Servant’s conduct book from Allesø Village
Servant´s conduct book from Allesø (Photo: Title page), 1852, belonging to the maid Karen Andersen. The book is now at Møntergården in Odense. Photo: Jens Gregers Aagaard.
Servant´s conduct book from Allesø (Photo: Page with name of maid), 1852, belonging to the maid Karen Andersen. The book is now at Møntergården in Odense. Photo: Jens Gregers Aagaard.
Servant´s conduct book from Allesø (Photo: Page with reference), 1852, belonging to the maid Karen Andersen. The book is now at Møntergården in Odense. Photo: Jens Gregers Aagaard.
Intro
In 1832, all servants were now required to have a servant's conduct book in which their heads of household could note their length of service and comment on their behaviour.
It was an offence to be in service without a servant’s conduct book.
Power and revolt
Power has appeared in many guises on this large island at the heart of Denmark. With coins and monuments and by prohibitions and punishments, successive rulers have reminded the people of Funen who was in charge. However, in opposition to this power, rebellion lurked!
The instruments of power
Power has always been on public display on Funen. Signboards and control limit people’s freedom of action and physical punishment was one way of enforcing the law – often in a bloody and brutal way.
Karen Andersen’s conduct book, 1852.
It was an offence to be in service without a servant’s conduct book, correctly endorsed by the head of the household and the local clergyman.
These pages read (see the picture on the 'intro tab'):
“Taken on, Allesø 2nd May 1852. Meldal” (parish clergyman)
“The maid, Karen Andersen, has served me from 1st May 1852 to 1st November 1852 and I testify that she has, in that time, behaved honestly and loyally. Christian Larsen” (head of household)
“Karen Andersen, who received Holy Communion on 17th day of last month now leaves Allesø with a good testimony. Allesø, 1st Nov. 1852 Meldal.”
This location is part of the exhibition 'Funen – at the centre of the universe', at Møntergården in Odense. Read more about the exhibition on our website.