A book that once belonged to a man who lives near Stamford Bridge has been made available for viewing at East Riding Archives, and proves that the British sense of humour stretches back hundreds of years.
It belonged to Edward Arthur Field Whittel
l Herbert, dates as far back as the 1890s and contains 23 pages of mirth and merriment.
Exactly how it was used by Mr Herbert is unclear, but it is thought it was a reference book in which he wrote down jokes and expressions as he encountered them so that they could be referred to later when entertaining guests.
Sam Bartle, collections officer, said: "You can just imagine a group of Victorian gentlemen assembled around a table at a dinner party and laughing heartily as the host recalls some of the jokes contained in the book.
"It's an unusual item that helps to challenge the stereotype view we have of the Victorian period.
"The humour is very subtle, and perhaps not as crude as today, but you can still appreciate most of what is written in the book."
The book can be read in the Archives and Local Studies research room, Champney Road, Beverley.
For more information, ring
(01482) 392790.
EDWARD'S RIB-TICKLERS Why is a hen crossing the road like a
gunpowder plot? Because it is a fowl proceeding.
What is the difference between a sailor in prison and a blind beggar? -
One cannot see to go, and the other cannot go to sea.
Men have many fault. Women only two, There's nothing right they say, there's nothing right they do!
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