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. Matt Berger is a writer, comedian, actor, Paddington enthusiast, and Corgi dad. Never let your voice be heard by the ladies and gentlemen of the house. Although these were generous, wages could vary greatly depending on a servant's gender or the position they occupied within the house. Always stand still when being spoken to by a lady and look at the person speaking to you. When Downton Abbey opens, the camera follows the servants as they rise and ready the house for the day. Every British tourist attraction sells little guidebooks published by the Pitkin company. Alongside his partner Mrs. Hughes, Carson becomes an even sweeter and softer version of his obstinate self. Someeven became proprietors of public houses. Downton has none. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. A favourite maid's name was Sarah. Elizabeth McGovern has $4million to her name. As for Mr. Bates on Downton Abbey, I hope he is able to climb out of the hole hes landed in. For all these great houses, you have to invest in them. Maggie Smith will be playing a 120 year old by the time this show wraps production. 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. In 1827, the Earl of Lichfield employed 107 servants at Shugborough Hall near Stafford. Even when compared with demographically similar workers, domestic workers on average are paid just 74 cents for every dollar that their peers make. How much did house servants get paid Downton Abbey? 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. 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? Dan Stevens left the show to pursue other roles, MORE:Dan Stevens reveals the real reason he left Downton Abbey. Your conclusion on the number of staff at Downton Abbey is Wrong. At this point in history, upper class people changed their clothes several times a day (4 or more) resulting in huge amounts of laundry. One period household manual gave this advice to employers: "By not acknowledging them you will spare them the shame of explaining their presence.". The following is a list of the staff of Downton Abbey, past and present. Fired, thrown out. 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. Wodehouses Jeeves and Wooster series of stores? For more information, please see our What happened to servants who did get pregnant? Mrs. Hughes was a friend to all of her staff, but she never allowed herself to be manipulated by her sympathies. Alas and alack! Their commitment to their employers and the home they serve shows in the meals they provide, and the cleanliness of the estate. A modern view? Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. The Second Footman: (Thomas Howes) Williams position among the upper servants is low, for he must answer to the butler, housekeeper, and first footman. What happened to servants when they got too old to work? Head Housemaid: Joanne Froggatt as Anna is a pretty, quiet, and dependable presence. 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. I think it was the limits on social and sexual life which made many females turn from domestic service to that in offices and shops. The Cook: Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, the cook, is hiding a secret, one that threatens her very livelihood. But Downton Abbey is a great house, and there are servants aplenty. Ive been looking forward to its broadcast Sunday. However, we do accept and keep books and CDs to review. However, her portrayal of Cora Crawley, the Countess of Grantham, is perhaps her most memorable role to date. At the very least, Mrs. Patmore would have needed a permanent person in the scullery, and other assistants to help maintain order in the kitchens. In the pipeline is a Tutankhamun centenary event in 2022, 100 years after the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb that revolutionised our understanding of Egyptology. While she was constantly working hard in her position, her past became an ultimate roadblock. RELATED: Downton Abbey: 10 Upstairs Memes That Will Have You Cry-Laughing But doing one's duty is more than just cleaning and cooking. Upon rising, servants would labor first and eat only after the family had risen, dressed, and breakfasted. However the contrast between the sumptuous family areas and the dull, often squalid servants' quarters was stark. How much did servants make in Downton Abbey? Fourth Footman fail. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Carriages are being replaced by automobiles, but the infrastructure for maintaining cars is not yet in place. [] Downstairs in Downton Abbey: TheServants [], [] Downstairs in Downton Abbey: The Servants []. Quite a few went on to work in inns or hotels. But, after a lot of development, he soon becomes one of the most sympathetic. Second Footman Check but fail, in high class household is supposed to be as alike physically to first footman as to be twins. I thought, So what?, because I had never heard of Highclere Castle. Since he first started out as a footman, Carson was dedicated to the old ways that made a grand house work. 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. Luckily though, he found a place as a member of the family instead. Servants worked 17-hour days with time off limited to church on Sunday morning and one afternoon a week. But Moseley's dedication and kind demeanor earned him at least a spot on this list. 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. Its addictive! forbidden love!). An ambitious man, who cares only for his own advancement, he will use anyone to achieve his goals, even if it means destroying anothers reputation. However, 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins later, it's never been more apparent just how much of an impact the show made. Servants: the True Story Of . 