Why are we so fascinated by life above and below stairs?
Woman's Hour looks at the life between those upstairs and their servants, below stairs. Why do we love costume drama so much? How do producers ensure there’s historical accuracy and how much are we seeing a romanticised view of what it was really like to be below stairs?
Jenni is joined by Clare Jenkins, who grew up with parents in service and Julian Fellowes, who wrote the screenplay for Gosford Park and grew up in a house with servants. To discuss the modern day cleaner, Jenni is joined by Nora Carlin, the owner of Arley's Angels home management service and by historical consultant Jenny Uglow. And to discuss the importance, recipes and presentation of food in the homes of the upper classes, Jenni is joined by author and historical consultant on the BBC's Cranford, Jenny Uglow and by food historian Ivan Day.
