Another job in the Big House was that of a Housemaid. This was also a mightly important role. We

looked at the role and empathised with the Emma May, a housemaid who wrote a diary. We then

took on the role of a housemaid and write our own diaries.

This is what Nikita wrote:

Dear Diary,

Today it is my first day of going to service at the big house.

At 6:30 am I got up early to start my chores yet not so loud I must not wake the family. So I crept downstairs to clean the grates and make it neat before the morning prayers start, unfortunately I am so tired to do this but anyway I will get used to it after all.

My uniform feels very stiff and I will get used to it like I said.

Now is the time the family wakes up, so I need to serve breakfast to the family. I am still frightened of the housekeeper she is frowning at me. I’ve just realised that sometimes it stresses me out but I keep quiet and stare at my food and eat.

It is still tiring mostly I’ve honestly enjoyed myself, not so much with that frowny housekeeper.

I feel like saying I DO NOT LIKE YOU! in a shouting way.

Now I have to light up the beautiful blazing fire with that warmth of the fire it settles me down and I get nice and calm.

Nowadays at mealtimes in the servants hall the men do tease us maids a lot it makes us blush into pale pink to red we feel so embarrassed.

So instead of speaking a word I fix my pretty eyes to the plate.

Now the tricky part, the chores!

Why do I have to do this?

I don’t know but that is my job before I can be a proper maid.

I feel upset about my money because I get £10, £7£6 or even £5 you never know. Maybe it might rise up but I don’t think it will.

Ah! But that’s the life of a maid. Endless chores like scrubbing the dishes, washing the clothes; they are washed through a mangle that squeezes the water out. Ironing to make it neat and tidy not creased.