The valet was the gentleman’s closest servant, attending to all matters of dress, grooming, and presentation. He shaved his master, tied his cravats, brushed his coats, and ensured boots and gloves gleamed.

Like the lady’s maid, the valet did not perform heavy housework. Instead, he focused on his master’s wardrobe, packing for trips, and assisting during travel. He also served as a trusted aide, often knowing his master’s schedules, correspondence, and secrets better than anyone else.

Within the servant hierarchy, they were one of the highest ranking of the household, only outranked by the butler and steward, to which they might aspire, unless they remained their master's companion for life.

A clever valet could make or break a gentleman’s public image, after all, one crooked cravat could ruin a whole promenade in Bond Street! A valet's job was so status linked that gentlemen in satire were ridiculed if they didn't have a proper valet, the idea being they must not be "worth" serving. While every nobleman and gentleman would have his own valet, men of the professional and middling classes rarely did unless they were very successful.

Check the included graphic for a few of the duties and fun facts of valets.