What does Black as Nuggets knocker mean?

What does Black as Nuggets knocker mean?

The phrase is defined in Brewer’s Dictionary of London Phrase and Fable: as black as Newgate’s knocker Very dark, in colour or character. If anything was very dark or dirty — all too frequently referring to myself or my attire — she would refer to it as being, “As black as Newgate’s knocker”.

Where does the saying as black as Newgate’s knocker come from?

The original door from a prison cell used to house St. Oliver Plunkett in 1681 is on display at St. Peter’s Church in Drogheda, Ireland. The phrase “[as] black as Newgate’s knocker” is a Cockney reference to the door knocker on the front of the prison.

Where is Newgate’s knocker?

The expression ‘As black as Newgate’s knocker’ is generally believed to refer to the heavy iron knocker on the gate of Newgate Prison, London.

What does Black as your hat mean?

(as) black as (one’s) hat dated Completely black; totally without light or color. The basement gives me the creeps, it’s as black as my hat down there!

What is the meaning of new gate?

Definitions of Newgate. a former prison in London notorious for its unsanitary conditions and burnt down in riots in 1780; a new prison was built on the same spot but was torn down in 1902. example of: prison, prison house. a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment.

Why do they call it the Old Bailey?

The name ‘Old Bailey’ comes from the street on which the court is located. The road marks the route of the City’s original fortified wall (or ‘bailey’). ‘Old Bailey’ is only a nickname for what’s really called the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. Old Bailey sounds better.

Who wore homburg hats?

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously wore the homburg hat and further cemented it as an iconic men’s hat style in the 1950s. Like other dress hats, the homburg was in low demand during the later part of the 20th century.

What does nugatory mean in English?

1 : of little or no consequence : trifling, inconsequential comments too nugatory to merit attention. 2 : having no force : inoperative The law was unenforced and thus rendered nugatory.

How do you spell Newgate?

Newgate | Definition of Newgate by Merriam-Webster.

What crimes go to the Old Bailey?

Only the most serious cases were tried at the Old Bailey.

• Assault.
• Barratry.
• Libel.
• Riot.
• Threatening Behaviour.
• Vagabonding.
• Miscellaneous Breaking the Peace.

What is the correct name of the Old Bailey?

London’s Central Criminal Court, 1673-1913 The Old Bailey, also known as Justice Hall, the Sessions House, and the Central Criminal Court, was named after the street in which it was located, just off Newgate Street and next to Newgate Prison, in the western part of the City of London.

Is homburg a fedora?

While Fedora is a hat with an indented crown and a soft brim, and is creased down the crown and pinched near the front on both sides, Homburg is a hat characterized by a single dent, commonly referred to as the gutter crown, running down to the center of the crown.

What does as black as Newgate’s knocker mean?

The expression ‘As black as Newgate’s knocker’ is generally believed to refer to the heavy iron knocker on the gate of Newgate Prison, London. That belief may be correct but, then again, it may not.

Where is the knocker from Newgate Prison located?

The original heavy iron knocker which gave rise to these phrases was attached to the main door of Newgate Prison from 1782 until 1902, when the prison was demolished to make way for an enlarged Old Bailey. Normally the knocker is kept safely locked away inside the Old Bailey.

Why was Newgate a place of fear and Loathing?

Newgate was a place of fear and loathing to many Londoners, not only criminals but also debtors, who were imprisoned there until they found a way to repay what they owed. After 1783, it was also the place where executions took place, initially on a public platform in front of the building, later inside.

What does black over Bill’s mothers mean?

He was born in Stratford-on-Avon, to the west of the Midlands and – if the sky is dark and threatening over that area (ie over Bill’s mother’s) – it means rain is probably headed for the east of the Midlands region, because the prevailing winds are likely to push the wet weather in that direction.