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In the great houses of the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the housekeeper could be a woman of considerable power in the domestic arena. [citation needed] The housekeeper of times past had her room (or rooms) cleaned by junior staff, her meals prepared and laundry taken care of, and with the butler presided over dinner in the Servants' Hall.
A maid, housemaid, or maidservant is a female domestic worker. In the Victorian era, domestic service was the second-largest category of employment in England and Wales, after agricultural work. [1] In developed Western nations, full-time maids are now typically only found in the wealthiest households.
Articles about women who worked as maids, female domestic workers. In the Victorian era domestic service was the second largest category of employment in England and Wales, after agricultural work. [1] In developed Western nations, full-time maids are now only found in the wealthiest households.
Domestic chores for women without servants meant a great deal of washing and cleaning. Coal-dust from stoves (and factories) was the bane of the Victorian woman's housekeeping existence. Carried by wind and fog, it coated windows, clothing, furniture and rugs.
In the Victorian household, the children's quarters were referred to as the 'nursery', but the name of the responsible servant had largely evolved from 'nurse' to 'nanny'. The Nursery Maid was a general servant within the nursery, and although regularly in the presence of the children, would often have a less direct role in their care.
Attitudes to domestic work changed in the late 19th century as other employment opportunities arose. [7]: 171 As domestic staffs shrank, the cook would often be retained at the expense of the kitchen maid. Econom: 14: 20: Knocker-up: A knocker-up's job was to rouse sleeping people so they could get to work on time.
The Management of Servants: a practical guide to the routine of domestic service; by the author of "Manners and Tone of Good Society." (the same work under a different title) Dawes, Frank (1973) Not in Front of the Servants: domestic service in England 1850–1939. London: Wayland ISBN 0-85340-287-6
A handmaiden (nowadays less commonly handmaid or maidservant) is a personal maid or female servant. [1] The term is also used metaphorically for something whose primary role is to serve or assist.) [ 1 ] Depending on culture or historical period, a handmaiden may be of enslaved status or may be simply an employee.