Still room maid
Encyclopedia
The still-room maid is a female servant who works in the still room
, the functional room in a great house
in which drinks and jams are made. The still-room maid is a junior servant, and as a member of the between staff
has the unenviable position of reporting to both the housekeeper
and the cook
, and in the event that the two do not get along, is often a pawn in their rivalry, as evidenced by Dorothy the still maid's displeasure in the film Gosford Park
. Dorothy was constantly played between the warring sisters, Mrs. Wilson the housekeeper, and Mrs. Croft the cook.
Once common in houses with large staffs, in the 21st century, the still-room maid is rare.
Still room
The still room is a distillery room found in most great houses, castles or large establishments throughout Europe dating back at least to medieval times. The lady of the house was in charge of the room, where medicines were prepared, cosmetics and many home cleaning products created, and...
, the functional room in a great house
Great house
A great house is a large and stately residence; the term encompasses different styles of dwelling in different countries. The name refers to the makeup of the household rather than to any particular architectural style...
in which drinks and jams are made. The still-room maid is a junior servant, and as a member of the between staff
Between staff
The domestic workers in a great house whose work crosses between the areas of responsibility of the Butler, the Housekeeper and the Cook are known as between staff.These include:* between maids * hall boy...
has the unenviable position of reporting to both the housekeeper
Housekeeper (servant)
A housekeeper is an individual responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the interior of a residence, including direction of subordinate maids...
and the cook
Cook (profession)
A cook is a person who prepares food for consumption. In Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Canada this profession requires government approval ....
, and in the event that the two do not get along, is often a pawn in their rivalry, as evidenced by Dorothy the still maid's displeasure in the film Gosford Park
Gosford Park
Gosford Park is a 2001 British-American mystery comedy-drama film directed by Robert Altman and written by Julian Fellowes. The film stars an ensemble cast, which includes Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins, Alan Bates, and Michael Gambon...
. Dorothy was constantly played between the warring sisters, Mrs. Wilson the housekeeper, and Mrs. Croft the cook.
Once common in houses with large staffs, in the 21st century, the still-room maid is rare.