Portal:Architecture/Selected article/2007-16

Castle Howard Photo credit: Dave59

Servants' quarters are that part of a building, traditionally in a private house, which contain the domestic offices and staff accommodation. From the late 17th century until the early 20th century they were a common feature in all large houses. Sometimes they are an integral part of a smaller house - in the basements and attics, especially in a town house, while in larger houses they are often a purpose-built adjacent wing or block. In architectural descriptions, and guide books of stately homes the servants' quarters are frequently overlooked, yet they form an important piece of social history, often as interesting as the principal part of the house itself.

Before the late 17th century, servants dined, slept and worked in the main part of the house with their employers, sleeping wherever space was available. The principal reception room of a house—often known as the "great hall"—would have been completely communal regardless of hierarchy within the household.

Roger Pratt is the architect credited with pioneering the removal of servants from dining in the great hall. in 1650 at Coleshill House he designed the first purpose built servant's hall in the basement. By the end of the century the arrangement was common; the only servants left in the hall were those waiting for a summons. (more…)

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