ABSTRACT

In this exciting new study Tim Meldrum explores the "real lives" of domestic servants. From close examination of court records and other documentary evidence, he has reconstructed the lives of ordinary domestic servants in London. A revealing account of life below the stairs, the gendered nature of domestic service, how different members of the household interacted with one another, it makes a valuable contribution to the "separate spheres" debate.

chapter |11 pages

Introduction

chapter |22 pages

Metropolitan service: the London context

chapter |34 pages

Service, mastery and authority

chapter |60 pages

Household relations

chapter |55 pages

Domestic service as work

chapter |24 pages

Wages and remuneration

chapter |3 pages

Conclusion