Described in the 19th century as 'a cross between a harrand boy and a chambermaid', the college servants of Oxford University were like personal servants to the undergraduates and the dons, doing everything from providing hot water to serving their meals in their rooms.
Most of these old duties have now gone, and the traditional scout has been largely replaced by a skeleton staff of part-time cleaners. But ask any undergraduate, and they'll tell you that they still have a scout. So does he - or she - still exist? Or are they no more than glorified cleaners?
Caroline Sarll investigates. Producer CAROLINE SARLL BBC Wales. Stereo