Hundreds of jokes and expressions were collected by Edward Arthur Field Whittell Herbert, a Victorian gentleman who resided near Stamford Bridge.

Dating from around 1895, the plain black book contains 23 pages of late 19th century mirth that may even raise a chuckle now – or at least a wry smile. It seems likely Mr Herbert collected the jokes as time went on and referred to them later when entertaining. They include old-fashioned gems like "Why is a hen crossing the road like a gunpowder plot? – Because it is a 'fowl proceeding'" and the groan-inducing "Men have many faults, women only two, There's nothing right they say, There's nothing right they do!"

Sam Bartle, collections officer, said: "You can just imagine a group of Victorian gentlemen assembled around a table at a dinner party and laughing heart-ily 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." It can be read in the Archives and Local Studies research room, Champney Road, Beverley.