Servant

A ServantServantA Servant works on land they do not own, usually under a contract with a household, farm or estate. Servants may live in their employer’s house or in tied cottages,… works on land they do not own, usually under a contract with a household, farm or estate. Servants may live in their employer’s house or in tied cottages, receiving board, lodging and wages or in-kind payments such as grain and fuel.

Service can take many forms: household servants in the houses of the eliteElite, farmhands on the fields of Grandholders and Freeholders, dairy maids, stable boys, gardeners and more. Some servants remain with the same employer for many years and become almost part of the household. Others move more frequently, following wages or opportunity. They have limited independence, as their livelihood depends directly on maintaining favour and fulfilling duties. However, service can also be a path to experience, connections and, sometimes, advancement. Especially for younger people hoping one day to marry, rent land or buy a small holding of their own.