For fans it’s the beginning of the end. The final episode of Downton Abbey has been filmed and it was a bittersweet experience for many of the cast and crew who have worked together on the period drama for the last for the last six years.  For six series we have shared the lives of the Crawley family and their staff, as they lived through a world war, marriage between the classes, and the problems of primogeniture.

Lady Mary Crawley, the fictional family’s eldest daughter, has had to deal with more than her fair share of heartache as we followed the Crawley’s through the years.  Actress Michelle Dockery, who’s played her throughout, was emotional as she paid tribute to the cast, crew and viewers of Downton.

Michelle posted a lovely photo of herself on Instagram with the twin child actors,  Zac and Oliver Barker, who play her on-screen son George.

She wrote: ‘Today is the last day of what has been the most glorious 6 years of my life. I am so grateful to have been part of this family.

‘Thank you to each and every one of you out there for watching… @downtonabbey_official #LastDaysOfDownton #finalcountdown.’

She also shared a shot of herself in 1920s costume along with one of the period drama’s director David Evans.

‘And that’s a Wrap #LastDaysOfDownton @downtonabbey_official #DavidEvans One of our talented directors…I’ve learnt so much from you.’

Over the past few weeks, some of the cast and crew have been sharing images taken behind-the-scenes on the final and sixth series under the hashtag #lastdaysofdownton.

Michelle’s co-star Elizabeth McGovern, who plays her mother Cora, Countess Of Grantham, also posted some personal pics on her Twitter account.

Share your most cherished Downton Abbey moment with us. What will you remember?