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StefanandLucinda -> RE: Victorian Protocol? (1/21/2013 5:59:29 PM)
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It depends upon what you mean by "serving staff." Those who served the dining table were always male and worked under the butler. There was a very strict code of who was allowed to work in the various positions within the household and those were always based upon gender. Each had specific tasks they were responsible for and were forbidden to do anything that was not a part of their official position. For instance, a man was almost always responsible for carrying hot water to the bathing chamber, but forbidden to bathe a woman.
Females were the housekeepers, cooks (men filled this position now and then), kitchen maids, scullary maids, between maids, etc. Of course, the highest maids were Chamber Maids and assigned to the ladies of the manor to assist with dressing, hair, wardrobe management, and bathing. They also acted as escorts when thier lady needed to got outdoors and a male relative was not available.
Maids never, ever poured tea. The lady of the manor did.
Here's a servant listing:
Land Steward
House Steward
Upper Staff: Butler, Housekeeper, Cook or Chef, Lady's Maid and Valet
Lower Staff: First Footman, Second Footman, Head Nurse, Footman, Chamber Maids, Parlour Maids, House Maid, Between Maid, Nurse, Under Cook, Kitchen Maid, Scullery Maid, Laundry Maid, Page or Tea Boy
Head Groom or Stable Master, Groom, Stable Boy, Head Gardener, Game Keeper, Grounds Keepers, Governess, Gate Keeper
Let me know if you would like some links to particular areas of interest.
lucinda
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