From 1777-1852 a tax was levied on households employing ‘non-essential’ male servants. This was aimed at the wealthy who used personal staff, which were seen as luxuries. Farm and industrial workers were exempt.
“The following is a return of a Lady in Bath, recently made to the assessors of male servants, horses, carriages, dogs, &c.
Not a male in our house,
Not so much as a mouse:
Not a horse, nor a dog, as true written;
For search house and ground,
Not a beast could be found,
But an hungry old cat and her kitten.”
Stamford Mercury. 17th July, 1801.