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So, how much did slavery impact England? Breakfast at Downton Abbey. Thanks to the teachings of Mrs. Patmore, she soon is prepped to take on the role of lead cook one day. 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. VisitBritain estimates that nearly 30% of foreign visitors, or nearly nine million people, include castles and historic houses on their. Combining the pleasures of trashy soap operas with prestige historical fiction, "Downton Abbey" was a phenomenon when it first hit TV screens in 2010 (in the U.K.) and 2011 (in the U.S.). Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. This chauffeur can also read and has been given permission by the earl to check books out of his library. Daisy was apprenticed to Mrs. Patmore, serving as second in command in the kitchens of Downton. The story ONLY Focused on 8-9 staff but you Constantly saw Another 6 to 10 members of staff doing things around the house or sitting down at each meal time. Highly informative, while at the same time completely avoiding the fetish known as hat worship. They are: Click on their names to enter their own blogs. Mr. Molesley began as a butler for the Crawley Houseserving Isobel and Matthew Crawley. Prior to the show, Hugh was known for his supporting roles in Notting Hill, Mansfield Park and Iris, which he starred in opposite Kate Winslet. Sigh. What kind of purchasing power did they have? In 1891, the number of indoor domestic servants is 1.38 million, which is a pretty high number," says Dr Pamela Cox, senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Essex. The Cook: Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, the cook, is hiding a secret, one that threatens her very livelihood. However the contrast between the sumptuous family areas and the dull, often squalid servants' quarters was stark. But perhaps most antique of all is the idea of life in a house full of servants, with two symbiotic. Never call from one room to another and always answer when you have received an order. The formerly somewhat basic ticketing policy has become a computerised advance booking system, helping to guarantee foreign visitors admission. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Archived post. The hotel is still one of the most elegant places to stay in London. 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. Eventually, when he felt called to pursue bigger dreams, he did so without a ton of fanfare or fuss. Any maid found fraternising with a member of the opposite sex will be dismissed without a hearing. The lower staff, and discussion on where all these servants are in Downton Abbey, after the jump. During season two, Downton Abbey was turned into a convalescent home for soldiers. RELATED:Downton Abbey: 10 Most Hated Supporting Characters Of All Time. June 27, 2021. These rose-tinted depictions would also have us believe that mutual respect existed across social boundaries. Away from his role on the show, he is also known for period dramas Shakespeare in Love, My Week with Marilyn and the BBC series Cranford. I don't think an inflation calculator can accurately communicate what those numbers really signified. Servants were often left utterly exhausted but they had no unions or employment rights.". Keep reading for all you need to know about the cast of Downton Abbey's incredible wealth WATCH:Are you looking forward to the second Downton Abbey film? The Kitchen Maid: (Sophie McShera) Poor Daisy is at the bottom of the status ladder. In season 3, Edith mentions a new (presumably ladys) maid, but we never see her. (Read more about this topic in my post, Hiring Servants in the Regency Era and Later. A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century. Downton Abbey: How much did Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith and more make during the show? ), Thank you, JHarper2! He is as protective towards the Crawley family as he would have been to his own. So much of it is about the personal relationships built with your coworkers and employer, as well as the commitment to go above and beyond. There may be a difference between housemaid and parlourmaid uniforms, and perhaps differences in rank too. I also think I remember reading that slavery was outlawed much earlier than in the States. Lily James has gone on to become a huge name since she joined the cast of Downton Abbey as Lady Rose in series three. Rob James-Collier as Thomas, First Footman.Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Its given us a wonderful marketing platform, an international profile. But was this always the case? Express. made them look like twins. Undercook or 1stkitchenmaid check, but the first kitchen maid is responsible for cooking the servants meals, not the cook, and there should be more than one kitchen maid. For more information, please see our But have you ever wondered how much money they've made since the show began? I recently rewatched the second season of Upstairs, Downstairs, and I have some general questions/want to check if I understand things right. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE, With or without guests, the daily routine for a family at its country house was unalterable, due in part to the servants, whose meal-times were rigid, and in part to Edwadian era tradition. Estate manager (agent) Jarvis (1880-1920) Tom Branson (1920-24, since 1925) Mary Talbot (since 1925) Henry Talbot . Its the first TV period drama that has really leaped out of the screen and become part of popular culture., Lady Carnarvon is still keen to emphasise that the long-term future of Highclere is not necessarily secure. