The life of a modern Irish butler

What was British fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley really like to work for? The success of Downton Abbey has sparked renewed interest in the staff that served the Lords and Ladies of the Big Houses throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Generations of maids, under servants, butlers and kitchen staff all dutifully gave their lives to the aristocratic families and upper echelons of society, until all this began to change after World War 1. Last week, I went to Lismore Castle, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and got an insight into what life is like for one of the few butlers still working in Ireland today. I also met with Jerry Lehane, who for 43 years was personal butler to Lady Diana Mosley (nee Mitford) and Sir Oswald Mosley.