28 September 2025

Growing old involves letting go. There is a grace in acknowledging this. People find it difficult. Moses had to let go after leading the people through the desert and Simeon was happy to let go when he held the Christchild in his arms.

Farmers have to let go as they grow older. They are stewards of the land. It does not really belong to them but to their family – those who have gone before them and those who are coming after them. In order to secure the development of the farm and its land, they need to let go so that their sons may secure its future.

This takes us right to the heart of the hereditary principle. Those who inherit large estates are responsible for its future development and security. As they age, people lose touch with the contemporary outlook on life and need to hand over to those who belong to succeeding generations.

In the final film relating to the Granthams at Downton Abbey, this theme is explored. Lord Grantham is aging. His daughter, Mary, is the heir apparent. She is a very able woman who has a son, George, who will inherit the beautiful estate after her.

Lord Grantham finds it difficult to let go. Mary is a woman and has got embroiled in a scandal. Is this the right time for him to pass on the reigns? It takes him time to discern that these temporary circumstances are not significant in the longer term.

In the end, he is gracious and we are touched  by his response. We know how much he will miss his stewardship of the estate but we also know that younger, fitter, contemporary voices are needed to develop such a rich treasure. For, as the poet, C Day Lewis  says, ‘Love is proved in the letting go.’  And this moves us.