Our Monday night series offers a series of inspiring talks by reputable and passionate local historians.
Monday 2 Sept, 7 – 9pm – please note the change from the original date of 8 April
Below Stairs at Chatsworth: the eighteenth-century servants of the Dukes of Devonshire
by Dr Hannah Wallace
How many servants did it take to run one of England’s greatest country houses and what were their lives like? In this talk historian Hannah Wallace shares the ups and downs of working in service and reveals what really went on when the Duke and Duchess were away.
Hannah works in the visitor team at Sheffield Manor Lodge. Hannah was awarded her PhD from the University of Sheffield in 2020 for her research on the servants at Chatsworth in the eighteenth century. Her work uses account books, family papers, parish registers and court documents to piece together the experiences of the servants who worked for the Dukes of Devonshire and reveal what their lives were like beyond their job titles. She has shared their stories with everyone from local history groups and family history researchers to international fashion house Gucci. She also appeared as an expert on the BBC Two documentary series, Make Up: A Glamorous History hosted by celebrity make-up artist Lisa Eldridge.
Prices and Booking
Adult: £7
Friends of Sheffield Manor Lodge: £6
Please note we have moved our venue to Manor Oaks House. Please use the car park that is shared with the Rhubarb Shed Cafe at 389 Manor Lane, S2 1UL.
