Strange But True

Strange But True

  • Inexpressibles

    The name given to the tight trousers worn by some Regency gentlemen, such as the notorious Beau Brummell and his ‘dandy’ followers,  as they showed off their leg muscles.

  • What did Victoria do first

    after her coronation in 1837?  Have a parliamentary meeting?  Have tea with all the royal dignitaries?  No – she gave her dog, Dash, a bath.

     

  • Now that’s what we call a cake!

    Victoria and Albert’s wedding cake was a colossal 9 feet wide and weighed 300 pounds.

     

  • Victorian ladies’ knickers had no middle

    Once they got all those big dresses on, they couldn’t reach their knickers to pull them down, so they could stand over a potty to wee with these on instead.

     

  • Would you wee in your dining room?

    Victorian gentlemen did! Some dining rooms (like ours) had a special cupboard to house a chamber pot so all the gentlemen could go for a wee without leaving the table (once the ladies had left the room, of course!).

     

  • The last ducking stool to be used in England

    (in 1809) can still be seen not far from us in the Priory Church, Leominster, Herefordshire. It’s huge.

     

Handy Hints

Handy Hints

  • Keeping your kettle clean

    To prevent teakettles coating with lime – put the shell of an oyster in the teakettle and the lime will adhere to it, instead of coating the sides. 1852

    As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!

     

  • To take mildew out of linen

    Take soap and rub it well, then scrape on some fine chalk, rub that also into the linen, lay it on the grass, as it dries, wet it a little, it will come out at twice doing. 1852

    As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!

     

  • Antidote against mice

    Gather wild mint, put it where you wish to keep them out, and they will not trouble you. 1852

     

    As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!

     

  • To remove grease from books

    Lay upon the spoon a little magnesium or powdered chalk, and under it the same; set on it a warm flat iron, and as soon as the grease is melted, it will be all absorbed, and leave the paper clean. 1852

     

    As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!

     

  • An insect trap

    Scoop out the inside of a turnip, scallop the edges, and place it downward in the earth. The insects will pass into it as a place of retreat through the holes, and the cucumbers, squashes, melons etc., may soon be clear of them.  1852

     

    As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!

     

  • To clean gilt buckles, chains &c.

    Dip a soft brush in water, rub a little soap on it, and brush the article for a minute or two, then wash it clean, wipe it, and place it near the fire till dry, then brush it with burnt bread finely powdered. 1823

     

    As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!

     

Year: 2011

Christmas good wishes and a huge thank you

Well, we’ve taken our tree down, after a fun five week run of Victorian Christmas with school children – phew! We just wanted to say a huge thank you to…

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National award headed our way!

We’ve done it again!  We’ve just received notice that a major new heritage award scheme, Hudson’s Heritage Awards, has given us the Highly Commended second place in their choice of the…

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Why is it so important that we smell?

Today sees the arrival on the shelves of the January 2012 edition of fashionable architectural and design publication The World of Interiors.  Why are we excited by this? Well, flip…

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The Judge’s Lodging versus Downton Abbey!

We’d like you to meet one of our magistrates! (No, this is not a new star spot we are trying to instigate – we thought you might be interested in…

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Chilling nights with Poe

Our recent Halloween theatrical extravaganza nights, featuring the Tin Shed Theatre Company  presenting The Terrifying Tales of Edgar Allan Poe, proved to be an outstanding experience. As creepy maids escorted…

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…and on TV again!

Yes, we are on your screens again this week. This time, you can see us on Antiques Road Trip, with our rooms looking splendid and an interview with our very…

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On your telly again!

For those of you who fancy exploring a bit of the beauty, history and rarities of Wales, you can treat yourself to the fascinating  TV series 100 Lle  (100 Places)…

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29th April – A Celebration Indeed!

We have another special reason for celebrating on 29th April – The Judge’s Lodging has just been awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the new Presteigne Community…

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The elephant that never made it?

For years now ,The Judge’s Lodging has displayed a Victorian circus poster, which always attracts much admiration.  Advertising Batty’s Amphitheatre Show, performing in Presteigne on 31st July 1849, it boasts…

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Loyd Grossman and the tiny posh sandwiches

We’ve just got back from London where we received the Sandford Award for Heritage Education for the second time. This award recognises the achievements of historic sites who meet the…

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