The Governess was the most respected servant in the house. The size of the wallpaper border indicates that she wasn’t as important as the Vice Regal couple or their guests. The Governess’ job was to take care of the children. She would help attend to them when they were sick or had a nightmare. She would mend their clothes, put them to bed, teach them their lessons, and read them stories.
Traditionally, the children might have their mother read a bedtime story. Time with their father was harder to come by, they had to make appointments to see him. They may have gotten permission to go downstairs to the main body of the house for special events, but only escorted by the Governess. The children did spend time with their parents at Easter, Christmas or their birthdays.
The role of Governess was popular before the First World War but is rare these days. Even at the height of popularity, having a governess was an alternative to boarding school for more affluent families. The only Vice Regal Couple to have small children at Government House were Sir Richard lake and his wife Dorothy from 1915 to 1921.
Photos Courtesy of Lancelot Lake, Surrey, B.C.
Government House circa 1920.
on sled at Government House circa 1920.
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