British Comedy: To the Manor Born

Years: 1979-2007
Broadcaster: BBC
Genre: Sitcom
Written by: Peter Spence, Christopher Bond
Stars: Penelope Keith, Peter Bowles
Episodes: 22
Episode Average: 6.500*

BEST EPISODES:
Back to the Manor (1981), Nation's Heritage (1979)

*including specials

SERIES ONE

(1979)
7 episodes
Series Score: 49
Episode Average: 7.00
Perfect 10's: 0

S1E1

GRANTLEIGH

Originally broadcast: 30 September 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Audrey fforbes-Hamilton hides her utter delight when her husband dies, Richard DeVere of Cavendish Foods insists on viewing her manor house, and news that the estate must be sold off leaves her looking for money.

"Well, thank you, Rector. It was a lovely funeral. We must have one again some time."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E2

ALL NEW TOGETHER

Originally broadcast: 7 October 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Marjory's delighted when her friend moves to somewhere very close by, Audrey's shocked to learn that Grantleigh's new owner isn't even English, and Richard's mother suggests a candidate for the job of social secretary.

"Well, don't worry. In the country you'll find lots of new friends to hate."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E3

GOING TO CHURCH

Originally broadcast: 14 October 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Audrey reminds Richard about his duties when he fails to attend church, Marjory questions whether Ned is capable of mending the Webster, and
Mrs. Polouvicka suggests asking the well-connected neighbour to dinner.

"There's hardly a clock in the neighbourhood he hasn't broken at some time or another. What about that clock at Marlbury St. Nicholas he mended? Must be the only church clock with a cuckoo in it."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E4

NATION'S HERITAGE

Originally broadcast: 21 October 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Audrey's not happy when she sees a fireplace coming out of the Manor, Brabinger sets about installing a bell indicator system at the Lodge, and Richard asks an expert for some advice when he decides to buy a horse.

"I see what you mean about bringing wealth to the area. I suppose this is where you'll be bring it to, is it? A genuine old Chubb, circa 1977. Doubtless the work of the great Otto Chubb of Heidelberg, cabinetmakers to the gnomes of Zurich."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E5

THE SUMMER HUNT BALL

Originally broadcast: 28 October 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Richard shocks the Brigadier by agreeing to host the Summer Hunt Ball, Audrey's refusal to organise it means that Marjory is asked instead, and
a battle for control leads to a disagreement about the rotting footbridge.

"Quite apart from the fact that you are totally incapable of organising anything, you must be the only person in England to make a loss on a bring and buy sale."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E6

GRAPE VINE

Originally broadcast: 4 November 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Mrs. Polouvicka suggests throwing a party to help alleviate the boredom, Audrey spreads a few rumours after finding that she's not the only guest, and Marjory waves off her friend as she sets off on a mysterious holiday.

"I don't know how they do things in Bratislava, but when in Rome, you should do as the English do."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E7

A TOUCH OF CLASS

Originally broadcast: 11 November 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

The postman mixes up invitations for the Lord Lieutenant's Charity Gala, Richard informs his mother that he will be starring in a commercial, and Audrey decides to bounce a cheque at a Cavendish Foods supermarket.

"That has nothing to do with it. The point is that all these things, like shelled peas and sliced beans and fish fingers, give people far too much free time. And with it, they only get up to mischief and make nuisances of themselves."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

(1979)

SPECIAL

THE FIRST NOEL

Originally broadcast: 25 December 1979
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Ned fails to impress when he tries to add a bit of magic to the fairy lights, Richard is informed that the Manor usually provides the church crib, and Audrey faces being on her own at Xmas after turning down an invitation.

"Oh. Frogs aren't right for this. I mean, there's nothing in the bible about shepherds abiding in their fields keeping watch of their frogs by night."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

SERIES TWO

(1980)
6 episodes
Series Score: 37
Episode Average: 6.17
Perfect 10's: 0

S2E1

THE NEW FARM MANAGER

Originally broadcast: 5 October 1980
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Richard is told that changes are needed to make the farm more efficient, Audrey agrees to take in a temporary butler in Brabinger's absence, and Ned's far from happy when a new man sets his sights on his tied cottage.

"Do watch out for bones, everybody. You can't be too careful with avocados."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E2

THE SPARE ROOM

Originally broadcast: 12 October 1980
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Ned finds that mending the leaky Lodge roof is way beyond his expertise, Audrey asks Richard to put up a newly divorced tubby old school friend, and unexpected attacks of jealousy lead to a last minute change of plan.

"I'm under Changes of Circumstance. 'Since the death of her husband, Audrey has left Grantleigh Manor, and moved down the drive.' They'll think I live in a pothole."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E3

NEVER BE ALONE

Originally broadcast: 19 October 1980
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Richard looks at security when he adds an Egyptian vase to his collection, Marjory announces that she is going on a residential stagehand course, and Audrey deals with the loneliness by calling in a variety of tradesmen.

"Oh, I doubt it. It's probably secondhand."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E4

TRAMPS AND POACHERS

Originally broadcast: 26 October 1980
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Richard objects to being invited to the Manor for a committee meeting, Audrey explains how refusing to give a tramp work could lead to gossip, and the gamekeeper is asked about the extent of the poaching problem.

"What are you doing dressed like that? You look like a string bean."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E5

THE HONOURS LIST

Originally broadcast: 2 November 1980
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Marjory forgets to tell Richard about a conservation association meeting, Audrey's horrified when work begins on creating a new 50-acre field, and the Brigadier hints that the New Year's Honours List could be interesting.

