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!

     

Filming and Photography

Filming & Photography

The Judge’s Lodging offers a fantastic opportunity for film and photography work revolving around the Regency & Victorian periods. Built in 1829, this Grade II* property combines a courthouse and miniature stately home.  It houses three distinct elements in the courtroom and accompanying cells, private apartments used by judges and a full suite of servants’ areas. All of these parts of the building have been brought back to their heyday appearance of the 1860s, complete with working gas and oil lights. There is no visible electricity, nor modern additions to the rooms.

Although the building is a working museum and therefore open to the public, this has never been an issue with filming and out of hours shoots are possible.

The town of Presteigne itself is small but thriving.  It is quiet, but well supplied with shops, eateries and places to stay.  Within easy reach of the Midlands (only 60 miles from Birmingham) and all parts of Wales.

If you are interested in using the building as a location, please contact us.  If calling, please ask for Gaby or Dave. The staff are very experienced at working with crews and will be happy to help you organise what you need to make your work with us successful, from places to stay, other locations that may be of use, even sourcing some props or extras. Just ask and we’ll do what we can to help.

The building has been used as a location for numerous Welsh and UK-wide documentaries and educational programmes, including the acclaimed BBC series Simon Schama’s History of Britain, BBC Wales’ Coming Home, Antiques Road Trip and in 2010 became the prime location for S4C’s 13-part history series Byw yn ôl y Llyfr (Living by the Book) . Most recently, it was the setting for the BBC’s Food & Drink Christmas Special 2013, with Dr Lucy Worsley.  Photographically, it has appeared in publications such as Country Life and World of Interiors.

Just call us on 01544 260650 for a chat or email info@judgeslodging.org.uk

A few photos from previous shoots:

 

Venue Hire

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