The Victorian Butler Versus the Modern Butler
Job Description of the Butler or Manservant Then and Now
The word 'butler' originates from the French word Bouteillier which means 'a bottle-bearer'. Originally this is what a butler was, a cup-bearer who eventually became the servant in charge of the wine cellar. Eventually more duties were added until the butler became the head of the male servants in large households in Victorian England.
Butler Duties in Victorian Times
Large households in the 18th and 19th centuries could expect to employ dozens of servants such as Butler, UnderButler, Housekeeper, Cook, Footman, Ladies Maid, Kitchen Maids, Scullery Maids, Chamber Maids, Housemaids, Coachman and Groom.
The Butler was responsible for the footman and other indoor menservants. Among other things and he would arrange the dinner table, announce dinner, carve joints of meat and serve wine. He would brew the servants' beer and generally be in charge of the dining areas, cellars and pantries.
The Butler would sleep in his own quarters, usually a small but comfortable room. He was always dressed in a special uniform, different from the junior staff and he was expected to look neat and immaculately groomed at all times.
In Victorian times, Butlers could expect to earn around 40 pounds per annum and had all expenses cared for except for clothes. In addition, the butler was entitled to the ends of candles and entitled to one bottle of wine for every six opened. Butlers and Valets usually worked their way up through the ranks, aspiring to the position after a lengthy apprenticeship as footmen.
Butler Duties in Modern Times
The butler's job description in today's world is not clearly defined. A butler these days is expected to be multi-talented and can expect to do everything from organizing other servants to being a household manager.
A butler may be referred to as a Personal Secretary, Household Manager, Estate Manager, Majordomo or Steward. Hotel Butlers are in demand in hotels and spas around the world.
Butler duties can include valeting of clothes, swimming pool maintenance, gardening duties and driving. Sometimes cooking skills are required. Butlers can be found working in palaces, yachts, stately homes as well as for busy corporate executives who do not have the time to manage their personal affairs. With new-found wealth in China, demand has surged for European trained butlers.
According to Training School Magnums Butlers, "The butler is a key element in a team of professionals striving to deliver a level of personalized service that exceeds not only the expectation of the guest but will add a point of difference from the service provided anywhere else within the hotel/spa/resort".
Schools for Butler Administrations, Personal Assistants, Estate Managers and Household Managers are prolific in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States of America and offer comprehensive training in this field.
After graduating, a trained butler can expect to receive the following annual salary:
- Butler (standard) - $60 - $125k
- Butler (+ cooking and/or P.A. skills) - $70 - $150k
- Houseman - $45 - $70k
- Valet/Under Butler/Footman - $45 - $70k
- Butler (formal + oversees small staff)) - $80 - $150k
- Butler (formal + oversees 4+ staff) - $90 - $180k
- Head Butler (multiple residences) - $140 - $250k
- Household Manager - $80 - $125k
- Estate Manager (multiple properties) - $100 - $250k
- Domestic Couple (Houseman/Cook) - $70 - $100k
- Domestic Couple (caretaking) - $45 - $75k
- Domestic Couple (management) - $80 - $150k
- Private Chef (one man operation) - $50 - $80k
- Cook/Housekeeper - $40 - $80k
- Personal Assistant (office duties) - $60 - $125k
- Personal Secretary / General Factotum - $60 - $150k
Although the Butler's job description has changed somewhat over the decades, the position is still one that many an employer finds indispensible.
More Articles on Victorian Times that may Interest the Reader:
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Domestic Servants in Victorian England
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