Over a Hot Stove cover art

Over a Hot Stove

A Kitchen Maid's Story

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Over a Hot Stove

By: Flo Wadlow, Alan Childs - notes
Narrated by: Christine Rendel
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About this listen

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

At the age of 16, 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; and Hatfield House and Blicking Hall. By her early 20s, Flo was in charge of the kitchen and cooked for prime ministers and royalty.

Over a Hot Stove is a must-listen for fans of Downton Abbey.

©2007 Flo Wadlow (P)2020 Tantor Europe Great Britain Historical Women England

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I loved listening to this book, I wish more young people would listen to older people at they have such knowledge they are a weather of information

Over a hot stove

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The life of Flo Wadlow was a busy one! She started in service at 16 years of age in 1929. As many girls went to work in shops, factories and offices she would have been in demand. There was a great shortage of people wanting to serve their “betters.” Flo was not short of ambition but it is galling that the gentry she served barely saw or acknowledged her. She accepted this too easily if we look at it from a modern day perspective but that was unfortunately the aristocratic way. She was excessively grateful even to look around the stately homes she toiled in, even dusting books to have a single opportunity to look at the library. She only saw the dining room once in a place in which she so skilfully prepared and cooked them delicious meals. A conscientious family woman she always made sure her mother was alright and was a good daughter. At these big houses she was fortunate to encounter kind colleagues and Flo was eager to learn new skills to improve her promotion prospects. She was adventurous moving from job to job around the country. Working conditions were gradually improving due to technology. Flo was a servant up until WW2. She had youth, energy and was a superb cook and seamstress. She was rewarded with the top job of cook. I think in modern life with all her talent, diligence and extroversion she could have been a CEO. She was just born at a time when things were changing for the working class and women but about 50 years too early for an ambitious woman like her. She was very conventional and religious so thrived with the social conventions of the time. She was a lively girl who loved going to dances and compassionate too helping people of all situations. She really made the most of life and even became noticed by the media in her later life. She would have had so many more opportunities today but I think she really made the most of her life. She is an example to us all of the virtue of participating, trying new things and life long learning. I would have liked to have more to listen to and a bit more of her reflection but nevertheless was impressed by the joie de vivre of a lady who lived a 100 years. The narration by an RP speaker was fine for the explanatory sections but pretty rough for the depiction of Flo’s accent. Please redo with a local speaker, it would make it so much better. However the content saved it.

Interesting life of a 1930s servant

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If you like little snap shots of life then this is a little gem. I know that it has been written through rose tinted glasses and a lit of hardship brushed over, but still, it’s beautiful.

I wanted it to be longer

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Loved it! Fascinating listen! My grandma was a cook in the 30s and cooked a meal for the Prince of Wales. This is a lovely account of the experiences my grandma would also have had. She loved being a cook!

A lovely peek into the past.

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I felt that this was a bit of a gamble but actually loved this book! It was extremely interesting and brought life in service in a large house, to life.

What a surprise!

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Easy listening. Lovely story, nicely spoken. Very interesting to hear how the people in service earned their living.

Really nice story

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Wonderful review of life in service.
How hard things were back in the day, very easy listening which makes you smile.

Beautiful encounter into service life

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A lovely story of a hard working woman thank you, audible for this included book.

Excellent

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