Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Daisy was apprenticed to Mrs. Patmore, serving as second in command in the kitchens of Downton. At the bottom of the ladder were the young girls who could enter service when they were 13, earning a few pounds a year. Any maid found fraternising with a member of the opposite sex will be dismissed without a hearing. Thomas, as a second footman, would have earned an annual salary $37,379.37 (in 2014 dollars). A chauffeur not only drove the family around, but he was also its mechanic, keeping the car in top shape, acquiring parts when they were needed, and making sure there was enough petrol on hand to satisfy the familys needs. Servants' lives below stairs - British Heritage 15 Proper Facts About 'Downton Abbey' - mentalfloss.com The Crawleys Manchester house was well furnished (what we saw of it) and fashionably furnished, so they redecorated within the last 5/10 years, they still had all their tea sets and china and silver. Valets often received lavish gifts, including the masters hand-me-down clothing which they could either wear or sell. Downton Abbey wouldn't survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. I assume you would not as many full time staff. Servants were badly paid and often lived in squalor. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. I wage a one-man War against the forelock-tugging worship of all things that glorify a parasitic aristocracy and then am betrayed! It made me wonder what sort of money they made and how that would be reflected in their lifestyles. In addition to his managerial duties, he is shown in several scenes either polishing the silver or pouring over the books and counting the bottles of wine. Mrs. Patmore was the lead cook at Downtown throughout the entire series, serving as a teacher to Daisy and feeding all the family and servants. The OC, Downton and Suits were never the same again King Charles III will be crowned sovereign on 6 May in Westminster Abbey, Lenny Bruce is the only real-life person portrayed in Marvelous Mrs Maisel, The actor starred as rookie officer, Jackson West, Downton Abbey star Maggie Smith looks incredible at start of career - see the gorgeous snaps, The real reason Lily James didn't appear in the Downton Abbey film revealed, Dan Stevens reveals the real reason he left Downton Abbey, 11most devastating Downton Abbey moments, ranked, Hugh Bonneville then vs now: a look back at the star's impressive career, Meet The Gold star Hugh Bonneville's wife and children, 7 stars who asked to be written out of their show: from Downton Abbey to Suits. I tend to rationalize it that there are lots of other servants that we never see, just as high school dramas only focus on a handful of students and neglect the other 98%. Loved Downton! ), Anna (Head maid) and Gwen (house maid) in their room. He is dedicated to working to the best of his ability (as long as he is awarded in return). Not only that, but she remains a great, yet tough, mentor to those assigned under her. Downton Abbey is a large house that requires a lot of upkeep and staff to run it. Neame said: They approached me because of the reach. How much did Downton Abbey servants make? STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE: A PICTURESQUE HISTORY One housemaid (to perform the duties of both Chambermaid and Parlor maid). Valeting, unlike what is implied in DA, involved more than helping on the clothes, it meant supervising the washing and cleaning, (many could not be laundered in these times, they were sponged and pressed which was the valets job), mending, polishing etc and it was here that most of the valeting time was consumed. From my point of view, Ive tried to persuade people it is fun, and have specific events they can engage with, not just a wander around a dusty house. Im watching downtown abbey as a distraction from quarantine. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. I was under. The masters valet was especially important; his job was to make the master look impressive at all times. He gave his entire being to ensure that every event, whether it was a simple breakfast or a grand feast, went off without issue. Almost half of potential visitors to Britain now say they want to indulge in set jetting, visiting places featured in films or on TV. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Click here to enter the page. Allen Leech as Tom Branson, the Chauffeur. Gareth Neame, the series executive producer, said: I think Downton Abbey secured Highcleres future., Peter Fincham, ITVs director of television, recalls the moment when Highclere was booked. I was fascinated to read in a recent memoir, I think Tony Judt, that he considered his family to be lower middle class but they had a maid in 1950. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me and my team. Always "give room" if you meet one of your employers or betters on the stairs and avert your gaze. based on what I've seen of Downton Abbey (which I assume to be relatively accurate). Archived post. Privacy Policy. Downstairs in Downton Abbey: The Servants - Jane Austen's World Scan this QR code to download the app now. Joanne Froggatt as Anna, Head Housemaid. However, 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins later, it's never been more apparent just how much of an impact the show made. At nine 0clock, housemaids and valets arrived to draw bedroom curtains and deliver a cup of teac as ordered by the hostess the night before. The End of High Society, The servants quarters. Bizarrely in another stripping away of identity they were sometimes given generic names. Downton only has 2-3 housemaids/maids of all work, thus is both understaffed and staffed at a lower level. While loud ideals and spirited nature can become a roadblock at times, the house would suffer without her hard work. During the Regency, both