An event at Kiplin Hall near Scorton next month will give an insight into the role of the English housekeeper.
The talk will be given by author and society expert Belinda Alexander.
For centuries, the housekeeper has been the linchpin in the English well-to-do household and was the most senior female servant.
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Records from historic houses give us an intriguing insight in the role and responsibilities of the English housekeeper.
Houses like Erddig in North Wales and Chatsworth in Derbyshire can provide a glimpse into the life in the country house in the past.
Census records and archive research have brought to light information about Mrs Jocelyn, who was the housekeeper at Kiplin Hall from the 1860s to the 1880s.
English literature has given us some examples of formidable housekeepers: in this talk, Belinda will use the example of Mrs Danvers in Rebecca to illustrate the role of the housekeeper in society.
Belinda has had a high-flying career in the fashion industry, studying in Paris, then working at Harrods, before organising large-scale fashion shows in the UK and Germany.
She became one of the last catwalk models for the famous couturier Hartnell.
Tea Room Talks – The English Housekeeper takes place at 2pm on Thursday 23 August.
Tickets for this presentation are £20, including afternoon tea. Please book in advance on 01748 818178 or email info@kiplinhall.co.uk.
