Below Stairs Life in 1930’s

Carole and I drove up to Ickworth House near Bury for a look round. All the state rooms were shut till spring but we saw the basement area. I love that NT is highlighting more of the below stairs life these days.

Documents from 1930s on display made for upsetting reading. I’ve posted one as my blip. That poor old man.

Others were hilarious. The housekeeper had sent a note to the local butcher complaining that the butcher’s delivery boy wasted everyone’s time by dallying with a maid.

Another directive read -

Female servants are required to attend 9am prayers conducted by her ladyship in the housekeeper’s room. (Presumably the men were beyond redemption).

On no account is any servant to ride on a trolley in the corridors. (Someone had been up to high jinks).

Uniforms must be provided and paid for by staff.

Hot water for washing must be carried up every night by female staff without fail. Baths in the east wing are for use of butler and footmen only.

Beer is no longer provided by the house at meantimes and should not be drunk on the premises.

All servants must be indoors by 10pm sharp when doors will be locked.

Any member of staff found fraternising with a member of the opposite sex will be dismissed without notice.

Servants must on no account be seen in any area of the house at the same time as his Lordship or her Ladyship or their guests.

Carole had invited Dennis (her ex who was in Madagascar with us) Gill, Richard, Chris and Jenny for curry tonight.