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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Downton Abbey-style love story between a maid and valet that ended in tragedy: Photos, letters and mementos reveal 'below stairs' romance in shadow of WWI
As a relationship that defied convention, the romance between valet John Bates and maid Ann Smith in Downton Abbey warmed the hearts of millions of viewers. The love story was, of course, all the invention of the hit ITV show's creator, Julian Fellowes. But now, a trove of photos, letters and mementos shed light on a real-life romance between servants in the shadow of the First World War. Valet Alf Edwards and kitchen maid Caroline Palmer married in 1916 after meeting when both were on the staff at the palatial Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire. The couple had three happy years and two sons together, before Palmer died from tuberculosis, leaving Caroline a widow for nearly 50 years. The objects telling the story of their relationship have been donated to English Heritage by the couple's grandson. They include Alf and Caroline's war registration cards, their marriage certificate and several photographs. With hundreds employed at the Brodsworth, it would not have been a surprise had Alf and Caroline never gotten to know each other. But, in the course of indulging his passion for photography, Alf had taken to using a staff kitchen as a makeshift studio to dry his images, and it was there that he and Caroline crossed paths. Being of fighting age, Alf would ordinarily have followed most of the men employed at Brodsworth into being conscripted in the war. But because of his poor health, he remained working at the estate, which was the home of Charles Thellusson and his wife Constance Alf and Caroline began courting and then quickly became engaged. They did briefly separate after Caroline was advised against marriage due to Alf's poor health. But the couple could not stay apart for long. They reunited and got married on July 17, 1916. The pair then took a honeymoon and had professional photographs taken in a studio in Chichester. The couple later lived in a cottage on the Brodsowrth estate, and Alf took on the additional role of chauffeur. But their happiness was cut short when Alf's precarious health took a terminal turn. He died aged just 34 in September 1919. Alf's death came just months after his boss had passed away. The day after Alf died, Thellusson's widow expressed her condolences in a letter to Caroline. She also tried to comfort her and shared her own grief. Caroline, aged just 30, was left with their two sons, who were only two and five months old. The widow lived until 1968, when she died not long before her 79th birthday. By then, she had two grandsons. The registration cards that have been donated to English Heritage list Alf's and Caroline's respective job titles and Brodsworth Hall as their place of work. Alf was a keen craftsman, as evidenced by the carved wooden picture frame he made for Caroline. Housing a photo of her, it also boasts a 'good luck' message and has a horseshoe affixed to it. Alf also made a small wooden stool using oak felled on the estate. The stool features a carving by the valet of the hall and is dated 1915. Alf's camera was made by legendary New York firm Eastman Kodak (now better known simply as Kodak). It is believed he bought the camera during a trip he took with the Thellussons to the east coast of the USA in 1914. The valet used it to take many photos of Brodsworth staff, as well as images of the hall's interior and gardens. Also given to English Heritage is Caroline's gold wristwatch, which can be seen in her wedding photograph. For the rest of her life, Caroline kept a photo of Alf in shooting attire on display. It features in a silver frame. Both frame and photo have been donated too. The couple's romance was not the only one between staff at Brodsworth. At the start of 1916, cook Martha Lockey had married chauffeur George Raper. Brodsworth Hall was built between 1861 and 1863 for Charles Sabine Thellusson, on the estate his great-grandfather had bought in the late 18th century. It was given to English Heritage in 1990, when it had fallen into disrepair. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the building being open to the public. As part of the anniversary celebrations, objects linking to the official opening by Princess Margaret will be displayed. Caroline and Alf's grandson, Gordon Edwards, said: 'My family has cared for these significant items reflecting our family history and the history of Brodsworth for many years, and it has always been a fascinating record for us to look back on. 'We're so pleased to be able to donate these objects to English Heritage so they can continue to be cared for, shared with the public, and help to tell the important stories of those people below stairs who lived and worked at Brodsworth Hall.' Eleanor Matthews, English Heritage's curator of collections and interiors, said: 'It is extremely rare to have such a collection relating to the lives of servants survive, and to have them return to Brodsworth Hall over 100 years later is truly astounding. 'Alf's photographs are incredibly important to the history of the site and have provided us with the earliest image of staff at the estate – hopefully in time we will be able identify them all. 'We've learned too that Alf and Caroline were very well liked by the Thellussons, with Charles appearing as Godfather on their first son's baptism card, and his wife Constance's correspondence with Caroline after Alf's death. 'These beautiful, poignant items tell a story largely unknown to us until now and, thanks to this donation, we are able to add another layer of understanding to the rich fabric of Brodsworth's history.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
