This is a typical working basement of about 1900. According to the 1881 census the Holst family had one servant, Julia Giles, aged 20, who lived in. We do not know how long she was here, but we may assume that a servant was resident during the time the Holst family lived here. She would have been busy keeping the fires going, preparing and cooking meals, washing and ironing, as well as cleaning the house and helping with the children.

Holst's mother Clara would no doubt have done some of the less arduous tasks, as well as organising and cooking some meals and taking charge of the children. Holst's father Adolph would not have been expected to take part in these domestic matters, being busy with his musical activities.

Meals would have been prepared here and cooked on the range. Examples of the equipment used remind the visitor just how labour-intensive running a house was before the advent of gas and electric cookers and all the other household developments taken for granted today. The kitchen fire is lit for visits of school parties, when cleaning and washing is demonstrated (ask museum staff for details).