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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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Upstairs & Downstairs
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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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs. C. A. Real
- 13-08-22
Upstairs Downstairs
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book - I was quite sorry when it ended, as I could have gone on listening to it forever. It was completely absorbing and very well written and narrated. I loved the whole story and it gave a wonderful picture of how life was in those days. Excellent!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 17-08-22
Wonderful book
This book was so interesting and gave a colourful and real life insight into the life of the below stairs staff. Beautifully written and read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 13-06-22
A great listen
A simple story - but such a great listen.
I recommend this audio book. And do well read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- oily
- 17-08-22
amazing
I have been to this place many times and it has wanted me to go back. A truly great story
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- flowertoes
- 18-04-22
Loved it...
There are forces that are trying to do away with our real history..B.L.M...will have you believe that our history was different...So read well and take note Our people.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- tanya
- 29-11-21
wonderful
a fantastic insight into real life below stairs at a turning point in history
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- CuckooSuzie
- 13-07-22
fabulous & interesting
what a wonderful life story. so interesting. very descriptive, especially about the various clothing layers worn in those early days.
loved every minute of it. thankyou
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sandavon
- 18-08-22
Wonderful memoir
A beautifully written book by a very intelligent lady. It tells of a time, although very hard, was much more gentile. Helen Lloyd does a wonderful performance and brings the characters to life.
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- Mrs Valda R Musker
- 02-12-21
Loved this!
What a wonderful lady. Really enjoyed this, so interesting to hear from someone below stairs, what it was like to be a servant in those days. Felt like I was there with her. Brilliant!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Sherryn Gray
- 28-12-21
Sweet story
Whilst it wasn't really about upstairs and downstairs in the way you'd expect from the title, the story was well narrated and very lovely to listen to. It was like sitting down with your gran and hearing about her life as a young woman.
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