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!

     

Sporting Life in Presteigne exhibition opens

Sporting Life in Presteigne exhibition opens

Press Release   01/07/12
The Motorcycle Champ and the Victorian Judge –  this summer’s oddest couple?!

The Judge’s Lodging  museum in Presteigne is well known for its fascinating look at the life of Victorian judges and their felonious guests throughout its stunning gaslit period rooms. But this summer, visitors will be treated to something completely different and completely free!  1st July sees the opening of the first temporary exhibition for the building, with the title of Sporting Life in Presteigne. The exhibition will celebrate sporting activity in Radnorshire’s former county town, from the history of the local sporting clubs, to the incredible achievements of some of the town’s greatest contenders.

Chaz Davies, Daytona 200

And Presteigne really does have much to celebrate on the sporting front, from a Victorian bare-knuckle boxer who kept the prisoners at the gaol at bay and a footballing war hero, to a bowling club that has produced Robert Weale, Commonwealth gold winner and International bowls champion.

There will be a special focus on reigning World Supersport Champion and BBC Wales’ Sports Personality of the Year, 2011, motorcycle rider Chaz Davies.  At just 25, local lad Chaz’s incredible achievements will be celebrated with specially commissioned artwork, displays of his leathers and personal memorabilia,  photos and publicity galore.  There is an exclusive interview, with questions chosen  by the pupils of John Beddoes School, Presteigne, Chaz’s  former school.  Visitors can hear him talking about much more than his racing career, as he ponders his school days, life in the town and what he misses when he travels the world, amongst other things.  On display will also be the World Supersport Trophy itself, so if you are a motorbike fan, this exhibition is an absolute must! There are books, games, children’s activities – plenty to entertain everyone.

Sporting Life in Presteigne will run from 1st July to 23rd September 2012. Open Tues-Sun,10am-5pm. Admission to the exhibition is free.

For further information,  or call 01544 260650. SEE OUR FULL FLYER FOR THE EXHIBITION HERE

 

 

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