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!

News & Events

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…

Christmas Open Day

Come and see our 16ft Christmas tree, warm yourself in front of our roaring fires, learn about Victorian Christmas traditions and let our volunteers serve you delicious cakes and coffee…

Strictly Sherlock

Join the king of the detectives as he brings to life some of his greatest and most baffling cases. This original one-man show has been adapted from the originals written…

RIDDLE ME THIS / PENDRONWCH Y POS

Wales is the birthplace of many a famous pirate – but none so famous as Black Bart. Our land is filled with legendary tales of lost pirate treasure, and of…

HERE BE DRAGONS / MAE YMA DDREIGIAU

Help! We think a dragon’s egg got mixed up with artifacts in our museum’s storeroom, and in this summer’s hot weather, it’s hatched! Now we have a baby dragon roaming…

Haunted Halloween – Family Trail

The passing of Elizabeth II

Occasionally, our building is reminded of its true importance to our historic county. A message from our town council: ‘A Proclamation for the new King will take place at…

Autumn Exhibition

“I have become fascinated with the effect of moonlight on the landscape, particularly in the early evening in winter, when the moon is low in the sky, and can…

Summer Holiday Fun 2022

Objects about the house that really shouldn’t be there – what would the Judge say?! 19 things to hunt down in the Judge’s rooms – the only clues we give…

Fancy joining our team?

Want to join our team for summer 2022? We’re looking for someone to join us front of house July-Sept. We’re very friendly and it really is a rather fun place…

In Praise of the High Street

Remember your High Street. They have supported their communities for hundreds of years! In 2020, as we all were thrown into a world where simply going shopping became a rare…

Jubilee Fun – Queen Victoria’s lost crowns!

Queen Victoria wants to try on a new crown – she has so many, but she can’t find them! Hunt for them through the Judge’s period rooms to win yourself…

Thank you for helping us achieve 25 wonderful years

A note of thanks on our 25th birthday to all of you who have supported us. On the 24th May 1997, actor Robert Hardy descended the steps of an 1860s…

News & Events

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