Diary of William Tayler, Footman 1837

By Dorothy Wise Tayler,

Book cover of Diary of William Tayler, Footman 1837

Book description

Before you read William’s Journal, it is necessary to sketch in his background as briefly as possible. He came from the hamlet of Grafton, which is situated in the south-west corner of Oxfordshire, not far from Faringdon in Berkshire. Its seven grey Cotswold stone farmhouses are linked together by a…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Diary of William Tayler, Footman 1837 as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

William Tayler worked as a footman in London for the wealthy widow Mrs. Prinsep and her unmarried daughter. He kept a diary for the year 1837 "as I am a wretched bad writer [and] many of my friends have advised me to practice more…" On Sundays, he usually went to see his wife and children who were lodged nearby, although he never mentions her or them by name. 

As it focuses on just one year, the diary only provides a snapshot of William’s working life. However, it gives an illuminating insight into the life of a male servant for the…

From Michelle's list on Victorian servants telling their stories.

Want books like Diary of William Tayler, Footman 1837?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Diary of William Tayler, Footman 1837.

Browse books like Diary of William Tayler, Footman 1837

Book cover of The Diaries of Hannah Cullwick: Victorian Maidservant
Book cover of What the Butler Winked At: Being the Life and Adventures of Eric Horne, Butler
Book cover of Campaigns of Curiosity: Journalistic Adventures of an American Girl in London

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,201

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Victorian, the United Kingdom, and presidential biography?

Victorian 163 books
The United Kingdom 582 books