Footmen on 'Downton Abbey'. Rarely has her talent or her methods been challenged by anyone. They wore white gloves to serve at table to conceal their grubby hands. I think Mrs. Crawley is merely a very independant person, youd have to be if you were a Manchester matriarch, which, given her interests in charities and hospitals and so on is more than likely. Jim Carter appeared in many period dramas before Downton Abbey. As the driver, he took all of the family to and from the main house and around the countryside. Breakfast at Downton Abbey. 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. Im watching downtown abbey as a distraction from quarantine. made them look like twins. Occaisionally a servant who became pregnant by a member of The Family would be paid off (but also fired), depending. 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. Some of the so-called traditional wear for servants is based on oridnary wear during the Regency. Would that be analogous to, say, a mid-range hotel manager today, in status and income? In reality, service in great houses was preferred over other jobs that were available during the 18th and 19th centuries, such as tedious and often dangerous labor in factories or backbreaking work on farms. The main meal - 'dinner'- was taken at around midday, while 'tea' was a very light meal served at around 4 o'clock. I was reading this with interest, and it is a good analysis. Head Housemaid: Joanne Froggatt as Anna is a pretty, quiet, and dependable presence. The bottom line is quite thin, she said. Middle class families . Daisy, as an undercook, would have earned $22,150 a year. The servants of Downton Abbey worked hard, but as shown in the series, they knew their place and were proud of their positions. The golden age was over and the huge servant class all but disappeared. One stately home looks much the same as another. Downton has no laundry maids, adding to the burden on the undersized staff. Downton Abbey is a large house that requires a lot of upkeep and staff to run it. 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. The staff of Downton Abbey work for the Crawley family. We'll own up to our mistakes and will make the corrections with a polite smile on our faces.) I have adored Jane Austen almost all of my life. (especially how it brings in the Honorary Colonel posting at the end to tie everything together! 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. The servant class boomed in the late 19th century as the expanding empire and industrial revolution created new wealth. Their commitment to their employers and the home they serve shows in the meals they provide, and the cleanliness of the estate. Housekeeping was hard physical labor before central heat and air made houses cleaner; and standards of dustfree shining cleanliness were higher, not to mention the only way to have food was to cook from complete scratch every day and many households still made at least some of their own clothing. 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. 2-3 Parlor maids These maids work on the main floor public rooms and rarely if ever come in contact with the family. Really it is a fantasy world, based in a particular time in history. Cora eventually learned that Baxter had been convicted for a crime she didn't commit. There may be a difference between housemaid and parlourmaid uniforms, and perhaps differences in rank too. 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. During the Regency, both footmen and livery were taxed which added nto the expense of keeping footmen. 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. Except I guess we do, since each episode seems to span months, and sometimes years. And fellow cast members Michelle Dockery, Laura . 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. A good and reliable servant was a prized commodity. I guess I'm just looking for some way to relate my modern understanding of the world to how they were. Although Downton Abbey follows only 11 of the upper servants closely, one can see other servants (housemaids, a scullery maid, young boys, coal men, and the like) in the background going about their business. Fabulous, many thanks for this. 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. Unfortunately, I don't know that we know much about how servants and slaves in England viewed each other. 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. The hotel is still one of the most elegant places to stay in London. 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. Just wondering assuming you could afford a house like Downton today, what would your staffing needs be now as compared to 1920? Where they just fired and thrown out? Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. At this same time, there were about 700 families in England who could support large country homes. 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 []. 1903. And I also know they led relatively simple lives in terms of travel, leisure, etc. How much does it cost to get married at Downton Abbey? (The First World War shook the system; the Second World War pretty much ended the system entirely). I know it's not an easy comparison to today, because they had room and board included in their wages. In fact the doors of stately homes and townhouses revolved with departing servants seeking a better life elsewhere. Gardeners have been referred to, as have gamekeepers and general outdoor staff. Weve seen at least one groom, too. Topics include Regency fashion, historic foods, Jane Austen societies, British sites, related topics. It [Downton Abbey] is iconic for expressing Britishness. