The Distaff
The head of the back part of the house, as well as the bedrooms, was the Housekeeper. She was in charge of keeping the house clean, and of keeping the housemaids in line. She was the second-highest staff member, following only the butler.

Under her were the housemaids, who were in charge of doing the actual cleaning (the housekeeper just oversaw the whole operation). Their job was to be efficient and, most importantly, to keep out of the way.

Then, as with the menservants, came a host of more menial, but also absolutely necessary, jobs: a fine household would have several laundresses (Not surprising considering the acres of lace a single dress might have). A woman called the still-room maid did some minor cooking, for tea and light snacks, which would be wasted on the expensive French chef.

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