In England, the semi-royal household of Edward of Carnarvon, later Edward II when Prince of Wales, is the earliest for which detailed knowledge can be obtained from sources. [26] Itineration [ edit ] Marie von Flotow (1817–1909), the lady's maid and influential favourite of the Russian Empress Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark).

Cipolla, Carlo M. (1993). Before the Industrial Revolution: European Society and Economy, 1000-1700 (3rded.). London, New York: Routledge. p.91. ISBN 0-415-09005-9. Even though peasant households were significantly smaller than aristocratic ones, the wealthiest of these would also employ servants. [42] Service was a natural part of the cycle of life, and it was common for young people to spend some years away from home in the service of another household. [43] This way they would learn the skills needed later in life, and at the same time earn a wage. This was particularly useful for girls, who could put the earnings towards their dowry. [44] When observing the history of maids throughout all the times and cultures they have inhabited, it is hard to deny that one thing has remained consistent. Maids have rarely – if ever – been paid wages that were equivalent to the value of what they do. The dynamic between Master and servant has evolved in small ways, but not nearly as much as one would expect. Until a form of power is found which does not corrupt, the so called Noble are doomed to keep repeating the same crimes against those they perceive to be inferior. Medieval castle staff who were at the bottom of the hierarchy of staff members were the cleaning staff which was generally under the command of a head maid. This book offers a comprehensive examination of the daily routines and material culture of medieval households, including the experiences of servants.Davies, R.R. (2000). The First English Empire: Power and Identities in the British Isles 1093-1343. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 66–7. ISBN 0-19-820849-9. This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( October 2022) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) Laundry maid: they maintained bedding and towels. They also washed, dried, and ironed clothes for the whole household, including the servants. Maids traditionally have a fixed position in the hierarchy of the large households, and although there is overlap between definitions (dependent on the size of the household) the positions themselves would typically be rigidly adhered to. The usual classifications of maid in a large household are:

Finally, the royal household differed from most noble households in the size of their military element. If a king was able to muster a substantial force of household knights, this would reduce his dependence on the military service of his subjects. This was the case with Richard II of England, whose one-sided dependence on his household knights – mostly recruited from the county of Cheshire– made him unpopular with his nobility and eventually contributed to his downfall. [25] Any kind of dyed fabric with a fur trim would have been more impressive than a robe of russet, so the difference between clerks’ robes is clear. Lamb fur, however, was inexpensive and not nearly as luxurious as squirrel fur, which very high-ranking employees and some nobles often wore. A lady's maid's specific duties included helping her mistress with her appearance, including make-up, hairdressing, clothing, jewellery, and shoes. A lady's maid would also remove stains from clothing; sew, mend, and alter garments as needed; bring her mistress breakfast in her room; and draw her mistress's bath. However, she would not be expected to dust and clean every small item, as that would be the job of a housemaid. [2] Examples of lady's maids [ edit ] Lewis, Thorpe, ed. (1969). Two Lives of Charlemagne (newed.). London: Penguin Classics. pp. 56–7. ISBN 0-14-044213-8.

Labels

This book provides a detailed exploration of the social and economic systems that underpinned medieval castles, including the roles played by servants and other members of the lower classes. Living conditions for servants like Alice were often cramped and uncomfortable. She shared a small room with several other female servants, and the conditions were less than ideal. The room was cold and damp, and the straw mattresses provided little comfort. However, Alice and her fellow servants did their best to make the best of the situation, finding comfort in their shared experiences and the knowledge that they were all in this together. Ariès, Phillippe, Georges Duby and Arthur Goldhammer (2003). A History of Private Life, Volume II, Revelations of the Medieval World. Belknap Press. pp. 513–4. ISBN 0-674-40001-1. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link)

In the contemporary Western world, comparatively few households can afford live-in domestic help, usually relying on cleaners, employed directly or through an agency ( maid service). Cantor, Norman F. (1994). The Civilization of the Middle Ages. New York: Harper Perennial. ISBN 0-06-017033-6.Such were the demands of the steward's job that by the 13th century CE there were even training colleges for them such as the one at Oxford. There, following a course of 6 to 12 months, they could acquire the necessary skills in accounting, letter writing, and knowledge of the law. The Marshal The Book of Household Management, Mrs. Isabella Beeton, originally published in 1861, this web edition published by eBooks@Adelaide, some rights reserved. Julie Louise Bibault de Misery (1732–1804), Première femme de Chambre to the Queen of France Marie Antoinette.

The starting point of this beautiful fantasy outfit is our “Eleanor” dress, which we offer in a variety of different colors. In this green/white colour scheme, the combination with white accessories is eminently suitable because it looks very classy in itself. Maslakovic, Anna et al. (eds.) (2003). The Medieval Household in Christian Europe, c.850-c.1550: Managing Power, Wealth, and the Body. Turnhout: Brepols. ISBN 2-503-52208-4. Hanawalt, Barbara. 1988. The Ties That Bound: Peasant Families in Medieval England. Oxford University Press. pp. 95-100Still room maid: a junior maid employed in the still room; as the work involved the supply of alcohol, cosmetics, medicines, and cooking ingredients across all departments of the house, the still room maids were part of the "between staff", jointly answerable to all three department heads.