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!

     

The Future

1st March 2019

St David’s Day celebrations usually mean an additional something in Presteigne – the opening for the season of its multi award-winning museum, The Judge’s Lodging.  But this year, something is afoot – the doors are still shut.  Do not worry, the building, its dedicated staff and volunteers are still all fine, working hard behind the scenes for a 2019 opening for the Easter holidays. It is just that something very significant for them has just happened…

At last, The Judge’s Lodging is in the hands of the community, following a long process of transfer from Powys County Council ownership to that of a charitable trust – The Judge’s Lodging Trust Ltd.  It’s a wonderful asset for Presteigne – a grade 2* listed early 1800s house, packed with original artefacts, and housing the Presteigne Community Collection.

Many people will remember the painstaking 1997 restoration that opened the building up to the public, revealing its original décor and gas lighting, dining and sitting rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and courtroom.  So much that is retained at the Judge’s Lodging embodies the heritage of Presteigne as the commercial and social hub of Radnorshire. With its vivid, hands-on approach, it has racked up many awards over the years and caused visitors and celebrities alike to exclaim such things as  ‘Wow – what a stunning place!!!’ (Lucy Worsely on social media), ‘Breath-taking in its authenticity’ (from the 2018 visitor book).

The asset transfer was initiated by Powys County Council in 2013 as its budget decreased.   Even at that point, Powys was failing to keep up with the building repairs needed.  The Lodging’s managers and trustees had to decide whether to take it on or to risk it being wound down and closed by the local authority.  It has been a difficult process to complete the transfer but it is now done.

With support from the Welsh Government, work is starting to upgrade the audio experience for visitors and create a new welcome area and shop. In April, work will start on the building’s roof, making it sound for the future and then repainting the front – what the staff are calling ‘it’s having a hair do and facial!’

The building’s manager, Gaby Rivers, has been looking after this historic gem since its opening to the public and is truly excited about the future “It’s exciting, challenging and scary – probably in equal measures!  We’re proud of its achievements of the last 21 years and will work to build  on these  – we aim to keep up the fun levels!”

“There are indeed many challenges to face, to take The Judge’s Lodging forward to its rightful place as a developing, living part of Radnorshire again and the next couple of years are critical to securing a working, living future for the Lodging and we   hope people will support us in this journey into a new future” says Diane Gwilt, Chair of The Judge’s Lodging Trust, when not doing her day job of and Keeper, Collection Services for the National Museum Wales.

Update 2020

Well, 2020 has really not turned out to be the year any of us had expected and The Judge’s Lodging has had to  close its doors for much of the year. Just before these times came, we had managed to: complete the work to our roof, making sure we are water-tight; redecorate the front in its glorious yellow; have a lovely new shop fitted, say goodbye, finally to our aged cassette playes and get wonderfully modern and simple new audio-guides and get this website set up for you.  There is still so much to do, but we are so delighted to own and be able to care for our beloved building.

Want to join our future?

If you want to be involved with the The Judge’s Lodging, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities – it could really do with extra pairs of hands to help with visitor welcome and services, or keeping the house and gardens up to scratch. The volunteer team is a growing, enthusiastic body and everyone is welcome. Either talk directly to Gaby or email volunteering@judgeslodging.org.uk if you are interested in getting involved.

The Judge’s Lodging is currently looking for Trustees to join its small, dedicated team, planning a new future for this marvellous museum.  If you are interested in joining the team, please find the Director (Trustee) Recruitment Pack:

Director Recruitment Pack

Our Story

Subscribe to our
newsletter Subscribe