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!

     

Key Stage 1 & 2

We’re working on it!

New education information here soon!

Life Below Stairs – KS1 & KS2

Day session – Available all year

The Judge is arriving at his house this very evening and the servants are scurrying around preparing his rooms for him, but they really need help if they are going to finish their chores in time. Join Mr Luggar the housekeeper, Mary the hardworking maid and the cook in our totally interactive sessions and experience what life was really like below stairs.

Activities include:

  • With the maid – preparing the Judge’s private rooms using traditional cleaning methods, filling baths and bed-making.
  • With the Housekeeper – preparing the period lights and setting the huge dining table.
  • With the Cook – making a menu for the evening meal, chopping, sorting and a lot of scrubbing!
  • And finally… a trip to the gloomy cells and vast courtroom.

Sessions start in the morning, to suit your requirements and finish mid afternoon – they can be extended or reduced to your requirements.

£6.50 per child. Accompanying adults free.

 

Victorian Christmas Scrapbook – KS1 & KS2

22 November – 20 December 2023

Day session with start / finish time to suit your requirements.

In December 1870, the servants of The Judge’s Lodging were busying themselves in preparation for the festive season. The smell of plum pudding drifted through the house as they strung garlands of holly and ivy over the fireplace in the warm glow of gaslight.

The stunningly restored Judge’s Lodging invites you to experience a true Victorian Christmas. Meet the servants of this busy household who will lead you through an informative and entertaining session full of activities and discussion, culminating in Victorian games, storytelling and a traditional gift from the servants. Topics to be covered include the meaning and traditions behind the twelve days of Christmas; decorations; food; presents; pantomime; pastimes and how the celebrations differed between the social classes. Your arrival will be welcomed with roaring fires and traditional festive decorations.

£6.50 per child. Accompanying adults free.

EARLY BOOKING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

More Victorian Christmas Scrapbook info:  xmas school flyer 2023

 

Education

Subscribe to our
newsletter Subscribe