From Downton to Jamaica Inn
She earned a global following playing Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abbey. But now Jessica Brown Findlay is taking on the role of Mary Yellan in BBC One’s adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel, Jamaica Inn. So, as she earns her place as one of our favourite costume-drama stars, portraying strong-minded women from a variety of backgrounds, what does Ms Findlay have in common with two of her finest on-screen personas?
Lady Sybil The youngest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Grantham, Lady Sybil was the most rebellious of the three sisters. Politically minded and headstrong, she represented the dawn of a new generation. She also trained as a nurse and was particularly passionate about votes for women.
Mary Yellan Daphne du Maurier’s fictional heroine, Mary, lived on a farm in Helford, Cornwall, until her mother’s death forced her to leave and live with her Aunt Patience in eerie Jamaica Inn. Upon arriving, she finds her aunt trapped and bullied by her brutal husband Joss.
Lady Sybil In Downtown Abbey, the young aristocrat falls in love with the chauffeur and political activist Tom Branson, and their inter-class romance causes a scandal. But eventually, the Crawley family and staff accept the couple. Tragically, Lady Sybil dies in her mid-20s from pre-eclampsia after giving birth to her daughter, Sybbie.
Mary Yellan In Jamaica Inn, Mary falls for Jem, a petty thief who is also the younger brother of her Aunt Patience’s husband. During their tumultuous relationship, Jem often comes to Mary’s rescue and finally, the two leave Jamaica Inn to start their life together.
Lady Sybil Equally determined and strong-minded, Lady Sybil refused to leave Tom, even when her father threatened to disinherit her. She joined the suffragettes and set out to do something meaningful during the war, which set her apart from other women of her acquaintance.
Jessica as Mary Yellan in Jamaica Inn
Mary Yellan Arriving at spooky Jamaica Inn, Mary unravels a complex mystery, involving murder, shipwreckers – and Druids. Philippa Lowthorpe, director of the BBC adaptation, describes Mary as a ‘bold and opinionated, courageous but naive young woman, whose curiosity and fiery nature get her into big trouble’.
Lady Sybil As a young aristocrat, she was educated by a governess, and until the First World War, had never had to work. Training as a nurse dramatically affects her life, her perspective and her prospects.
Mary Yellan Growing up on a farm, Mary would have been used to managing animals – she is offered work as a servant for the wealthier Bassat family, but declines.
Jamaica Inn will be shown on BBC One on 21 April at 9pm.
BACKGROUND
Jessica Born in Cookham, Berkshire, 24-year-old Jessica trained with the National Youth Ballet, and at just 15 was invited to dance with the Kirov at the Royal Opera House for a summer season. After taking her GCSEs, she attended the Arts Educational School, but underwent surgery on her ankle, and could no longer dance. Jessica finished her A levels and went on to study Fine Art at Central St Martins, also taking up acting in the process.Lady Sybil The youngest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Grantham, Lady Sybil was the most rebellious of the three sisters. Politically minded and headstrong, she represented the dawn of a new generation. She also trained as a nurse and was particularly passionate about votes for women.
Mary Yellan Daphne du Maurier’s fictional heroine, Mary, lived on a farm in Helford, Cornwall, until her mother’s death forced her to leave and live with her Aunt Patience in eerie Jamaica Inn. Upon arriving, she finds her aunt trapped and bullied by her brutal husband Joss.
ROMANCE
Jessica The actress had a long-term boyfriend whom she met while studying at Central St Martins in London, but they split in 2012. She has since been linked with a number of co-stars, but remains tight-lipped about her personal life.Lady Sybil In Downtown Abbey, the young aristocrat falls in love with the chauffeur and political activist Tom Branson, and their inter-class romance causes a scandal. But eventually, the Crawley family and staff accept the couple. Tragically, Lady Sybil dies in her mid-20s from pre-eclampsia after giving birth to her daughter, Sybbie.
Mary Yellan In Jamaica Inn, Mary falls for Jem, a petty thief who is also the younger brother of her Aunt Patience’s husband. During their tumultuous relationship, Jem often comes to Mary’s rescue and finally, the two leave Jamaica Inn to start their life together.
CHARACTER
Jessica In a recent Daily Telegraph interview, she described herself as having ‘a dancer’s mentality’. This determined streak perhaps explains how Jessica coped with the end of her dancing career and forged a new role as an actress. She also left Downton Abbey at the height of its success to seek fresh challenges.Lady Sybil Equally determined and strong-minded, Lady Sybil refused to leave Tom, even when her father threatened to disinherit her. She joined the suffragettes and set out to do something meaningful during the war, which set her apart from other women of her acquaintance.
Jessica as Mary Yellan in Jamaica InnMary Yellan Arriving at spooky Jamaica Inn, Mary unravels a complex mystery, involving murder, shipwreckers – and Druids. Philippa Lowthorpe, director of the BBC adaptation, describes Mary as a ‘bold and opinionated, courageous but naive young woman, whose curiosity and fiery nature get her into big trouble’.
VOCATION
Jessica In 2012, Jessica was awarded the Most Promising Newcomer gong at the Evening Standard British Film Awards. She is also making her mark in Hollywood, and earlier this year appeared in the major feature film, A New York Winter’s Tale, alongside Russell Crowe and Colin Farrell.Lady Sybil As a young aristocrat, she was educated by a governess, and until the First World War, had never had to work. Training as a nurse dramatically affects her life, her perspective and her prospects.
Mary Yellan Growing up on a farm, Mary would have been used to managing animals – she is offered work as a servant for the wealthier Bassat family, but declines.
Jamaica Inn will be shown on BBC One on 21 April at 9pm.