afshin@worldnet.att.net
Posted by Patricia Bingham on February 04, 1998 at 22:45:44:
In response to Class distinctions among servants?, written by Carolyn B on February 04, 1998 at 19:25:05
Carolyn,
Yes, ranks among the servants was a serious issue. In fact, there was a dining for the the upper servants and a separate dining for the lower servants. The upper servants took thier breakfast and tea in the housekeeper's sitting room. Many servants, such as the housekeeper and the butler, had thier own servants, although thier help was payed for by the master of course. But for the period we are speaking of, they were all servants, except for the governess. The governess, though, would likely dine with the upper servants, dining with the family was a rare thing. The Steward had long been considered a servant by this time, even though he did not wear a uniform. He ate with the upper servants and the family would never think to have him eat with them. regarding the steward, this was not always the case, as I think I mention somewhere below. he was once, 9 times out of ten, a peer of the master of the house.
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