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The post of the main housekeeper is an important position within the household of Downton Abbey and Elsie Carson Hughes fits into it well. The British historical television series covers the period of late nineteenth century and early twentieth century Britain. The show, written by Julian Fellowes, ran for six series between 2010 and 2015.
The show which is a fictional take on the era of the famous Equality Bill or the Downton Abbey law, showcases the ideal household of the fictional Yorkshire estate. The hierarchy among the house helps, including servants and maids have been perfectly featured. While the Butler stands as the most important position, the housekeeper has an equally important role in a smooth-functioning house. In Downton Abbey, Elsie Carson, referred to as Mrs. Hughes, is the chief housekeeper.
Disclaimer: This article contains the author’s opinion.
The powerful role of the head housekeeper in Downton Abbey
The head housekeeper’s position is vital for the smooth functioning of a household and in Downton Abbey, the position is held by Mrs. Hughes AKA Elsie May Carson. The household is run by Mrs. Hughes along with Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Carson, the butler.
She is responsible for the work done by the fleet of servants and maids. Described as a hard taskmaster, she is both strict and kind-hearted as seen in many instances. As writer Julian Fellowes describes in The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era,
“(she) represents what must surely have been the majority of servants who regarded service as just a job; servants who neither worshipped nor hated their employers, and would meet the different future without either passion or regret.”
She was defined by her stoic and ethical attitude as well as being the daughter of a tenant farmer from Argyll in Scotland. Her sister Becky was revealed to have mental health issues and lived with a caretaker in Lytham St Annes Lancashire. Mrs. Hughes earned for Becky’s care with no savings for herself.
While Elsie joined the county as the head housemaid, she was soon promoted to the post of housekeeper. Much later she had a relationship with Mr. Carson culminating in marriage. While called Mrs. Hughes, she was never married to any Mr. Hughes. She felt that the honorific of “Mrs.” suited a housekeeper and gained her respect.
Elsie, played by actor Phyllis Logan, appeared in all six seasons, the five Christmas specials, and the first movie of Downton Abbey. The no-nonsense character is reliable, very understanding, and a great mediator. Her moral values are old-fashioned but she has been generous in her treatment of the under-privileged.
Elsie went on to marry Carson in the sixth season. Together they made a perfect team since her empathetic nature was complementary to Carson’s more headstrong, obstinate methods of handling things. Her influence helped soften the butler into a more likable person.
What is the job profile of the head housekeeper of Downton Abbey?
The job of the main housekeeper entails a no-nonsense approach to heading all the maids and servants. In Downton Abbey, this work profile would need a middle-aged motherly lady with the right blend of sensibility and a stickler for rules.
The work timings are from 5 or 6 am to 10 pm all seven days of the week. Being the highest-ranked servant in the estate, the head housekeeper reports to the mistress of the house and is a representative of the mistress in most matters. She would often handle household accounts, dispense funds, and buy provisions.
On normal work days, she may organize staff, stay in charge of chinaware and linen, make rounds to check for cleanliness and replace supplies like writing paper, candles, and soap. She oversaw bedrooms prepared for guests and their servants, poured coffee or tea, arranged desserts, and did all the needlework.
Final thoughts on Downton Abbey’s housekeeper
The show has received many accolades including Golden Globe Award and Primetime Emmy Awards. Phyllis Logan has received critical acclaim for portraying Mrs. Hughes appropriately capturing the culture and moral standards of the era.
While the personality of Elsie has been groomed over the years of service, which is more than 30 years, she makes the right partner for Mr. Carson.
With both Elsie and Carson serving the family with loyalty minus sentimentality, the household in Downton Abbey must have continued to work like a well-oiled machine.