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Photograph: Nick Briggs/ITV. http://files.stv.tv/img/galleries/downton-abbey-series-one/590331/DOWNTON_ABBEY_EP1_43.jpg. She would stoke the kitchen fire for the cook and boil water. Matt is an alumni of Portland State University with a degree in English and Film Studies. Im going to have servants when Im rich so thanks for educating me on their duties and names. Fox Refuses to Worry Publicly About Idol or XFactor, Domestic Servant Hierarchy and Wage Scale, Project Runway Season 10: The Wrong Ones Leave, Downton Abbey Season 5: As Jolly As You Like, Downton Abbey Season Two: Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time, http://files.stv.tv/img/galleries/downton-abbey-series-one/590331/DOWNTON_ABBEY_EP1_43.jpg, How 'Downton Abbey' Shows Income Inequality Doesn't Matter | Acton PowerBlog, DOWNSTAIRS AT DOWNTON: THE MEN | D.E. Dan Stevens left the show to pursue other roles, MORE:Dan Stevens reveals the real reason he left Downton Abbey. Where they just fired and thrown out? Downton Abbey: 10 Upstairs Memes That Will Have You Cry-Laughing, Downton Abbey: 10 Couples That Would Have Made A Lot Of Sense (But Never Got Together), Downton Abbey: 10 Most Hated Supporting Characters Of All Time, Downton Abbey: 10 Hidden Details About Edith Crawley's Costume You Didn't Notice, Downton Abbey: 10 Actors You Forgot Were On The Show. Died off Prome, the 7th October 1852, while in command of the Naval Expedition on the river Irrawady against the Burmese Forces, aged 73 years.. . Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to C. S. Carley and castlesandcoffeehouses.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. The Downton tourists are part of a growing phenomenon. The servant stairs. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. NCIS star Mark Harmon has a very famous niece, NCIS: LA teases long-awaited return of fan favorite character in upcoming episode ahead of finale, The Rookie's Titus Makin Jr. the real reason why he left the show. A lot of people here think of it as soapy entertainment. 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. Labour-saving devices such as the appearance of the first motorised vacuum cleaners made housework easier. 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. They wore white gloves to serve at table to conceal their grubby hands. While Mrs. Hughes was dedicated fully to her work, no one was as dedicated to the house as Mr. Carson. The main meal - 'dinner'- was taken at around midday, while 'tea' was a very light meal served at around 4 o'clock. The kitchen maid would perform these offices if there were no tweeny or scullery maid. How much did the 'Downton Abbey'-era upper class rely on servants? Even if the first episode, as we follow Thomas around the house collecting up glasses, there are a number of servants that are un-named doing various jobs. It was not uncommon for a scullery maid to be promoted to kitchen maid and eventually up to a cook. Anna has often received the worst cards in life. Girls worked part-time for two years to buy the uniform necessary to secure a job because service offered a roof over their heads and regular meals. Gentle readers: Please feel free to post your comments and continue the conversation! Only the butler may answer the bell. Back of the house. Mrs. Hughes ran a tight ship with her staff, creating a culture of strong work ethic as well as personal respect. A good and reliable servant was a prized commodity. The golden age was over and the huge servant class all but disappeared. Tom was an Irish radical turn chauffeur for Downton Abbey. It [Downton Abbey] is iconic for expressing Britishness. Alas and alack! The Housekeeper: Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes is Mr. Carsons counterpart. To perform all the heavy cleaning and lifting. Since he first started out as a footman, Carson was dedicated to the old ways that made a grand house work. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. As for the maids, there do seem to be six of them altogether: Downton. I've been watching the final season of Downton Abbey. A maid in England prepares afternoon tea in 1927. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owners is strictly prohibited. In smaller, middle-class homes in the cities servants were pushed into attics and dank basements to keep them apart from the family. Servants were expected to "know their place". Alfred played the role of one of the home's footman after Thomas became Valet. Downton only has 2-3 housemaids/maids of all work, thus is both understaffed and staffed at a lower level. In 1837, James Brown opened Browns Hotel with his savings. I believe that your desire for a portrayal of the economic reality of Downton Abbey is running smack against the economic reality of 21st century television. Hello, my name is Vic and I live in Maryland, USA. If this is explored later in the series for those who have watched, how accurate is the portrayal? Era. Tourist cash from the TV drama, now starting its final series, has funded repairs at Highclere Castle, where it is filmed. In the big country houses or the great London mansions servants were crammed into shared bedrooms and beds with no bathroom or lavatory facilities. would be promoted into the households of the adult children, and grow old with them. Unless pregnant by a member of the household in which case they might also get paid off. From reading Below Stairs by Margaret Powell is seems some employers made their servants to buy or make their own uniforms, and other provided them or parts of them (such as the cap). Never let your voice be heard by the ladies and gentlemen of the house. It is now broadcast in 250 countries. 