OH/003
Reference code
OH/003
Level of description
Item
Title
Collis, Bernard
Date
20/11/99
Scope and content
2 tapes, 2 cds. Worked for Rothschilds 1919 onwards. Started at 14 years old. Descriptions of staff duties, cleaning shoes, chopping wood, collecting milk, cleaning. Description of other staff, Mr Armstrong, Mr Bandy (cowman), Mr Gilbert (mowed lawns) Mr Thomas (looked after greenhouse), Mr Hobbs (grew orchids), Mr Harrison (head butler). Memories of stables, kitchens, stove, dairy. Memories of haymaking in fields. Pay 10s per week. Description of gardens, Japanese Garden, conservatory, orchards, orangery and Rothschild family, Mrs Leopold Rothschild. Rothschilds' activities at house, parties, polo ponies, golf courses, cricket grounds. Gifts Rothschilds gave him for Christmas, money, overcoat, trousers. Memory of a burglary in 1919 when burglar killed a police officer. Opening of Gunnersbury Park to public 1926, Neville Chamberlain visit. Memories of Miss Smee who set up museum.