Laying the Table at Christmas - The Victorian Way

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Introducing Mr Lincoln, Butler at Audley End House. Join him to discover how the staff are preparing for Christmas. Learn the correct way to serve dinner to Lord and Lady Braybrooke and their guests during the festive season.
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[@EnglishHeritage]

We hope you enjoy this special festive episode of The Victorian Way! Here are some answers to questions you may have after watching this video, provided by our expert historian: • Where does the new recruit come from? Did Mr Lincoln refer to a servants' registry? We've cast you, the audience, in the role of a temporary hire. It was very common for extra staff to be brought in for big events or busy seasons. They were usually recruited through a servants' registry (we'd now call them a recruitment agency). There were registries in every major city. Mr Lincoln mentions Mrs Massey's, an agency which was founded in 1854, and by the 1870s was one of the major suppliers of staff to wealthy homes. It was London-based, for most large houses preferred to recruit there rather than rely on locals who, it was felt, might pilfer or prove unreliable if they had family temptingly near. • What is baize, as in the cloth under the tablecloth? Baize is a type of woollen cloth, a little like felt, but more durable and much denser. It was used widely for such things as undercloths on tables and for soundproofing e.g. on doors (hence the phrase, behind the 'green baize door' denoting the other side of a door lined with baize, the usual method of soundproofing a door to the service wing). Used as an undercloth, as here, it preserved the table from hot plates and spills, as well as dents or other damage. • Why does Mrs Warwick lay out the fruit, and not Mrs Crocombe? The delineation of duties in a house like Audley End was relatively strict and well understood. The cook (Mrs Crocombe) cooked, and the housekeeper (Mrs Warwick) had charge of china, table linen, flowers (though the gardening staff might well arrange live plants and other floral decoration for the table and house). The housekeeper also laid out the fruit for dessert, as well as usually making jams, preserves or room fresheners (such as pot pourri). • On the list of wines, what is hock? Hock is a sweetish white wine from the west of Germany, along the Rhine. It is similar to riesling. Queen Victoria had a vineyard in the region named for her, and it was very popular in the past. • What is a widgeon? A type of small duck. • Mr Lincoln seems awfully young: is this realistic? All of the characters in The Victorian Way videos were real people, with their details taken from the census of 1881. The videos tie into a live interpretation project which has been running since 2008 and if you visit Audley End, you'll be able to look around the service wing and sometimes meet the servants as if it was that year. We've done a lot of research into their backgrounds (and what happened to them next) and the interpreters you see in the videos base their characterisation on what we know from the historical records. In other words, don't be influenced by TV stereotypes(!). That said, William Lincoln was indeed relatively young for a butler at this level. The Braybrookes were in financial difficulties during the 1880s, as evidenced by their employment of a female cook (paid at least half the wage of a man, often less). Their head gardener, Mr Vert, was also surprisingly young. Mr Lincoln would have gone into service aged 12, and seems to have started out as a groom, before making the move to inside work at some point in the 1870s. In 1881 he was in his early 30s, and recorded as butler at the London townhouse of Lord Braybrooke. He would have moved with them between their various houses. He remained in their service until at least 1901. There is some suggestion that perhaps he had a family in the area (though he gave his marital status as single), which might explain his long service without moving on. We will probably never know. • Why is the fork placed with the tines facing down? Forks (and sometimes spoons) were often laid with the tines facing down for two reasons: one was to display the family crest on the back, and the other was to prevent lace cuffs catching in them. The latter wasn't so much of an issue by 1881, when forks were less pointy than they had been, and cuffs less lacey, and not every family continued the habit. Victorian etiquette books don't tend to mention it, as they are aimed at a more aspirational middle class audience. Put simply, if you need a book, you aren't bred to it, and you are only ever going to get it wrong. Sadly, we can't rely on etiquette books as a guide to aristocratic behaviours, because the minute it was written down, it was passé. Old money families such as the Braybrookes all had their own ways of doing things. As Mr Lincoln says, Audley End was very old-fashioned as well, and the way he shows the table being laid out was not that of the urban fast set, and definitely couldn’t be learnt from any book.

[@matesafranka6110]

"Put simply, if you need a book, you aren't bred to it, and you are only ever going to get it wrong." Dang, that is _savage_

[@ashez2ashes]

Thank you, I love this extra information.

[@astherlia7292]

Thank you for the extra information because to be honest, i cannot quite get what hes saying most of all, but only able to grasp the 'swan handkerchief" and "rabbit meat for the lower table" hehe.. i find this information more "simple-english" to understand than in the video, especially today, there is no subtitle. But strangely, i find mrs. Crocombe communication style is easier to grasp, hmm...

