Vic Sanborn, founder of this blog, is supported by a team of talented and knowledgeable writers about Jane Austen and the Regency era. Footmen are expected to wear livery and are generally tall and handsome. The fact that Bates the valet was expected to fill in at even a small dinner is not something that would normally be case. 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). See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Surprisingly, Downton Abbey was positively frugal in comparison to that estimate, though the series was largely filmed before the cost of filming TV shows began to skyrocket thanks to the rise of streaming giants (per Variety). In Downton Abbey, the veteran actress plays Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham and mother of Lord Crawley. In desperation employers dangled the carrot of prettier outfits but it made no difference. Archived post. Im watching downtown abbey as a distraction from quarantine. Occaisionally a servant who became pregnant by a member of The Family would be paid off (but also fired), depending. Every British tourist attraction sells little guidebooks published by the Pitkin company. Downton Abbey's kitchen maid Daisy Robinson, played by Sophie McShera. At the top stood the butler and housekeeper. RELATED:Downton Abbey: 10 Most Hated Supporting Characters Of All Time. Almost half of potential visitors to Britain now say they want to indulge in set jetting, visiting places featured in films or on TV. Id noticed before the maids uniforms dont quite match. Visitor numbers doubled, to 1,200 a day, as Downton Abbey, scripted by Julian Fellowes, came to be screened around the world after becoming a hit in the UK in 2010 and then in the US. What happened to servants who did get pregnant? The accounts of Highclere Enterprises for 2014-15 show current assets have almost trebled to around 1m since 2012. Male servants were paid more than female servants (because some were expected to support a wife and children) and footmen were something of a luxury and therefore a status symbol even among the servant-employing classes. Events include special Downton-themed receptions at British embassies. These days, his net worth is said to be around $4million. Some years ago, I had tea there. DA has a huge cast by todays television standards (it is the closest thing we have to the old-time soap opera tradition, in both scale and plot devicesamnesia! Historical archives reveal that countless footmen were called William, Henry or James, which were considered "acceptable" names. The castle has been one enormous character as well.. Quite a few young men found domestic service a good training ground and experience for other occupations. Any resources you can refer that go beyond simple explanations but really examine this in-depth? 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. The next time Im in one of these houses Ill take some pictures of the servants quarters to send you. Answers must be in-depth and comprehensive, or they will be removed. She works with a positive attitude and champions those who need defending. Siobhan Finneran as OBrien, Ladys Maid. Carson is one of the few characters almost any viewer can get behind. Bizarrely in another stripping away of identity they were sometimes given generic names. If you would like to share a new site, or point out an error, please email us. Households of the size and importance of Downton should have two extra footmen, sometimes called 3rdand 4th. The same was true here. Matt Berger is a writer, comedian, actor, Paddington enthusiast, and Corgi dad. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. [] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vic . 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. 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. 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. Yet Gwen represents the future, in which political and socio-economic changes for women will end their dependency on the men of their family and force many to start fending for themselves. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Do they still do it? Any breakages or damage to the house will be deducted from wages. The formerly somewhat basic ticketing policy has become a computerised advance booking system, helping to guarantee foreign visitors admission. Apparently nothing was considered too menial and records show that servants' duties included ironing shoelaces and cutting their masters' toenails. Oh Woe! Privacy Policy. Downton only has 2-3 housemaids/maids of all work, thus is both understaffed and staffed at a lower level. When her secret is uncovered the other servants are astounded how could anyone prefer working in as some faceless office over service in a great house? Happy 1st Day of May (and its traditions), Regency Fashion: Men's Breeches, Pantaloons, and Trousers, Men's hair styles at the turn of the 19th century, Highclere Castle Floor Plan: The Real Downton Abbey, The Servant's Quarters in 19th Century Country Houses Like Downton Abbey, Awkward! 