PIP households can get 10 free and cheap days out this summer holiday – see the full list
We reveal below how you can check if you're eligible for benefits BENEFIT BOOST PIP households can get 10 free and cheap days out this summer holiday – see the full list Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PIP households can get 10 free and cheap days out this summer. A number of attractions and venues offer discounted tickets to those suffering from disabilities or their carers so you can have fun without breaking the bank. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 You can get discounted or free tickets if you're disabled or need a carer Credit: Getty Here are 10 we spotted and how you can go about redeeming the cheap tickets. English Heritage English Heritage membership costs up to £144 a year and lets you explore over 400 sites across the UK. Anyone with membership and suffering from a disability can also take a carer with them to one of these sites free of charge. You don't need to take a proof of disability with you, and the carer doesn't have to be registered either. You can also bring a different carer with you to English Heritage sites each time. Find out more via Cadw Disabled people can apply for a free five-year membership to access Cadw historic sites across Wales. The Disabled Person's membership can be booked for those with: physical impairments sensory impairments intellectual impairments cognitive impairment Once you've signed up for a membership card, you just have to show it at the till and you and your companion will get free entry. 10 PIP freebies worth up to £40k You can find out more via National Trust National Trust offers The Essential Companion card which lets you bring one or two carers with you into one its sites for free. You just have to flash the card when you arrive and whoever is with you can go through the turnstiles without paying. You can sign up for one of the cards by calling the National Trust customer service line on 0344 800 1895. Or you can email enquiries@ Find out more via LEGOLAND Windsor Those on PIP can get one free carer ticket to get into LEGOLAND Windsor. You'll need to take a proof of benefit letter with you, as well as a photo ID of yourself to show to staff. Find out more via Madame Tussauds Madame Tussauds, in London, offers guests with accessible needs a free carer ticket, so long as you buy a full price ticket yourself. You'll need to take a proof of benefit with you on the day of your visit while your carer must be aged 14 or older. You can find out more via Sealife London Aquarium Popular attraction the London Aquarium offers carer's tickets for free, but those suffering from the disability have to pay. The person who needs a carer and receiving PIP will also need to be present on the day of the visit. You will have to take evidence you receive PIP with you so your carer can enter at no extra cost. You can find out more via Foundling Museum The Foundling Museum in London offers concessions to those on a host of government benefits including PIP. Tickets can bought on the museum's website via The full list of benefits that qualify for free entry is: Universal Credit Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Housing Benefit Income Support Pension Credit Personal Independent Payment Disability Living Allowance Attendance Allowance Guildford Spectrum Disabled customers heading to the Guildford Spectrum Leisure Pool and Ice Skating can get free carer's tickets. You receive one ticket per disabled customer by booking via If your application is approved, make sure you arrive on the day with a proof of benefit for your PIP or other qualifying benefit. The O2 Visitors to the O2 can claim "Personal Assistant" (PA) tickets if they need help from someone getting around due to a disability. However, you'll need a Nimbus Card to prove you're eligible for a carer. You can sign up for one of these free on the O2 website. You can book a PA ticket in addition to a normal ticket as part of the booking process. Visit for more information. The London Eye The London Eye is another attraction in the capital offering those with carers one free ticket. You can reserve a ticket during the booking process, with tickets bought via You have to take your proof of PIP with you on the day. If you are booking in a VIP experience, including the Champagne experience, the free carer's ticket won't cover these extra elements. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
PIP households can get 10 free and cheap days out this summer holiday – see the full list