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Molesley is decent at his duties but often falls into embarrassing situations. Allen Leech as Tom Branson, the Chauffeur. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. That is more than worked on the land or in factories. Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, Housekeeper. Never call from one room to another and always answer when you have received an order. Tending to the vehicles, he was a skilled mechanic as well. 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. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has amassed an incredible fortune and is said to be worth an estimated $20million. One difference between the Edwardian and Regency great house is that the Regency servants except for footmen were unlikely to wear uniforms. The Downton tourists are part of a growing phenomenon. Do they still do it? For all these great houses, you have to invest in them. Many valets did very well for themselves. 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. Mrs. Reynolds no doubt received a tip from the Gardiners after showing the public rooms of Mr. Darcys great estate. What were the wages of Downton Abbey-era servants? Thomas is now Under Butler, and there are two footmen. The House Maid: (Rose Leslie) Young Gwen is a housemaid with a goal that of becoming a typist. Servants were not allowed to marry of have children of their own. 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. 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. Siobhan Finneran as OBrien, the countesss ladies maid, Rose Leslie as Gwen, housemaid, and Joanne Froggatt as Anna, head maid. There are also hallboys and other maids whose names we dont know. 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. While Mrs. Hughes was dedicated fully to her work, no one was as dedicated to the house as Mr. Carson. Laundry MaidsA house the size of Downton generates huge amounts of laundry. 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. 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. Only the butler may answer the bell. I guess Ill have to return to find out. It is now broadcast in 250 countries. Such a close daily association often develops intimacy over time. Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, the Butler. Good eye! Never let your voice be heard by the ladies and gentlemen of the house. (Read more about this topic in my post, Hiring Servants in the Regency Era and Later. In the background, a servant scoops coal.Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE Vic Sanborn, founder of this blog, is supported by a team of talented and knowledgeable writers about Jane Austen and the Regency era. Quite a few went on to work in inns or hotels. In 2017, Variety estimated hour-long dramas (like Downton Abbey) cost $5 to $7 million dollars per episode to make. She would stoke the kitchen fire for the cook and boil water. You would think a big house like Downton would provide them, but perhaps not. Daisy, the kitchen maid, lays a fire in the library. In addition to the main house, servants worked in the service buildings, such as the stables, garage, dairy, bakehouse, laundry, gun room, and pantry. Vic said: Downstairs in Downton Abbey: The Servants: Jane Austen's World http://t.co/8ufFL50 [], Very informative, thank you! 'Supper' was usually taken at 9 o'clock, after most of the work had been finished. 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 Butler: Jim Carter, who you may remember as Captain Brown from Cranford, portrays Mr. Carson, the butler, with grave dignity. Brendan Coyle as John Bates, the Valet. To perform all the heavy cleaning and lifting. 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. II, By CHARLES G. HARPER. A first footman will serve as valet to the male guests if they arrive without a male servant. She works with a positive attitude and champions those who need defending. One housemaid (to perform the duties of both Chambermaid and Parlor maid). Just like Lark Rise to Candleford, which I must admit, is a much better show. Rob James-Collier as Thomas, First Footman.Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. As OBrien is doing the work of 3 or 4 Ladys maids, no wonder she is so sour. VisitBritains director, Patricia Yates, said: The links between tourism, films and TV are potent ones. She added that period dramas have also raised the popularity of regions outside of London. I think Sarah retired from work to raise her family and only returned to domestic service when they were on their own. 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.). Are there still butlers? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. At the end of their stay with their hosts, guests paid servants a tip for their services. But, looking beyond that, he is one of the most dedicated staff members period. Then Downton came along and it became a major tourist attraction.. Pensioned off, but you worked until you were really old, and dying was a lot easier then anyway. First Footman Check (if senior can fill underbutler role), also attends the lady of the house when making calls. Sigh. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. At the top stood the butler and housekeeper. RELATED: Downton Abbey: 10 Upstairs Memes That Will Have You Cry-Laughing But doing one's duty is more than just cleaning and cooking. At the turn of the 20th century when the population of Britain was only 36million there were 1.5million servants. Hall boyto take cards in the hall, polish shoes and boots of visitors. 