[@TechBearSeattle]

@@astherlia7292 - Indeed. It would be very, very helpful if they would caption these videos.

[@gfhit7520]

the info about the Braybrookes financial status and how this could reflect on the young age of the butler is interesting. I find it amusing that we have to thank the Braybrookes tight purse moment for Mrs Crocombe :)

[@SumisusanAhhA]

I’m ready for a full Netflix series of all this. The drama in the laundry alone could carry the season!

[@f.s.9833]

I’ve chuckled with your comment 😊

[@karenm.2185]

I sooo agree with you!! I would watch this loyally!

[@blktauna]

can you imagine what they see down there? they know exactly who's doing what and to whom!

[@ardiris2715]

@@blktauna ... and to each other.

[@randominnkeeper1756]

Umm.. ever heard of Downton Abbey? 😅

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

This man has no access to electricity, hot showers, internet, phone, or car. . . yet he makes me feel like an absolute peasant in the presence of a great gentleman.

[@AlmostMonumental27]

Oh, he's a huge and laughable snob.

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

@@AlmostMonumental27 "I'm so bored, I think I'll go troll people, I'm so funny, all my friends think I'm funny, ahahaha. . . ."

[@redaghassah7718]

It's the Victorian era, they had some electricity, early cars, and hot baths (maybe showers, although I doubt it because the Braybrooke are a bit old-fashioned). They did have wired phones of course. Those were not the middle ages. Those are the beginnings of the modern era.

[@Consrignrant]

It's a television show. He has a shower every day. You are a "peasant".

[@miguelcereceres169]

@@redaghassah7718 But I mean this dude definitely has a phone and internet at home probably because he's an actor and don't take everything too seriously people are just having a fun time on a youtube video

[@silverfeigner]

The look on the face of Mr. Lincoln the butler when he discovered the fork wasn't cleaned properly had me giggling a little bit.

[@Poodle_Gun]

They looked like they came out of a pizza hut, it was driving me cray cray!

[@marylkap6498]

Plus the wine glasses weren't clean, either 🤨

[@sarahgilliss3503]

I immediately felt a chill go up my spine, I gasped, and literally said, "Uh-oh boy! That didn't sound good!" 😬

[@MrLeoni2]

Ha ha ha ha. My thought upon seeing that look on Mr. Lincoln's face was, "Oh, oh, someone's in trouble."

[@davejefferynf]

You really need to give this man his own series.

[@Belial2986]

Yea I totally agree

[@andypandy9013]

Agreed! 👍👍👍😃

[@laurenh8736]

Mr. Lincoln!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@adedow1333]

Hurrah for the Butler!

[@carlatate7678]

100%!!!!!!!!!

[@HearthandSickle]

Mr. Lincolnis is as formidable as Mrs. Crocombe. Wouldn't want to cross either of them during this festive season.

[@Abyssinian121]

His depiction is on point for someone who would have interacted directly with the family employing him, as opposed to those who worked 'behind the scenes'. He is a 'front of the house' employee, rather than a 'back of the house', hidden sort of worker, using today's parlance. Hence his perusal of his temp hire's appearance and their credentials (height, scars, experience working in 'good' hospitality establishments, etc.) I do like how he declares 'folded swan napkins are showy and vulgar', and his emphasis on 'simple and serviceable' settings instead.

[@trustmemysonisadoctor8479]

@@Abyssinian121 There was definitely shade when talking about folded swan napkins!!

[@chrisowens4550]

He would have to be! And its impressive that he's made the head butler position at such a young age.

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

He's just too perfect.

[@SunnysFilms]

Moreso. If there's one member of the staff to fear above all others, it would be the butler. Even Mrs. Crocombe wouldn't mess with him.

[@rlowethewitch8417]

This man is incredible in so many ways. Never mind how easy on the eyes he is, I’ve never heard the shape of a swan described as being “vulgar.”

[@timesawasting7532]

I believe he was commenting on fancy napkins folds such as the swan, rose bud bishop's mitre, lotus, etc.. as being vulgar rather than a swan specifically. I agree with him (and the Braybrookes) on that.

[@Bane_Amesta]

Yeah he's probably talking about that being unnecessary spectacle, and that would be very well considered vulgar. You know, like the modern "rich" people being rude and wearing brand stuff like a flag instead of looking elegant

[@rlowethewitch8417]

@@Bane_Amesta I see. I would have used the word "ostentatious" myself, but that would also probably be vulgar of me lol Either way, we need more of this guy, and maybe the Braybrookes themselves!!