"Well, if somebody's died and you haven't read about it, it can be very embarrassing when you meet them at a party the following week."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E6

VIVE LE SPORT

Originally broadcast: 9 November 1980
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Colds sweep through the estate when wintry weather blasts Grantleigh, the doctor tells Audrey to visit the surgery when she hurts her back, and Richard's mother talks him into postponing his plans for a skiing holiday.

"No, doctor, she's completely incapacitated. Oh, she's just coming to the phone."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

SERIES THREE

(1981)
7 episodes
Series Score: 45
Episode Average: 6.43
Perfect 10's: 1

S3E1

THE NEW SCOUT HUT

Originally broadcast: 18 October 1981
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Marjory's attempts to show off her girl guide skills are stopped by a bull, Richard tells a boy scout that research should come before sponsorship, and Audrey discovers the truth about a new hut after trying to interfere.

"As a grocer, yes, but not as a farmer. When I say I want to know all about pig breeding, I want the full facts. All you've told me here is that pigs are dirty little pink thing which go oink."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E2

STATION CLOSING

Originally broadcast: 25 October 1981
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

The Brigadier passes on news that Marlbury Station is being shut down, Richard decides that the site would be perfect for a new cash-and-carry, and Audrey writes everybody's speeches for a meeting with British Rail.

"Mrs. fforbes-Hamilton, I believe you have a question for the Fat Controller."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E3

HORSES VS. CARS

Originally broadcast: 1 November 1981
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Mrs. Polouvicka worries when she sees items at the Lodge being valued, Richard makes a nuisance of himself when he buy a new helicopter, and
Audrey tries to survive without a car while looking after a riding school.

"It's an illegally parked horse, Reverend. It's not carrying a pay-and-display ticket."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E4

BIRDS VS. BEES

Originally broadcast: 8 November 1981
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Audrey upsets Mrs. Patterson when she decides to make her own honey, Mrs. Polouvicka's not happy about Richard attracting the wrong woman, and Marjory insists that a rare bird seen at the Lodge needs protection.

"It doesn't seem to have occurred to you that I am a beekeeper and that your bee-eater is going to eat the bees which I as a beekeeper keep."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E5

COSMETICS

Originally broadcast: 15 November 1981
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Marjory explains that a lump of concrete Gruyère is actually a sculpture, Richard claims to be married while trying to secure a cosmetics deal, and Audrey makes some unwelcome changes after agreeing to play the part.

"I suppose it's what it feels like to be a shaving brush."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E6

CONNECTIONS IN HIGH PLACES

Originally broadcast: 22 November 1981
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Audrey protests when planes keep flying back and forth over Grantleigh, Richard learns that the board are plotting against his maverick approach, and an unexpected saviour travels to London to appeal to a black sheep.

"That's the spirit. We have a saying in old Czechoslovakia, 'There are more ways of getting to the top of the tree than sitting on an acorn.'"

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E7

BACK TO THE MANOR

Originally broadcast: 29 November 1981
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Christopher Bond

Audrey finally realises that it might be a good idea to sell the Rolls-Royce, Richard announces that he has little choice but to leave Grantleigh, and
a visitor arrives with surprising news that changes absolutely everything.

"You'll have to trying praying then, won't you? If it can move mountains, it ought to be able to shift a bit of mildew."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

SPECIAL

(2007)

SPECIAL

25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Originally broadcast: 25 December 2007
Directed by: Gareth Gwenlan
Written by: Peter Spence

Marjory discovers that she isn't the only one organising a surprise party, Richard confesses to being the man who has driven farmers out of business, and Audrey returns to keeping an eye after storming out ion disgust.

"Ah, Emmeridge, excellent. My compliments to the blacksmith."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

AUDREY ffORBES-HAMILTON

Played by Penelope Keith
22 episodes (1979-2007)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... The Summer Hunt Ball (S1E5)

2007
SPECIAL

RICHARD DeVERE

Played by Peter Bowles
22 episodes (1979-2007)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... Nation's Heritage (S1E4)

2007
SPECIAL

MARJORY FROBISHER

Played by Angela Thorne
22 episodes (1979-2007)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... Going to Church (S1E3)

2007
SPECIAL

MRS. POLOUVICKA

Played by Daphne Heard
17 episodes (1979-1981)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... Horses Vs. Cars (S3E3)

BRABINGER

Played by John Rudling
16 episodes (1979-1981)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... The New Scout Hut (S3E1)

THE RECTOR

Played by Gerald Sim
15 episodes (1979-2007)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... Grape Vine (S1E6)

2007
SPECIAL

NED

Played by Michael Bilton
15 episodes (1979-1981)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... All New Together (S1E2)

BRIGADIER LEMINGTON

Played by Anthony Sharp
8 episodes (1979-1981)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... The Summer Hunt Ball (S1E5)

MRS. BEECHAM

Played by Betty Tucker
8 episodes (1979-1981)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... The New Farm Manager (S2E1)

MRS. PATTERSON

Played by Daphne Oxenford
6 episodes (1979-1981)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... Tramps and Poachers (S2E4)

J.J. ANDERSON

Played by Jonathan Elsom
4 episodes (1979-1981)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... Horses Vs. Cars (S3E3)

SPALDING

Played by Ben Aris
3 episodes (1980-1981)

ORIGINAL
SERIES

in... The New Scout Hut (S3E1)