Butlers can be found throughout history and are a common staple of beloved period television dramas, but how did Butlers come to be? We reveal more about the origins and legacy of this prestigious and interesting profession.

Where It All Began

Butlers have been traced as far back as ancient Rome, Egypt, and Mesopotamia where common Butler duties included the serving of meals and management of food supplies for a household. In Rome, the management of the bread supply of the household was the Butler’s—or pantler’s, as the Romans called them—role.

The Medieval Butler

It would not be until medieval times that the English word “Butler” would have its beginnings in the Middle English “bouteler,” which translates to “bottle bearer.” Both bottle and cask management were the primary function of Butlers in the Medieval era who also worked in the noble court.

Butlers during this time were tasked with ensuring their lord and his guests were treated with the highest respect and given the most attention.

Elizabethan and Victorian Era Butlers

In Elizabethan times, the Steward’s role would develop largely into the role of the Butlers we see today, but the popularity of Butlers and other domestic staff saw a meteoric rise in Britain during the Victorian era.

This was when the Butler’s role progressed to senior status where they would serve the aristocracy’s household and manage household staff, budget, and food supply stocks.

During this time, Butlers still managed wine cellars and pantries, but they were also charged with shaving and washing supplies located in what were called “eweries” and the care and maintenance of the household silverware.

In Europe and the United States, former servants and slaves would become Butlers, though the position was not accepted voluntarily and typically occurred as the result of debt to the master of the household.

The Role of the Butler Today

Butlers declined significantly after World War I, especially in the United States, although many remained employed in this role until the mid-1980s when it was estimated that the number of Butlers in the United States was as low as 100.

However this number has greatly increased late in the past decade, and the role has continued to be in demand. Butlers are now commonly seen assuming a wide range of other duties previously completed by other servants in junior roles.

The Butler’s duties and responsibilities still include meal and wine service, but also include effortless management of multiple numbers and types of events in one or several homes. Butlers now also manage security, communication, and hospitality management, and they also still complete their more traditional responsibilities.

Indeed, the modern butler is an experienced professional, capable of taking care of any number of responsibilities to make the lives of their Principals easier and more enjoyable.

A Rich History with Many Modern Benefits

The evolution of the Butler profession has certainly been a varied and interesting one, and it is this evolution that has allowed Butlers to become the indispensable professionals so in demand today.

Staffing at Tiffanie’s is an experienced agency that has been providing household staffing solutions to discerning clients since 1998. Our experience as Domestic Staff Placement experts uniquely positions us to not only source but match professional Butlers with the homes of our high-profile clients.

For individuals who wish to hire a Butler, our agency offers complete support and guidance throughout the process. Beginning with a comprehensive consultation, we obtain every detail of your requirements as well as the personalities and work ethic of your household.

Armed with this information, we set about creating a custom-tailored Butler job description. We then contact our extensive and exclusive network. Of these, we schedule the best matches for interviews at your convenience. Our process is designed to provide the perfect Butler for your home in a reasonable amount of time.

Professionals interested in providing Butler service to discerning estate owners may apply to join the Staffing at Tiffanie’s network of top household staff. Applicants receive comprehensive screening to confirm their qualifications and benefit from our endorsement when applying for placements in our client homes.