Life Below Stairs in the Twentieth Century

In 1931 domestic service remained the largest female occupation in Britain; now only the rich can afford full-time resident staff and most of those engaged in domestic duties work in hotels or in public institutions. By using reminiscences, official records and newspaper reports this book considers the changing face of domestic service from 1918 to the eve of the new millennium. It examines the lives and status of male and female employees, including those who worked outdoors such as chauffeurs, gardeners, grooms and gamekeepers. The reluctance of many women to return to service after the two world wars is discussed, together with government efforts to persuade them otherwise. The final chapters bring the story right up to the present day, examining the roles of au pairs, daily helps, and nannies in the home and the position of domestic staff in hotels, hospitals and other institutions.