footmen and livery were taxed which added nto the expense of keeping footmen. The servants of Downton Abbey worked hard, but as shown in the series, they knew their place and were proud of their positions. In some stately homes such as Petworth in West Sussex hidden passages kept servants separate from family members to spare them the embarrassment of encountering this under-class. The only time that the servants might be visible to family or guests was when they cleaned and polished the main halls and stairway. They were hired by the Lady and Master of the house rather than by the butler, housekeeper or house steward. Currently only the ground and first floors of Highclere, on the borders of Hampshire, are used. Every single day, dont take anything for granted, said Lady Carnarvon. I was shouted at by the harridan of a cook and treated like some sort of sub-human by my employers who found fault with everything I did.". He often has pitfalls, most recently so speaking out of turn in the presence of the King and Queen. In addition, we thank the many experts and authors who frequently contribute their posts and opinions, and who continue to do so freely or at our request. Events include special Downton-themed receptions at British embassies. How much did Victorian servants get paid? - Heimduo Hugh Bonneville plays the head of the Crawley family, Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham. Alfred was rarely at the forefront of proceedings, which makes him one of the best employees at Downtown. Its addictive! The year after leaving the ITV series, Dan landed his first leading role in a film in 2014 thriller The Guest, following by a part in the Night at the Museum sequel and Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast alongsideEmma Watson. While Mr. Carson is fair, he does not hesitate to reprimand a servant or even fire one if he thinks it is for the benefit of the house. Disclaimer: Our team makes no profit from this blog. The programme reveals that one London employer went through 34 maids in 32 years. A ladys maid caters to her mistresses every whim, making sure that not one coat button is missing or one strand of hair is out of place. Matt Berger is a writer, comedian, actor, Paddington enthusiast, and Corgi dad. Some of the so-called traditional wear for servants is based on oridnary wear during the Regency. Downton Abbey quietly premiered in the United Kingdom in 2011. The Butler: Jim Carter, who you may remember as Captain Brown from Cranford, portrays Mr. Carson, the butler, with grave dignity. The Portal for Public History. Originally airing from 2010 to 2015, the show made household names - and now movie stars - out of its cast. How wrong I was. Any breakages or damage to the house will be deducted from wages. The kitchen maid would perform these offices if there were no tweeny or scullery maid. Footmen are expected to wear livery and are generally tall and handsome. Downton has none. She begins to wonder if, by devoting her life to this household, she has missed out on managing one of her own. Laundry MaidsA house the size of Downton generates huge amounts of laundry. Servants worked 17-hour days with time off limited to church on Sunday morning and one afternoon a week. Matt is an alumni of Portland State University with a degree in English and Film Studies. In addition, the sheets of the family would be changed several times a week, as would those of any guests. Though some servants were married Samuel and Sarah Adams who wrote the Complete Servants come to mind most employers wouldnt hire married women and fired females who married. But Downton Abbey is a great house, and there are servants aplenty. In real life, during World War I, the 5th . Its given us a wonderful marketing platform, an international profile. Seriously, we dont need to see Ethel in every episode. Mrs. Patmore is one of the most skilled cooks that the series ever confronts. Every British tourist attraction sells little guidebooks published by the Pitkin company. Again, OBrien is way overworked if she is doing this for four ladies. Yet while their employers dined on nine-course meals costing up to six times a maid's annual wage employees were treated to the leftovers in the kitchen. Now I will feel so much more in tune with whats going on in it. The typical (median) domestic worker is paid $12.01 per hour, much less than other workers (who are paid $19.97 per hour). The kitchen in these great houses often sat away from the house (to prevent cooking smells from wafting up to the public and private rooms) and were connected to the main house via underground passages. She is constantly working to better the lives of her peers and her employers no matter what. Ladys maiding included: overseeing laundry of those things that could be laundered, sponging and brushing clean the rest, repairs, and sewing different ribbons and accessories onto the ladies clothing to make them appear different. Did Highclere Castle have bathrooms? How much does it cost to get married at Downton Abbey? We've ranked the servants' job performances. But at the real Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle a stately pile owned by George Geordie Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon the financial outlook has rarely been brighter. The following transcript has been edited. Such a close daily association often develops intimacy over time. Labour-saving devices such as the appearance of the first motorised vacuum cleaners made housework easier. A good and reliable servant was a prized commodity. Has anybody read P.G. UnderButler nope, but was an optional position. One difference between the Edwardian and Regency great house is that the Regency servants except for footmen were unlikely to wear uniforms. Alongside his partner Mrs. Hughes, Carson becomes an even sweeter and softer version of his