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Product Description
Product Description
* From the cook, butler and housekeeper to the footman, lady's maid and nanny, this is a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of some of Britain's grandest houses. * An entertaining social history, steering the reader through the minefield of etiquette and hierarchy that kept Britain's great houses running like clockwork. * A bygone era is brought vividly to live through letters, journals, interviews, lively descriptions and stunning photography of the places and possessions left behind. The largely untold stories of innumerable, rather humble, lives spent 'in service' are lying just below the surface of many great houses; the physical evidence can be seen in surviving servants' quarters, the material of their everyday life, even their uniforms and possessions. This account provides a fascinating glimpse at who's who behind the scenes, from the cook, butler and housekeeper to the footmen, lady's maids, governesses and tutors, nannies and nursemaids. Giving a fascinating insight into the heirarchy within the servant's quarters - from the power-wielding cook to the ever-discreet butler - this guide describes how relationships were forged and changed as the gap between upstairs and downstairs was bridged. Describing their typical working day as well as the holidays, entertainments and pastimes enjoyed on a rare day off, not to mention the whirl of the social season, this previously 'unwritten history' recalls vividly the nature of their lives below stairs.
About the Author
Cultural historian Sian Evans has drawn on her extensive knowledge of historic houses and their archives to explore the largely unrecorded working and personal lives of our ancestors 'in service'. She previously worked for the National Trust, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Design Museum, and is the author of Ghosts: Mysterious Tales from the National Trust and Pattern Design.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Bought this for my friend for Christmas and she hasn't put it down since. Good insight into the servants' lives and a quality National Trust publication. Good purchase and cheaper on amazon than in the NT properties.
6 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is an absolute must read for any fans of Upstairs Downstairs, or Downton Abbey. Well written, and full of illustrations, it gives a clear insight into the reality of servants lives.
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