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!

Chilling nights with Poe

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 participants around the house and court, five of Poe’s greatest tales were played out. The audience was literally in the thick of the action, as they witnessed The Mask of the Red Death, The Raven, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Tell-Tale Heart and The Cask of Amontillado – all played out in the gloomy gas and oil lighting of our period rooms. You can see some of the photos we took on our Facebook page here but here are some of the comments left by those who came, saw and got thoroughly chilled:

‘It was an amazing psychological disturbing performance I will not forget. It shook me to the bone! The house went extremely well with the tales.’

‘Exceptional experience’

‘Such an original idea and wonderful use of the house’

‘Best piece of theatre I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks for a fab evening’

‘Exceptional acting in an amazing athmosphere’

‘Fantastic – when alone in the house at night and awake, it will come back to haunt me. Thank you.’

‘We weren’t familiar with Powe’s work before – will definitely look at it – you will let the chappie out of the wine cellar, won’t you?!’

‘Bloody Brilliant!’

‘Athmospheric, evocative, the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe captured perfectly. You have rekindled my interest in a youthful literary hero’

‘How fortunate we are to have the opportunity to experince this event on our doorstep. We were completely absorbed. More please’

‘Terrifyingly brilliant’

‘Combination of excellent acting and amazing building / lighting=magical’

‘So good I passed out!’ (this person really did!)

November 2011

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