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The Lower Loxley Handbook
by Vicky S and lantana2
 Inspired by Bert's researches, a few more extracts from Lower Loxley's tour guides' script found their way to the Fantasy Archers topic of .
The Cupboard Under the Stairs
Lower Loxley is fortunate in having several staircases with accompanying cupboards. However, this is the only one open to the public.
This cupboard under the main stairs is thought to date from the same period as the stairs above it ie mid 19th century, when Lower Loxley underwent some refurbishment, although sadly few of the original features remain from that time. However it is believed that the floor boards which now serve as shelves were originally laid in the second housemaid's attic. The fuse box you see is a modern addition dating from the great re-wiring of 2003, although the more observant among you may spot one of our more esoteric treasures, to whit the cardboard fuse wire holder hanging from this small nail. We believe that this particular fuse wire was purchased from Woolworth's in the Autumn of 1945. On the floor is a Henry vacuum cleaner, which has been authenticated by Sotheby's as being a pre 1995 Argos model. This Henry has a complete set of unused crevice tools still stored in the original box. Regretfully our Dyson cleaner is away undergoing restoration at the moment, but this artist's impression shows how the cupboard looks when it is completely furnished.
Please follow the one way system which will lead you on to the next exhibit. May I remind you that no photography is allowed inside the house. Digitally produced photographs of major rooms are available from our new shop. They may be bought separately to order if the printer is working, or as a pack signed by Nigel and Elizabeth Pargetter.
The Staff Lavatory
Moving down the corridor, we come to the Staff Lavatory, one of two such facilities provided for the House's unobtrusive employees. The Lavatory is believed to have been built on the site of a Jacobean privy, allegedly once used by Charles I, quite informally. Unfortunately no evidence of this remains, but further information may be obtained from the Hall Guide, Mr Bert Fry.
The toilet roll holder, toilet brush and soap dish are a matching set of Far Eastern design and manufacture. They were obtained during an expedition to London by the housekeeper, Mrs Titcombe, and were in fact purchased during the Great Primark Riot of 2007.
The towel rail displays Scandinavian influences, and is possibly the Chepo model, particularly fashionable in the late '90s.
Please take especial note of the gloss-sheen toilet paper, forming part of a astute bulk purchase of ex-Government Stock, (MAFF 57546/1957), by the current owner's father.
The pot-pourri bowl on the cistern is an early work by Miss Lily Pargetter, and demonstrates the versatility of playdough as a creative medium. Pot-pourri is made on the estate; a variety of flowers are used depending on seasonal availability at the Kwikfill Petrolstop, Hollerton Junction. Pot-pourri may be purchased in the Lower Loxley Shoppe in 50gm packets for £6.99 plus VAT.
The toilet seat itself was hand-bodged by the house's owner, Mr Nigel Pargetter. It is unfortunately currently not on show as it is undergoing essential restoration work by a local craftsman, Mr Edward Grundy.
All water flushed in the Staff Lavatory is recycled, as part of the Greener Lower Loxley Project. Due to some initial teething problems, we recommend that drinking water is purchased bottled in The Orangery Café (£3.99 per bottle, lemon slice extra).
Please leave this part of the House as you would wish to find it. Cleaning materials are located in the cupboard to the left of the door.
The Julia Pargetter Carmichael Memorial Bedroom
As we pass along the second floor landing please take a moment to look inside the Julia Pargetter Carmichael Memorial Bedroom. Because of the deeply personal nature of the exhibit visitors are not allowed to enter the room but may look through the perspex security door. Please note the fine display of pre war theatre programmes, in some of which Mrs Pargetter Carmichael is featured as ingénue, understudy or second Pierrette.
As many of you are aware, the late Mrs Pargetter Carmichael had a loyal following of theatrical devotees. The small desk at which she conducted her personal correspondence with her many friends is shown, together with examples of her personal stationery and her trusty Mont Blanc.
The bed, a very fine example of bird's-eye maple craftsmanship was originally purchased, on the occasion of her first marriage, from Waring and Gillow of London together with a matching dressing table and wardrobe. In a touching private ceremony it is turned down every evening at 9 o'clock, and a Walker and Charbonnel crystallised violet creme laid on the top pillow. In the morning, after the bed is restored to its daytime condition, the room is sprayed with Joy, her signature scent.
All the dressing table accessories, make up, negligées, marabou slippers and other personal effects in the room were owned by Mrs Pargetter Carmichael. The story of their dramatic rescue from the garden bonfire pile after an unfortunate misunderstanding on the part of her daughter-in-law is retold in Granny Julia's Stuff, a diary entry by Lily Pargetter, presently held in the family archives.
Signed copies of Julia, a Life Through Her Art, by local author Mr Lawrence Lovell, are available for purchase in the Lower Loxley Shoppe. The book contains many previously unpublished photographs from Mrs Pargetter Carmichael's theatrical career.
The Music Room
According to family tradition Mozart performed in this room. Archives exist which show that Young Wolfgang visited Borsetshire. In a letter to his Uncle Rudi he wrote:
"Dear Uncle Rudi, thank you very much for the little toy whistle you sent me for my ninth birthday. It is most amusing, I have been thinking of composing an opera based on the idea of a similar instrument. We have been travelling in the fair County of Borsetshire, staying in many comfortable and welcoming homes where we have met delightfully cultured and musically knowledgeable persons of great refinement and sophistication. We stayed in Lower Loxley too. Your loving nephew, Wolfgang."
Unfortunately the original contents of the music room were mislaid some time between 1896 and 1914.
The black paint on the walls and windows is not original but dates from the present owner's adolescent interest in heavy metal. The drum kit dates from the same period. Some of the posters could be of interest to amateur collectors of rock memorabilia.
The Recorder - Book 1 on the music stand belongs to Master Freddie Pargetter.
More parodies - from Agatha Christie to Damon Runyon
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