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. We've ranked the servants' job performances. But Downton Abbey is a great house, and there are servants aplenty. Servants: the True Story Of . Oh Woe! I also think I remember reading that slavery was outlawed much earlier than in the States. Thanks and courage, my friend. Eventually, when he felt called to pursue bigger dreams, he did so without a ton of fanfare or fuss. But, after a lot of development, he soon becomes one of the most sympathetic. Cookie Notice The Downton tourists are part of a growing phenomenon. 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. 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. Mrs. Patmore is one of the most skilled cooks that the series ever confronts. Though this information is not known when this article was first posted, I seem to remember it didnt come out until season3. 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. What is the owner of a stable called? Estate manager (agent) Jarvis (1880-1920) Tom Branson (1920-24, since 1925) Mary Talbot (since 1925) Henry Talbot . I hadnt noticed that. The laundry was in a different building and the laundry staff were seperate, so its no wonder you dont see them, but you really should watch the series over, if you watch the downstairs secnes theres about 20 or more extras running around behind all the servants who get a character. 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. The same was true here. Do public servants get paid well? Gradually, however, this world began to disappear and the Downton Abbey period marked the swansong for domestic service. 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. Not only useful but entertaining to read. However the contrast between the sumptuous family areas and the dull, often squalid servants' quarters was stark. with any luck. Back of the house. The Only Running Footman; Sources . We may receive books (physical or digitized) and DVDs for review purposes. 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. I am a proud lifetime member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. 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. 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). We do not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. Tatton Park, Baron Egerton's home in Knutsford, Cheshire, had some 40 indoor servants in the 1890s, while at Eaton Hall near Chester the Duke of Westminster employed 300 indoor and outdoor servants, among them more than 40 gardeners. 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. Your conclusion on the number of staff at Downton Abbey is Wrong. Luckily though, he found a place as a member of the family instead. Downton Abbey wouldn't survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. Alfred was rarely at the forefront of proceedings, which makes him one of the best employees at Downtown. Since he first started out as a footman, Carson was dedicated to the old ways that made a grand house work. A newspaper reports that leading actors including Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern have been given three-year deals worth 1million each. Servants who got pregnant were often fired and thrown out. Wodehouses Jeeves and Wooster series of stores? Someeven became proprietors of public houses. But Moseley's dedication and kind demeanor earned him at least a spot on this list. Alongside his partner Mrs. Hughes, Carson becomes an even sweeter and softer version of his obstinate self. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Highly informative, while at the same time completely avoiding the fetish known as hat worship. Ireland, http://anibundel.com/2012/02/08/poor-crawleys-a-study-of-downton-abbeys-staffing-woes/, Skating Highlights of the Week: Most of Russian Junior Nationals, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 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. 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. Downton. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. The lower staff, and discussion on where all these servants are in Downton Abbey, after the jump. That portrays the true relationship betweem servant and master. Sadly, falling in love with your employer's daughter isn't a great resume builder. OK seriously, this was a good post. A lot of people here think of it as soapy entertainment. Its given us a wonderful marketing platform, an international profile. 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. Anna has often received the worst cards in life. Downton Abbey wouldn't survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. So true, I believe they had well over 20 servants, you tend to see them in the background carrying sheets and other household items, and they did have a land agent prior to Mathew, he resigned over a disagreement with Lord G, and him following Mathews advice, the land agent actually took over for his father and grew up on the estate. A kind and observant woman, Mrs. Hughes nevertheless keeps her female team in line. He often has pitfalls, most recently so speaking out of turn in the presence of the King and Queen. What kind of purchasing power did they have? RELATED:Downton Abbey: 10 Upstairs Memes That Will Have You Cry-Laughing. Dan Stevens left the show to pursue other roles, MORE:Dan Stevens reveals the real reason he left Downton Abbey. Rose Leslie as Gwen, House Maid. Head of the female servants, she consults with her mistress daily about the meals, family plans, and any guests that are expected. But I assure you they have the normal amount of servants that an estate of this size was expected to have, probably more, as you posted they just arent part of the story, to many speaking parts would get confusing and very difficult to follow all the drama for every servant, oh and eventually as everyone knows, Branson takes over as land agent later in the story. Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. 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. This meant that the food often arrived at the dining table cold or, at best, lukewarm. Servants should never offer any opinion to their employers, nor even to say good night. He gave his entire being to ensure that every event, whether it was a simple breakfast or a grand feast, went off without issue. forbidden love!). The countess mistakenly thinks that OBrien is as fond of her as she is of her maid. Downton Abbey: How much did Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith and more make during the show? The Table cloths in the servants hall , the butlers room and the housekeepers parlor would not be washed as frequently but would add to the workload. 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.". They had the ability to save a large portion of their salaries, or send money to support their families back home. Era. Historical archives reveal that countless footmen were called William, Henry or James, which were considered "acceptable" names. Their commitment to their employers and the home they serve shows in the meals they provide, and the cleanliness of the estate. And Downton Abbey doesn't get into the legacy of slavery on British society at all, partly because the story of slavery specifically on English soil is so different from . In some instances, links will be removed from comments as well. 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. June 27, 2021. I thought, So what?, because I had never heard of Highclere Castle. Mrs. Hughes was a friend to all of her staff, but she never allowed herself to be manipulated by her sympathies. One male servant, footman/valet:To serve in the dining room, valet Matthew, and accompany Mrs Crawley as the lady of the house on her calls. Its a big house after all. VisitBritain estimates that nearly 30% of foreign visitors, or nearly nine million people, include castles and historic houses on their. Click on this link. My husband and I really got into Downton Abbey but some of the plot lines were dark enough to just haunt use throughout or daily activities. Servants were often left utterly exhausted but they had no unions or employment rights.". He is as protective towards the Crawley family as he would have been to his own. The kitchen maid would perform these offices if there were no tweeny or scullery maid. Maggie Smith will be playing a 120 year old by the time this show wraps production. Click on image. Neame is now an ambassador for the GREAT Britain campaign, which is backed by government departments and the British Council, using it to promote the UK around the world. How wrong I was. In real life, during World War I, the 5th . Siobhan Finneran as OBrien, Ladys Maid. He currently writes for Screen Rant, has written for Bloody Disgusting, hosts the Film School Sucked podcast, and co-hosts the Macabre podcast. The Portal for Public History. Loved Downton! 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. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. The following transcript has been edited. Servants were expected to "know their place". Valet check, but see below under4thfootman. 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. For Mr. Bates, the flights of steep stairs can be daunting, and he is incapable of carrying large trays or helping with dinner service when more hands are needed. Please read the rules before participating, as we remove all comments which break the rules. The formerly somewhat basic ticketing policy has become a computerised advance booking system, helping to guarantee foreign visitors admission. Any resources you can refer that go beyond simple explanations but really examine this in-depth? Second Footman Check but fail, in high class household is supposed to be as alike physically to first footman as to be twins. This one explains how a pre-war British country house worked. Who owns the house in Downton Abbey? Not only that, but she remains a great, yet tough, mentor to those assigned under her. 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. 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. 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. In the background, a servant scoops coal.Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. In Downton Abbey, the veteran actress plays Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham and mother of Lord Crawley. Each table cloth would be washed, starched and ironed after each use. If a pretty maid attracted her roving master's eye she had little choice but to accept her fate. The accounts of Highclere Enterprises for 2014-15 show current assets have almost trebled to around 1m since 2012. All rights reserved. I was under. Baker / LIFE Books. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jane Austen's World with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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