These are a few items I photographed as I walked round the
National Trust property, The Argory in County Tyrone.
Above is a weighing machine that Captain Shelton bought
in 1867 and when he hosted guests he would measure their height and weighed
them when they arrived. Just before they
left his home he would weigh them again and hopefully they would weigh heavier
as this was, in his opinion a sign of being a very good and generous host!
I thought this was very pretty and I think it was
bought during some of the family’s travels.
Captain Shelton had a very distinguished military career and if you wish to know a little more about the history of the family and house, I published a post earlier so CLICK HERE to see it. This was a canon ball brought back by him.
This was Captain Shelton’s wheelchair and the
photograph below showed him sitting in it.
Thanks for your visit and also your comments
This must have been the top of the line, fanciest wheelchair! Very interesting and unusual things that I have never seen anything like! So they would weigh guests while they were sitting down..that is what it looks like. Or perhaps the chair is there for when they faint after they saw their weight!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea that a good and generous hosts feeds his/her guests well. In these diet conscious days it would be a rarity.
ReplyDeleteThe wheelchair looks very interesting. Really great images!
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Hello, interesting tour. The wheelchair is fancy! Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what that object is in the second photo; but I agree with you...it's very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMost interesting objects in that house.
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing us such interesting things
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting that guests were weighed before and after their visits. Could you imagine doing that with your guests today??
ReplyDeleteFascinating artefacts but not too many nowadays would appreciate the interest in their weight!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I found it fascinating that the captain used to weigh his guests before and after. I suspect back in those days it wasn't such an issue with an individual about their weight being known to all and sundry :)
ReplyDeleteAllways interesting to peek into other people's lives.
ReplyDeleteCertainly the measure of a good host---- Perhaps some way to check his generosity with the wine as well????
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fascinating place to visit Margaret, however, anyone who weighs in a guest would have to be a person i avoided visiting. LOL! Love that old wheelchair!
ReplyDeleteYikes! I would not want to be weighed when I'm a guest at someone's house.
ReplyDelete