Downton Etiquette Explained - Series 3, Episode 8 (2024)

FAQs

What was the etiquette in Downton Abbey? ›

People would greet each other with a bow or courtesy rather than a handshake, and under no circ*mstances would one engage in overt displays of affection such as hugging or social kissing. Emotions were always kept under control and any spontaneous outbursts of joy, anger or sorrow would have been frowned upon.

Footmen – wearing white gloves to avoid smearing the silverware – will hold food platters to your left so that you can help yourself. This allows you to govern how much you eat. The lady on the host's right will be attended to first and then the footmen will serve clockwise around the table.

Once a symbol of power, white gloves had become a sign of respect for power. In the 19th century white gloves were the mark of the upper classes in general. As Europe became ever wealthier, more and more homes had butlers or major-domos, who had to dress elegantly.

Edith. Edith starts the series as a most hated character — she feels neglected and acts out in response, causing problems for herself and her family.

"Journey to the Highlands" isn't so famous for its change of scenery as it is for Matthew's death. With its expected drama, the episode feels like any other, except Downton is in Scotland. However, watching and knowing that it's Matthew's last appearance makes it all the more tragic.

The butler was in charge of the dining room, the wine cellar, pantry, and sometimes the entire main floor. Directly under the butler was the first footman (or head footman), although there could also be a deputy butler or under-butler who would fill in as butler during the butler's illness or absence.

The role is now virtually a historic one, although servants with this designation are still employed in the British Royal Household, wearing a distinctive scarlet livery on state occasions.

The word footman comes from the original job of a running footman — an agile servant would run beside his master's carriage making sure it didn't tip over. Earlier, a footman was a "soldier who travels on foot," rather than on horseback.

Generations ago, butlers were men and supervised the male staff, while housekeepers were women and supervised the female staff. Some people may refer to a female butler as a buttress. But the term “butler” can also be used interchangeably for all genders.

The butler role can be live-in or live-out and room and board can be considered part of the salary package. The average hours of a butler are 60 per week with one day off. Four weeks annual leave is considered to be the general holiday period.

What does a white glove mean at a wedding? ›

Also, white gloves are often worn by debutantes and wedding brides as a sign of modesty. For centuries, white gloves have symbolized purity and nobility.

Daughters and sons before marriage or before I getting their title don't get ladies maids or valets. The heir does but not the others. Unless they can afford it. Edith didn't have one until she married the Marquess or Hexham.

Q: On "Downton Abbey," why he is called Lord Grantham but his family name is Crawley? A: Crawley is the family name. Earl of Grantham is the title held by Robert, which passes through heirs.

The Downton Abbey cast have often described themselves as a tight-knit family and as it turns out, there are a number of real-life couples who have starred in the series.

According to Julian Fellowes, Mr. Carson was given the hereditary nerve disorder essential tremor, a condition from which which the creator also suffers.

Historically, a valet or valet de chambre was a young man of noble birth serving a lord of higher rank. It then came to mean “servant” in a more general way (a synonym of valet is manservant). Today valet can also refer to a rack or tray for holding clothing or personal effects.

Let's begin with wig MVP, Lady Mary. Major changes since her TV wig include: BANGS and a serious back taper on her neck.