Noble Origins Foundation
Rules For Estate Staff
As soon as a person has received his or her placement, the daily rounds of work shall immediately begin. Specific tasks are carried out, as defined by the strict, yet necessary daily routines for each staff member. Each individual position carries its own list of expectations, which the staff are required to meet. These expectations are covered in the general job descriptions for each position.
1. The term Ladies and Gentlemen refers to the employer, the employer’s family and any and all guests of the house. When a rule states the employer; it refers to all of the family of the employer.
2. When a rule states “Betters”; it is the old fashioned term referring to the Ladies and Gentlemen in the house, as well as, any staff person of upper staff level.
3. The employer is referred to by all staff as either “My Lord”, “Your Excellency”, or “Your Highness.” The female members of the family are referred to as “My Lady”, “Your Grace”, or “Your Highness.” If any children would be introduced into the family; a male child would be referred to as “Master (First Name)” and a female child would be referred to as “Mistress (First Name).”
4. All guests are referred to as “Sir” or “Madam”, depending on their sex. Children would be referred to similarly to the children of the house. The only exception to the rules of address is when the guest is titled and their title has a specific form of address. It is the responsibility of the Butler to inform the staff of these situations and the appropriate forms of address. Whenever the term of Title or Aristocratic Title is used; it refers to a person of Rank equal to a Baron or greater. A Knight is a non-hereditary title and is a Title of Honor bestowed on an individual only. A Knight is referred to as “Sir”, anyway.
5. Staff must remember they are the first impression and representation of the “Family” to the world and they are representing the oldest and most noble Imperial Royal House in the world. The Family has roots dating from 3500 BCE and is representative of all royal houses throughout Europe, as well as, parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Your position within the Estate is an Honor and a Privilege; no matter your status within the hierarchy of the Estate. For hundreds of years, families have worked for the Royal Houses, generation upon generation. It was considered a tremendous honor to be able to state; you are the 9th generation serving “His Lordship.” Staff has protected the family and served with distinction and honor, despite the financial status of the Estate. It was considered better to be poor and in service of a great house than to be poor and without honor and distinction. The short of this rule is you must always look your best, as well as, behave with honor and distinction.
6. Unless you are given permission by the Lord and Ladies of the House; you are to lower your eyes and never to look them directly in the eyes. This permission can be given short term or long term and can also be situational. However, whenever there are guests in the house and the situation has guests involved; the rule of lowering your eyes is in effect, no matter the permission granted in other circumstances. This rule is strictly related to the Family of the House, excluding children under fifteen years of age, and guests who do not hold aristocratic rank.
7. Unless you are granted permission by the Lord or Ladies of the House; you are to never sit in their presence. This permission can be given short term or long term and can also be situational. However, whenever there are guests in the house and the situation has guests involved; the rule over never sitting without direct permission is in effect, no matter the permission granted in other circumstances. This rule is strictly related to the Family of the House, excluding children under fifteen years of age and guests who do not hold aristocratic rank.
8. Unless you are granted permission by the Lord or Ladies of the House; you are to never turn your back in their presence. You must back out of a room or away from an area, with your head slightly lowered out of respect. Only after you are out of direct line of sight may you turn around and walk away. This permission can be given short term or long term and can also be situational. However, whenever there are guests in the house and the situation has guests involved; the rule over never turning your back on the Lord and Ladies of the house are in effect, no matter the permission granted in other circumstances. This rule is strictly related to the Family of the House, excluding children under fifteen years of age and guests who do not hold rank greater than a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess.
9. Despite any sense of familiarity between the Ladies and Gentlemen of the House; staff should always remember their place and never presume upon their familiarity. Any familiarity is a privilege and honor and must be honored and protected, without abuse or assumption. It is also a matter of confidence.
10. Any and all business within the house, which refers to all behavior within the Estate and relating to the Family of the Estate, is strictly confidential and must never be gossiped about or spoken of with family, friends, fellow staff, or any outside personage, at any time. If there is a matter in question; it should be brought to the attention of the Housekeeper or the Butler, within the House, or with the Head Gardner on the grounds of the Estate. If the matter relates to one of these parties; the issue may be brought to the attention of the House Steward or Land Steward, depending on the nature and location. In extreme circumstances; any staff member may approach and request a moment with the Lord of the House or the Chief Lady of the House. Breach of this rule can lead to immediate dismissal, without a hearing, as well as, possible legal proceedings.
11. When being spoken to by your betters; be sure to stand still, keeping your hands quiet, and always look at the person speaking to you but avoid direct eye contact.
12. Never let your voice be heard by the ladies and gentlemen of the household, unless they have spoken directly to you a question or statement which requires a response, at which time, speak as distinctly and concisely as possible.
13. Never instigate speech with the ladies or gentlemen, unless to deliver a message or to ask a necessary question, and then, do it as distinctly and concisely as possible.