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. A first footman will serve as valet to the male guests if they arrive without a male servant. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Alongside her eventual husband Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes was dedicated to running as strong a household staff as possible. 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 . Click here to enter the page. 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! At the end of their stay with their hosts, guests paid servants a tip for their services. 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. Forget cosy notions of Hudson the butler and Mrs Bridges the cook - this servitude was thankless, sweaty, backbreaking work. Thomas Howes as William, the Second Footman. Laundry MaidsA house the size of Downton generates huge amounts of laundry. 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.. But was this always the case? The servant stairs. ), I love this post. 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. The chances of a master being held to account were remote. Valet check, but see below under4thfootman. Never begin to talk to ladies and gentlemen. The staff of Downton Abbey work for the Crawley family. 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.). Alfred was rarely at the forefront of proceedings, which makes him one of the best employees at Downtown. OF THE COACHING AGE, VOL. I've been watching the final season of Downton Abbey. Thomas was one of the most villainous characters in the series. Downton Abbey quietly premiered in the United Kingdom in 2011. Unless pregnant by a member of the household in which case they might also get paid off. They were hired by the Lady and Master of the house rather than by the butler, housekeeper or house steward. Downton Abbey will be shown Sunday night on your local PBS station starting at 9 p.m. Click here to view the video clips. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Any breakages or damage to the house will be deducted from wages. STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE: A PICTURESQUE HISTORY Sigh. Due to SPAM, we will no longer accept comments on posts after 30 days of publication. But have you ever wondered how much money they've made since the show began? MORE:Downton Abbey star Maggie Smith looks incredible at start of career - see the gorgeous snaps. Then Downton came along and it became a major tourist attraction.. He did his duties and rarely allowed for personal problems to overshadow his work. ), Thank you, JHarper2! Although only her kitchen maid, Daisy, is seen as her regular assistant, there would have been others in a house this size. Daisy, as an undercook, would have earned $22,150 a year. Rob James-Collier as Thomas, First Footman.Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Occaisionally a servant who became pregnant by a member of The Family would be paid off (but also fired), depending. This was a deliberate ploy to demonstrate that they were a class apart. Topics include Regency fashion, historic foods, Jane Austen societies, British sites, related topics. VisitBritain estimates that nearly 30% of foreign visitors, or nearly nine million people, include castles and historic houses on their itineraries. Rarely has her talent or her methods been challenged by anyone. would be promoted into the households of the adult children, and grow old with them. The Ladys Maid: Siobhan Finneran plays OBrien as a cold, ruthless woman, who trusts no one. Wodehouses works. Downton Abbey: Created by Julian Fellowes. Some of the so-called traditional wear for servants is based on oridnary wear during the Regency. 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. Allen Leech as Tom Branson, the Chauffeur. 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. Eventually, when he felt called to pursue bigger dreams, he did so without a ton of fanfare or fuss. Yet service allows him to better himself and someday work his way up to the position of butler. Breakfast at Downton Abbey. This meant that the food often arrived at the dining table cold or, at best, lukewarm. . I wage a one-man War against the forelock-tugging worship of all things that glorify a parasitic aristocracy and then am betrayed! Like this story? What you do is never sit on your laurels. Servants found new work in registry offices, where they would enter their name in the registry book, or through word of mouth. Just like Lark Rise to Candleford, which I must admit, is a much better show. 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. Downton. A good and reliable servant was a prized commodity. I also think I remember reading that slavery was outlawed much earlier than in the States. He often has pitfalls, most recently so speaking out of turn in the presence of the King and Queen. 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. Their commitment to their employers and the home they serve shows in the meals they provide, and the cleanliness of the estate. Brendan Coyle as John Bates, the Valet. 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? Disclaimer: Our team makes no profit from this blog. [] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vic . Scullery maids, cleaned and washed up in the separate scullery area. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. Downton only has 2-3 housemaids/maids of all work, thus is both understaffed and staffed at a lower level. Which would mean female servants would have to be celibate or very careful. Cook - Check Undercook or 1st kitchenmaid - 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. During the Regency, both footmen and livery were taxed which added nto the expense of keeping footmen. During season two, Downton Abbey was turned into a convalescent home for soldiers. The Portal for Public History. Tending to the vehicles, he was a skilled mechanic as well. If a pretty maid attracted her roving master's eye she had little choice but to accept her fate. and our What were the wages of Downton Abbey-era servants? 