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  • Upstairs & Downstairs

  • My Life In Service as a Lady's Maid
  • By: Hilda Newman, Tim Tate
  • Narrated by: Helen Lloyd
  • Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (284 ratings)
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Upstairs & Downstairs cover art

Upstairs & Downstairs

By: Hilda Newman, Tim Tate
Narrated by: Helen Lloyd
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Summary

The year was 1935: the twilight of the English aristocracy. It was a time of wealth and glamour; of lavish balls and evening gowns; of tiaras and a coronation. As personal maid to Lady Coventry, Hilda Newman had a unique insight into the leisured life of one of Britain's most noble families. In her fascinating memoir of life upstairs and down, Hilda takes us back to this period between the wars; a gilded era which would soon be dramatically changed by the Second World War.

Transplanted from a tiny house with no bath or hot water to an 18th-century Neo-Palladian mansion, Hilda's life changed beyond recognition. But in a time when the very foundations of British society were being shaken to their core, the luxurious life of the country nobility couldn't last. The Second World War brought more turbulence with it, and Croome Court, where Hilda had lived and worked, became a haven for the Dutch Royal Family fleeing Nazi occupation, whilst also home to a top-secret RAF base. The lavish banquets and decadent parties had become a thing of the past.

Hilda's story takes us back to a bygone era, showing us what life was really like in England's classic country manors of old - and uncovers the real lives of the people who occupied them, from wealthy lord to lowly servant.

©2019 Martyn Newman obo Hilda Newman (P)2019 Penguin Audio

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What listeners say about Upstairs & Downstairs

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Mildly interesting

As an avid Downton abbey fan, I picked this up. Some interesting bits
Doesn't flow well, quite patronising at times.

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3 people found this helpful

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Not what I expected

I almost gave up with this book after the first chapter or so, but persevered to the end. I had to overcome the rather scathing and narrow view of "the world today" and what I think is a naive memory of how things were (although, to be fair, the author probably didn't have the opportunity to form a different opinion). The content however, is interesting and the narrator reads it in a way that I think the author meant it to be read. On the whole, I am glad I listened to the end.

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2 people found this helpful

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Upstairs Downstairs

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book - I was quite sorry when it ended, as I could have gone on listening to it forever. It was completely absorbing and very well written and narrated. I loved the whole story and it gave a wonderful picture of how life was in those days. Excellent!

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A real and meaningful memory, very special.

Very well read, a gentle account of a life well lived according to standards of decency. One to listen to often.

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A timeless tale

Very well read, very interesting and kept me engrossed the whole time. Thank you x

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Excellent

I’m only on chapter 10 but I can’t put the book down. It feels so cosy to have such an intimate account of what life was like in those days, and of their sensibilities. It’s so well written and the narration is engaging and soothing.

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heartwarming and thoroughly enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book, what an amazing life she has led . heartwarming and enjoyable

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Interesting book, nicely written

Interesting book showing a different life, quite eye-opening actually that only 100 years ago life was SO different (I'm only 25)... Food for thought.

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Definitely worth listening!

Great audiobook, couldn't stop listening. just wish it was longer and the narrator was a perfect choice, she knows how to really get you in the story.

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Wonderful memoir

A beautifully written book by a very intelligent lady. It tells of a time, although very hard, was much more gentile. Helen Lloyd does a wonderful performance and brings the characters to life.

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