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.". The staff of Downton Abbey work for the Crawley family. We may receive books (physical or digitized) and DVDs for review purposes. 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. Forget the polished image of Downton Abbey, life below stairs was sadistic and miserable. Mrs. Reynolds no doubt received a tip from the Gardiners after showing the public rooms of Mr. Darcys great estate. SOCIAL historian Dr Pamela Cox, who presents Servants - The True Story Of Life Below Stairs, says: "Country houses wouldn't have been able to function without a vast hidden army of servants. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Ha! The ITV series gave the actress her big breakout role - as well as three Emmy nominations and one Golden Globes nod - and between filming for the franchise, she has also taken up roles in Netflix's Godless, Apple+ TV original Defending Jacob and Guy Ritchie movie The Gentlemen. Never talk to another servant in the presence of your mistress. The only kind of television show that was economically able to have such a large cast of regular actors (those with speaking parts, let alone character arcs) were the soap operas of the 1960s-1980s. Your conclusion on the number of staff at Downton Abbey is Wrong. Staff was generational too: the more senior but still relatively young maids and footmen and underbutlers etc. Their commitment to their employers and the home they serve shows in the meals they provide, and the cleanliness of the estate. Eventually though, after Matthew's death, he is brought on as a footman for Downtown, serving the house all the way through the most recent film. UnderButler nope, but was an optional position. Carriages are being replaced by automobiles, but the infrastructure for maintaining cars is not yet in place. Gardeners have been referred to, as have gamekeepers and general outdoor staff. Weve seen at least one groom, too. You would think a big house like Downton would provide them, but perhaps not. Read the full article in The Sunday Times. Downton Abbey: Created by Julian Fellowes. The Portal for Public History. The chances of a master being held to account were remote. Downton has none. Servants who got pregnant were often fired and thrown out. Seriously, we dont need to see Ethel in every episode. 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. Answers must be in-depth and comprehensive, or they will be removed. Downton Abbey irritates me immensely because its central theme is the interplay between the family and the servants. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Downton Abbeyfans have been loving watching reruns of the period drama on ITV ahead of the release of the highly-anticipated second movie, which is due out in early 2022. At the turn of the 20th century when the population of Britain was only 36million there were 1.5million servants. However, 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins later, it's never been more apparent just how much of an impact the show made. 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. 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. Time and time again she overcomes whatever current tragedy has befallen her and her loved ones, and delivers some of the best work in the house. Carson is one of the few characters almost any viewer can get behind. The more important servants, known as "the Pugs", were waited on at dinner by their inferiors and ate from fine china. The next time Im in one of these houses Ill take some pictures of the servants quarters to send you. It is something I am passionate about; I am a really strong believer in soft power. And I also know they led relatively simple lives in terms of travel, leisure, etc. Lord Carnarvon said then: It was just after the banking crisis and it was gloom in all directions. This was a deliberate ploy to demonstrate that they were a class apart. We have to compete with attractions like the London Dungeon., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Rose Leslie as Gwen, House Maid. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Downton Abbey wouldn't survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. Currently only the ground and first floors of Highclere, on the borders of Hampshire, are used. What happened to servants when they got too old to work? Servants who married often left, though the employer could find a position for the spouse within the establishment if they wanted to keep the servant. Young, able servants were in a constant state of flux (they worked on average for 2-3 years before moving on), always looking for a better position, which they could acquire as long as their masters gave them good references. (The First World War shook the system; the Second World War pretty much ended the system entirely). The same was true here. Downton has none, a house that size should have two or more. (They also received [], [] http://anibundel.com/2012/02/08/poor-crawleys-a-study-of-downton-abbeys-staffing-woes/ [], Powered by - Designed with theHueman theme. Alfred was rarely at the forefront of proceedings, which makes him one of the best employees at Downtown. Too old to work? I hadnt noticed that. Matt Berger is a writer, comedian, actor, Paddington enthusiast, and Corgi dad. This meant that the food often arrived at the dining table cold or, at best, lukewarm. Refuse and she would soon be packing her bags for an uncertain future without references. OK seriously, this was a good post. A 'Tweeny' servant who worked seven days a week, from 5am until 10pm, and was paid 13 a year. Wodehouses works. