What Was Life Like For Victorian Servants In A Country Estate? | Historic Britain | Absolute History

Many stately homes conjure up visions of separate ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’ realms, but at Erddig the 18th-century Yorke family took a different approach. Alan learns how they encouraged a romance between nanny and groomsman, immortalized staff in photos and verse, and treated them with a respect unheard of among other grand houses. Angellica Bell tries her hand at producing cider from Erddig’s historic orchards, while Miriam O’Reilly visits Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, where the family’s relationship with their servants was very different from that of the Yorkes'.

#AbsoluteHistory

[davidparadis]

I think most people would agree that good working conditions is preferred over higher pay and a brute of an employer

[annmarie]

The pruning of all the trees, bushes and flowers is truly mind boggling. They didn’t have all the easy tools we have today, either.

[tudorrosey]

I’m American and I love British History. Learning about these Manor Houses is so interesting. I loved every second of this show. You all did a great job showing the Families and Servants and their back stories. Thank you so much! ❤❤❤

[krissykimono]

His enthusiasm is keeping me attached to this screen. The excitement in learning and history is heartwarming.

[voyaristika]

My gardening attempts are pathetic so i really admire those who work magic with landscaping and gardening. It really is a gift.

[angelwingz]

My mother was in service at Eton College in the 1950s. Happy memories for her and her best friend. RIP Eileen and Lilly ❤

[beverlybenson]

Thank you for your videos. My great grandmother was in service and eventually came to America in 1906. She told us stories of her experiences.

[avi.chan]

Still, 100 years later there are still so many employers treating their employees bad enough so they rather leave and earn less money at another company as long as they are treated well. The York family understood something, that lots of people still don´t even consider... great documentation!

[greenbrain]

I’m really fascinated by these stories and especially the view of these fine old houses. What always disappoints me, is that we the viewer are treated to quick fleeting images of what interests us, but then we are also shown people talking. We don’t need to see the presenters that much. We can hear you. Please spend more time on the imagery. 90% imagery and 10% talking heads. That would be perfect.

[SnapshotOfASoul]

I love how this is just putting an entire family's history on blast. Airing their dirty laundry. It's so entertaining and informative!

[bielbl]

I love how excited the visitor was about finding family's secrets, he truly feels it ☺️

[JA-vvwy]

I love this man’s excited demeanor throughout this documentary. Thank you for sharing

[jenniferzitting]

You can never tell whether the servants really had an intimate relationship with their employers or the employers believed that they did, but it does look like they made less money at this estate but had more pleasant working conditions. Given how stark conditions were for most people at the bottom of the economic ladder were in those days, I bet that they knew how much more important that was than money and they would rather have been there than estates where they were paid more but reminded that they were dirt on the masters shoes

[leahtreck]

Aloha, my goodness, I’ve become addicted to this channel in the last 2 hrs. Well done; photography, content, presentation, even the music is artistically woven throughout the entire video seamlessly.

[jpbaley]

Portraits and poems sounds like their version of handing out “Certificates of Excellence” instead of a raise.

[erics]

I am interested to know what servants at other estates thought of being employed this estate. Were they envious? They may have made less money, but they had more of a "normal" life than their higher paid counterparts.

[Angellady]

My great great aunt was a servant in England to lady Berkshire and lady morningside and back in Morocco she was a servant to Abdul el saad
She fled Morocco in 1912 when france started colonizing North African Arab countries

[Pougie]

I wish we knew more about what happened to Miss Penketh. Without a reference it probably was difficult for her to find a job even if she was found innocent.

[libbyjones]

Greetings from America! I just love your videos..I absolutely love England's history..Thank you so much!🌹

[nelle]

They owed Mrs Penketh a formal apology and monetary restitution period.