SERVANTS OF THE LORD: OUTDOOR STAFF AT THE GREAT COUNTRY HOUSES. By David S.D. Jones.

2017 1st edition. 4to (194 x 252mm). Pp207. Colour photographs, illustrations throughout, bibliography. Grey boards, spine titled in gilt.

"A unique look into the lives, roles and responsibilities of the outdoor staff of the great country houses. Through his meticulous research of estate records, biographical works, private diaries and from many other sources, David S.D. Jones gives the reader a fascinating and comprehensive insight into the life of the outdoor staff from the golden age of Queen Victoria's reign through to World War I. This is a relatively unexplored subject, despite these staff being the backbone to the sustainability of the great estates. Their roles have been neglected both by books and journals over the years, as much has been written about indoor servants and famously dramatised in ITV's Downton Abbey but in this well researched and fascinating book untold stories of hermits; gardeners; postillions; gamekeepers and many more are documented. Beautifully illustrated with many rare and unpublished period photographs together with historic documents from the author's private collection. A must read for anyone interested in family and social history and country house/estate life in a bygone era." Chapters include:- The land agent; The game department; The hunt establishment; The river keeper; The park keeper; The stables staff; The chauffeur; The boatman; The lodge keeper; The gardens; The home farm; The forestry department; Itinerant craftsmen; The rare and unusual; The estate yard team; Country house services; Pay and perks; The country estate at play; The country estate in wartime.