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. The Portal for Public History. Mrs. Hughes (even if they are single, which Mrs. Hughes was, housekeepers were given the distinction of being a Mrs.) was also responsible for the linen and china. Occaisionally a servant who became pregnant by a member of The Family would be paid off (but also fired), depending. Sadly, falling in love with your employer's daughter isn't a great resume builder. Passing her mistress on the stairs a servant was expected to "give room", which meant face the wall. Thomas, as a second footman, would have earned an annual salary $37,379.37 (in 2014 dollars). Thomas is now Under Butler, and there are two footmen. The huge global success of Downton, according to Lady Fiona Carnarvon, has funded a rolling programme of building repairs aimed at safeguarding Highclere for the next generation. I have thought about gathering my posts for publication, but, given my schedule, I must take a pass for now. Scan this QR code to download the app now. For example, when Lady Sybil comes down to the kitchen to be taught to cook during series 2, there are several other kitchen maids, in addition to Daisy, around. 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. Id noticed before the maids uniforms dont quite match. One difference between the Edwardian and Regency great house is that the Regency servants except for footmen were unlikely to wear uniforms. OF THE COACHING AGE, VOL. I thought, So what?, because I had never heard of Highclere Castle. forbidden love!). Really it is a fantasy world, based in a particular time in history. The only time that the servants might be visible to family or guests was when they cleaned and polished the main halls and stairway. Now, without doubt, it is loved by millions of other people.. The potential opportunities for lasting friendships were limited even below stairs. Downton Abbey wouldn't survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. At the bottom of the ladder were the young girls who could enter service when they were 13, earning a few pounds a year. The neighbours are selling up their own stately home, while Lord Grantham seeks to cut back on servants after declaring that under-butlers are no longer affordable. Gradually, however, this world began to disappear and the Downton Abbey period marked the swansong for domestic service. Another apparent myth is the one of the loyal servant. Housemaids would tread silently up the servant (back) stairs unseen and unheard with fresh water and carrying covered slop pails. 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. Towards this end, she has been secretly taking typing courses. "The day would consist of doing breakfast maybe around 7 a.m., followed by elevenses, an 11 a.m. cocktail and biscuit, a 12:30 p.m. pre-lunch drink, lunch at 1 p.m. followed by coffee, then. Alongside her eventual husband Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes was dedicated to running as strong a household staff as possible. Are there still butlers? In Sundays episode, when Lord G comes downstairs to tell everyone the war is over and how theyre going to assemble on the 11th at 11:00, he says I expect all of you, including the kitchen staff and hall boys, everyone, to be there. This implied to me that there are other servants, but since they dont have plot lines, we simply dont see them. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. That portrays the true relationship betweem servant and master. Ive wondered who does Isobels hair, and who does the laundry and ironing. The year is 1925 and there are already the first rumblings of the economic storms that will blight the end of the decade. Mr. Carson was not only in charge of the male servants, but also of the wine cellar and the butlers pantry, which contained the family plate and silver. Id certainly but a copy!I get so much out of your posts! Posted in jane austen, Movie review, PBS Movie Adaptation, Popular culture, Servants | Tagged Downton Abbey, Edwardian Country House, Edwardian servants, PBS Masterpiece Classic | 17 Comments. The once derelict London Lodge, a grand Roman-style archway from 1793, is now a bijou holiday let alongside other spruced-up cottages. Baker / LIFE Books. I cant wait to see Downton Abbey. All rights reserved. For a long time. I buy one for every attraction I visit. So I guess what I mean when I say "what were the wages" I really mean "what did that actually mean?" Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Each table cloth would be washed, starched and ironed after each use. In fact the doors of stately homes and townhouses revolved with departing servants seeking a better life elsewhere. Despite the awful wages and conditions competition for places was fierce. Unfortunately, I don't know that we know much about how servants and slaves in England viewed each other. 