Genealogy Chat

In the 1871 census - I have discovered a neice aged 27 living with her maiden Aunt aged 57, the Aunt is living off the income from her house, whilst the neice`s occupation described as a companion - What would this employment entail? Any thoughts would be welcome

I think companion meant just what it says - keeping someone company, i.e. travelling with them, reading to them, being more of a friend than a maid, but getting your keep in return. Kath. x

Yes, a companion was paid and acted as a sort of maid/secretary - not doing menial work, but fetching and carrying, making arrangements, etc. If you've read Rebecca, the girl is a companion to Mrs Van Hopper until she leaves to marry Max de Winter. nell

Thanks for that, seems strange her niece undertook a paid role for an aunt. Must have been a wealthy aunt. Linda

My GG Grandmother in 1771 had her son William with her and a girl Elizabeth down as companion. Two months later Son and companion were married. Elizabeth was from a wealthy family so I doubt very much that she was actually paid. I think sometimes its put as companion instead of friend/close friend. Sheila

The neice may have been a companion to a lady in another household but was living with her aunt for convenience.

'Niece' can also be a polite term for an illegitimate child somewhere in the family, cared for by other relatives but not necessarily 'Aunts'. Kim