To the Manor Born aired from 1979 to 1981 and followed the story of Audrey fforbes Hamilton (Penelope Keith), a widowed aristocrat who suddenly finds herself in financial trouble and is forced to sell her beloved family estate, Grantleigh Manor.
Enter Richard DeVere (Peter Bowles), a wealthy businessman who purchases the manor and moves in with his brash, nouveau riche ways. The two clash immediately, with Audrey feeling insulted by Richard's lack of respect for the estate's history and traditions.
Despite their differences, Audrey and Richard begin to develop an unlikely friendship as they navigate the challenges of running the land together. Alongside quirky supporting characters, including Audrey's loyal butler Brabinger and Richard's ambitious secretary Marjory, the show explores themes of class, rivalry, and ultimately, love.
The series was a runaway hit in the UK, becoming one of the highest-rated shows of the 1980s. In addition to its popular six-season run, To the Manor Born has been adapted into several spinoff books and radio dramas over the years. It remains a beloved classic of British television to this day.