Below Stairs

1. The harsh realities of domestic service in early 20th century Britain

I WAS BORN in 1907 in Hove, the second child of a family of seven. My earliest recollection is that other children seemed to be better off than we were.

Long hours and low pay. Domestic service in early 20th century Britain was characterized by grueling work schedules and meager compensation. Servants often worked from dawn to dusk, with little time off and minimal personal freedom. The duties were physically demanding and included tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and caring for their employers' every need.

Limited personal space and privacy. Servants typically lived in cramped quarters within their employers' homes, often sharing rooms with other staff members. This lack of privacy and personal space contributed to a sense of constant surveillance and control by their employers. Additionally, servants were expected to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, even during their limited free time, further blurring the lines between work and personal life.

2. The stark contrast between the lives of servants and their employers

They were so far above the servants that they literally didn't see them.

Vast wealth disparity. The lives of servants and their employers were worlds apart, with employers enjoying luxurious lifestyles while servants struggled to make ends meet. This stark contrast was evident in:

• Living conditions: Servants lived in cramped, poorly furnished quarters while employers occupied spacious, opulent rooms
• Meals: Employers dined on elaborate multi-course meals while servants ate simple, often inadequate fare
• Leisure time: Employers enjoyed social events and hobbies while servants had limited free time and few opportunities for recreation

Social barriers. The rigid class system of the time created an almost insurmountable divide between servants and their employers. Servants were often treated as invisible or sub-human, expected to perform their duties without being seen or heard. This dehumanizing treatment reinforced the social hierarchy and made it difficult for servants to view themselves as equals to their employers.

3. The importance of cooking skills and adaptability in domestic service

All the time he was teaching he'd keep up a running commentary like these French people are supposed to do. 'Voilà', he'd say, and 'Comme ci, comme ça', and 'oui, oui'.

Culinary expertise as a valuable asset. Cooking skills were highly prized in domestic service, with talented cooks often earning higher wages and enjoying better treatment from their employers. The ability to prepare a wide range of dishes, from simple fare to elaborate multi-course meals, was essential for success in this field.

Adaptability and resourcefulness. Domestic servants, particularly cooks, had to be adaptable and resourceful to meet the changing demands of their employers. This included:

• Learning new techniques and recipes to keep up with culinary trends
• Improvising with available ingredients to create impressive dishes
• Adjusting to different kitchen equipment and cooking facilities in various households
• Catering to the specific tastes and dietary requirements of their employers

4. The challenges of maintaining personal relationships while in service

After all's said and done, you've only got one lot of goods and if you're going to distribute them to all and sundry you haven't got anything worth keeping when the real one comes along!

Limited opportunities for socializing. Domestic servants faced significant challenges in maintaining personal relationships due to their demanding work schedules and restricted freedom. Key obstacles included:

• Long working hours that left little time for socializing
• Limited days off, often only one afternoon and evening per week
• Strict curfews that required servants to be back in their employers' homes by a certain time
• Employer disapproval of servants forming romantic relationships

Pressure to marry and leave service. Many female servants felt pressure to find a husband and leave domestic service, as it was often seen as a temporary occupation before marriage. This created a sense of urgency in forming relationships, which could lead to rushed decisions or settling for less-than-ideal partners.

5. The impact of social class on opportunities and treatment

I used to wish with all my heart that I could speak with their cultured voices. I said to Mr Kite once, 'You know, if only we could speak in the way they do it wouldn't matter if we hadn't got twopence in our pockets, we could walk into the Ritz and as soon as we opened our mouths the waiters would rush to show us to a table; whereas like we are now, if we went in with fifty pounds and asked for a table the only place they would show us to would be the door.'

Limited social mobility. The rigid class system of early 20th century Britain made it extremely difficult for domestic servants to improve their social standing. Factors contributing to this lack of mobility included:

• Limited access to education and training opportunities
• Social stigma associated with domestic service work
• Lack of financial resources to pursue alternative careers or start businesses

Discrimination based on accent and appearance. Servants were often judged and treated differently based on their accents and appearance, which were clear indicators of their social class. This discrimination made it challenging for them to be taken seriously or afforded respect in situations outside of their service roles.

6. The gradual improvement of working conditions for domestic servants

The contrast was fantastic. They were the most thoughtful and kind people I'd ever met, ever since I started in domestic service.

Evolving employer attitudes. Over time, some employers began to recognize the importance of treating their servants well and providing better working conditions. This shift was driven by:

• Changing social attitudes towards class and labor rights
• Increased competition for skilled domestic workers
• Growing awareness of the benefits of a contented and loyal staff

Tangible improvements. As attitudes evolved, servants began to experience concrete improvements in their working conditions, including:

• Better living quarters with more privacy and comfort
• More reasonable work hours and time off
• Improved wages and benefits
• Greater respect and consideration from employers

7. The lasting effects of domestic service on personal development and self-worth

When I left domestic service I took with me the knowledge of how to cook an elaborate seven-course dinner and an enormous inferiority complex; I can't say that I found those an asset to my married life.

Skills vs. self-esteem. While domestic service provided valuable practical skills, particularly in cooking and household management, it often came at the cost of personal development and self-esteem. The constant reinforcement of class distinctions and subservient behavior could lead to:

• Difficulty asserting oneself in personal relationships
• Challenges in adapting to life outside of service
• Feelings of inadequacy when interacting with people from higher social classes

Struggle for identity. Many former domestic servants struggled to establish their own identities and sense of self-worth after leaving service. The transition from a highly structured environment with clear expectations to the autonomy of married life or other occupations could be challenging and disorienting.

8. The complexities of interpersonal relationships within the servant hierarchy

I had to listen to a long lecture on the evils of such wanton behaviour. No nice young man would ever suggest such a thing to a girl he hoped to marry.

Hierarchical power dynamics. The servant hierarchy created complex interpersonal relationships within the household staff. This hierarchy influenced:

• How servants interacted with one another
• The distribution of work and responsibilities
• Opportunities for advancement within the household

Unwritten rules and expectations. Servants had to navigate a complex set of unwritten rules and expectations governing their behavior, both within the servant community and in relation to their employers. These rules covered areas such as:

• Appropriate topics of conversation
• Proper etiquette and deference to superiors
• Expectations around personal relationships and morality
• Loyalty to employers and discretion regarding household matters

Last updated: January 22, 2025