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Why Did Servants Always Sleep in the Same Room as Their Masters, Even During Their “Intimate Moments”?

The presence of a helper in the bedroom when noble couples of yore shared a bed was a necessity.

4 June, 2024

The Intriguing World of Ancient Nobility: A Peek into Their Bedchamber Habits

First, let’s delve into a habit formed during childhood that persisted into married life. In ancient times, it was customary for noble children to be attended by maids and physicians from a young age. This presence became a constant, and thus, a habit that was hard to break.

When it came to bedtime, the maid and physician would always be there. This familiarity bred a deep-seated expectation, making it difficult to sleep without the maid’s presence. Even after marriage, this habit persisted, with servants attending to their needs throughout the night, providing tea and water.

The presence of a maid in the bedchamber was a common practice for ancient noble couples.

Secondly, let’s explore the role of the maid who shared the chamber. In ancient times, maids were divided into three, six, or nine levels of hierarchy. The highest position was that of the chamber maid, who lived outside the master’s room and had three main duties.

Firstly, they stood in for the lady and gentleman of the house when they shared a chamber. If the lady was menstruating or pregnant, she would not share a room with her husband. In such cases, the maid would take her place and share the chamber with the gentleman. If she failed to satisfy his desires, alternative arrangements would be made, such as seeking pleasure elsewhere or hiring outside entertainment.

Secondly, when the gentleman and lady shared a chamber, the maids would attend to their needs. In modern thinking, the privacy of a couple is paramount. However, in ancient times, this was not always the case. Procreation was seen as a natural part of life, and so, having assistance in the bedchamber was not unusual.

Thirdly, they were responsible for serving the couple. The chamber maid attended to the master’s needs, providing tea when desired and assisting with other tasks such as guiding him to relieve himself. In the mornings, they would help the master dress and fold the blankets.

While ancient chamber maids could share a room and serve the gentleman, even standing in for the lady, it was a risky position. Jealousy and competition could arise, and they had to be careful not to incite the lady’s wrath, or they might find themselves dismissed from the chamber.

In conclusion, it was common practice in ancient times for noble couples to have servants attend to them in their bedchambers. Both the gentleman and lady were accustomed to having maids tend to their nightly needs. While this could lead to favoritism and potential consequences, it was a habit formed from childhood, a familiar presence that lulled them to sleep.