The class system in the Victorian age meant that many a maid had a Mistress of the house who was the
The class system in the Victorian age meant that many a maid had a Mistress of the house who was the same age or younger. Even if the Lady was older, the daughters could also wield such power. Corporal punishment was commonplace and a servant had little choice but accept it or lose her job. And if a job was lost, without a reference she could be quite easily just weeks away from the workhouse. I have written at length on this on my site, especially about Mrs Beeton, the lady famous for her cookery book. She wrote in ‘society magazines’ and was revered by most. Her book on household management was like a bible of how a house should be run. In it a whole section was devoted to the punishment of maids, especially advocating public, bare bottom, spankings! Asa -- source link