The Head Housemaid: The Life of Kate White |
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- In this latest video from our Lives in Service series, we take a look at the life of Head Housemaid, Kate White, who was working at Wentworth Woodhouse in 1911.
Kate was part of a dedicated team of indoor staff. Life 'below stairs' in great country houses was every bit as hierarchical as that of the lives of the aristocratic family members. Head Housemaid was a senior role and with it came great responsibilities.
If you've enjoyed this video, check out the first in the series about Groom of Chambers, Edgar Volan. You can find it here: • The Groom of Chambers:...
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In that census my great grandfather, from Lincolnshire, was living at Fox farm, Wentworth as a horseman. He said that if they went to the big house they were offered cups of tea by the maids, but they always refused because the maids were "below "them. He also reported that he would not have refused if he had any sense.
He was part of the estate militia group. He left the area and went back to Lincolnshire when he could see that they would all be expected to go en masse to WW1. He managed to avoid the war completely., unlike many relatives.
Another great insight on the day to day running of the house. Good acting from Kate and commentary. Thanks wentworth wood house.
I love these little behind the scenes videos... very interesting and informative 😊
Glad you like them!
You're research team does an outstanding job.
Thank you.
Thank you. We're very proud of them and the contribution that they make :-)
Thank you for posting this video. It has brought back memories of my family
Before the FWW, my Grandma was in service. As far as I know, she began as a housemaid, but then moved into the kitchens. Although some would have regarded that as a downgrading, my Grandma had plans.
During the war, she married my Grandpa, left service, and, I believe, did war work in a factory. After the war, she had two children and gave up working outside the home. In 1926, my grandparents moved into the house that was then in a village, but now is in the suburbs. It is now my house.
Despite being married, she kept house for the village doctor, living out. All that she had learned in service in a large establishment came in useful in her new job. Not only did she know all of the tricks-of-the-trade for cleaning, but she had also become an excellent cook.
The doctor died just before the SWW, and my Grandma went on to do more war work, despite her age. After the war, and with the assistance of my mum (a late and unexpectef baby 14 younger than her sister), she became the caterer of choice for village functions, weddings, funerals, and so on.
By the time that I came along in the 1950s, her efforts were focused on the two clubs that she ran in the then, still village. I was the envy of all my friends because there was always baking going on in my house, from both Grandma and my mum. My friends were always well supplied with treats.
Happy thoughts. Again, thank you.
Thanks for sharing your family history with us. It's always fascinating to hear these stories. Take a look at the other videos in the Lives in Service series. There's another one being released on Wednesday of next week.
An excellent idea for teaching
Yes... we're going to be looking at how our video output might support teaching in schools, particularly primary schools, next year. Exciting times!
That was all very interesting, thank you.
We're glad you enjoyed it!
My grandmother was in service, the only thing I remember is saying she had to scrub the front step every morning (I used to do it sometimes as a kid on our semi), not in a grand house though, after getting married she spent the rest of her life in service looking after my grandfather which she hated.
I enjoy these videos, but where's Jo? I quite liked seeing and hearing her!!
I have it on good authority that Jo was working on other projects at the house and will be back on your screens very soon....
Amazing history. Love it
Thank you!
❤ Very informative - interesting to know about wages and responsibilities. Wonder how they arrived and left...a long way? Thanks for bringing her alive.
You'll see how the staff arrived in what is planned to be episode 4 😊 - on the Steward’s Room Boy! In fact, the Earl had his own private train station about two miles away at Elsecar. pretty convenient
Thanks for watching!
The worst part is having to listen to the parrot laugh at you as you clean up the mess 😜