Over a Hot Stove

Life below stairs in Britain’s great houses: the charming memoirs of a 1930s kitchen maid

This delightful memoir provides a unique ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ account of what life was really like in a bygone era

At the age of sixteen, Flo Wadlow left her family to begin what would become a distinguished life ‘in service’. Starting as a kitchen maid in London, she soon rose through the ranks and worked at many of England’s great houses including Woodhall in Hilgay where she met scullery maid Mollie Moran, author of Aprons and Silver Spoons; Hatfield House and Blicking Hall. By her early twenties, Flo was in charge of the kitchen and cooked for prime ministers and royalty.

Including some of Flo’s cherished recipes and photographs from her life, Over a Hot Stove is a must-read for fans of Downton Abbey.