[@PLuMUK54]

@rlowe the witch the word vulgar comes from the Latin "vulgus", the "common people", so I that I think it's far more insulting to say vulgar. I can imagine "how ostentatious" referring to the nouveau riches, which I could live with, but to be called "common" would really hit the mark!

[@msmltvcktl]

@@Bane_Amesta ah yes, the nouveau riche; whomever could have forseen that they would choose to deck themselves out like the racecars they so loved watching once they dragged themselves from the cesspool of backwoods wherever?

[@laurenconrad1799]

I’ve read in many history books that the only people more snobbish than the aristocrats were their servants and I love the way you’ve portrayed that. 😂

[@witchhazel4135]

Apparently. 😳 Having good manners is one thing, but to willingly enslave yourself to so many rules is simply horrifying.

[@sophiejones3554]

@@witchhazel4135 That's not really a good understanding of the situation here. These are highly trained professionals, who received good compensation for their work. In this time period, this was one of the most lucrative careers available and it carried social prestige as well. Mr. Lincoln would be a celebrity in his hometown: considered something of a prodigy, given that he's in such a high position at such a young age. His hometown newspaper would interview him, young people would be asking him for career advice, all the girls in town would make eyes at him. When someone is suddenly thrust from obscurity into even a moderate amount of fame, it's pretty typical to become a bit smug about it. Also, if the Lord values Norman tradition over keeping to the latest fashions, then he's liable to hire people who also value tradition over fashion. While not all such people are necessarily snobs, it does tend to lead someone to behaving in that way. Additionally, I will point out, these customs came into existence for reasons. I'd be willing to bet a lot of servants probably preferred the service á la Française, for the simple reason that it requires less direct contact with the guests. Having to offer people platters of food sets you up for all sorts of verbal abuse. So in this case particularly, Mr. Lincoln has a decent enough reason for considering this system superior and lamenting the fact that it has become rarer.

[@laurenconrad1799]

@@sophiejones3554 Was it the most lucrative career available? You make some fantastic points, truly, but now I'm curious about wages for men and women. Women had very few job options and marriage really was their ultimate "career." But whether a man was a doctor, barrister, clergyman, factory owner, shipping merchant, butler, low-level footman, chimney sweep, etc depended on who his parents were and what kind of education he was able to receive.

[@themermaidstale5008]

I believe people in service felt that the reputation of the family they worked for reflected back on them. I think they took pride in knowing they worked for/served a well-respected, well-known family. People, at all levels of society, took pride in doing their duty and being honorable, at that time.

[@adlirez]

⁠@@laurenconrad1799I believe it’s this, which is working for a noble house. Audley End is the residence of Lord and Lady Braybrooke, after all, a family of reputability and nobility. Only thing that could be more prestigious would be working for a family of higher prestige or working for the royal family themselves.

[@KorraMea]

Love the fact that we get to finally meet all these people Mrs. Crocombe has been talking about! I love Kathy to bits, but thank you for expanding your cast....is it weird that I'm treating this like a mini Victorian MCU? lol

[@JpopFanBoy]

I loved the collab she did with Townsends

[@MildredCady]

No. It is not weird. I am loving the expansion of the universe.

[@colinneagle4495]

Victorian MCU? I love this idea! Would a grand dinner party count as an Avengers level event? LOL

[@zechli]

more like... AEHCU? (Audley End House)

[@rosswhite-chinnery5725]

I started watching this while doing my best impression of a sack of potatoes. I finished standing in the posture of a soldier with the poise of a cat, hands at my sides where God ordained they rest, chin passable for a set square, taking in every word from behind a visage serene, attentive and deferent.

[@BazukinBelyugovich]

I wish I could say the same, but I do look upon these manners highly. As it happens, I happen to be very hot and lethargic at the moment, so a impersonating a sack of potatoes I remain for the time being. Hopefully, however, I shall also set my chin in a manner akin to a set square, and lay my hands where God ordained they ought to be in a short time.

[@BeatlesPlotagonShow]

I like you, Mr. Lincoln. I’m loving this Victorian Way cinematic universe and seeing the characters come to life 😅

[@Ishidori85]

Marvel can keep their Secret Wars, this is the real deal 😂

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

He's excellent.

[@kiwicharles]

I’m tired of the MCU so I’m ready for this

[@marycanary86]

WVCU xD

[@idraote]

I didn't expect the butler to be so dashing but I suppose every butler has started as a comparatively young(ish) man. The shade, on the other hand, is perfectly mature and developed already.

[@nunyabiznes33]

I saw a short vid about a butler school. It seems the trainees were all kinda above average in the looks department.

