Life Below Stairs: Servants’ Jobs KS2

Behind the grand rooms and impressive banquets of Burghley House was a large team of servants whose hard work kept everything running smoothly. In this interactive session, pupils discover the different roles carried out by Victorian servants and explore what life was like for the people working below stairs.

Taking on the role of servants themselves, pupils try a range of practical tasks inspired by jobs carried out at Burghley House, including setting a table for a banquet, helping with the laundry and shining shoes. Through discussion, role-play and hands-on activities, pupils gain a deeper understanding of the differences between rich and poor in Victorian society.

What pupils will do

• Learn about the different groups of servants who worked at Burghley House.

• Discover the jobs carried out by servants in Victorian times.

• Take on the role of Victorian servants through practical activities.

• Try tasks such as setting a banquet table, helping with laundry and shining shoes.

• Ask and answer questions about life and work in Victorian society.

What to expect

• Takes place in a classroom-style learning space.
• Delivered in groups of up to 30 pupils.
• The session lasts approximately 40 minutes.
• Whole-class and small-group activities.
• Interactive and participatory format.
• The session is delivered at an age-appropriate level for Key Stage 2 pupils.

SEND & accessibility

• The session takes place in a level-access learning space.
• The activity can be lively at times, with pupils moving between different servant tasks and role-play activities.
• Some activities use real and replica Victorian objects, providing opportunities for tactile and experiential learning.
• Toilets are located nearby.
• There is easy access to outdoor space should a pupil need time away from the activity with an accompanying adult.
• The educator can adapt information and delivery to support the needs of the group.