Sir Richard Carlisle is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mark Carlisle of Morningside, Edinburgh, and he was the fiancé of Lady Mary Crawley. While staying with Rosamund, Mary meets Carlisle at Cliveden. Upon learning of Matthew's engagement to Lavinia, Mary decides to pursue Carlisle.

Carlisle made his money as a powerful and ruthless newspaper proprietor. He seems to know Lavinia, but their relationship is not obvious.

He blackmailed Mary into becoming his wife but only because he 'loved you [Mary] more than you will ever know.'

Behind the scenes Edit

• Sir Richard Carlisle was inspired by the real life bombastic newspaper magnate Lord Beaverbrook.