Catalogue

Interview
921, LO/276/227
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Capindale, Edith, 1900 - , Interviewee, Female, Domestic servant
Speaker: Florance, J, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recalls early life and school in east end of London. Describes 2 year trade scholarship at Newcomen Domestic service college in Southwark, south London from age 14. Details training curriculum, teachers and facilities, including borrowing local babies for nursery classes. Comments training gave chance of starting in higher position in Domestic Service. Recalls first job with Bishop of Southwark, as second housemaid. Describes household, daily tasks, working hours and avoiding being seen by employers. Mentions different uniform, pay and servant hierarchy. Comments First World War did not affect daily life as much as Second World War. Sketches next job as head housemaid with Lord and Lady Castle - Stewart and why she left them. Mentions Agencies for domestic service and being interviewed for work. Recalls job in Ashdown Forest, Sussex and other temporary job. Mentions leaving service in 1932 due to marriage. Recalls other employers and comments on the importance of good references. Describes the distinction between household staff and out servants. Mentions Christmas. Recalls how maids were addressed, uniforms and incidents of dismissal. Comments she saw the end of the prime of domestic service.
Place of birth: Bow, East London
Education: Newcomen Domestic College, Southwark, London
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Platelayer
Mother's Occupation: Domestic Servant
Location: County: Sussex, Surrey
Location: Town/Place: London
Periods Covered: 1910s,1920s, 1930s, 1940s,
Language: English

Recording Date: 23/4/1986
Playing time: 1 hr 14 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.