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. Downton has about six housemaids who do all duties of parlour and chamber, theres about 3-5 kitchen maids besides Daisy, who, poor darling, is the scullery maid I think, in additon to being a VERY young undercook, she couldnt have been much older than 14 at the start, probably younger, the footmen, you are quite correct on that mark. . "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. He gave his entire being to ensure that every event, whether it was a simple breakfast or a grand feast, went off without issue. 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. When disaster strikes, Daisy not only steps in but demonstrates that she is more than ready to step up the servant hierarchy. 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. Jim Carter plays butler to the Crawley family, Carson. Domestic service, novelist and broadcaster JB Priestly declared in 1927, was "as obsolete as the horse" in an era of motor cars. Dan Stevens left the show to pursue other roles, MORE:Dan Stevens reveals the real reason he left Downton Abbey. Although these were generous, wages could vary greatly depending on a servant's gender or the position they occupied within the house. Express. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Downton Abbey is a large house that requires a lot of upkeep and staff to run it. A lady, even of the middle class would be accompanied on her errands and calls by a footman. Again, OBrien is way overworked if she is doing this for four ladies. Archived post. In other parts of the world people revere our actors, our writing and production talent. While Mrs. Hughes was dedicated fully to her work, no one was as dedicated to the house as Mr. Carson. Oh, ah, let em ring again! by George Cruikshank. Her husband and his past have brought a lot of heartache to her arcs in the series. In theory, even when servants had finished with their duties and were finally sitting down to eat their breakfast, they were subject to be called at a moments whim. I was reading this with interest, and it is a good analysis. 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. For all these great houses, you have to invest in them. Join me next time for more explorations into the art and history of Europe, including the British Isles. Alongside her eventual husband Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes was dedicated to running as strong a household staff as possible. At all other times they were expected to remain invisible as they worked around the house, using the servants stairs and working in a room when the family was not expected to use it. We had been doing corporate functions, but it all became pretty sparse after that. While she brought a history of criminality to the house, her honesty was actually respected by Cora, earning her a higher spot on this list. If you were in the business of doing events and hosting lots of parties, that maid staff would probably expand to two or three. He currently writes for Screen Rant, has written for Bloody Disgusting, hosts the Film School Sucked podcast, and co-hosts the Macabre podcast. A modern view? A maid in England prepares afternoon tea in 1927. 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. 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. Although only her kitchen maid, Daisy, is seen as her regular assistant, there would have been others in a house this size. When the Downton Abbey producers first approached Highclere in 2009, the family faced a near 12m repair bill, with urgent work priced at 1.8m. Nick BriggsCarnival Film & Television Ltd. By J.I. Thomas, as a second footman, would have earned an annual salary $37,379.37 (in 2014 dollars). Just like Lark Rise to Candleford, which I must admit, is a much better show. The Only Running Footman; Sources . Rose Leslie as Gwen, House Maid. We do not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. She would stoke the kitchen fire for the cook and boil water. Invisibility and segregation were part of their job. Id certainly but a copy!I get so much out of your posts! Downstairs they would continue making preparations for the day, opening drapes and shutters, dusting and polishing, and sweeping floors. Downton Abbey wouldn't survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. [] workers, actually earn more than the median U.S. worker. It [Downton Abbey] is iconic for expressing Britishness. Since he first started out as a footman, Carson was dedicated to the old ways that made a grand house work. 1903. RELATED:Downton Abbey: 10 Hidden Details About Edith Crawley's Costume You Didn't Notice. Due to SPAM, we will no longer accept comments on posts after 30 days of publication. Do you suppose theyll make a making of movie like theyve done with some other BBC productions? One of the most interesting aspects of the show Downton Abbey is the way the servants have their own hierarchy that mirrors the strict hierarchy "above stairs." When the servants sit down to dinner, they sit according to their positions in the household, from Mr. Carson the butler right on down through the ranks to Daisy the scullery maid. