I love cycling, but if I could find a way of building something above the streets for cyclists, that would be amazing. We need even more space.

If Shakespeare was around today I would ask him out to dinner. The only thing I don't like about him is the way he did his hair.

I think some period drama can be quite alienating, but 'Downton' isn't. This is going to sound quite, um, pretentious, but someone said that it's like a soap written by a poet.

Cooking can cure almost anything.

I come from a very working-class background, so my family would have been downstairs in the past, as opposed to upstairs. People are often quite surprised to hear that, that I'm not actually posh.

I think the first time I realised Downton Abbey was a hit was when I was sitting in a tea shop in New York and the couple next to me were talking about Downton Abbey, and then they recognised me.

I had dance training from a very young age, 3 or 4... It taught me how to present myself, about preparation and working in an ensemble, and its something that carries with me to this day.

I don't get recognized all the time, but it tends to happen more in America, and people are so lovely when they do.

I love discovering tiny streets.

I don't mind wearing a corset; it informs your posture, changes the way you move, you can't slouch.

I get so excited about reading a new script.

We prayed these wars would end all wars --In war we know is no rom

The spirit of light dwell in thee. Let it shine.

If an idea is indeed sensible, it will eventually become just part of the accepted wisdom.

I'm a photographer and retoucher from Sweden. I use photography as a way of collecting material to realize the ideas in my mind.

London is a huge shop, with a hotel on the upper storeys.

No ornament of a house can compare with books; they are constant company in a room, even when you are not reading them.

Apart from anything else, I find boots are too hot except in wintry weather. At home I usually wear a sweater, shirt and slacks.

The patience and the humility of the face she loved so well was a better lesson to Jo than the wisest lecture, the sharpest reproof.

It would be so depressing to be a model and not get to say a word. There's no personality involved.

Free publicity and word of mouth is probably the best and cheapest form of advertising. Learn to use it to your advantage.