Swanley History Group – March 2017 meeting
Whilst we enjoyed Downton Abbey for it’s entertainment value, most of us would say we were sceptical about the familiar relationships portrayed between master/mistress and their servants. During the March meeting of Swanley History Group, Ian Porter left us in no doubt about what domestic service in a big house was really like and that familiarity between upstairs and downstairs would have been very unusual indeed!
Duties and behaviour below stairs was strictly regimented. The upper servants (such as the steward, housekeeper, butler, chef/cook, Lady’s Maid and the Master’s personal valet) were waited on by the lower servants. A fourteen year old girl entering service as a kitchen or scullery maid would have years of drudgery and long working hours head of her. She would have to hide behind a screen or walk along hidden corridors to avoid being seen by The Family. She was not permitted to have ‘followers’ or liaisons with other indoor servants. She might be allowed to form an attachment with one of the outdoor workers. If she was to have any chance of progressing to being a Lady’s Maid she would need to polish her manners, conversation and have important skills such as letter writing, hairdressing and needlework.
The peacocks among the servants were the footmen. They were on show at all times in their striking uniforms so their appearance reflected on the status of The Family. Being over six foot tall, slim and handsome were essential requirements.
Challenges finding and keeping servants faced the upper and middle classes from 1901 onwards. There were severe economic problems, death duties to pay and new employment rights with the introduction of National Insurance and availability of medical treatment for servants. Being in service was not the only opportunity. People could travel further, even emigrate for a better life – and The Great War changed lives and aspirations. Living in and being at the beck and call round the clock was no longer acceptable – working in a factory, shop or a hotel in a seaside resort became more attractive. Serviced apartments in Hampstead and Fitzrovia became popular alternatives to having your own residence and staff in London.
The jobs that these servants did are still in demand. A glance through the ‘Domestic’ section in ‘The Lady’ magazine shows vacancies for live-in roles such as Lady’s Maid/Laundress, Housekeeper, Travelling Butler/Major-domo advertised.
Jean Radford will be telling us about ‘Early Wilmington and it’s Historic Buildings’ at our next meeting on Tuesday 4 April - 7.15 for 7.30 pm start, at White Oak Indoor Bowls Centre, Garrolds Close, off Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, BR8 7BF. For further information – www.swanleyhistorygroup.weebly.com, telephone Terry on 07884493894 Or Email [email protected]
Christina Tyler, Programme Organiser
Whilst we enjoyed Downton Abbey for it’s entertainment value, most of us would say we were sceptical about the familiar relationships portrayed between master/mistress and their servants. During the March meeting of Swanley History Group, Ian Porter left us in no doubt about what domestic service in a big house was really like and that familiarity between upstairs and downstairs would have been very unusual indeed!
Duties and behaviour below stairs was strictly regimented. The upper servants (such as the steward, housekeeper, butler, chef/cook, Lady’s Maid and the Master’s personal valet) were waited on by the lower servants. A fourteen year old girl entering service as a kitchen or scullery maid would have years of drudgery and long working hours head of her. She would have to hide behind a screen or walk along hidden corridors to avoid being seen by The Family. She was not permitted to have ‘followers’ or liaisons with other indoor servants. She might be allowed to form an attachment with one of the outdoor workers. If she was to have any chance of progressing to being a Lady’s Maid she would need to polish her manners, conversation and have important skills such as letter writing, hairdressing and needlework.
The peacocks among the servants were the footmen. They were on show at all times in their striking uniforms so their appearance reflected on the status of The Family. Being over six foot tall, slim and handsome were essential requirements.
Challenges finding and keeping servants faced the upper and middle classes from 1901 onwards. There were severe economic problems, death duties to pay and new employment rights with the introduction of National Insurance and availability of medical treatment for servants. Being in service was not the only opportunity. People could travel further, even emigrate for a better life – and The Great War changed lives and aspirations. Living in and being at the beck and call round the clock was no longer acceptable – working in a factory, shop or a hotel in a seaside resort became more attractive. Serviced apartments in Hampstead and Fitzrovia became popular alternatives to having your own residence and staff in London.
The jobs that these servants did are still in demand. A glance through the ‘Domestic’ section in ‘The Lady’ magazine shows vacancies for live-in roles such as Lady’s Maid/Laundress, Housekeeper, Travelling Butler/Major-domo advertised.
Jean Radford will be telling us about ‘Early Wilmington and it’s Historic Buildings’ at our next meeting on Tuesday 4 April - 7.15 for 7.30 pm start, at White Oak Indoor Bowls Centre, Garrolds Close, off Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, BR8 7BF. For further information – www.swanleyhistorygroup.weebly.com, telephone Terry on 07884493894 Or Email [email protected]
Christina Tyler, Programme Organiser