Tudor Jokes
Scogan - a Jester to Edward VI (Edward Tudor)
Among the practical jokes of this court fool I recognize many that really belong to a much earlier period, and which must have been current as " stories" at the time they are narrated as having been performed by Scogan himself. The following, however, is said to be properly assigned to him. He had borrowed a large sum of money of tho King. Some stories say the Queen, and Flogel even names Quern Elizabeth as the patroness of this jester! The sum is set down at 500 pounds, which is extremely doubtful. more...
Queen Elizabeth's Court Jester
In 1583 Sir Francis Walsingham introduced the celebrated Dick Tarleton to the Queen, and he soon became one of the most popular comedians in London and was appointed to the "high and honourable" office of Court jester to her Highness. Several robes were purchased for him in Paris, to appear before the Queen at dinner, dressed as a buffoon or jester. His duty on those occasions was to make the Queen " merrie." Fuller styles him a master of his faculty who, " when Elizabeth was serious and out of good humour, could undumpish her at his pleasure." When persons about Court had "small compliments" to seek, Tarleton acted as their usher more...
Queen Elizabeth: Tudor humor
Queen Elizabeth seeing a disappointed courtier walking with a melancholy face in one of her gardens, asked him, "What does a man think of when he thinks of nothing? " " Of a woman's promises!" was the reply ; to which the Queen returned,''I must notconfute you, Sir Edward," and she left him.
From: The Jest Book: The Choicest Anecdotes and Sayings by Mark Lemon
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