The Housekeeper's Room, Tredegar House, Newport, c. 1890 (image 1 of 2)

Description

The Housekeeper's Room was a sitting room near the kitchen, set aside for the most important female member of staff. The elegant appointment of the room indicates her rank. She maintained order and cleanliness in the house, had the task of hiring and firing female staff, and kept tight control over domestic stores, such as linens, candles, and the relatively expensive sugar and spices. Indeed, in Tredegar House, the Spice Cupboard was situated in her sitting room, where none could access it without her supervision.