We found a donated Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management (not the first edition worth £2k-ish, unfortunately) and thought we would share some gems with you. This edition dates from the 1950s, but most could come straight out of the 1860s original.
“Engaging servants is a most important – and nowadays a most onerous – duty of the mistress.”
“Servants’ Characters. It is hardly safe to be guided by a written character from an unknown quarter; it is better, if possible, to have an interview with the former mistress.”
Once you’ve got to grips with all this you can then tackle the whole chapter on “Domestic Servants and their Duties”, featuring “The Housekeeper, Butler, Footman, Page, Chauffeur, Valet, Lady’s-maid, Parlour-maid, Housemaid, General Servant and Daily Help.”
If anyone outs there needs help with their Household Management and particularly how to engage their servants, please let us know – we’re happy to let you have the book for a donation!