[@stahppls2293]

He keeps hanging out with Mrs. Crocombe and Mrs. Warwick, he has to be able to keep up with the shade quickly 🤣

[@girliboi]

@@nunyabiznes33 there was one of those old bbc/pbs reality series i think called 'edwardian house' (or something like that) reuploaded here on youtube years ago where the older guy serving as the butler assigned jobs (1st footman, 2nd footman, etc down the line), based on the young guys looks (best looking 1st, second best 2nd, etc, respectively), so i guess that was a real thing back then.. . 🧐

[@nunyabiznes33]

@@girliboi that made sense since they are basically front desk workers.

[@girliboi]

@@nunyabiznes33 i just thought it was funny how he didn't even pretend to be interested in strength, or experience, etc.. . it's been a long time, but i want to say he just basically came right out with it, remarked on their looks and assigned ranks accordingly when meeting them the first day.. . 🤣😂🤣

[@jaredknight8838]

Wow I was not imagining Mr. Lincoln looking like that.

[@idraote]

he might be putting the noble men of the house to shame with his dashing good looks

[@TheHomerowKeys]

I think Lord Braybrooke likes having a younger, more apt Butler than certain houses, and I doubt Lady Braybrooke would complain.

[@catclelland2447]

Right???

[@adityasixviandyj7334]

@@TheHomerowKeys most of the manor/estate will choose their footman based on the look, that's why many start very young. Usually the most handsome will be the main footman (or several), while the butler is not the most handsome, but they are the most trusted by The Lord and had experience that will amaze many people... literary for nowadays vocabulary, it's more like he is the righthand of the lord itself. I read it's already rare to find a trusted and handsome footman (Many of them not stay long because so many girls want marry with them), but it's extremely rare for a handsome butler like our Mr. Lincon here, as butler usually had a long commitment to service his lord & lady.

[@fannishfanning160]

I would have blushed if he looked at me like that after finding out about the fork 😅

[@blktauna]

Who besides me wants to see Mr. Lincoln and Mrs. Crocombe square off? Epic

[@brendawhitehead7575]

Absolutely!

[@lehighguy]

I just want to see them fall in love.

[@PLuMUK54]

@Kymmee 21 Mrs Warwick is Mrs Crocombe's boss. Mr Lincoln ruled over the male indoor staff.

[@AlbertaRose94]

@@lehighguy You sure you want to see two people exchanging pointed remarks?

[@katybechnikova2821]

New Epic Rap Battle episode?

[@sirtrently77]

If I may be so bold, Mr. Lincoln appears to have been taking lessons from Mrs. Warwick and Mrs. Crocombe in the fine art of throwing shade like the sun would vaporize you with one beam!

[@shinichigojir12]

This is soo immersive. I was really making mental notes of where to place each dish and when to remove a dish, being worried I couldn’t catch all he said , only to realize I’m not actually working there lol.

[@jdb101585]

I was doing the same! I love these videos that put the viewer in their own role!

[@anmnou]

LOL! Same!

[@ashessakura7518]

Same, I was genuinely worried for a minute because there was so much and I was nodding along but had to remind myself this wasn’t my job lol

[@FactionParadox2090]

I know he's called Mr. Lincoln but I just want to call him Daddy-

[@ludwigvanbeethoven5176]

Me too 😭

[@jaredknight8838]

God save whoever failed to wash that fork properly

[@AfonNoria]

How kind of Mr. Lincoln to take time out of his busy schedule to introduce us seasonal helpers to the way Audley End is run. I appreciate this very much and will do my utmost to assure him the time taken to instruct us has not been wasted.

[@MossyMozart]

@Marion Schröder - (Pssst, Miss Marion - where can I buy silk stockings before tomorrow morning's inspection?)

[@AfonNoria]

@@MossyMozart (As it is already quite late to go out shopping now, I can lend you my spare pair of silk stockings for the inspection. The shop in Saffron Walden should have more, we can ask for permission to go there tomorrow morning by offering to run some additional errands while we are there.)

[@fujoshirants9609]

I will be stealing the silverware.

[@kuarifu]

@@fujoshirants9609 No! Your head will be choped!

[@wishingstar22]

Forget Upstairs, Downstairs, Downton Abbey and the rest. Audley End is where it’s at! The next great British drama!

[@puppsmcgee74]

The shade, the tea, the ruler. I’m already a fan of Mr. Lincoln!

[@MossyMozart]

@Pupps McGee - And the GLOVES! So sexy, or is that a vulgar thought?

[@puppsmcgee74]

@@MossyMozart Oh it’s definitely sexy!

