Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Most historical dramas focus on the glamour and romance of the upper class, with the servants who made it all possible no more than extras. But a few shows like Downton Abbey, Upstairs Downstairs and The Gilded Age have shown these hard working domestics as real characters with thoughts, lives and ambitions of their own. As Downton Abbey, the grand finale says goodbye to unforgettable characters like Mr. Carson, Anna, Tom and Daisy, let’s take a look at how their real historic counterparts worked and lived. We’ll forgo the grand entrance and go in through the servants door of an Edwardian Manor house. Explore the hierarchy of servants and find out what the butler, housekeeper, footman, scullery maid and everyone in between did downstairs to keep the party going upstairs. So don your liver, or tie on your apron, as we meet the domestic servants in the time of Downton Abbey.
Steward
Butler
Coachman/Chauffeur
Footman
Hall Boy

Housekeeper
Housemaid
Cook/Chef
Kitchen Maid
Scullery Maid
Valet
Lady’s Maid
Lady’s Companion
Nanny/Nurse
Governess
Tutor

Land agent/Estate Manager
Gardener
Stable master and stable boy
Game Keeper

How many servants did families employ?
What were servants called?
How much were servants paid?

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Music: No. 9 Esther's Waltz by Esther Abrami

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