesses of the other. In others the romantic tension is caused when the couple meet their match in wits and intelligence in the other.
The story of Harriet Vane, a mystery writer, and Lord Peter Wimsey, the detective who proves her innocent of murder, unfolds into just such a relationship!
4. Tommy and Tuppence in ‘Partners in Crime’
Here is a couple who realised that neither of them fit the traditional roles of working husband and house wife.
What is more romantic then discovering a shared knack for espionage and crime solving?
Partners in Crime is available to watch on Acorn TV.
5. Catherine and Heathcliff in ‘Wuthering Heights’
A classic tale of obsessive love and the dividing lines of social class.
Brooding and cast out by all around him, Heathcliff’s often violent display of passion for Catherine is both shocking and mesmerising to this very day.
Wuthering Heights is available on DVD.
6. Jane Bennet and Mr Bingley in ‘Pride and Prejudice’
While often overshadowed by Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, we can’t forget kind-hearted Jane and the charming Mr Bingley.
The BBC’s 1995 Pride and Prejudice mini-series is available on DVD.
7. Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester in ‘Jane Eyre’
Yet another brooding Bronte hero! But it is our Jane who really makes this relationship one that stands the test of time.
Her strength of character and unwillingness to be stepped on by others is what endears her to our hearts!
Jane Eyre is available on DVD.
8. Demelza and Ross Poldark in ‘Poldark’
A romantic relationship fraught will equal parts passion and turbulence.
So much frustration and heartache on the viewer’s part, but we can’t look away…
All five seasons of Poldark are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
9. Claire and Jamie Fraser in ‘Outlander’
Another ‘duh’, of course it is on the list!
If there was ever a man that we were shoving past Mr Darcy to get to, it’d be James Fraser!
Outlander is available to watch on Starz.
10. Barbara Gilbert and Tom Hereward in ‘Call the Midwife’
There are so many relationships to choose from in Call the Midwife!
However, sometimes the shyest and sweetness wins the day. Also their wedding is like something out of a fairytale.
Call the Midwife is available on DVD.
11. Mr Bates and Anna in ‘Downton Abbey’
Another show with a sweets shop worth full of classic pairings to choose from.
It was clear from the start that these two characters were meant for each other. But what kept us entranced was the resiliency of Bates and Anna’s relationship through every hardship thrown their way.
Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection box set is available on DVD.
12. Juliet Ashton and Dawsey Adams in ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’
A romance that began with letter-writing and the mutual love of books and literature.
Can you get more romantic than that?
13. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in ‘Victoria’
First of all, who wouldn’t love the adorable Jenna Coleman?
But opposite her Tom Hughes plays the noble and intelligent Prince Albert. Together they have perfect chemistry!
All three seasons of Victoria are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
14. Lord and Lady Grantham in ‘Downton Abbey’
We like to know that love lasts beyond the fervor of youth – and Lord and Lady Grantham’s relationship reassured us of that.
Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection box set is available on DVD.