Another servant question
Posted by Gayle on July 08, 1998 at 19:55:00:
Hi, I am fairly new to RoP - been here about 6 wks and love this site. I've just found this particular board (after being instructed on the P&P Board to look around more) and am delighted to find it as I think a better understanding of JA's life and times can only enhance one's appreciation of her books. I have read all six of her major novels, and I've seen at least one film adaptation of each of those novels.
Here's my question. I realize that the servants were just that - servants (not slaves) and therefore free to change their employment. But, I'm wondering, what happened to all those servants as the size of the household decreased and less servants were needed? Did they just move on? More particularly, was it ever a practice for say a young woman's maid to go with her to her new home when she married? I don't know if the Bennets were well-off enough for each of their daughters to have their own maid, but when three daughters married and moved away in one year, it seems that there would be less demand for so many servants if they did have their own maids. It would make sense for the maid to go with her mistress to the new home, as, at least in some cases, they would be "setting up housekeeping" so to speak. I know that in the US (South) during slavery it was not uncommon for sons and daughters to be given particular slaves upon marriage. Granted, there's a WORLD of difference between slavery and service. But, I'm just wondering.... Thanks! Gayle
- It was not uncommon for servants to change employment often. NFM Earlene 02:50:00 7/12/98
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- It was regular employment. Earlene 02:54:08 7/12/98
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- It was regular employment. Earlene 02:54:08 7/12/98
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- Some answers about servants Linden 22:34:06 7/08/98
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- Thanks for the info! Gayle 21:29:48 7/09/98
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- Thanks for the info! Gayle 21:29:48 7/09/98
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- Have feather duster, will travel Marie-Bernadette 22:29:39 7/08/98
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- Thanks! Now I have another question. Gayle 21:35:42 7/09/98
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- Servants Accomodations Marie-Bernadette 23:37:13 7/09/98
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- Thanks (nfm) Gayle 09:30:09 7/12/98
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- Thanks (nfm) Gayle 09:30:09 7/12/98
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- Servants Accomodations Marie-Bernadette 23:37:13 7/09/98
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- Thanks! Now I have another question. Gayle 21:35:42 7/09/98
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