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. King Charles III's coronation: How to watch and what time is it on? The Downton Abbey actor is a familiar face with TV and movie fans, Hugh married his wife Lucinda 'Lulu' Williams in 1998. Despite the awful wages and conditions competition for places was fierce. It has allowed us to spend faster on the buildings, have the follies restored.. For more information, please see our How much did house servants get paid Downton Abbey? One period household manual gave this advice to employers: "By not acknowledging them you will spare them the shame of explaining their presence.". Room, board, and at least some clothing came with the job in addition to the money, right? Daisy becomes an incredibly valuable member of the staff. Perhaps in the past an estate and house defined and supported the family and their lifestyle, but today it is quite the reverse: the challenge is how Geordie and I seek to support and look after Highclere. Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, Housekeeper. If a pretty maid attracted her roving master's eye she had little choice but to accept her fate. See also. Love thomas, hes hot, hope I can find one that looks like him, Great BLOG I LIKE AND I COPY IN MY BLOG, [] also found lots of good articles on the downstairs staff and on Downton Abbey over at Jane Austens World blog [], [] a full explanation of who does what below the stairs, Id recommend reading this post on the blog, Jane Austens []. But Moseley's dedication and kind demeanor earned him at least a spot on this list. And I also know they led relatively simple lives in terms of travel, leisure, etc. The main meal - 'dinner'- was taken at around midday, while 'tea' was a very light meal served at around 4 o'clock. Always keep outer doors fastened. 2-3 Parlor maids These maids work on the main floor public rooms and rarely if ever come in contact with the family. How wrong I was. Good eye! Tourist cash from the TV drama, now starting its final series, has funded repairs at Highclere Castle, where it is filmed. At this same time, there were about 700 families in England who could support large country homes. RELATED:Downton Abbey: 10 Upstairs Memes That Will Have You Cry-Laughing. And there has been a deficit since the 1930s. with any luck. It's believed that she is worth $4million. Breakfast at Downton Abbey. The Portal for Public History. Answers must be in-depth and comprehensive, or they will be removed. Always "give room" if you meet one of your employers or betters on the stairs and avert your gaze. Head Housemaid: Joanne Froggatt as Anna is a pretty, quiet, and dependable presence. In the lower common area, servants were summoned by the family via a system of bells connected to each room. Now I will feel so much more in tune with whats going on in it. Jim Carter appeared in many period dramas before Downton Abbey. Anna has often received the worst cards in life. 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. ), I love this post. Passing her mistress on the stairs a servant was expected to "give room", which meant face the wall. Sigh. 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. If this is explored later in the series for those who have watched, how accurate is the portrayal? In Edwardian times going into service was frequently the only alternative to near starvation. Downton has none. Tending to the vehicles, he was a skilled mechanic as well. 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. Ha! DA is about to have the opposite problem of most TV shows, where the actors age faster than the plots move (Im looking at you, kid from Lost! In the early seasons, Daisy is often more concerned with flights of fancy than her position, but as the series progresses, so do her priorities. 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. Ive wondered who does Isobels hair, and who does the laundry and ironing. Not only useful but entertaining to read. There are also hallboys and other maids whose names we dont know. Housemaids would tread silently up the servant (back) stairs unseen and unheard with fresh water and carrying covered slop pails. I was under. Ha! The hotel is still one of the most elegant places to stay in London. Its a small number compared to the west, but a much smaller nation. Alternative sources of employment for women opened up in offices, shops, factories and later the National Health Service. Wodehouses works. Downton Abbey will be shown Sunday night on your local PBS station starting at 9 p.m. Click here to view the video clips. Downton has none, a house that size should have two or more. No servant is to take any knives or forks or other article, nor on any account to remove any provisions, nor ale or beer out of the hall. They wore white gloves to serve at table to conceal their grubby hands. How much did Downton Abbey servants make? The servant class boomed in the late 19th century as the expanding empire and industrial revolution created new wealth. Servants were often left utterly exhausted but they had no unions or employment rights.". Siobhan Finneran as OBrien, the countesss ladies maid, Rose Leslie as Gwen, housemaid, and Joanne Froggatt as Anna, head maid. 