Terminology. Other terms include domestic helper, domestic servant, manservant or menial.

What jobs did servants do?

Both men and women worked as servants although the jobs they had to do were different. A man’s job might include running the stables, working in the gardens or working as a footman or butler. Women were usually given the jobs of cooking, cleaning and other general housekeeping tasks.

Who were the servants in the country of the house?

The servants followed a hierarchy downstairs as strict as upstairs, and the upper servants, the butler, housekeeper, cook, valet and ladies maid would be served meals and tea by the lower servants. The highest ranking servant was the stewart, then came the butler and housekeeper.

What is the head housekeeper called?

Head house-maid: the senior house maid, reporting to the Housekeeper. (Also called “House parlour maid” in an establishment with only one or two upstairs maids).

What’s the difference between a footman and a valet?

As nouns the difference between footman and valet is that footman is (label) a soldier who marches and fights on foot; a foot soldier while valet is a man’s personal male attendant, responsible for his clothes and appearance.

What are the ranks of servants?

The Servant Hierarchy

• Housekeeper. The housekeeper was the undisputed head of the female staff.
• Cook.
• Head Nurse/Nanny.
• Housemaid.
• Kitchen maid/Cook maid.
• Laundry maid.
• Nursemaid.
• Dairy maid.

Could servants get married?

A great majority of female domestic servants did get married, of course. They could not go back to their jobs as live-in servants, because they were married, and were now expected to care for their husband and children.

How many servants did Downton Abbey have?

Dowton Abbey, the series, highlights eleven servants who ran the household, but in 1912, Highclere Castle, where the exterior and interior shots were filmed, used the services of 25 maids, 14 footmen, and three chefs.

What are female butlers called?

housekeeper
A butler is usually male, and in charge of male servants, while a housekeeper is usually a woman, and in charge of female servants.

What’s a female butler called?

What is a female valet?

A valet or “gentleman’s gentleman” is a gentleman’s male servant; the closest female equivalent is a lady’s maid.

What did Victorian servants do?

Victorian servant’s duties Most of the houses, including the middle-class homes, had servants and they formed an integral part of the household. The servants did jobs like washing clothes, washing the dishes and preparing meals and at times even took care of the children .

Which period came after the Edwardian era?

Edwardian era in the United Kingdom is the period which included the reign of King Edward VII (1901-1910). Some people say that the “Edwardian era” continued after the death of King Edward VII in 1910. These people believe that the “Edwardian era” also included the years before the start of World War I in 1914.

When did Edwardian era begin?

Edwardian era. The Edwardian era or Edwardian period of British history covers the brief reign of King Edward VII, 1901 to 1910, and is sometimes extended in both directions to capture long-term trends from the 1890s to the First World War . The death of Queen Victoria in January, 1901 marked the end of the Victorian era.

What was the Edwardian era?

The Edwardian era in the United Kingdom is the period which included the reign of King Edward VII (1901–1910). The “Edwardian era” usually includes some years before and after his reign, up to the First World War. King Edward VII was very different from Queen Victoria.