Upstairs, downstairs: The life of a British maid

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Stephanie Honchell Smith |

TED-Ed

• January 2026

It’s just before dawn in 1906 at Wroxton Abbey, and 16-year-old Alice Sutton’s mind is already spinning. The underhousemaid has a full day ahead of her as the estate prepares for the evening’s guest: Prince Arthur. This is Alice’s chance to prove herself to her new employers — but there are other forces at play. Stephanie Honchell Smith details a day in the life of a servant in Edwardian England. [Directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Bethany Cutmore-Scott, music by Cem Misirlioglu, WORKPLAYWORK].