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!

About Us

EXPLORE THE ‘UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS’ LIFE OF THE VICTORIAN JUDGES, THEIR SERVANTS AND FELONIOUS GUESTS.

Step into the 1870s at the award-winning Judge’s Lodging to see how the world looked to the Victorian judges, their servants and felonious guests (oh yes, we do mean prisoners!). Lit only by oil and gas lamps, wander through the judge’s private apartments, sit in his armchair or at his dining table. Below stairs you can pump water in the kitchen or explore the servants’ sleeping quarters and workrooms.

Visitors are accompanied by an audio tour, eavesdropping on stories from the building’s past inhabitants Hear from Mary the hardworking maid and Mr Luggar, the grumbling housekeeper, as they care for Reverend Richard Lister Venables, Chairman of the Magistrates (portrayed by the late actor Robert Hardy).

Reverend Venables reminisces about the changes in his lifetime, such as the arrival of photography and the coming of the railway. Down below, the prisoner awaiting trial complains about the rats in his cell to Constable Rogers.

In the vast echoing courtroom, your imagination is guided by the echoing trial of local duck thief, William Morgan. The damp basement cells below reinforce the building’s true purpose.

Find out about the tragic tale of Mary Morgan who was hanged in the town, the rural Radnorshire Constabulary, the terrible state of Presteigne Gaol and its great eascapes. In stark contrast, learn about the luxurious lives of the judges. There’s really no better place to discover the theatre of the law!

If you would like a taster of this truly remarkable building, you can hear excerpts from our fabulous character audio tour, including Robert Hardy, along with an interview with Historical Consultant, Dr Charles Kightly here:

About Us