[@marycanary86]

one wonders what else the rulers good for >3>

[@AvatarPrimus]

Ĥ

[@vernelledouglas1801]

"Shooting...Not entirely sober...I'm sure you're used to that." The Victorian elite were quite something!😳🤣

[@jeffventure6078]

You can tell this guy sooo has a mysterious past he is hiding. Not sinister just hidden. Great vid

[@nunyabiznes33]

He was an agent under the Queen's service! 🤣

[@misspeach3755]

Yes, the butler is always the murderer. 😁

[@rezandrarizkyirianto-1933]

He is simply one hell of a butler

[@L16htW4rr10r]

​@@rezandrarizkyirianto-1933I know that reference

[@alyh3721]

@@rezandrarizkyirianto-1933 you beat me to it haha!

[@KatrinaGressett]

I want more Mr. Lincoln. He's rather easy on the eyes.

[@elitedangeroustheworldnext9086]

he's good looking

[@miipmiipmiip]

His stern manner almost makes me want to "accidentally" place the cutlery the wrong way around...

[@terryblueberry]

@@miipmiipmiip what is this fanfiction behavior!!! 😭🤭

[@chanelvarshavski1529]

@@terryblueberry chile im boutta write a whole y/n x mr. lincoln ao3 fic atp 😭😭😭

[@terryblueberry]

@@chanelvarshavski1529 WELL YOU BETTER TAG ME IN IT 😍😍😍😍 oops I mean-

[@catflower_queen7497]

Mr. Lincoln looks a lot younger than I thought he would, but he is very charismatic! He has a different energy than Mrs. Crocomb, but you can tell they are both very dedicated and passionate about their chosen fields. His helpful tips were nice.

[@Timinator0815]

Oh Mister Lincoln, aren't you the one who always likes the Christmas Punch with extra booze? :D

[@diannaanderson]

Thank you! I was trying to remember what it was he liked so.

[@spacewolfcub]

1:31 “Not entirely sober…” Apparently no matter how strong his punch, it’s still no match for the nobility. 🤭

[@chilibreath]

Is he aware that Mrs. Crocombe spilled the tea?

[@Landis963]

@@chilibreath He's the highest point of authority the servants follow, excepting only the family. Of course he knows.

[@Pastadudde]

@@chilibreath for all you know they get together on some evenings and sip away at some secret booze stash, while talking smack about the rest of the servants.

[@rollingthunder1043]

That last remark about the silverware made me feel like I was going to be sacked on the spot! Bravo!

[@Bane_Amesta]

Well we're supposed to be new recruits, so it has to be someone else who made the mistake... Mary Anne should run away just in case (?)

[@spacewolfcub]

@kymmee21- We just had orientation, though. So we weren’t working here yet when that silverware was (not) polished. Whew! 😅

[@RosariaDewi]

i think based on what Mr Crocombe said in past videos, only the china are cleaned by the sculery maids. the silverware are the footmans works. So... Mr Lincoln are gonna scolds some guy lmao

[@vernelledouglas1801]

"...I have to decant some wine and speak to the spirit merchant." What a sentence! This was delightful. We must have more of Mr. Lincoln!

[@januzzell8631]

Almost Mrs Crocome's level of shade here - I approve :)

[@helenel4126]

A very handsome fellow, probably watched with adoration by the younger girls on Mrs Crocombe's staff. I hope we see more of him (take that phrase any way you wish ;) )

[@LoreOfNen]

The SHADE!!!😍 I love it. I like Mr. Lincoln very much! So he is the one who is suitable for the strong Christmas punch! So pleased to meet him

[@Poodle_Gun]

Omg, that's a clever way of saying "he needs a good punch" 😂

[@ruthalysse4096]

“Mrs. Crocombe-she’s the cook” 😂 I love that they thought they needed to explain that 😂

[@Bane_Amesta]

Following the roleplay, we're supposed to be new recruits that probably never went to the house before, so it is kinda understandable I guess 😂

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Idk if it’s just me but Mr. Lincoln the Butler is very cute lol Edit: Ok, I don’t like him anymore because no one besmirches the name of our Face Journey Queen, Mrs. Warwick the Housekeeper 😂

[@melissasaint3283]

Besmirched? No way, man. That was life saving advice he offered right there.

[@Bane_Amesta]

@@melissasaint3283 Yeah he clearly wants us to save ourselves and be prepared for the storm to come lmao

[@idraote]

He's certainly handsome.

[@itwasagoodideaatthetime7980]

I agree he's quite attractive, but as far as Mrs Warwick goes. He was just giving out a healthy warning. No one wants to deal with someone who is in a cranky mood at the best of times. Let alone when you're having to deal with the chaos that surrounds Christmas.

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

This isn't to everybody, and certainly not the guests; it's to the leased help.

[@avidgardener7859]

Love these 'hiring help' videos, such a great way of showcasing different parts of the household staff.

