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!

     

In The Area

PRESTEIGNE – ‘LLANANDRAS’ IN WELSH

When writer George Borrow came to Presteigne in 1867 he asked where he was – the reply was ‘Neither in Wales nor England, but simply in Presteigne, Radnorshire’. This small, but thriving border town, where one step over a small stone bridge will take you into England, is set amongst the lovely unspoilt countryside of the Marches and will delight you.

You can pick up a free copy of the town trail at The Judge’s Lodging, which will take you on a journey not only through the streets of this charming town, but also on a trip into the past. It will guide you by buildings such as The Red House, home of Rear Admiral Puget, after whom Puget Sounds, Vancouver, is named; The Radnorshire Arms Hotel, home of Sir Christopher Hatton (a favourite of Elizabeth I) and St Andrew’s Church which houses a superb 16th-century Flemish tapestry. Local archaeological treasures include standing stones, a holy well and the ruins of Stapleton Castle which look down over the town. You can also download the town trail here.

For nature lovers the town has a nature reserve, The Withybeds & Wentes Meadow and Silia Wood in which to wander. The discerning walker can walk straight from town to country on one of the many local paths, whilst the National trails of Offa’s Dyke, Mortimer’s Trail and Glyndwr’s Way all pass nearby.

 

WHILE YOU ARE IN THE AREA

From the town, a short drive will take you walking in the Brecon Beacons and the Elan Valley, sight-seeing and shopping in the picturesque border towns of Ludlow and Hereford, searching for books in Hay-on-Wye, or following the Black and White Village Trail around some of the most attractive villages in Britain.

If you want to know more about the town, have a look  at the town website,  where you will find ideas of things to do, a calendar of events, accommodation and much more.

We’re right on the Border here, so a stroll of just two minutes takes you into England.

 

Presteigne’s own town website is www.presteigne.org.uk

Knighton, our nearest Welsh town (6 miles)

Kington, our nearest English town (6 miles)

More on the history of Powys can be found here

Find out more about Mid Wales

Explore Wales’ built heritage with CADW – abbeys, house and castles…oh those castles!

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