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Upstairs & Downstairs
- My Life In Service as a Lady's Maid
- Narrated by: Helen Lloyd
- Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
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Publisher's Summary
The year was 1935: the twilight of the English aristocracy. It was a time of wealth and glamour; of lavish balls and evening gowns; of tiaras and a coronation. As personal maid to Lady Coventry, Hilda Newman had a unique insight into the leisured life of one of Britain's most noble families. In her fascinating memoir of life upstairs and down, Hilda takes us back to this period between the wars; a gilded era which would soon be dramatically changed by the Second World War.
Transplanted from a tiny house with no bath or hot water to an 18th-century Neo-Palladian mansion, Hilda's life changed beyond recognition. But in a time when the very foundations of British society were being shaken to their core, the luxurious life of the country nobility couldn't last. The Second World War brought more turbulence with it, and Croome Court, where Hilda had lived and worked, became a haven for the Dutch Royal Family fleeing Nazi occupation, whilst also home to a top-secret RAF base. The lavish banquets and decadent parties had become a thing of the past.
Hilda's story takes us back to a bygone era, showing us what life was really like in England's classic country manors of old - and uncovers the real lives of the people who occupied them, from wealthy lord to lowly servant.
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What listeners say about Upstairs & Downstairs
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- Karen
- 14-11-2021
Lovely book to listen to.
Thoroughly enjoyed the tales of this bygone era. Well spoken narration, pleasure to listen to.
Thank you for writing this wonderful story.
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- Anonymous User
- 10-08-2022
Fascinating.
This book totally intrigued me from start to finish as it was a wonderful exploration of a precarious time in human history from a depth of perspective that is as humble as it is compassionate & full of candour along the way. Excellent. 👍🏼👍🏼 #fivestars
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- Anonymous User
- 22-01-2024
Wonderful story
What an amazing story of serving an aristocrat family. It wad truely an eye opener. Would recommend.
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- Cheri Bowater
- 20-12-2021
Really a true to life story.
Loved "Molly's" story of being a lady's maid. First hand and first class. Told it like it was without dragging down her ladyship. Recommend this highly if you are a Downton Abbey fan.
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- Jim Breen
- 02-03-2022
Completely Wonderful!
I'm happy to admit I'm tragically obsessed with anything that's old, traditional and just beautiful. This story is no exception. I LOVED it, I loved everything about it! Thank you!
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- Anonymous User
- 21-11-2021
Lovely Tale
I really enjoyed this account of history. It was an interesting story to tell. I loved it
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- julee latimer
- 22-02-2022
Interesting account
I found the history of Britain in the 1920s and 1930s really interesting Also enjoyed the author's memories of life below stairs.
I did, however, find the author's personal views on life and people in contemporary Britain a little irritating.
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- Peonyrose
- 08-02-2020
Beautiful to remember how we used to live.
I found this novel to be a wonderful reflection on how we used to live. Through this writing I’ve deeply thought about what wrong with our society. It’s inspiring and sad.
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- Anonymous User
- 18-02-2024
interesting snapshot of the past
This was an interesting enough tale. It felt a little light on with regard to the substance of the story but was truncated with great visually stimulating descriptions of the day to day moments. This was the snapshot of the history that held my interest to finish the story.
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