Washing at The Nyth
This panel records a series of diary entries about two sisters Decima and Winifred, doing a mornings washing up at The Nyth. The shortage of domestic staff meant a more hands on approach was required.
Once the piles of dirty clothes are actually sized - with baby Beatrice’s proving the largest by far - Winifred comments that she would never have offered her help, had she known the enormity of task!
The mornings work is described with much laughter and teasing, and the next day the resulting damage to Decima’s hands is alluded to so that Edmund has to roped in to bathe Beatrice.
30 April 1877
‘Never mind there’s heaps of Porter! So we’ll just start fair then begin with Beatrices first lot!’
‘Goodness! Decima if I’d only known there would have been such a lot I’d never have come!’
(You might as well have mentioned that Winifred & Decima did a fortnights washing at the Nyth!)
1.Household linen 2.Mrs ESR 3.ESR 4.Beatrice 5.Beatrice.
1 May 1877
Winnie: What’s the matter with Beatrice?
Decima: Oh! Nothing particular, she’s only swallowed a clothes peg!
2 May 1877
Winnie – “Well now! Decima! How are your hands this morning?”
Decima – “Oh! Awful! So bad I’ve had to get Ned to wash Beatrice!”
Cooee! Come on Edmund!
Last updated: 10th January 2008
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