PIP households can get 10 free and cheap days out this summer. A number of attractions and venues offer discounted tickets to those suffering from disabilities or their carers so you can have fun without breaking the bank. 1 Here are 10 we spotted and how you can go about redeeming the cheap tickets. English Heritage English Heritage membership costs up to £144 a year and lets you explore over 400 sites across the UK. Anyone with membership and suffering from a disability can also take a carer with them to one of these sites free of charge. You don't need to take a proof of disability with you, and the carer doesn't have to be registered either. You can also bring a different carer with you to English Heritage sites each time. Find out more via Cadw Disabled people can apply for a free five-year membership to access Cadw historic sites across Wales. The Disabled Person's membership can be booked for those with: physical impairments sensory impairments intellectual impairments cognitive impairment Once you've signed up for a membership card, you just have to show it at the till and you and your companion will get free entry. 10 PIP freebies worth up to £40k You can find out more via National Trust National Trust offers The Essential Companion card which lets you bring one or two carers with you into one its sites for free. You just have to flash the card when you arrive and whoever is with you can go through the turnstiles without paying. You can sign up for one of the cards by calling the National Trust customer service line on 0344 800 1895. Or you can email enquiries@ Find out more via LEGOLAND Windsor Those on PIP can get one free carer ticket to get into LEGOLAND Windsor. You'll need to take a proof of benefit letter with you, as well as a photo ID of yourself to show to staff. Find out more via Madame Tussauds Madame Tussauds, in London, offers guests with accessible needs a free carer ticket, so long as you buy a full price ticket yourself. You'll need to take a proof of benefit with you on the day of your visit while your carer must be aged 14 or older. You can find out more via Sealife London Aquarium Popular attraction the London Aquarium offers carer's tickets for free, but those suffering from the disability have to pay. The person who needs a carer and receiving PIP will also need to be present on the day of the visit. You will have to take evidence you receive PIP with you so your carer can enter at no extra cost. You can find out more via Foundling Museum The Foundling Museum in London offers concessions to those on a host of government benefits including PIP. Tickets can bought on the museum's website via The full list of benefits that qualify for free entry is: Universal Credit Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Housing Benefit Income Support Pension Credit Personal Independent Payment Disability Living Allowance Attendance Allowance Guildford Spectrum Disabled customers heading to the Guildford Spectrum Leisure Pool and Ice Skating can get free carer's tickets. You receive one ticket per disabled customer by booking via If your application is approved, make sure you arrive on the day with a proof of benefit for your PIP or other qualifying benefit. The O2 Visitors to the O2 can claim "Personal Assistant" (PA) tickets if they need help from someone getting around due to a disability. However, you'll need a Nimbus Card to prove you're eligible for a carer. You can sign up for one of these free on the O2 website. You can book a PA ticket in addition to a normal ticket as part of the booking process. Visit for more information. The London Eye The London Eye is another attraction in the capital offering those with carers one free ticket. You can reserve a ticket during the booking process, with tickets bought via You have to take your proof of PIP with you on the day. If you are booking in a VIP experience, including the Champagne experience, the free carer's ticket won't cover these extra elements.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
TV show Taskmaster launches new free experiences across top UK attractions this summer
FANS of the comedy series Taskmaster, where comedians compete in a series of usually embarrassing and tricky tasks, need to check out this new experience. This summer, English Heritage and Taskmaster have joined forces to bring family fun and games to 17 historical sites across the UK - and it's absolutely free. Advertisement 4 You can play Taskmaster at 17 English Heritage sites across the UK Credit: 4 The experience is complete free and is included with the price of entry for the site Credit: Taskmaster, the Channel 4 show, sees five comedians attempt a series of strange and hilarious tasks set by The ultimate goal is to score the most points by impressing the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies. By the end of the series, the Now, families across the UK can give the TV show a go in their own way. Advertisement Read More on UK Attractions Across various English Heritage sites like These family-friendly tasks are full of laughs, and while the experience is suitable for all ages, it's likely they'll prove to be trickier than you think. After all, the tasks in the TV show are known for being much harder in real-life than in theory. Over the course of the experience there are six challenges in total. Advertisement Most read in Family Exclusive Exclusive Each one takes up to five minutes, so you really can take your time in perfecting the task and beating your opponents. The challenges are spread out over each of the heritage sites and will be clearly marked so you won't miss them. Taskmaster