Brew with a view as Temple Newsam spills the tea on life below stairs

High tea with a difference was served up by staff up at Temple Newsam House this week as the historic mansion prepares to lift the lid on centuries of secrets below stairs.

Members of the house team donned 19th century costumes and took to the rooftop to take tea in style, surrounded by breath-taking views of the sprawling estate.

They were launching a new programme of summer events, giving visitors a taste of what life was like for the generations of servants who lived and worked at Temple Newsam over hundreds of years.

They included an army of cleaners, butlers, cooks and attendants, whose duties often encompassed everything from preparing lavish meals and banquets, to keeping the house spotless and waiting on aristocrats.

Over the next few weeks, the attraction will explore how those often hard-pressed servants carried out their duties, looking at some of the characters and stories behind the house’s former residents.

The estate’s Home Farm will also examine how farmhands contributed to life on the estate, with demonstrations of traditional arts including bread and cheese making and clothes washing.

Josh Turner, site development officer at Temple Newsam House, said: “The house and estate were home to generations of unique characters for more than 500 years.

“Often, the focus is on the many aristocrats and their families, whose extravagant lifestyles are understandably fascinating to visitors and historians.

“But behind the scenes, a huge team of staff and servants was responsible for keeping the house, farm and estate moving, and it was only through their quiet dedication and diligence that Temple Newsam was able to function.

“We’re looking forward to sharing their stories over the summer and to giving visitors a rare insight into what life here was like below stairs.”

Originally built by Thomas Lord Darcy between 1500 and 1520, Temple Newsam has had several notable residents in its long history including Henry Lord Darnley, the ill-fated husband of Mary Queen of Scots.

This week was not the first historic tea service to take place at the house, with records showing “China drink”, the old name for tea, was served there as early as 1642.

This is thought to be one of the earliest known written references to tea in England, predating the famous text by noted diarist Samuel Pepys, who referred to the beverage in 1660.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Temple Newsam is such a renowned place, both locally and nationally, and it has played a huge part in the history of Leeds and Britain.

“It’s fascinating that visitors will have the chance to find out more about some of the untold stories and less well-known people who have all played their part in the story of this remarkable place.”

For more information about Servants Secrets at Temple Newsam, please visit: Summer Holidays: Servants’ Secrets – Temple Newsam.