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!

     

Opening Times & Prices

Opening Times & Prices

1st April - 30th June 2023:

Monday: Closed (except BHM)

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10.30am - 4.30pm

Thursdsay: 10.30am - 4.30pm

Friday: 10.30am - 4.30pm

Saturday: 10.30am - 4.30pm

Sunday: Closed (except Easter and before public holidays)

Additional Days:

Easter Sunday & Monday (April 9th & 10th): 10.30am - 4.30pm

May Day Bank Holiday Sunday & Monday (April 30th & May 1st): 10.30am - 4.30pm

The King's Coronation Public Holiday Sunday & Monday (7th & 8th May): 10.30am - 4.30pm

Spring Bank Holiday Sunday & Monday (28th & 29th May):

:

1st July - 30th September 2023:

Monday: Closed (except BHM)

Tuesday: 10.30am - 5,00pm

Wednesday: 10.30am - 5,00pm

Thursday: 10.30am - 5,00pm

Friday: 10.30am - 5,00pm

Saturday: 10.30am - 5,00pm

Sunday: 10.30am - 5,00pm

Additional Days:

Late Summer Holiday Monday (August 28th): 10.30am - 5,00pm

:

1st October - 5th November 2023:

Wed - Saturday (plus extended hours in Autumn Half Term -): 10.30am - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)

Additional Days:

Sun 22nd, Tues 24th & Sun 29th October: 10.30am - 4.30pm

Adults: £9.95

Children: £4.95

Student / Unwaged: £4.95

Family (1+3): £15.00

Family (2+3): £25.00

Registered disabled: £Free

Under 16yrs must be accompanied by an adult: £

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