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!

     

Group Bookings

If you are planning a visit with a group (10+) we have special admission rates. Just call or email us to make your booking. Although you do not need to book for admission, we do recommend it so we can ensure that there is only one group in the building at any time. If not, we cannot guarantee we will be able to provide you with audio tours and guidebooks.  Group audio tours are available on any day and in the evening. There is a minimum booking of 15 people  for visits outside of our normal opening times – we are happy to accommodate less of you, but there will be a charge for this number.

Refreshments

We would be happy to supply light refreshments:

Tea / Coffee  £2.95

Tea/Coffee & home-made cakes  £4.95

We do not have a cafe on site and these refreshments are provided just for you, so we do have to know that you would like this in advance.

All our refreshments come from local supliers – the coffee is roasted especially for us locally, the tea comes from a speciality Mid Wales company the cakes are made just 100 yards away from the building!

The Victorians at Christmas

A special festive guided tour of the building by flickering light and roaring fire.  Learn about traditional decorations, Victorian present-giving, pantomime, festive food and much more. Conclude your tour with a warming winter punch and mince pies around the huge Victorian Christmas tree.

Available in November & December.    £15 per person, including refreshments.

 

 

for a great day out

There are plenty of historic buildings, natural sites, gardens and other attractions in our area. We rin a visitor information service at The Jdge’s Lodging and will be happy to help you plan a great day out for your group. just get in touc. If you don’t want to leave the environment of lovely Presteigne, here are a few things to do in our immediate area:

Stapleton Castle

Love history? Fancy a personal tour of a private castle site? We can arrange for your group to visit the fascinating ruins of of Stapleton Castle.

An icy morning at Stapleton Castle

Stapleton Castle occupies a commanding position on the hill overlooking Presteigne.  It has no public access, due to the perilous state of the ruins. However the owners, Trefor & Margaret Griffiths, are offering guided walks to private parties around the site. Prices are £5 per person, with a minimum charge of £25 and for each visit, a donation is made to  helpThe Judge’s Lodging.

Tours last a minimum of one hour and include the site of the 12th century castle, the ruins of the 17th century house and the the mill site. Please note, there is rough walking and no seating in this tour, so be prepared to wear sensible shoes, to walk hilly ground and stand.

Bookings are by prior arrangement only, so please call the owners on 01544 267327. Prices are £5 per person, with a minimum charge of £25.

The Sidney Nolan Trust

Former home of the late artist Sir Sidney Nolan, this complex of stunning buildings and grounds has a  lively programme of exhibitions, events and workshops, as well as walks snd fishing for those who just want to relax in the beautiful nature of our Presteigne surroundings.  You can find out more about them here

 

 

 

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