18th century, England, Europe, historical figure, primary source, quotes, Stuart
Court account books in Europe provide a rich seam of information on the material care and remuneration paid to jesters. This entry, however, is the first I have seen which amounts to an IOU. The ‘late King William’ is clearly William III (better known as...
16th century, England, English, Europe, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories
An anecdotal (or perhaps just fictive) account of how an historical jester was ‘interviewed’ by the king. Will Somers was indeed fool to Henry VIII (r. 1509-47) and appears in a family portrait of Henry. In this exchange he doesn’t hesitate to poke...
13th century, 14th century, bibliography, book chapter, England, English, Europe, medieval, research
A clear account of attitudes and beliefs in medieval England regarding mental disability and illness, Buhrer’s paper highlights distinctions between temporary and congenital madness or mental impairment, as it was considered in society and by the courts. The...
