A remarkable treasure trove of items which tell the love story of two servants at Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire have been donated to English Heritage, the charity announced today (30 July). From a 1900s camera used to take photographs of their early courtship, to engagement presents, their marriage certificate, photographs, letters and other personal items, these objects provide an extremely rare hoard of archival riches documenting the lives of ordinary people in one of the most significant – and sizeable – donation of items relating to servants ever given to the charity. Generously donated by the couple’s grandson, on behalf of the family, a number of the items are on display from today following what would have been the couple’s 109th wedding anniversary.
On the huge estate at Brodsworth Hall, then owned by Charles Thellusson and with hundreds of staff in its employ, there was little reason for Caroline Palmer, a kitchen maid, and Alf Edwards, a valet and situated practically at the opposite end of the house, to ever cross paths. This likely would have remained the case if it were not for Alf’s passion for photography, quite unusual for servants at this time. In need of a space to dry his images, Alf took to using the kitchen as a makeshift studio and, in a twist of Downton Abbey-style fate, fell in love.
In the shadow of the First World War, the pair began courting and quickly became engaged. As was the case at many country houses around the country, many men employed at Brodsworth were conscripted but, owing to ill health, Alf remained and became both valet and chauffeur, while Caroline was promoted to cook. Advised against marriage due to Alf’s poor health, the couple briefly separated, before defying advice and marrying on 17 July 1916. The couple had three happy years, during which Caroline gave birth to two boys, before Alf sadly passed away from consumption (tuberculosis).
Now, their story lives on through over 60 personal items, generously donated by the Edwards family, through their grandson, Gordon Edwards, which relate to their relationship and time at Brodsworth.
Eleanor Matthews, English Heritage’s Curator of Collections and Interiors, said: “It is extremely rare to have such a collection relating to the lives of servants survive, and to have them return to Brodsworth Hall over 100 years later is truly astounding. Alf’s photographs are incredibly important to the history of the site and have provided us with the earliest image of staff at the estate – hopefully in time we will be able identify them all. We’ve learned too that Alf and Caroline were very well liked by the Thellussons, with Charles appearing as Godfather on their first son’s baptism card, and his wife Constance’s correspondence with Caroline after Alf’s death. These beautiful, poignant items tell a story largely unknown to us until now and, thanks to this donation, we are able to add another layer of understanding to the rich fabric of Brodsworth’s history.”
Grandson of Caroline and Alf, Gordon Edwards, said: “My family has cared for these significant items reflecting our family history and the history of Brodsworth for many years, and it has always been a fascinating record for us to look back on. We’re so pleased to be able to donate these objects to English Heritage so they can continue to be cared for, shared with the public, and help to tell the important stories of those people below stairs who lived and worked at Brodsworth Hall.”
While the collection is catalogued and conserved, a few select pieces including Alf’s camera, the carved wooden stool, three pipes, First World War registration cards, postcards, and Caroline’s wedding wristwatch will go on display for the first time at Brodsworth Hall from today.
Separately, the Hall was also home to Peter Thellusson who was a member of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, later Royal Photographic Society, joining in 1883 until his death in 1899. he also exhibited in the Society's annual exhibition.
Listen to Curator Eleanor Matthews and Gordon Edwards talk about Alf and Caroline’s country house love story in a new episode of the English Heritage podcast: https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=EHE9750864476
See more on English Heritage's Brodsworth Hall and Gardens here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brodsworth-hall-and-gardens/
