Detail of the occupations of the Footman, Soho House, 1811

Description:This is the cover of the list of duties was drawn up at the start of 1811 when Charles Howard was the footman at Soho House. It was later revised in pencil when Howard was replaced. The list itself and the list of Butler's duties are also available on the site.

Before the list was altered he was expected to open the shutters, wash the glasses, trim the lamps, clean the knives, sweep the pantry, make up the fires, clean the cellars, go on errands, go out with the carriage, lay the kitchen cloth, answer the bells, help in setting out the parlour, wait at table, light the lamps, help close the shutters, cut the bread and butter and make the toast for tea, fill the tea kettle, fetch in the coal and wait at supper if there were guests.

Some of these duties were later removed but others were added - polishing the furniture and doors, helping clean the windows and laying the table for lunch and dinner.