Butlers and Their Role Throughout History

What are the Responsibilities of a Butler?

Butlers have played an important role throughout history and storytelling, and are still essential to the running of many grand households today. Whether you grew up with a butler working in your household or not, you’ll have an understanding of what the role of the butler is, and know how integral they have been throughout history. 

Dramatisations of historic households, such as Downton Abbey, have really highlighted the role household staff play in not just the running of magnificent households, but also in the day-to-day lives of the families that they work for. 

The Name ‘Butler’ – interestingly, this name is derived from the Anglo-Norman buteler, derived from boteille meaning “bottle”. That is because the person, usually a man, holding this role would be entrusted to look after and serve the bottles of wine within the household. The wine cellar of the wealthy, particularly in historic times, held a considerable amount of value and only the most trusted of staff would be given the privilege of this role, hence, the Butler was created. 

Initially Butlers Were a Middle-Ranking Member of Staff – in Britain, where household staffing was the most common place for this type of staff member to exist, Butlers were initially middle-ranking members of the household staff. It was during the 17th and 18th centuries that the role of Butler developed into a more senior position.  

Traditional Duties – the role of the Butler is one steeped in tradition, those working in this role must adhere to many rules and meet the expectations of both society and their household. A great example of a traditional British Butler is the character of Mr Carson from the tv show and subsequent movies, Downton Abbey. Mr Carson, and any traditional Butler of the era would be expected to complete the following tasks: 

• Responsible for managing the male staff within the household, ensuring that they are performing their assigned duties to a high standard. 
• In charge of the wine and liquor inventories.
• Trusted to care for and keep safe the silver, crystal and other valuable china and tableware. 
• Welcoming guests into the home. 
• Overseeing all mealtimes, including formal meals, parties, special occasions and drinks.

In smaller households you would find the Butler to be more diverse in their role, taking on additional, and typically middle-ranking, responsibilities. 

What’s Changed? 

While many esteemed families may adhere to traditional roles and responsibilities within their households, there are undoubtedly differences between the Mr Carson’s of the past and today’s modern Butler. 

Notably, the technology advances today have made managing a household a more seamless task than the role was during the Downton Abbey timeline. For example, recording inventories, ordering stock, and managing staffing are all much simpler tasks thanks to technology. 

With the exception of the attendance of formal events, the Butler’s appearance may differ to what most may expect. Business casual, or even in some households, casualwear with jeans may be worn. The Butler is expected to be well-presented, but their ‘uniform’ is something that can depend upon the type of household in which they are working. 

The biggest change you may find is that today some Butlers are actually female. A home in which the principal is a female themselves may prefer to hire a female Butler to assist with household duties. Traditionally, a female principal may have had instead a Housekeeper or Household Manager, but today that may not be the case. 

Additionally, a Modern Butler may not always live-in the household to which they serve. Instead, many have set working hours and own their own properties. Throughout history the role of the Butler has been to largely devote themselves, and their lives, to their household. Nowadays the Butler can do all of that whilst also having more freedom to have a life outside of their profession. As seen in Downton Abbey, getting married when in service typically meant the end of your career, however that is no longer the case. 

Modern Duties – whilst many aspects of the Butler’s role remain unchanged, and the expected duties can change from household to household, here are examples of the tasks a modern Butler is expected to complete: 

• Managing the household and all staff.
• Overseeing the maintenance of the home.
• Greeting and welcoming guests to the home.
• Answering the phone and running general errands.
• Processing payroll for other household staff.
• Meeting the needs of the Principal.
• Undertaking light housework duties.
• Ensuring household safety and security.
• Managing household finances and budget planning.
• Grocery shopping and inventory management.
• Planning events and organising travel arrangements.

One thing that will never change among Butlers is their dedication and commitment to their role and the families who they serve. 

To hire a Butler, please call the Team at Staff of Distinction and we would be delighted to be of service to find your household’s perfect fit.