Resources

Take your research further

BOOKS

The Footman’s Directory, and Butler’s Remembrancer

J Hatchard and Son, 1823 This guide to manservants’ domestic duties is available for free from the Internet Archive at bit.ly/arch-footmans.

Gentlemen’s Gentlemen

Rosina Harrison

Sphere, 2015

First published in 1976, this collection of memories and anecdotes relating to male servants includes valets.

My Ancestor Was in Service

Pamela Horn

Society of Genealogists, 2009 This guide includes many references to the occupation and role of valet.

Yes Mum, No Mum

Mave and Ben Chapman Hutton Press, 1991

This book about life in domestic service includes a dedicated chapter on lady’s maids and valets, detailing the necessary skills and duties of these two parallel positions.