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. Invisibility and segregation were part of their job. Downton Abbey quietly premiered in the United Kingdom in 2011. One housemaid (to perform the duties of both Chambermaid and Parlor maid). As the driver, he took all of the family to and from the main house and around the countryside. Service at table, except in the lowest houses employing servants was never performed by female servants. No other member of the Downtown staff, not even Mrs. Hughes, gave more to their work than he did. Valet check, but see below under4thfootman. At the turn of the 20th century when the population of Britain was only 36million there were 1.5million servants. That is more than worked on the land or in factories. Quite a few young men found domestic service a good training ground and experience for other occupations. How much does it cost to get married at Downton Abbey? Looking at all the staff of the series, here are the 10 best ranked on their job performance. At this point in history, upper class people changed their clothes several times a day (4 or more) resulting in huge amounts of laundry. In some instances, links will be removed from comments as well. [] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vic . As for Mr. Bates on Downton Abbey, I hope he is able to climb out of the hole hes landed in. One stately home looks much the same as another. STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE: A PICTURESQUE HISTORY Unlike their poorly paid counterparts, servants were housed and fed by their masters. (And anibundel, for posting!). Its been an amazing magic carpet ride for all of us, she said. Yet service allows him to better himself and someday work his way up to the position of butler. Brendan Coyle as John Bates, the Valet. Downton shows relatively well how they spent their time and how they spent their money, but I'm still struggling to figure out what their economic status would be analogous to today. Inquiring readers, from now until the U.S. airing of Downton Abbey, this blog will explore the facets of living in an English country house during the Edwardian era, and drawing upon the similarity and differences between the Edwardian and Regency eras. The typical (median) domestic worker is paid $12.01 per hour, much less than other workers (who are paid $19.97 per hour). Nick BriggsCarnival Film & Television Ltd. By J.I. Ha! Housekeepers, as Jane Austen famously showed in Pride and Prejudice, served as tour guides when the family was absent. Neame said: They approached me because of the reach. 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. Their commitment to their employers and the home they serve shows in the meals they provide, and the cleanliness of the estate. A newspaper reports that leading actors including Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern have been given three-year deals worth 1million each. (Hugh Bonneville) in the Julian Fellowes period drama Downton Abbey. No one at the time could have predicted that a fussy mini-series airing on PBS in this country would become a viral hit, but "Downton" soon became that rarest of things: A universal reference point. (Do they mean the same thing? In the worst homes life was little better than a form of silver-service slavery. ", Dr Cox, whose aim was to strip away some of the nostalgia surrounding this British class, adds: "The work was boring, repetitive and could also be very lonely. That was very interesting! Anna maids the three daughters, plus different houses had different rules for daughters, some gave them maids and let them have breakfast in bed, others didnt, Downton is obviously the latter. . Would that be analogous to, say, a mid-range hotel manager today, in status and income? I wish him a long happy life with his true love, Anna. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. In addition to wearing uniforms servants were expected to have matching hairstyles. But Downton Abbey is a great house, and there are servants aplenty. Many of us today cannot understand why servants in country manors such as Downton Abbey would consider catering to the whims of others as a desirable occupation. Before the series began, Dame Maggie Smith was already a huge name among TV and film viewers, perhaps best known for her portrayal of Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise. We do not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me and my team. Im watching downtown abbey as a distraction from quarantine. But a restoration project of derelict tower rooms began this year that will eventually allow visitors to climb up into the tower to an exhibition showcasing the work of the architect of the Houses of Parliament, Sir Charles Barry, who rebuilt the house in 1839-42. 2-3 Parlor maids These maids work on the main floor public rooms and rarely if ever come in contact with the family. Servants - The True Story Of Life Below Stairs starts on BBC Two on September 28. Has anybody read P.G. In two years of real time, DA has progressed eight years. Just wondering assuming you could afford a house like Downton today, what would your staffing needs be now as compared to 1920? But by 2012 the Downton effect had begun to take the pressure off. I looked up wage information, and found that a common yearly salary for a Butler like Carson would be roughly 55-70 (several sources - The Victorian Domestic Servant Hierarchy and Wage Scale and Mrs. Beeton's Household Management).