Readers can discover the real Downton Abbey as Michael Paterson explores the myths and realities of the golden age of the English country. Shows that, although those 'in service' worked very long hours and had very little personal freedom, many were proud of their positions and grateful for the relative security these gave. Indeed, this book goes on to reveal that the strictly hierarchical world below stairs could be more snobbish than that of a house's owners. Illustrated with an 8-page section.