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An Edwardian Schoolroom Maid #40

...om in the basement. She was absolutely terrified of breaking a cup, or indeed, any crockery, as they would have to pay for it out of their wages. This would really get her down sometimes and it led to her being really nervous all the time. Once these jobs were done she went on to clean the workroom and the bedrooms of the governess and Miss Dorothy. All these chores were done before 9am as by then she had to be in a clean cap and apron and in attendance at the chapel ready for morning prayers. All the family and staff had to attend although it was only prayers spoken by Colonel Meynell – no singing or music. By mid-day she had again changed her outfit to an a...

Behind the green baize door #47

...rooms and basements, hidden tunnels and corridors contrasting with the grandeur of 'upstairs'. Housemaids were often taught to turn their face to the wall if their employer passed them in the house. Clearly the aristocracy thought they were too grand to be looked upon by a 'lowly' servant! So why were these doors covered in green (or red) baize cloth? Baize is a sturdy green cloth which insulated against noise and absorbed smells from the kitchens. Brass tacks held the cloth in place and was often very decorative in design (see header picture).  Baize dates back to 1525 and a well-known 17th century ditty mentions 'bays' as follows:-  “Hops, heresies, bays...