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!

     

New Board seeks to raise the bar!

New Board seeks to raise the bar!

The Judge's LodgingThe Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne has recruited a fresh board of Trustees as it moves into a new phase of development. Since its opening in 1997, the former Radnorshire Shire Hall has established itself as one of the most immersive small museums in the UK, winning numerous awards and welcoming tourists and school groups alike.

Earlier this year, in response to changes to the museum’s funding, the charity’s Trustees reviewed the options for the museum and undertook a thorough review. Keith Slater, the outgoing Chair said “The Judge’s Lodging needs to be well placed to benefit from future opportunities. We had a close look at the skills needed to help the museum succeed for Presteigne and the surrounding area, and began a process of change. We’re very grateful for the voluntary time that all past Trustees have put in, and have every confidence in the new appointments.”

 The new Chair of The Judge’s Lodging Trust, entrepreneur and consultant Ashley Charlwood noted that “The former Trustees did a huge amount of excellent work with Powys County Council in establishing this amazing attraction. We know there is a lot of local goodwill, and further afield there is a real admiration for the hidden-gem of the Welsh borders. We’re excited to take it forward.“

The Trust faces some immediate challenges, but the new Board is enthusiastic to ensure that The Judge’s Lodging continues to punch above its weight, to promote Presteigne and the Marches area, and to preserve the local museum collection.

The Judge’s Lodging Trustees working with Ashley Charlwood include architectural historian Sophie Andreae, and writer and historian Catherine Beale, both of whom were on the former board. They are joined by Diane Gwilt, Keeper – Collection Services, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, and Dr Elizabeth Dollimore, Outreach and Primary Learning Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

 Gaby Rivers will continue to run the attraction as Museum Development Manager, working for the Trust. She is anticipating “an exciting period for both myself and the museum. We know there is a lot to be done, but the staff and I love opening the doors and working towards giving visitors the best experience possible of a genuine Victorian House, where they can truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere. We’re bursting with new ideas.” Joking about the building’s legal past, she adds, “we really want to do the Museum justice!”

 

For more information contact Gaby Rivers, Museum Development Manager on 01544 260650

info@judgeslodging.org.uk

 

END

 

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