One room that fascinates me most for a Georgian household is the stillroom. Though a genteel lady was considered poor if she could cook, for it was considered a servant’s work, ladies were encouraged to spend their days working in the stillroom. I discovered that the stillroom reflected the mistress as much as any other room in her house.
No matter the stillroom, it was used to bundle dried herbs and flowers, such as chamomile and rosehips, to make teas flavored to the tastes of the house’s occupants. Also, those same herbs and dried flowers may be used to flavor dishes. And created within its environs were scented waters particular to the ladies within, creams, lotions, and healing ointments. Its majestic walls also saw the creation of rouge powders and lip pomade, often matching in color for a dramatic effect. So that explained the what, which I have enjoyed using in writing my novels—next, the how.
It did not surprise me to discover the drying racks for herbs and flowers or the scales necessary for measurements needed to make an ointment or healing balm. The tables were also covered with bowls and spoons, which may be specified for particular uses, particularly those used for the kitchen fats if they made tallow candles. One would not want the smelly kitchen fats stirred into other items. A small fireplace was used both for heat and for boiling in a cauldron. And a mortar and pestle was ever present to powder or grind many a spice, herb, or petal. Also, one would find jars, cups, or bottles for storing what was made! It was up to the mistress to decide which of these were the costs worth the benefits of making these items oneself. A lotion purchased was a luxury few ladies could afford to spend their pin money on, and making it, though tedious, was worth the efforts in many country houses.
Overall, the room is every wondrous thing I imagined and more! Perhaps when my kitchen is remodeled, I will have a small alcove to try my hand at some of these crafts!
Sources for A Stillroom’s Tools of the Trade:
Vic “Cure for a Cold – 18th Century Style” Jane Austen’s World December 21, 2008, Cure for a Cold – 18th Century Style | Jane Austen’s World (janeaustensworld.com)
Lathan, Sharon “Georgian Era Kitchen Room(s). Yes, more than just one room!” Sharon Lathan October 31, 2017, Updated October 19, 2022, Georgian Era Kitchen Room(s). Yes, more than just one room! – Sharon Lathan, Novelist (sharonlathanauthor.com)
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