A Victorian Lady and her Staff

In order for the Victorians to have a successful high class status, they required lots of staff. The number of servants needed was determined by the size of each estate.  I will be describing the servants that dealt with Victorian women and their children on a daily basis.

House Keeper- considered upper staff hierarchy, she is responsible for the female staff and maintaining the house’s furnishings.

Servants under her domain could include:

      

Chamber Maids- responsible for cleaning the bedrooms.

Parlor Maids- responsible for cleaning and maintaining sitting rooms, drawing rooms, etc. of the house.

House Maids- a general all purpose worker.

Between Maid- worked in either the house or kitchen as needed.

Laundry Maids- responsible for all washing and ironing

Cook or Chef- also considered upper staff hierarchy was in charge of the entire kitchen staff and preparing the family’s meals.  Food quality was an important method for impressing guests.  Servants under her domain could include:

Under Cook- apprentice to chef, also prepares meals for the staff.

Kitchen Maid- assisted in the kitchen work. Any type of cutting prepping etc.

Scullery Maid- dish washer.

These servants were responsible for preparing at least 3 full meals, tea times or any other events for the day.  They would prepare everything.   Most of these servants are never seen.

Lady’s Maid- also considered upper staff hierarchy.  It was her main job to be the private servant for the lady of the house.  She would assist in dressing, caring for the clothes, being a companion and even doing secretarial duties.  

Head Nurse- she was in charge of the nursing staff in the house.  She was to watch over the young children.  Nurses- responsible for raising the babies and young children in the house.

A Typical Day of a Lady

The lady’s maid brings up the tea tray and helps her to dress.  It is unacceptable for a lady to be seen in a dressing gown outside the bedroom.

 -The lady will change her outfit at least three times in a day.

 -After breakfast, she meets with the cook to discuss menus for the day.

 -The afternoon may include reading, sewing, visiting  friends or hosting a tea party.

- Evening time is spent with her husband and having dinner together.  The children are fed in the Nursery and see their parents for about 1 hour every day.
            
-At least once a month the couple will attend the theater, attend or host a dinner party.

















Submitted by Anastasia Rose