[@poetdrowned]

RIP to whoever cleaned the silverware last 😂 I love him!

[@spookysiamesecat4214]

Yay we finally get to meet the man most talked about, mr Lincoln the butler!! His voice is so soothing

[@Pandorash8]

Watching this from Australia with my 6yo. She immediately remarks in a whisper to me, “he has a handsome voice.” That he does ☺️ Lovely episode 👏🏻 Thank you.

[@ZimVader-0017]

I was WAITING for a butler video, thank you guys so much! I'm probably repeating what everyone else is saying in the comments, but having a series solely about the servants is such a treat. Movies and documentaries seem to only show the aristocracy, so it's fantastic to see things through the point of view of the servants ❤ Happy Christmas to English Heritage and everyone at Audley End 🎄

[@ziggystardust3060]

Absolutely agree! Some years ago there was a popular series on television here in the UK called Upstairs, Downstairs. It was so captivating to watch. I wonder whether it can be found somewhere on the internet?

[@sutrasofdelight]

Please make a series! We love this Butler so much. He so suave, tough, refined, yet real. You can tell he is Captain Badass of the Home.

[@Pittsburghyinzer]

And very easy on the eyes 😅

[@nathanisaac8172]

This man definitely has some kind of mysterious past and as result can for sure protect the family with Hitman levels of deadly accuracy

[@frostincubus4045]

He's one hell of a butler

[@torreykat]

Huh. Intimidating yet attractive. Works for me.

[@My_mid-victorian_crisis]

This takes me back to my days in culinary school; the final two semesters were dedicated to fine dining and table service. Some things have not changed.

[@bikutoso]

Ah, Lord Braybrooke. I hope you're ready for an unforgettable luncheon!

[@ralang999]

looks like ALL the senior staff at Audley End know how to lay down some serious shade!😅

[@niseplank4527]

It's amazing anything ever grows there.

[@nunyabiznes33]

@@niseplank4527 Mr Vert must have a really high salary growing any fruit at all with all the shade!

[@Cornerboy73]

"Mr. Barrett! I see you have not properly cleaned the forks and the soup bowl is 1.3cm too far from the table cloth crease I left you" / puts on apron and sleeves to exact punishment 😳

[@nunyabiznes33]

And you know he'd like it.

[@michelehumphrey852]

Mr. Lincoln melts my butter 😍

[@alibabafurball]

Mr. Lincoln to the contrary sir, i do have scars from trying out Mrs. Crocombe's pigeon pie recipe. Did you know they are very bitey and are very fast to escape. By the way that apron and arm covers would be nice to have for an attempt again at that recipe. Safety first. Maybe Mrs. Crocome knows of a snail dish given the fine fish cutlery shown, they are much easier to catch in my experience, well compared to pigeon and rabbits and what not.

[@melissasaint3283]

I have a very old etiquette book that says, while the husband is head of household, as a host he is foot of the table. Yet in all the contemporary sources I can find, it says host is at the head of table. Puzzling!

[@idraote]

I've always heard that, in very formal dinners, the couple sits at the opposing ends of the table with the most important guests at their sides. The hosting couple could also sit a the centre of the table, either next to one another or opposite one another, always with the most important guests at their side.

[@classiccasualgaming]

The way he spoke to me made me want to stand up straight with good posture and hands behind my back.

[@Yamezzzz]

4:50 I love how the butler becomes a proper geezer just for the word 'cutlery' and then reverts back to fine grace and decorum immediately. I know I shouldn't gossip but I kept my lips taught and resisted the smirk while I was there, so he never knew how funny I found it.

[@lauramcastro4897]

Lots of comments about this being series, but really, I WISH it was a series..... and I wish it kept this character. I don't really want all the relationship drama and intrigue, I like the easiness of this videos so much. Just competent people showing us their work. Taking us on a little tour around. I guess what I'd really like then is it this were a full educational series.......... man, I'd watch the hell out of that.

[@AlishN7]

Mr. Lincoln seems to be a rather young man for his position. Not that I’m complaining. I shall be eagerly awaiting his reappearance in the Audley End Cinematic Universe ❤

[@idraote]

He looks between 40 and 45, though...

[@gcd2036]

@@idraote true but rather handsome and spry for his age yes?

[@TichinaSalem]

Omg they're expanding the Crocombeverse lore

[@tazochaiguy]

Oh my! He is dashing!!!! I do hope that we will get to see more of Mr. Lincoln!

[@karenm.2185]

These people know how to sling the shade. I love it!!

[@HeyHeyNingenSucker]

that's my favorite part 🤣

[@davidcheater4239]

"You're used to vulgar shapes such as swans..." The shade.

