From the creative forces behindDownton Abbey,Belgraviais a British period miniseries that premiered on ITV and Epix in 2020. Based on the 2016 novel by Julian Fellowes, the series takes place in 19th-century Belgravia, an upscale district located in London on the brink of the Battle of Waterloo. The drama concerns the Trenchard family, led by James and Anne, whose lives are forever changed when they become acquainted with and marry into the Bellasis family, who rank among England’s wealthiest and most influential aristocrats.
WithBelgravia: The Next Chapterrecently premiering on July 07, 2025, now is the perfect time to become reacquainted with the original characters featured in the acclaimed period drama and the superb actors who bring them to life on the small screen. After all, what better way to send a heartfelt RIP to the late British actor Tom Wilkinson, who sadly passed away on December 30th, 2023, than to honor one of his final screen performances? Here’s an official cast and character guide forBelgravia.
Philip Glenister as James Trenchard
Philip Glenisterplays James Trenchard inBelgravia. James is the patriarch of the Trenchard family and is married to a smart, strong-willed woman named Anne, with whom he shares two children. Professionally, James is a successful businessperson known publicly as The Magician for his proficient methods of delivering provisions to soldiers on the frontline. James and his family are forever changed when they meet the Bellasis family at the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball on the eve of the Battle of Quatre Bras, which took place two days before The Battle of Waterloo.
Glenister is an accomplished English actor with over 80 credits since his career commenced in the early ’90s. Most of Glenister’s credits belong to television, where he’s given memorable turns in suchpopular 2000s British TV showsasLife on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Mad Dogs, and Living the Dream. Along withBelgravia, fans can see Glenister in the upcoming TV seriesAfter the Floodin 2024.
Tamsin Greig as Anne Trenchard
Tamsin Greigplays Anne Trenchard in the period drama. Anne is the wife of James Trenchard and the mother of Oliver and Sophia Trenchard. Twenty-six years after her daughter gives birth, Anne decides to keep the identity of her grandson a secret from James, which has dramatic consequences as the series unfolds. Torn between telling the truth and enjoying the lifestyle that the Bellasis family affords the Trenchards, Anne is forced to make difficult decisions for the future of her family along the way.
Greig is a three-time BAFTA nominee who is best known for her work inEpisodes, Friday Night Dinner,andGreen Wing. Edgar Wright fans will also recognize Greig from her brief role as Maggiein the zom-comShaun of the Dead.With recent appearances inMy Happy Ending, The Amazing Mr Blunden, and the beloved animated seriesLove Monster,Greg continues to excel at comedy, drama, voice-over narration, and everything in between.
Richard Goulding as Oliver Trenchard
Richard Gouldingportrays Oliver Trenchard. Oliver is James and Anne’s only son and the eldest Trenchard sibling. Richard is entitled, lazy, and hardly shows any gumption as his father’s employee tasked with inspecting the progress on Chapel Street. Richard has the arrogant belief that he is better than everyone below his socioeconomic standing and is unwilling to work for his spoils.
RELATED:20 Best Period Dramas to Watch on Netflix
Goulding brings plenty of period drama experience to Belgravia, including standout roles inA Very British Scandal, The Crown, King Charles III, King Lear,and more. Goulding is also known for portraying Boris Johnson inBrexitand playing a supporting part in the acclaimed romantic dramaMe Before You. Goulding’s arc as Oliver Trenchard will be explored further inBelgravia: The Next Chapter.
Alice Eve as Susan Trenchard
Alice Evedepicts Susan Trenchard inthe acclaimed British miniseries, the wife of Oliver Trenchard and daughter-in-law of James and Anne Trenchard. Susan is also the daughter of a moderately successful merchant. Even so, Susan’s lack of connections results in James' disappointment with her marriage to Oliver. As the series unfolds, Susan uses her wits and wiles to become a conniving social climber.
Eve is a talented English actor who rose to popularity in the 2010s after starring in such popular projects asShe’s Out of My League, Star Trek Into Darkness, Entourage, Black Mirror,and more. Since 2018, Eve has gravitated towards more television, appearing in everything fromIron FisttoThe Lovers. Fans can expect Eve’s character arc to expand dramatically inBelgravia: The Next Chapter.
Emily Reid as Sophia Trenchard
Emily Reidbriefly plays Sophia Trenchard inBelgravia. Sophia is the daughter of James and Anne Trenchard and the younger sister of Oliver. Despite her short-lived time on the show, Sophia incites the plot by falling for a soldier named Edmund Bellasis. Sophia becomes pregnant with Edmund’s son but dies during childbirth. This prompts the decision of Anne to keep the birth of her grandson a secret from James with the hopes of the child becoming an heir to the Bellasis family.