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 Edwardian times going into service was frequently the only alternative to near starvation. The neglected tombstone found in an overgrown burial ground. Thanks and courage, my friend. The only time that the servants might be visible to family or guests was when they cleaned and polished the main halls and stairway. A lot of people here think of it as soapy entertainment. 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. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has amassed an incredible fortune and is said to be worth an estimated $20million. 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. One wonders if William will ever achieve that ambition, for times are changing and the aristocracy will be hard pressed to hang onto their lands and houses after the second world war. Siobhan Finneran as OBrien, Ladys Maid. We saw some gamekeepers in the shooting episode in which Mary was accompanied by Sir Richard. 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 programme reveals that one London employer went through 34 maids in 32 years. 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. Downton Abbey wouldn't survive without all the downstairs staff who work tirelessly day in and day out. At the turn of the 20th century when the population of Britain was only 36million there were 1.5million servants. Michelle Dockery is said to be worth $4million, MORE:11most devastating Downton Abbey moments, ranked. But perhaps most antique of all is the idea of life in a house full of servants, with two symbiotic. 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. Credit: Courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited for MASTERPIECE. The potential opportunities for lasting friendships were limited even below stairs. In some instances, links will be removed from comments as well. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. When disaster strikes, Daisy not only steps in but demonstrates that she is more than ready to step up the servant hierarchy. Archived post. Marvelous Mrs Maisel: will Lenny Bruces death be depicted in season 5? The year is 1925 and there are already the first rumblings of the economic storms that will blight the end of the decade. Im watching downtown abbey as a distraction from quarantine. Oh Woe! Your comments and suggestions are most welcome. I guess Ill have to return to find out. The golden age was over and the huge servant class all but disappeared. She would stoke the kitchen fire for the cook and boil water. Subject to the cooks every whim (and to the housekeepers and anyone else who happens nearby) she goes about her duties cheerfully. 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. We'll own up to our mistakes and will make the corrections with a polite smile on our faces.) The results of all of the painstaking work and added expense paid off though, as Downton Abbey has been realized for the silver screen in a fashion that only its particular brand of drama and . Servants who got pregnant were often fired and thrown out. Servants were badly paid and often lived in squalor. 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! 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. 1903. In other parts of the world people revere our actors, our writing and production talent. Nick BriggsCarnival Film & Television Ltd. By J.I. With Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle. The Regency Court Gown: Regency Fashion, Pride and Prejudice Economics: Or Why a Single Man with a Fortune of 4,000 Per Year is a Desirable Husband, A Portrait of a 19th C. Artist by an UnknownArtist. How many servants would a house like Downton Abbey have? The typical (median) domestic worker is paid $12.01 per hour, much less than other workers (who are paid $19.97 per hour). In addition to wearing uniforms servants were expected to have matching hairstyles. Bizarrely in another stripping away of identity they were sometimes given generic names. How wrong I was. Our image of this under-class is based on television programmes such as Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs. 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. Published February 20, 2012. It was not uncommon for a scullery maid to be promoted to kitchen maid and eventually up to a cook. 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. Highly informative, while at the same time completely avoiding the fetish known as hat worship. Mrs. Patmore is one of the most skilled cooks that the series ever confronts. Too old to work? VisitBritain estimates that nearly 30% of foreign visitors, or nearly nine million people, include castles and historic houses on their. 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. Now Ive never seen a tweeny, but there seem to be about two hallboys/odd job men. (Do they mean the same thing?). If this is explored later in the series for those who have watched, how accurate is the portrayal? (And anibundel, for posting!). I am a proud lifetime member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Sophie McShera as Daisy, Kitchen Maid. How much was Cora's dowry? At the turn of the 20th century when the population of Britain was only 36million there were 1.5million servants. We often see servants in the background, coming and going, whose names and positions we dont know. They had the ability to save a large portion of their salaries, or send money to support their families back home. That is more than worked on the land or in factories. January 11, 2016 7: . 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