Mary Ann Hooper - Head Laundrymaid
(She thinks it's 1871!.  You will usually find her in the Laundry)

My name is Mary Ann Hooper and I am employed here as the Head Laundrymaid. I have achieved this position through years of hard work and loyalty to Lord and Lady Lichfield. My wage is 25 guineas, plus my keep of course.

It falls to me to ensure that the two girls who work with me in the Laundry are diligent in their work. Together we wash and iron for the entire household, that means fifty people – sometimes more when Lord and Lady Lichfield are entertaining guests.

Of course, I am the only one allowed to launder the family’s clothes – I couldn’t trust the other two – they get on with washing all the household linen and the servant’s clothing.

I enjoy my job despite the very hard work, aching back and very sore hands. But it is very rewarding seeing everyone smartly turned out – as they say “cleanliness in next to Godliness”.