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!

Find Us

Within easy reach of Hereford, Shrewsbury, Birmingham and Mid Wales. When you get to our street, it will not look very different from the photo here!

By Car

We are in the centre of Presteigne, just off the B4362. Just follow the signs to Presteigne and once in the town there are plenty pointing the way to us. It is only a small town so it’s very hard to get lost!

Sat Nav: LD8 2AD

When setting your system, do be sure to choose us. Some people have been taken to Broad Street, New Radnor, a village about 6 miles away from us. Please, if you are being told to go on a road that does not lead to Presteigne, ignore it and carry on to the town – we are right in the middle of it. We’re afraid New Radnor has a very similar post code to us.

What3Words: ///additives.creamed.surreal

Parking: We do not have our own carpark on site, but Presteigne has four public ones, plus it is often possible to get a space in the street. If you wish to use the disabled lift at the rear of the building, please drive down Harper’s Lane, which runs parallel to Broad Street, and you will find our gate on the left near the bottom. You can often find a parking space in this lane. Alternatively, there is a disabled parking bay at the top of Broad Street, about 50 yards from our front door. To access the lift, go past the door to Ave Maria Lane. At the end of this short alley, turn right and you will see our garden gate with a ‘Disabled Access’ sign.

Public transport

Nearest railway station, Knighton (6 miles). Public transport from Kington, Knighton and Ludlow. If you are thinking of visiting without a car, give us a call and we will help you organize your transportation needs.

Full address: The Judge’s Lodging, Broad Street, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2AD

If you get stuck trying to find us, just call and we will direct you. Tel: 01544 260650

Find us on Google Maps here

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