Upstairs, Downstairs

By Alice Bowen

The upper and middle classes had comfortable lives during Victorian times. The upper class lived pampered lives as the leaders of society in their fine country estates. The middle class tried to copy the life style of the upper class. They did nothing that would make their friends and neighbours gossip about them.

A Middle Class Household

The head of the household was Father, he worked and earned the money needed to support his family. He also sat at the head of the table, carved the meat and led the family in prayers. Domesticated and meek was Mother; her responsibilities were management of the home and raising the children. Children were obedient and respectful they were often cared for by a Nanny. They called Father "Papa" and Mother "Mama".

The household followed a strict routine. The sound of a gong summoned the family to meals at fixed times.

Children were expected to eat all their food otherwise it would reappear at the next meal. They were also told off if they were late for meals. Favourite games of children in winter were dominoes, draughts and ludo. In summer they preferred croquet or a bicycle ride. Most families went for a holiday in the summer; many went to the seaside.

Downstairs

Every family had at least one maid but some had more. When they had done the cleaning they stayed downstairs until summoned by a bell upstairs.