Explore the social lives of this fabulously, wealthy, landed aristocracy. From how to enter a dining room correctly to the subtle cues given by a hostess across a dinner table, this world was highly choreographed. At the same time, these weekend parties required enormous numbers of footmen, maids, and kitchen staff in order to serve these guests. Learn about the lives of the domestic staff as we take a peek downstairs. The years between 1860 and 1914 were the “golden age” of the English country house. 3% of the population owned 80% of the land. The Dukes of Devonshire, the Rothschilds, and the Churchills amongst others hosted week-end parties for other members of Britain’s elite, although the term “week-end” was considered a vulgar Americanism.