In this episode, the Hon Edith Dillon Mahon reminisces about the close bond that existed between herself and her nursery maid whom she affectionally knew as ‘Mamie’.
She also provides interesting insights on the importance of religion observance in the lives of the Victorian aristrocracy.

 


The Nanny in the Victorian house of the gentry was very well respected, revered and loved by the aristocratic children in their care and more often than not affectionately called Mamie. In contrast, their own parents could be aloof and unemotional towards them. Fathers rarely met their children outside meal-times. Religion played a major role in the ‘Big Houses’. Everyone was expected to take part in the daily prayers and hymn singing.