obstinate self. Alas and alack! Estate manager (agent) Jarvis (1880-1920) Tom Branson (1920-24, since 1925) Mary Talbot (since 1925) Henry Talbot . I thought, So what?, because I had never heard of Highclere Castle. Due to SPAM, we will no longer accept comments on posts after 30 days of publication. And there has been a deficit since the 1930s. January 11, 2016 7: . The Downton tourists are part of a growing phenomenon. Most worked until they could no longer perform to standards, most also started very young and if they remained with the house their whole working life they were usually given a cottage on the estate to live out their golden years, while that benefit has gone away, or almost extinct, there are a few that still get the benefit od a small cottage, also the servants could marry and have children especially later in 20th century. Today, her overall net worth is estimated to be around $8million. The True Evolution of High-End Household Staffing Since the. Fabulous, many thanks for this. Just wondering assuming you could afford a house like Downton today, what would your staffing needs be now as compared to 1920? RELATED:Downton Abbey: 10 Hidden Details About Edith Crawley's Costume You Didn't Notice. The Most Expensive Part Of The Downton Abbey Film - CINEMABLEND Ive already stated that I am going to cry at the Dowagers funeralsomething else I assume will will see in season three, I told you over at TNCs place, and Ill say it againMaggie Smith will never die, so you just stop that nonsense. Thanks to the teachings of Mrs. Patmore, she soon is prepped to take on the role of lead cook one day. Margaret Powell, a former servant who died in 1984, recalled in her memoirs: "I was confined to the basement, the backstairs and the miserable attic room that I shared with another maid and which was so cold in winter that the ice froze in the jugs of water we used for washing. The viewer will be struck by the sheer volume and variety of dishes that she creates and oversees daily. [] workers, actually earn more than the median U.S. worker. The hotel is still one of the most elegant places to stay in London. A rule of thumb was that an income of at least 1,000 pounds per year was required, or the income from at least 1,000 acres of land. Brendan Coyle as John Bates, the Valet. When disaster strikes, Daisy not only steps in but demonstrates that she is more than ready to step up the servant hierarchy. Back of the house. In smaller, middle-class homes in the cities servants were pushed into attics and dank basements to keep them apart from the family. The Crawleys of Manchester I think are recently upper middle class, Doctor Crawley must have been middle middle class along with Mrs. Crawleys Doctor father, as Matthew is a solicitor they must have moved up in the world and bought a bigger house but not a bigger staff, they had a cook and two maids, if you listen to Mrs. Bird she says shes always had one kitchen maid and gotten on perfectly well. Elizabeth McGovern has $4million to her name. The bottom line is quite thin, she said. She would stoke the kitchen fire for the cook and boil water. While the servants of Downton Abbey are shown to be loyal and proud of their positions, the Punch cartoon below shows a group of shiftless servants who are slow to respond to their masters summons. When the Countess of Grantham states that she and OBrien are friends, for they are often in each others company, OBrien knows better than to disagree, but disagree she does. There are also hallboys and other maids whose names we dont know. Era. My husband and I love it, and the people here. How many servants would a house like Downton Abbey have? Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. As the driver, he took all of the family to and from the main house and around the countryside. The Real Reason Why Downton Abbey Was Canceled - TheList.com A favourite maid's name was Sarah. The Chauffeur: Allen Leech asTom Branson, the chaffeur, demonstrates how very different Edwardian England is from Regency England. The lively conversations in the Downton Abbey servants' hall, which bring together ladies' maids, footmen, kitchen maids and sometimes the butler, housekeeper and cook do not necessarily reflect the experiences of most servants in large houses. During season two, Downton Abbey was turned into a convalescent home for soldiers. 2-3 Chambermaids These maids work solely on the bedroom floor and in contact with the family (because of the bedrooms. Really it is a fantasy world, based in a particular time in history. However the contrast between the sumptuous family areas and the dull, often squalid servants' quarters was stark. Its a small number compared to the west, but a much smaller nation. Answers must be in-depth and comprehensive, or they will be removed. If this is explored later in the series for those who have watched, how accurate is the portrayal? Except I guess we do, since each episode seems to span months, and sometimes years. Unlike their poorly paid counterparts, servants were housed and fed by their masters. Although servants began their careers at the bottom, working menial jobs and catering to the upper servants as well as their masters, they could move up in the servant hierarchy. In 1827, the Earl of Lichfield employed 107 servants at Shugborough Hall near Stafford. In the big country houses or the great London mansions servants were crammed into shared bedrooms and beds with no bathroom or lavatory facilities. Mrs. Hughes was a friend to all of her staff, but she never allowed herself to be manipulated by her sympathies. But have you ever wondered how much money they've made since the show began? Thats a good question. We may receive books (physical or digitized) and DVDs for review purposes. At the time, the waiters made a great show of clearing the tables by whisking the tablecloth OUT