14. In the presence of your betters, never speak to another servant or person of your own rank, or to a child, unless only for necessity, and then as distinctly and concisely as possible and in as low a voice as possible.
15. Never call from one room to another.
16. Whenever possible, items that have been dropped, such as spectacles or handkerchiefs, and other small items, should be returned to their owners on a salver. (A salver is a flat tray of silver or other metal used for carrying or serving glasses, cups and dishes at table or for the presenting of a letter or card by a servant.)
17. Always respond when you have received an order, and always use the proper address, as the case may be.
18. Staff should never offer any opinion to their employers, unless permission has been granted or an opinion has been directly requested.
19. Always “give room”: that is, if you encounter one of your betters in the house or on the stairs, you are to make yourself as invisible as possible. You are also required to give a slight bow or curtsey to the Ladies and Gentlemen, except for children under the age of fifteen. In normal situations there will be no acknowledgment by any Lady or Gentleman.
20. Except in reply to a salutation offered, never say “good morning” or “good night” to your employer.
21. If you are required to walk with a lady or gentleman in order to carry packages, or for any other reason, always keep a few paces back.
22. You are expected to be punctual at all times, including to your place at mealtime.
23. You shall not receive any Relative, Visitor or Friend into the house, nor shall you introduce any person into the Servant’s Hall, without the consent of the Butler or Housekeeper.
24. Followers are strictly forbidden. Any member of the staff who is found to be fraternizing shall be immediately dismissed without a hearing. (The term “Followers” refers to Boyfriends, Girlfriends, Significant Others, or Fiancés.) All such behavior is expected to be handled off the estate and during your own time.
25. Curfew on the Estate is half-past ten o'clock every night. Of course, a party can be granted an extension but this rule relates to Estate security.
26. If any staff member is going to be off the Estate during mealtimes or after curfew; they must notify the Butler or Housekeeper. This is whether on duty or off. This rule relates directly to the security of the Estate.
27. Expect that any breakages or damages in the house or on the Estate shall be deducted from your wages. Only the Chief Lady or the Lord of the Estate can override this rule.
28. No servant is to take any knives or forks or other article, nor on any account to remove any provisions, nor ale, liquor, beer or wine out of the main house. The servants’ hall is not a part of this rule. The items in the servants’ hall are for the usage of the servants.
29. No Gambling of any description, or Oaths, or abusive language are on any account to be allowed.
30. The staff is forbidden from smoking anywhere on the Estate.
31. No tradesmen, nor any other persons having business in the house are to be admitted except between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm and in all cases the Butler or Chef must be satisfied that the persons he admits have business there. This relates to the business of the house and not the business of the employers.
32. Outer doors are to be kept constantly fastened, and their bells to be answered by the Butler only, except when he is otherwise indispensably engaged, when the assistant by his authority will take his place.
33. The house doors are to be officially closed and secured at half-past ten o'clock every night, after which time no person will be admitted into the houses, except those on special leave. This refers to every house on the estate. If a Staff member is on special leave; they will be admitted by the Footman on Duty or Hall Boy on Duty for the evening.
34. The servants' hall is always open to the staff and there will be limited staff on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All Staff are responsible for the general upkeep and care of this common ground.
35. Servants, who are accompanying visitors staying in the house, shall be given guest servant quarters and should be instructed by the Butler or Housekeeper in regards to schedules, rules and general information over the affairs of the Estate, as it relates to them and their Lord and Lady. It will be the duty of the Butler to explain the house schedule to the Guests and ascertain any of their special needs.
36. No credit upon any consideration is to be given to any person residing in the house or otherwise.
37. Only the employer may override any given rule or modify any rule, with or without warning.
38. Drunken or disorderly behaviors are grounds for immediate dismissal. Such behaviors are subject to a hearing.
39. Illicit drugs are strictly forbidden. Improper prescription drug usage is also strictly forbidden. Violation of this rule can lead to immediate dismissal, without hearing, and possible legal proceedings.
40. Any staff member charged with a crime may be dismissed at the discretion of the Employer. It will also be the discretion of the employer as to whether such action will be with or without a hearing.
41. Any staff member convicted of a crime, during service with the Estate, allowed to remain under rule 40, may be dismissed upon conviction, at the discretion of the employer, without hearing.
42. Any staff member who is discovered to be involved in planning, participating or aiding, either individually or as part of a group, any action against the Estate, members of the Estate or Employees of the Estate shall be dismissed without any hearing and with possible legal proceedings. This rule shall be strictly enforced.
43. The Employer may demand a drug test, breathalyzer or polygraph, under direct supervision, at any time or randomly.
Any hearing associated with the behavior or actions of a member of the staff will be held by the Employer and there will be rules of order to the hearing. The rules will be covered in the document marked as disciplinary actions.