Strange But True

Strange But True

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.
Lazy Keufs
These were special dog tongs used for removing badly behaved dogs from church during services. There is still a pair in St Beuno’s Church, Clynnog Fawr, North Wales

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!

Year: 2023

Festive Open Day

November 25th 2023

Join us for our annual open day – the great Christmas tree will be up, the fires will be roaring, and there will be plenty to entertain you as you…

The Pumpkin Patch Mystery

Half term fun – find the pumpkins so the Judge can have his favourite soup!

Community Ownership Fund success!

September 29th 2023

On Thursday 26th September 2023, we were host to a visit from Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, with Fay Jones, MP for Brecon & Radnorshire. This celebrated…

If you come my way…

September 20th 2023

In Summer 2023, pupils from our two local schools – Presteigne Primary School and John Beddoes High School – joined museum staff on a creative journey through some of the…

A Christmas Carol

December 2nd 2023

Don’t go Into The Cellar theatre company return to the atmospheric Judge’s Dining Room for a festive treat. Join the great Victorian novelist Charles Dickens as he brings to life…

Queen Victoria’s Lost Her Crowns!

Raffles: The Gentleman Thief

March 25th 2023

Written by E.W. Hornung (Arthur Conan Doyle’s brother-in-law), A.J. Raffles was the Edwardian era’s most celebrated gentleman thief. In a series of highly entertaining tales, the suave cat-burglar thrilled and charmed readers…

February Half Term Fun

We’re excited to be open this February Half Term. Come and joni us for fun with toys. Games and toys all over the house and a special area where you…

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