Expert: Joseph Logue - 8/4/2004

Question
what was the title of the chief butler or steward of a great house hold please.

Answer
Hi Philip,

As with so many things, there is a variety of answers.  "Majordomo" was the term used in the time of Charlemagne, and since then most royal or aristocratic households have had one person responsible for the running of the castle or manse.  Consequently, there are many terms particular to each country.  I do not know the foreign terms themselves, but they would probably be a variation on "chamberlain."  In the UK, there is Earl Marshall who oversees all ceremonial functions (the post is held by the Duke of Norfolk, as senior peer).

Hope this helps.  You might want to check with Whitaker's Almanac, an immensely rich source of information.  Ask the Reference Librarian at your library for assistance in locating this and other titles that may help you find a more specific answer to your question.

Thanks again, and come back soon.

Sincerely,
Joseph Logue