Who Is Gwen Harding On ‘Downton Abbey’?

Rose Leslie, Downton Abbey, PBS

In the sixth and final season of Downton Abbey, while Anna and Mary rush to London to see the doctor, their old friend Gwen comes to Downton for lunch. Gwen used to be a maid working right beside Anna but now she goes by the name Mrs. Harding. She married John Harding (Philip Battley). The Hardings are at Downton visiting Rosamund, to discuss a college for adult women. Remember, back in Season 1, Gwen had aspirations to be a secretary.

Gwen is portrayed by Rose Leslie. Americans will recognize the Scottish-born actress from her role as Ygritte on Game of Thrones (2014). You can see her next on the big screen in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi thriller, Morgan, with Kate Mara and Paul Giamatti. Fun facts about Leslie: She was raised in Lickleyehad Castle where her family has lived for more than 500 years. Her father, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, is the Aberdeenshire Chieftain of Clan Leslie. Downton Abbey airs Sundays at 9pm on PBS.