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!

Find Us

Within easy reach of Hereford, Shrewsbury, Birmingham and Mid Wales. When you get to our street, it will not look very different from the photo above!

By Car

We are in the centre of Presteigne, just off the B4362. Just follow the signs to Presteigne and once in the town there are plenty pointing the way to us. It is only a small town so it’s very hard to get lost!

Sat Nav: LD8 2AD

What3Words: ///additives.creamed.surreal

NOTE: When setting your system, do be sure to choose us. Some people have been taken to Broad Street, New Radnor, a village about 6 miles away from us. Please, if you are being told to go on a road that does not lead to Presteigne, ignore it and carry on to the town – we are right in the middle of it. We’re afraid New Radnor has a very similar post code to us.

Parking: We do not have our own carpark on site, but Presteigne has four public ones, plus it is often possible to get a space in the street. If you wish to use the disabled lift at the rear of the building, please drive down Harper’s Lane, which runs parallel to Broad Street, and you will find our gate on the left near the bottom. You can often find a parking space in this lane. Alternatively, there is a disabled parking bay at the top of Broad Street, about 50 yards from our front door. To access the lift, go past the door to Ave Maria Lane. At the end of this short alley, turn right and you will see our garden gate with a ‘Disabled Access’ sign.

Public transport

The nearest railway station, Knighton (6 miles). Public transport is available from Kington, Knighton and Ludlow. If you are thinking of visiting without a car, give us a call and we will help you organise your transportation needs.

Full address: The Judge’s Lodging, Broad Street, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2AD

If you get stuck trying to find us, just call and we will direct you. Tel: 01544 260650

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