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

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!
Anti-magnetic properties of the onion
The magnetic power of a compass needle, will be entirely discharged or changed by being touched with the juice of an onion.

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!
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!
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!
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!

Puddings

Puddings

Orange Cream

Heat 1 pint of orange juice and 1/2 pint water with sugar to taste and the juice of one lemon. When boiling, add sufficient gelatine to set two pints and stir well. Simmer all together for 5 minutes, stirring and leave to go cold. When cold, beat ½ pint of cream into the jelly and pour into a lightly greased (use oil) mould. When set, stand the mould in hot water for a few seconds and turn out onto a plate.
Modified from Mrs Beeton

Judge’s Lodging note – As long as you keep the quantity of gelatine used in ratio to the liquid, you could try all sorts of jellies and creams – apple juice, chocolate cream (made with hot chocolate). Try adding fruit to jellies, arranged in the bottom of dishes to they make a decoration when turned out (please note that pineapple and kiwi do not allow jelly to set).

Tea Cream Ice

Prepare a teacupful of very strong tea, sweetened with 2 tbsp of sugar and add this to 1 pint of cream or custard and freeze.
Agnes Marshall

Pear Water Ice

Peel 6 good pears and cut in slices, and put them to cook in 1 1/2 pints of water with 6 ounces of sugar, a little lemon peel and cinnamon; add a little carmine (red food colouring) when cooked; pass them through a tammy, and freeze.
Agnes Marshall

1 pint of plain Cream

1 pint of cream sweetened with a quarter of a pound of castor sugar.
Agnes Marshall

Education