FROM UNDER the cups, plates, pots and tiered cake stand. A major part of the season concerns the end of the "large household" and how many of the staff are seeking alternate employment. But, after a lot of development, he soon becomes one of the most sympathetic. Im only on episode one, but as an African American who majored in history but focused mainly on ancient history and African American history, Im curious about the differences in England. England is another country. Thomas is constantly rising in status in his role, eventually even taking on the duties of Butler come the end of the series. From the biggest emerging tourist markets, 51% of Brazilians, 42% of Russians and Chinese, and 35% of Indian visitors are likely to include a visit to a site of interest in their trips. Jim Carter plays butler to the Crawley family, Carson. But perhaps most antique of all is the idea of life in a house full of servants, with two symbiotic. Do Servants Still Exist In England? - FAQS Clear It became fashionable for the up-and-coming middle classes to mimic the aristocracy and hire cooks, maids and housekeepers and tens of thousands of young people flocked from the countryside to work in town houses. Vic said: Downstairs in Downton Abbey: The Servants: Jane Austen's World http://t.co/8ufFL50 [], Very informative, thank you! Oh Woe! 1903. Alongside her eventual husband Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes was dedicated to running as strong a household staff as possible. Oddjob mandoes heavy lifting in the house, replaces oil in lamps, carries logs for the parlormaids to make fires in the main floor fireplaces, carries logs for the chambermaids to look after the fireplaces in the family and visitor bedrooms, can help maids carry up hot water for baths (piped hot water was so rare as to practically never happen). How did people treat slaves vs. servants and how did prospects differ for both groups once/if freed? Did slaves and servants get along, or did servants feel superior? Michelle Dockery is said to be worth $4million, MORE:11most devastating Downton Abbey moments, ranked. The First Footman: Thomas (Rob James-Collier) is a piece of work. Quite a few went on to work in inns or hotels. Servants in 1912. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. There are many things about Downton Abbey that evoke a bygone erathe costumes, of course, and the cars, not to mention the clipped diction, the proper manners, and the attitudes toward sex and class. Elizabeth McGovern began her career almost forty years ago in 1979, landing her first part in a television show when she was still a teenager. Ha! Always stand still when being spoken to by a lady and look at the person speaking to you. She earned the job after the reference from Thomas but was soon embroiled in blackmail due to her past. A stoic and capable man who served the earl as batman during the war, he must perform his duties of dressing the earl and seeing to his wardrobe regardless of the war injury that requires him to use a cane. Downton Abbey wouldn't survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. In addition to the main house, servants worked in the service buildings, such as the stables, garage, dairy, bakehouse, laundry, gun room, and pantry. The Valet: (Brendan Coyle) In small households, such as Matthew Crawleys, the position of butler and valet was combined. (especially how it brings in the Honorary Colonel posting at the end to tie everything together! To perform all the heavy cleaning and lifting. Michelle Dockery stars as eldest daughter Lady Mary and is also said to be worth $4million. Even fairly low on the middle class scale, money would be found for part time live out help. Alfred played the role of one of the home's footman after Thomas became Valet. The hierarchy among the servants was strictly defined. How much did the 'Downton Abbey'-era upper class rely on servants? Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Downstairs in Downton Abbey: A Day in the Life of a Victorian Servant New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The last hurrah of great houses and servants. The staff of Downton Abbey work for the Crawley family. The Kitchen Maid: (Sophie McShera) Poor Daisy is at the bottom of the status ladder. Answers must be in-depth and comprehensive, or they will be removed. THE CASTLE REALLY DID OPERATE AS A HOSPITAL DURING WORLD WAR I. How much was Cora's dowry? It has allowed us to spend faster on the buildings, have the follies restored.. Now, without doubt, it is loved by millions of other people.. Love this post, Vic. Even when compared with demographically similar workers, domestic workers on average are paid just 74 cents for every dollar that their peers make. One of the most interesting aspects of the show. Tweenies had pretty much gone out of fashion by 1900, so the absence is perhaps not as surprising as the apparent absence of a laundress. What It's Really Like to Work at a House Like Downton Abbey Today (2023) RELATED: Downton Abbey: 10 Upstairs Memes That Will Have You Cry-Laughing But doing one's duty is more than just cleaning and cooking. The chances of a master being held to account were remote. (Hugh Bonneville) in the Julian Fellowes period drama Downton Abbey. It was not uncommon for a scullery maid to be promoted to kitchen maid and eventually up to a cook. Downton Abbey and the True Evolution of Household Staffing - Time According to Rotten Tomatoes, the show was reviewed extremely positively, and, even as it was still airing, creator Julian . All rights reserved. Captain Button, as far as I understand it: Room, board and I think work-appropriate clothing (uniform, etc) came with the job along with salary. In the background, a servant scoops coal.Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE
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