The speaker at our September meeting was Daphne Atkinson. She gave an excellent presentation and talk entitled “The memoirs of life below stairs” as experienced by her mother, Muriel Joan Tillett who was employed by Herbert Hervey, 5th Marquess of Bristol at Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds from 1934 until 1938.
Muriel was collected from the station by pony and trap, her luggage was placed in the trap and she was given a bicycle and had to follow behind for 5 miles – most of which was uphill.
She was employed as a housemaid under the guidance of the senior housemaid, Eve Julian. There were 18 ‘below stairs’ servants. Muriel’s day began at 5am, she was responsible for cleaning the servants’ quarters and bathrooms before breakfast. At 8 am they all gathered for a cooked breakfast before prayers, usually led by the Marchioness. Then it was back to work cleaning 90 stone steps and the corridors around the Rotunda.
Sewing and mending was conducted on Monday and Tuesday evenings, bed was between 10pm and 11pm. She was allowed one day off a week, but if it was on a Sunday, she was expected to attend St Mary’s Church in the grounds of Ickworth House, along with all the other servants. Muriel’s wage was £11, with extra if she washed clothes.
At Christmas she received £1 from the Marquess plus £1 from the Marchioness and 10 shillings from their daughter.
A servants’ ball was held in the Rotunda every January, Good food was provided and members of the household joined their servants in the dancing.
The Marquess did a lot of entertaining at Ickworth, which meant a lot more work and hours for the servants, especially when they held shooting parties. These guests brought their own servants, who all had to be accommodated overnight and fed. Muriel enjoyed talking to them and sharing their stories.
During her time at Ickworth, Muriel met, then married, a part-time footman, who was also a teacher. Although work was hard by today’s standards, the servants were well-fed and respected.
In 1999 the house was acquired by the National Trust, 1800 acres of land laid out by Capability Brown.This includes a lake, Italianate gardens and a luxury hotel.
Rose Fitzsimons
