Manor House
"If I'd been born 100 years ago a woman of my class would almost certainly have been in service. And I'd like to know what that meant." Antonia, kitchen maid
THE PROJECT|THE HOUSE|THE PEOPLE|EDWARDIAN LIFE|YOU IN 1905|TREATS|SNOB QUIZ
A collection of archived photographs

You are a Footman!
- A Snapshot of your life as it might have been in 1905

Education
You go to elementary school and then follow your father and grandfather into service in a large house.

Career Prospects
You're fortunate enough to be taken on in the house where your father works. As well as waiting at table, you work as valet laying out and preparing clothes, cleaning shoes and responding to any requests from your master's son and other men visiting the house. You're very faithful to your employers and progress to become house steward. The house and garden are open to the public a few afternoons a week at a two-shilling fee. You take admission fees on these days and give a brief introduction to visitors.

Leisure Time
You read the newspaper when you can and support the Conservatives. You don't agree with the Liberal Party's proposed reforms and discussions about redistributing wealth to the poor.

Living Conditions
You enjoy the camaraderie of living in the servants' quarters in such a beautiful house. You have a small but comfortable sleeping quarters and you're well fed. Although you're one of 12 servants there's plenty of work to keep you all busy.

Marital Relations
You're secretly engaged to a housemaid when you go to war.

World War One
You join the army as a private officer in 1914. You're killed in the trenches at Ypres in 1917.

Position in Society

Position in society
Further up Your life as it might have been further UP or DOWN society's ladder.
Further down
Position in society Position in society

Other Possible Occupations
Engine driver, Fireman, Railway guard, Gardener, Plasterer, Shoemaker, Stonemason, Waterman

General Statistics

  • In 1910, there were only 1000 divorces a year
  • A married couple would not normally share a bedroom
  • There was no National Health Service or social security service

Background to You in 1905