The household below stairs: Larder 1660-1761

Larder 1660–1761

The larder was responsible for weighing meat from the acatry and delivering it to the kitchens 'so that they are capable to keep Accounts, as a check upon the Purveyours'. (fn. 1) In 1660 the establishment of the larder consisted of a clerk and a sergeant, appointed by royal warrant, and yeomen, grooms and pages, appointed by lord steward's warrant. In 1662 the remuneration of the clerk was fixed at wages of £6 13s 4d and board wages of £54 15s, plus poundage on the business of the sub-department. The office was made supernumerary in 1662 and abolished in 1668 on the promotion of its then holder. (fn. 2)

The office of sergeant was held jointly from 1660 to 1662 and singly thereafter. It was reduced to supernumerary status in 1664 and left vacant in 1666. It was revived between 1673 and 1685 and again before 1692. In 1662 the sergeant received wages of £11 8s 1½d and board wages of £24 6s 8d. Board wages rose to £54 15s in 1674 but were reduced to £38 11s 10½d in 1680. By 1699 they had risen to £48 11s 10½d. The office was abolished in 1702. A supernumerary sergeant was appointed in 1674. (fn. 3)

Three yeomen were appointed in 1660. One of these was reduced to supernumerary status in 1662. The number of ordinary yeomen was reduced to one in 1685 and increased again to two in 1689. The wages were fixed at £5 in 1662. Board wages, fixed at £40 in 1664, fell to £25 17s 1d in 1668, rose to £45 12s 6d in 1674, then fell to £35 in 1680. A salary of £60 was provided in 1685. In 1689 the remuneration was fixed at wages of £5 and board wages of £45. (fn. 4)

Three grooms were appointed in 1660. In 1662 one was eliminated and one was reduced to supernumerary status. The remaining groom was similarly reduced in 1664. One groom was named in ordinary in 1668, two by 1674. Three served from 1686. The wages were fixed at £2 13s 4d in 1662. Board wages, fixed at £25 17s 1d in 1668, rose to £40 in 1674, falling to £27 6s 8d in 1680. A salary of £30 was provided in 1685. In 1689 the remuneration was fixed at wages of £2 13s 4d and board wages of £37 6s 8d. (fn. 5)

Two pages were appointed by the end of 1661. The Establishment of 1 December 1662 reduced one of these to supernumerary status. Both pages were made supernumerary on the Establishment of 1664 at £2 wages and £10 board wages. That of 1668 revived one ordinary page at £2 in wages and £25 17s 1d in board wages. Board wages rose to £36 10s in 1674, then fell to £22 6s 8d in 1680. This office was made supernumerary in 1686 at £16 per annum and finally abolished by the Establishment of 1689. (fn. 6)

The larder was abolished in 1761. (fn. 7)

Clerk 1660–1662

Supernumerary Clerk 1662–?1668

Sergeant 1660–1664

Supernumerary Sergeant 1662–1666

Sergeant 1673–1685; 1692–1702

Supernumerary Sergeant 1674–?1685

Yeomen 1660–1761

Supernumerary Yeoman 1662–1668; 1686–1688

Grooms 1660–1761

Supernumerary Grooms 1662–1686

Pages 1661–1688

Supernumerary Pages 1662–1668; 1674; 1685–1688