More from Mrs Robb and her memoir and recipe book, Recipes From the Farm Kitchen; here she describes how young people – and I would guess the time she is writing about they would have been as young as twelve, would find service on farms:
When a farm or kitchen hand was required it was a simple matter to hire one at the local fair, either in may or November. Young men and maids of working age attended with their worldly possessions tied up in a bundle. They were silent and subservient as was expected of them.
A young servant girl was usually hired for a year and paid about £6 for her service, this was provided there were not too many breakages against her. The charge for this was deducted. The duties sweeping the hearth every night in Cinderella fashion, lifting the top of the ash pit and brushing the ashes below.
The hours were 6 a.m. until about 7.30 p.m., when the milking buckets were washed. After that she could knit or sew until it was time to prepare supper for the family. Then it was up the back stairs until the crowing roosters announced day break and time for the daily round to start.
This little snapshot of a bygone age makes me glad such days are over; when young people, some barely more than children would have to stand, virtually selling themselves to strangers for a thirteen or fourteen hour day and £6 – it isn’t specified whether it is per month or per year, but I am guessing a year, possibly far away from their own family… well, it makes me shiver… the good old days? I think not.
Lois Elsden 