Scullery maid

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In great houses, scullery maids were the lowest-ranking of the female servants and acted as assistant to a kitchen maid. Duties included the most physical and demanding tasks in the kitchen, such as cleaning of the floor, stoves, sinks, pots and dishes. Scullery maids would rarely have handled fine china, stemware, crystal or plate silver; these are cleaned by housemaids and footmen. Before the advent of central heating systems, scullery maids were required to light the fires and supply hot water.

In a household with no between maid, the scullery maid may also have waited on staff in the Servants' Hall, although this may have been assigned to another maid or a junior footman. In the days before the indoor water closet she may have been required to empty and clean the servants' chamber pots as well.

The scullery maid reported (through the kitchen maid) to the cook or chef.

[1] Daily tasks according to PBS.