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

@@davidcheater4239 And all these years, I had no idea that a swan was vulgar! I wonder what would happen, through some rift in the time \ space continuum, if Mr. Lincoln were to go to work for certain celebrities in Hollywood (you know to whom I allude).

[@davidcheater4239]

@@jeraldbaxter3532 I doubt that it's the shape of the swan that is vulgar in and of itself. I suspect that calling attention to the hygienic products that were supposed to be unobtrusive is what he disapproves of.

[@megknucklebones9217]

Yes! We needed an ever so slightly superior butler for some balance. I am living for this. ❤

[@williamntt]

I have fallen in love with his voice to be honest. Calm, decently paced, and classy, just what I need for a cozy holiday. 😍

[@VulcanTrekkie45]

Ah Mr. Lincoln. We meet at last

[@Ishidori85]

I was feeling pretty offended for the lack of Christmas's videos this month. P.D.: Mr. Lincoln, I don't care if you put way too much alcohol in the christmas punch, please marry me ❤️

[@user-mc1it9ct5j]

I feel Mr Lincoln is married to his job though unfortunately ;(

[@Ishidori85]

@@user-mc1it9ct5j you're tearing me apart 😭😭😭

[@josephpotter5766]

@@Ishidori85 Historically listed as single, you're in with a chance.

[@wil4783]

Oh noooo Mr. Lincoln is a stud :d

[@queemdarkcloud2]

WAKE UP BABE MORE AUDLEY END HOUSE LORE

[@anthia1156]

We are finally being introduced to the Butler!!! What an honour!

[@rosettagrey2851]

Any time you introduce a new character, I become a fan, no exceptions. Mr. Lincoln is fantastic, I hope the silverware video is on the way!

[@brt5273]

More Mr. Lincoln, PLEASE! A gentleman I could work under and be happy to get my fill of rabbit😏

[@martynnotman3467]

In an age when 50 was old it was not at all uncommon for butlers to be as young as late twenties. Especially if they were a "town" butler in London where your staff reflected upon your household and the butler would be very busy with entertaining. The older butler idea has largely came about thanks to Batman, Downton Abbey and Hollywood films.

[@SuicideJade]

We need more of Mr. Lincoln!

[@DaisyNinjaGirl]

Mr Lincoln is such a delightful combination of stern and puppy. ;-) Hoping there are some more of these.

[@johngrider737]

Palestine soup served with Jerusalem artichokes = very gassy experience for your highbrow Christmas meal. I feel bad this is my only comment so I'll add that this was very well produced & presented and is quite interesting.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

Lol I grew them for years and they are good for my diabetic hubby but oof! They are worse for rumbly tumbly than bean soup and cabbage lol. A Korean friend told me to add a strip of Korean kombu (just kelp basically) to all gassy items cooking as its supposed to help. It helped with my mother in laws naked bean recipe. Lot less gassy after.

[@00muinamir]

They'll have retired to the drawing room to let it all out for a bit before the men come to join them. 😁

[@nunyabiznes33]

@@00muinamir I was wondering why the ladies have to leave the table early. Guess that's a reasonable explanation. 🤣

[@rulofreak2711]

A christmas special for Netflix or even here in KZbin recreating the process to the christmas dinner in Audley End House with all this amazing characters will be a great Yes! Like those one of the "victorian farm" that where on tv years ago.

[@spacewolfcub]

There’s a Tudor Farm series, also. At least three of the historians are the same cast.

[@lenabreijer1311]

@@spacewolfcub there are several series by them , the monastery one, Tudor, Victorian, Edwardian and WWII farms. And a castle building one. Ruth also did a Victorian pharmacy series.

[@lindastansbury2067]

I very much like Mr. Lincoln, his high standards and his dedication to the family and his duties. Please give us many more videos featuring him. It'd be wonderful to see him regularly.

[@chilibreath]

I would like to see more of Mr. Lincoln, particularly when he has to explain to us how to serve the pigeon pie.

[@jazzycat8917]

Very prim and proper for the man Mrs Crocombe said keeps trying to get more booze into the Christmas punch XD

[@kerrytakashi12]

I’m sure his job is less taxing if the Baybrooks are drunk.

[@terrfomp92]

Okay, now we need a video with all three of them together!

[@chilibreath]

Mr. Lincoln would be *discreetly* using Mrs. Crocombe as the buffer because Mrs. Warwick intimidates him.

[@SmithyPL]

They still need Miss Justice (Lady's Maid) introduced to have full upper servants table discussion

[@SmithyPL]

Errata: They showed Miss Justice 5 years ago in "Driving a Cart - The Victorian Way" video.

[@HeinusHoratius]

This is quite a job. Sooo much info. How would someone manage to remember all that? I would get fired on my first day for putting champagne in Claret glasses! 😂

[@dawne6419]

He may be a temp (to use the modern and no doubt vulgar term), but he has experience. So presumably, he's come in knowing the difference in wine glasses, what each piece of flatware is for, and so on. For the most part, he just needs to know how Audley End specifically does things.

[@chrisnurczyk8239]

Never stopped to think how much training and people skills these serving people had to have - they really were professionals. I can see how a ham-handed or unprofessional server could muck up a fancy dinner and ruin the experience. How they kept everything in order in their mind boggles mine, especially going house to house. Butlers weren't just serving people, they were professional mangers who needed to understand finance, wine, food, etc. and ran interference for their employers - valuable men, indeed.

[@yorkshirepudding9860]

JUSTICE FOR MRS WARWICK! She is right! Stop judging the women. Also @Englishheritage, please ensure your videos have captions enabled, this one currently doesn't appear to. You have many deaf and hard of hearing subscribers, myself included. Captions are vital.

[@LillaIgelkotten]

Also us who speak English as a second/third/nth language, sometimes the accents can be difficult to understand

[@nunyabiznes33]

Wow, so you lip read the entire video?! Edit: Sorry, I realized you were referring to yourself is the second category you mentioned.

[@goawayleavemealone2880]

Why? It's not just women who get judged and the only real consequence for women is shade.

[@Bane_Amesta]

The video has subtitles now. I agree it makes it easier to follow, but the temptation to watch is as soon as is uploaded is too strong, even without subs lol

[@theyankeeravenclaw]

Ok. I'm officially in love, I really need an "under the stairs" type tv drama with these exact actors

[@LynxChan]

I would pay good money to see Mr. Lincoln and Miss. Crocombe commenting on the dinner guests with withering looks.

[@SaturnAJ]

I got so invested in this I started getting stressed about needing to remember everything! Excellent video, so excited to meet more characters

[@rosemarybutt2608]

So enjoyed meeting Mr. Lincoln. Another personality to get to know and enjoy! "You have been warned" cracked me up.

[@EarlGrayTe]

THATS Mr Lincoln?????? Good god I’m swooning. I was expecting a more elderly man with grey hair when mrs crocombe was talking about him

[@jasonsmart3482]

Now I need a butler as well as a cook. Getting expensive!

[@triskerslake3763]

Go Mr Lincoln! It would be fascinating to have a narrated tour of the wine cellars. Or even the Butler's pantry. Anything, really.

[@ella_komiya]

Jesus. His voice. It’s like an audiobook. I can’t stop listening.

[@JiggleTheJamJar]

I would watch a whole series of this man.

[@jenniferc2597]

Mr. Lincoln is a HOOT!!!! I love him already. :)

[@alainastone7840]

Lord Braybrook: It is warm today. I fear I shall overheat. Lady Braybrook: Slip below stairs. There is always plenty of shade there.

[@thisfatgirlruns6710]

That is some no nonsense preparation! Love getting glimpses of his personality though! More please 😊

[@davidhensley76]

I wish we had seen the table fully set.

[@MossyMozart]

@David Hensley - I was disappointed, too, that we didn't get to see it.

[@lx2312]

“There’s a lot to going around on the lower table, where YOU will be sitting.” 😌

[@paigerichardson130]

I need an entire series with the staff of Audley End House!

[@manramen]

I say DAYUM Mr. Lincoln be fine AF.

[@thedarkdane7]

A star is born! What a stud muffin!

[@crp5591]

I do think he was utterly APPALLED by the state of that fork!! *I do hope I said that right, being a Yank...

[@WakandaBabe]

"And I hope you like rabbit as there is a lot to go around the LOWER table...Where. You. Will. Be. Sitting." I feel put in my place.

[@kerrytakashi12]

Yes, we are lower table quality.

[@morganhorsediaries3316]

I'd love see a series with Mr. Lincoln and Mrs. Crocombe and even the housekeeper!

[@patriciagodfrey6345]

Oh, this fellow is wicked good. Please, MORE of him!

[@lotuscrown8423]

Goodness, this criminally cute Mr. Lincoln can flip the whole script on Downton Abbey~!

[@dinnercakes]

I’d be as big as a house eating four course meals like that!

[@steveconradius390]

Who doesn't serve Plum Pudding with Baron of Beef?

[@nunyabiznes33]

@@steveconradius390 Sir Loin of Beef

[@silasmoser301]

I'd love to see more on silver service, serving, tablescapes, etc., as well as recipes for all the dishes mentioned.