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!

Meet The Team

The Judge’s Lodging is a charitable trust, run by a small team of dedicated staff and trustees, with a wonderfully enthusiastic and committed volunteer force.

Who is who

Gabrielle Rivers – Development Manager. Your main point of contact if you want to chat about anything. She formed part of the restoration team in the 1990s and has been caring for the building since it opened its doors to the public in 1997.

Dave Frazer – Museum Technician. He’s the absolute whizz on period lighting and information about the furnishings.

Sue Chambers- Visitor Services Officer. She’ll make sure everyone’s visit runs smoothly and find you the oddest bits of information, as she’s in charge of our Tourist Information service.

Richard Studer – Visitor Services Assistant. Our latest team member, Richard is Artistic Director of Mid Wales Opera and joined us after the coronavirus pandemic left him unable to work in theatre for a while. A creative force and great fun to have with us.

Diane Gwilt – Chair of the Trustees. Diane’s interest in the building goes right back to its restoration, when she worked in a team from National Museum Wales choosing furnishings to come on loan to the building, replacing original furnishings we know had been lost over the years the building was in use. She is now Keeper – Collection Servies for the National Museum Wales.

Other trustees are: Keith Slater, Alan Bathurst, Cllr. Beverley Baynham, Dr Charlotte Smith, Avriel Reader, Janet Denne.

…plus help from an incredible collection of local individuals who give their time and skills to keep our wonderful building going.

If you are interested in joining our Volunteer Team

If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors

Meet The Team