viewers all say the same thing as series 15 winner is revealed - and next batch of celebrities are confirmed 4 The experience is based on the Channel 4 comedy series Credit: Avalon While it's summer, make sure you dress for rain or shine as it will be outside. Advertisement At the end, you can tot up your scores to reveal the winner. The only downside is that neither Alex nor Greg will be there give you a round of applause. The experience runs from now until August 31, 2025. The best bit is that the Taskmaster challenge is at no extra cost either - it's included in your entry ticket to each Advertisement The price of entry at each English Heritage site does vary, for example, entry to At Stonehenge, entry for adults start at £27.20 with children costing upwards from £17.20. For any English Heritage members, entry to each site is completely free. While you can't book ahead for the Taskmaster challenge, you can book a day ticket to the site online, and save 15 per cent if you book before the day of your visit. Advertisement Or you can choose to buy a membership from £42 meaning you get free entry to over 400 sites across the UK. You can bring up to six children under 18 per adult for free and members' kids eat free this summer too at certain English Heritage cafes. Here are Plus, this Advertisement Here's A List of Participating English Heritage Sites Dover Castle Osborne Walmer Castle Audley End Battle Abbey Beeston Castle Belsay Hall Bolsover Castle Brodsworth Hall Carisbrooke Castle Eltham Palace and Gardens Framlingham Castle Kenilworth Castle Pendennis Castle Scarborough Castle Stonehenge Wrest Park 4 Taskmaster and English Heritage has teamed up for a family-friendly experience Credit: English Heritage
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
TV show Taskmaster launches new free experiences across top UK attractions this summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FANS of the comedy series Taskmaster, where comedians compete in a series of usually embarrassing and tricky tasks, need to check out this new experience. This summer, English Heritage and Taskmaster have joined forces to bring family fun and games to 17 historical sites across the UK - and it's absolutely free. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 You can play Taskmaster at 17 English Heritage sites across the UK Credit: 4 The experience is complete free and is included with the price of entry for the site Credit: Taskmaster, the Channel 4 show, sees five comedians attempt a series of strange and hilarious tasks set by Alex Horne. The ultimate goal is to score the most points by impressing the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies. By the end of the series, the winner is given a prize - a gold trophy of Greg's face. Now, families across the UK can give the TV show a go in their own way. Across various English Heritage sites like Audley End House, Carisbrooke Castle and Stonehenge, is the new Taskmaster challenge. These family-friendly tasks are full of laughs, and while the experience is suitable for all ages, it's likely they'll prove to be trickier than you think. After all, the tasks in the TV show are known for being much harder in real-life than in theory. Over the course of the experience there are six challenges in total. Each one takes up to five minutes, so you really can take your time in perfecting the task and beating your opponents. The challenges are spread out over each of the heritage sites and will be clearly marked so you won't miss them. Taskmaster viewers all say the same thing as series 15 winner is revealed - and next batch of celebrities are confirmed 4 The experience is based on the Channel 4 comedy series Credit: Avalon While it's summer, make sure you dress for rain or shine as it will be outside. At the end, you can tot up your scores to reveal the winner. The only downside is that neither Alex nor Greg will be there give you a round of applause. The experience runs from now until August 31, 2025. The best bit is that the Taskmaster challenge is at no extra cost either - it's included in your entry ticket to each English Heritage property. The price of entry at each English Heritage site does vary, for example, entry to Osborne on the Isle of Wight costs £24.50 for adults and £15.50 for children (between 5 and 17). At Stonehenge, entry for adults start at £27.20 with children costing upwards from £17.20. For any English Heritage members, entry to each site is completely free. While you can't book ahead for the Taskmaster challenge, you can book a day ticket to the site online, and save 15 per cent if you book before the day of your visit. Or you can choose to buy a membership from £42 meaning you get free entry to over 400 sites across the UK. You can bring up to six children under 18 per adult for free and members' kids eat free this summer too at certain English Heritage cafes. Here are five other travel experiences worth booking this summer. Plus, this pub crawl is the best tourist experience in the UK according to Tripadvisor. Here's A List of Participating English Heritage Sites Dover Castle Osborne Walmer Castle Audley End Battle Abbey Beeston Castle Belsay Hall Bolsover Castle Brodsworth Hall Carisbrooke Castle Eltham Palace and Gardens Framlingham Castle Kenilworth Castle Pendennis Castle Scarborough Castle Stonehenge Wrest Park