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. Now, without doubt, it is loved by millions of other people.. I recently rewatched the second season of Upstairs, Downstairs, and I have some general questions/want to check if I understand things right. Michelle Dockery stars as eldest daughter Lady Mary and is also said to be worth $4million. Someeven became proprietors of public houses. Downton has none. Lily has landed some amazing roles since she appeared on the show, MORE:The real reason Lily James didn't appear in the Downton Abbey film revealed. I have thought about gathering my posts for publication, but, given my schedule, I must take a pass for now. Middle class families . The home was run by the housekeeper, always called Mrs whether married or not, while the cook ruled the kitchen with an iron fist. The book lists some typical YEARLY salaries for household staff in the late 19th century: Butler 70 pounds (Mr. Carson), Masters Valet 60 pounds (Mr. Bates), Housekeeper 40 to 60 pounds (Mrs. Hughes), Ladys Maid 50 pounds (devious Miss OBrien), Footman 20-30 pounds (saintly William , dastardly Thomas), Scullery Maid 5-10 pounds (Daisy). It just gets its catastrophically wrong. Eventually, when he felt called to pursue bigger dreams, he did so without a ton of fanfare or fuss. 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Your comments and suggestions are most welcome. would be promoted into the households of the adult children, and grow old with them. The House Maid: (Rose Leslie) Young Gwen is a housemaid with a goal that of becoming a typist. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. In the background, a servant scoops coal.Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. We'll own up to our mistakes and will make the corrections with a polite smile on our faces.) Did servants get paid? UnderButler nope, but was an optional position. A favourite maid's name was Sarah. It is now broadcast in 250 countries. The staff of Downton Abbey work for the Crawley family. Daisy, as an undercook, would have earned $22,150 a year. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. At the end of their stay with their hosts, guests paid servants a tip for their services. The cast of female characters includes a housekeeper, a lady's maid, housemaids, a cook, and a kitchen maid. 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.". Always stand still when being spoken to by a lady and look at the person speaking to you. With Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle. Mr. Batess arrival creates a stir that causes the ladys maid and first footman to plot against him. He often has pitfalls, most recently so speaking out of turn in the presence of the King and Queen. OK seriously, this was a good post. STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE: A PICTURESQUE HISTORY Sophie McShera as Daisy, Kitchen Maid. :). Tweenies who help the parlormaids and the scullery maids- Downton has none. During season two, Downton Abbey was turned into a convalescent home for soldiers. (And anibundel, for posting!). New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Youd still want a maid to do laundry and vacuum. Refuse and she would soon be packing her bags for an uncertain future without references. Joanne Froggatt as Anna, Head Housemaid. However, it seems clear from the series that there are a number of other servants in the household who effectively serve as extras in the series. [] Downstairs in Downton Abbey: TheServants [], [] Downstairs in Downton Abbey: The Servants []. Loved Downton! We are not nearly as proud of our achievements as we should be. Vic said: Downstairs in Downton Abbey: The Servants: Jane Austen's World http://t.co/8ufFL50 [], Very informative, thank you! The Second Footman: (Thomas Howes) Williams position among the upper servants is low, for he must answer to the butler, housekeeper, and first footman. 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. Have you seen the television series with Laurie and Fry? But by 2012 the Downton effect had begun to take the pressure off. based on what I've seen of Downton Abbey (which I assume to be relatively accurate). I love P.G. Staff was generational too: the more senior but still relatively young maids and footmen and underbutlers etc. Servants await the arrival of guests. Please read the rules before participating, as we remove all comments which break the rules. Every single day, dont take anything for granted, said Lady Carnarvon. It is something I am passionate about; I am a really strong believer in soft power. In addition, the sheets of the family would be changed several times a week, as would those of any guests. 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.
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