Reid is a British actor and newcomer with a handful of credits since her career began in 2017. Apart fromBelgravia, fans may recall seeing Reid in such projects asCurfew, The Trouble With Maggie Cole, The Deceived, and the short film,Copper & Nickel. Considering what a lasting impression she’s made onBelgraviain her brief time, fans are bound to see more of Reid onscreen in the future.
Tom Wilkinson as Lord Peregrine Bellasis
The late greatTom Wilkinsonportrayed Lord Peregrine Bellasis inBelgravia. Also known as the Earl of Brockenhurst, Peregrine is the powerful patriarch of the aristocratic English family who wields immense influence over the country. Although his marriage to Lady Brockenhurst is one of mannered formality rather than genuine passion, Lord Bellasis loves his wife but has a hard time grappling with the circumstances that have befallen his family.
Wilkinson was an outstanding actor with the ability to play every genre and remain convincing in both starring and supporting roles.Wilkinson’s best movies and performancesincludeMichael Clayton, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Full Monty, The Grand Budapest Hotel,and many more. The list of directors Wilkinson worked with is as impressive as any, including unmentioned collaborations with Ang Lee, Jim Sheridan, Ava DuVernay, Guy Ritchie, and several others.
Harriet Walter is Caroline Bellasis
DameHarriet Walterplays Countess Caroline Bellasis inBelgravia. Also known as Lady Brockenhurst, Caroline is the wife of Lord Bellasis, with whom she shares one child named Edmund. When the heir apparent Edmund dies on the battlefield while his wife Sophia Trenchard is pregnant with a boy named Charles Pope, Lady Brockenhurst soon learns that Anne has designs on making Charles the heir to the Bellasis fortune.
RELATED:10 Best Non-English Period Dramas on Netflix
Walter has earned five Primetime Emmy nominations in her decorated career, most recently for her guest appearances on such hit shows asSuccessionandTed Lasso. Walter also has plenty of period drama experience, having famously appeared in Ang Lee’sSense and Sensibility,Ridley Scott’sThe Last Duel,The Spanish Princess, and more. Fans can also see Walter inThe Force Awakens, Rocketman,andSilo.
Adam James as John Bellasis
Adam Jamesplays John Bellasis inthe acclaimed 2020 miniseries. John is the nephew of Lord and Lady Bellasis who conspires to become the family’s heir following the death of Edmund Bellasis. When the show flashes ahead 26 years into the future, John becomes the next Earl of Brockenhurst, whose complex relationship with Charles Pope leads to unforeseen consequences. This storyline springboards the plot ofBelgravia: The Next Chapter, in which James will reprise his role as John Bellasis.
James is a talented British actor who has amassed well over 100 credits in his career. He may not be as recognizable as some of the other cast members, but James is the kind of unassuming character actor who serves as the glue that binds compelling dramatic projects, be theyThe Buccaneers, Deep State, Hotel Portofino, You,and others.
Jack Bardoe as Charles Pope
Jack Bardoeplays Charles Pope inBelgravia. Charles is the son of Sophia Trenchard and Edmund Bellasis, whose loyalties are torn between both families when he comes of age. When Charles' parents die, Anne conspires with Lady Bellasis to groom the child behind the backs of James and Peregrine to become the next Bellasis heir. Alas, the best-laid plans backfire with epic palace intrigue and betrayal as the story advances.
Bardoe is a relative newcomer with a handful of credits thus far in his young career. BeyondBelgravia,fans can see Bardoe in everything from the dramatic anthologyTwisted Tales of Loveand the supernatural TV seriesThe Canterville Ghostto the British prison dramedyScrewand the popular video gameXenoblade Chronicles 3.
Ella Purnell as Lady Maria Grey
Ella Purnellportrays Lady Maria Grey inBelgravia. Maria Grey is the daughter of the Dowager Countess Lady Templemore, who believes John Bellasis is a suitable mate for Lady Maria. Alas, Lady Maria detests the notion of marrying John due to his arrogant, self-absorbed behavior, prompting her to protect Charles the best she can. Lady Maria and Charles grow close, but Charles refuses to elope with her out of fear of how John will react.
Ella is a popular English actor who continues to increase her profile in 2024. After making her screen debut inNever Let Me Goin 2010, Purnell has made memorable appearances inMaleficent, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Yellowjackets, Arcane,and more. In 2024, fans can also see Purnell star in the small-screenadaptation of the popular video gamefranchise,Fallout.StreamBelgraviaon Prime Video andBelgravia: The Next Chapteron Prime Video’s MGM channel.
