Hall Rules and Heebie-Jeebie Horsefeathers

I'm going way back in time now...this is almost a cheat post because nothing about this time makes me nostalgic, but I do love watching Downton Abbey.  

This period drama series is set during the Edwardian era and quickly moves through time to include pre- and post World War and then through the swinging twenties.  

The story is not only about the aristocrats and how they live, but more interestingly about the servants and the "downstairs" way of life.

It has such awesome costumes and the polite dialogue is completely foreign in the beginning.  It often makes you think what it would be like to living during those times when women were oppressed and men called all the shots.  Not even your inheritance, as a lady, was secure...land could only be passed on to male heirs.

It was time when high-tea was served by servants in the posh drawing room at the request of a bell and mail arrived by hand.  When women wore gloves and everyone dressed for dinner.  No-one got Half-seas over without getting side-ways glances.  Everything was so sophisticated and formal.  

Servants had strict Hall Rules;  "No Swearing or indecent language while the cloth is on the table" or "No one is to be suffered playing cards in the Hall before 6o'clock in the evening".  If they did they were fine thruppence!

Here's a true story of Life below stairs which is really interesting.  Enjoy!  See you tomorrow.