A twilled woollen cloth of somewhat rough surface, and of great variety of texture, originally and still chiefly made in the south of Scotland [OED]

Became aware of. [CPB]

Two shillings and six old pence. A Half-crown coin or cash to that amount.

Harold Macmillan (1894-1986), was Prime Minister 1957-1963

Unco: Very, exceedingly, extremely, to a marked degree [Dictionary of the Scots Language ]

Union House: A workhouse established and run under the terms of the Poor Law amendment Act of 1834.

The parish union was the body responsible for the establishment and management of a workhouse.

Mad, In confusion, error, trouble or difficulty

in a hopeless condition; damaged beyond repair; lost; ruined [OED]

Upholds [Dictionary of the Scots Language] Asserts [CPB]

 An early form of the bicycle, in which the rider sat on a bar between the two wheels, and propelled himself by pushing the ground with each foot alternately. Also known as a Dandy Horse  From c1850 later versions were fitted with pedals.[OED]

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for gallantry "in the presence of the enemy"

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross [accessed 26Jun2019]

Victorine: A garment, usually of fur or wool, covering the shoulders, or the neck and shoulders; a cape or short cloak, often with hanging ends.

The Margate Steam Packet Company boat Victory was built in 1818;
[Dix, F Royal river Highway, A history of the passenger boats and services on the river Thames p248] 
Victory approaching Margate c1827 with Favourite in the backgroound

Viper: One who betrays or is false to those who have supported or nourished him; a false or treacherous person. [OED]

Vitriol. The OED gives "One or other of various native or artificial sulphates of metals used in the arts or medicinally, esp. sulphate of iron".   oil of vitriol is concentrated sulphuric acid.

Roman god of fire and metalworking [OED]

Field Marshall George Wade (1673-1748)

Wake: A holiday , especially a period during which factories were closed. [CPB]