If you’ve ever applied for a job, chances are it wouldn’t involve your employer summoning you by a bell every time he or she wanted something done – nor would the salary be a whopping £24 per annum!

Whilst employment is very much in the news at the moment, cast your mind back a century to 1909 – the golden age of Edwardian Country House living and when footmen were part and parcel of everyday life for the wealthy.

In 1909, Dunham Massey was looking for a 2nd Footman – at a salary of £24 per annum. Back then, footmen had to be a ‘matched set’ – ie they ideally all had to be the same height so as to give an air of uniformity!.

There were 25 letters of application for the post of 2nd Footman, and archive documents recently revealed at Dunham reflect the rigorous process through which potential applicants were put. Their height and a reference from previous employers were most important. The successful applicant on this occasion was one Robert James Bell, aged 22 and 6 feet tall. The records show that all the applicants were over 5 feet 10 inches tall.

In 2011, Dunham is again seeking ‘staff’ (in the form of costumed intepreters!). Four are required – two cooks and two footmen so each pair (cook and footman) can work alternate weekends throughout the forthcoming season. Helen Appleyard, Dunham’s Visitor Experience Officer, said: “ Our two interpreters will wear the same outfits as their Edwardian counterparts would have done. The footman will be demonstrating some of the tasks carried out by Edwardian footmen – cleaning glass, polishing, laying the dinner table and folding napkins – and encouraging visitors to have a go. He certainly won’t be doing the amount of work his Edwardian employer, Lady Stamford, would have expected – nor will he be working the very long hours that footmen were on duty do back in 1909. However, in 1909 and 2011, both footmen would have and will be expected to stand at all times and present themselves well.”

“Meanwhile the cook – like her Edwardian counterpart – will be preparing a few small items of food. In 1909 the cook didn’t do the ‘mass cooking’ – this was carried out by the ‘under-servants’. Cook did the more delicate food arrangements, created sources, and made sure meals were attractively presented. However, she will be working at the same time of the day when her Edwardian counterpart would have been at her most frantic – the early afternoon – as she raced to get everything ready for the family’s evening meal. Instead of a kitchen crowded with an array of other bustling servants, she will be working in a kitchen croweded with 21st century visitors who will be asking lots of questions – so our 21st century cook, will need to know or be able to learn a good deal about Edwardian food preparation!”

If you think you can step into the shoes of an Edwardian footman or cook, then go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/jobs and follow the links to ‘seasonal jobs’ or call Dunham Massey on 0161 925 4341. Closing date for applicants is 23 January 2011 – and don’t worry – you won’t have to include your height!

Dunham Massey House will be open for the new season on 26 February. The Winter Garden, park, restaurant and shop are open daily throughout the year.

For opening times go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey