red and green doors in castles.

deanna | 15:23 Sun 19th Oct 2003 | History

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Hi - during a visit to Dunster Castle(fantastic place) in Somerset. We were informed that servants were only allowed to go through red doors, except for the butler and housekeeper. The green doors were for the owners and guests. I have tried to find out if this was usual in Castles and other large houses in History. I would love to find out more. Please help if you can. 'd'.

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incitatus

the traditional code for a servants door was that it was covered in green baize ( the same as a card table) or was concealed. Servants were not allowed to use doors in the main parts of houses unless as part of their duties, and never the front door. If a servant was "caught" in a corridor when a master approached they were to turn their faces to the wall and pretend to be furniture unless directly spoken to.

deanna

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Thanks to 'incitatus' for his answer - does anyone know other historic establishments where this rule was observed? I am researching this for a National Trust member. Are there any books mentioning this subject? 'd'

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