- Managing the household budget and finances
- Supervising and organizing the work of servants and other staff
- Procuring and managing supplies and provisions for the household
- Overseeing the maintenance and repair of the estate or property
- Organizing and coordinating events and social functions
- Handling correspondence and administrative tasks
- Ensuring the comfort and well-being of the family members and guests
In some cases, stewards also had responsibilities related to the financial and legal matters of the estate, such as managing investments, collecting rent from tenants, and dealing with legal documents and contracts.
The role of steward required a high level of competence, loyalty, and trust, as they were often given a great deal of responsibility and autonomy in managing the affairs of the household. Stewards typically lived on the estate or property and were considered part of the extended household.