The Roles of a Major Manor House In the early 1900’s References: waynesthisandthat.com

Head of the Household A Major Manor House Estate’s most important feature was the head of the household, a man, and his family. This man would be one of titled nobility, such as a Duke, or an extremely wealthy business man. Although it seems they would need help to pay their 100+ servants, they didn’t. On average, the head of the household would make $15,378 a year. In today’s world, that is equivalent to $1,200,000 a year. Meanwhile, their servants and maids received extremely small salaries, despite their hard work. On average, a servant received $38 a year. Today, that is equivalent to $2,700.

Servant Hierarchy

Professional Staff Hierarchy These servants were considered about the same level of importance as the family lawyer. They played an important role in the functionality of a Manor House. Land Steward – over any activities making the estate profitable (ex. farms/rents ) House Steward – purchasing, hiring, firing, and paying servant staff

Upper Staff Hierarchy The staff of the upper staff hierarchy were essential in the upkeep of the Manor House. They made functionality possible in other areas of the House. Butler – responsible for running house/making sure everything goes smoothly Housekeeper – in charge of female staff and maintaining house furnishings Cook/Chef – in charge of kitchen staff and meals Lady’s Maid and Valet – private servant for The Lady and the Master

Lower staff hierarchy These staff members were considered very low and possessed many undesirable jobs, yet their purposes were very important to the upkeep of The House. Head Nurse – in charge of nursing staff Footman – additional male staff available for opening doors and assisting Chamber Maids – in charge of cleaning and taking care of bedrooms Parlour Maids – in charge of cleaning/maintaining sitting rooms House Maid – general purpose worker / available for any needed task

Lowest of the lows These positions in the Manor House were considered the lowest positions, and considered to be almost shameful. Governess – * a governess was the unmarried daughter of a man who had to go into service to support himselfnh himself. She could not accept the position of a maid, in order to keep her dignity, as she is part of the genteel clan genteel class. She is looked down upon by the house’s family, as she is viewed as being from a failed family lalalalalala family. Her job is the help attend to and care for the teenage girls of the Manor House. Gate keeper – * A gate keeper guarded the estate entrance. Although this was an important job, it was seen as a shameful position, position, because the only way to receive it was if you had no other talents worthy of a greater place in the hierarchy hierarchy.