History of Butler in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 24, 2025

A butler is a senior domestic worker in a large household, typically male, who oversees the dining room, wine cellar, and pantry. In some households, their responsibilities extend to managing male servants and the overall upkeep of the parlour floor. Traditionally, butlers held a higher status and were better compensated than female servants, with the role sometimes encompassing chauffeur duties. They are the head of the staff and are responsible for the quality of the service provided.

1915: Birth of Arthur Inch

In 1915, Arthur Inch, a retired butler, was born. He described starting his career as a hall boy, highlighting a traditional path of progression within the service industry.

1985: Stock Started "The Butler's in Love" Series

In 1985, Mark Stock began "The Butler's in Love" series to express feelings of unrequited love. The series portrays a butler's silent suffering due to forbidden love.

2002: Publication of Dying to Please

In 2002, Linda Howard's murder/romance novel, Dying to Please, was published. The book features a female butler named Sarah Stevens and provides detailed descriptions of butlering.

Dying to Please: A Novel

Check it on Amazon

2007: Rise in Number of Butlers in Britain

In 2007, the number of butlers in Britain was estimated to have risen to 5,000, indicating a growing demand for butlers.

2008: "The Butler's in Love" Short Film

In 2008, David Arquette directed a 3-D short film called "The Butler's in Love", inspired by one of Mark Stock's paintings from the series of the same name. The film was shot at San Francisco's Westerfield Mansion.

Loading Video...

2014: Further Increase in Butlers

By 2014, the number of butlers in Britain had risen to 10,000, which is consistent with increased worldwide demand. This illustrates continued growth in the profession.