17th century, dramatic character, England, English, Europe, play, primary source, quotes
​In this play about Will Somers, the long-serving jester of Henry VIII (r. 1509-47), we have art imitating life, showing the spectrum of fiction-to-fact which a famous historical fool can encompass; Somers is not the only household name to have plays written about...
16th century, England, English, Europe, historical figure, quotes, research
The humanist writer and entertainer John Heywood (c. 1497 – c. 1580) used the padding of a jester’s folly to deliver his political views more effectively and to build bridges among factions. He spoke in a direct manner to Henry VIII but with sufficient...
16th century, correspondence, England, Europe, French, historical figure, primary source, quotes, stories
Occasionally a jester hit a raw nerve in their mockery and would then go into hiding until the royal wrath cooled. In this case, Sexton, a jester of Henry VIII (r. 1509-47) is said to have mocked both Anne Boleyn and her daughter. In July 1535, Eustace Chapuys (c....
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...
