A History of Fools

In the final episode (for now, at least), we turn our minds to Dicky Pearce, the last true court jester of England. We also tie off some loose ends. And though parting is hard, we must say good-bye for now.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

We come to the final royal court jester of England in this episode about Jeffrey Hudson. Handed over at an early age for the queen's amusement, he would grow to resent the jokes at his expense. Though not a tall man, he took a stand and stood very firm. If the royal court was soon to lose their court jesters, this one was determined to go out with a bang.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Archibald Armstrong, one of the more famous later jesters of England, was a man ready to take on the most powerful men around him. His rise to court was unconventional, and his eventual fall from grace would not be the last word. Although the Age of the Jester was nearing its conclusion, this was not a door of history that would close easily.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Richard Tarlton was the closest thing to a rockstar that a jester could get. He entertained on public stages, as well as in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. In Episode 13, we dive in and explore the life of this wise-cracking fool. Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Episode 12 explores the scholastic, satirical, and pivotal role that the famous Scotsman, George Buchanan, played in his momentous period of history. Challenging society, the clergy, and even the monarchy, it's a wonder he lived so long!Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

In episode 11, Zachary delves into the life of Jane Foole. Through the events of her life, we explore the powerful women who supported Jane. This also serves as a platform for investigating the role women played in jester history. Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

As 2021 kicks off, we open the year with the most famous English jester, Will Sommers, the favorite of Henry VIII and one of the few people who could talk a little sense into the monarch. With plenty of source material to play with, this episode includes many of the stories, jokes, and anecdotes that Will was famous for in his day.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Caught between a political Cardinal and a vengeful King, Sexton found himself promoted to the role of a king's fool under abnormal, and undesired, circumstances. Like it or not, he still had to play his part in the most chaotic of times.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Zachary discusses the life of John Heywood, the jester-scholar of Henry VIII and his successors. In the age of Reformation, Heywood was forced to tread lightly due to his Catholic allegiance. With talent and wit, he wrote, performed, and sang his way into the court's favor.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Episode 7 finds Zachary following the comical, though sometimes unscrupulous, life of John Scogan. A man with a habit of joking when no one felt like laughing, it would take him his whole life to find what mattered most to him.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

For the week of Halloween, Zachary embarks on telling the story of Tom Skelton, a fool...and killer. What happens when a society thinks the best way to handle mental illness is to declare the suffering as "idiots" or "lunatics" and write them off? What happens when a prankster goes too far? Find out.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Edward II has not gone down in history as one of England's better kings. He did, however, leave us a trail of fools to follow. And that's exactly what Zachary does as he explores the king Edward was through the fools he kept.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Episode 4 finds Zachary exploring the loyal tomfoolery of Edward I's Tom le Fol. In times of war and times of celebration, Tom stood by a man who many despised and feared. The fool may not always get the respect deserved, but he was there for his king, just the same.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Things get a little...well...gross as Zachary explores the life and bizarre career of Roland the Farter, jester and flatulist to the king. Although strange, his talent was rewarded handsomely. It just goes to show, if you work hard enough, you might be able to get paid for just about anything...Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

Zachary delves into the life of Rahere, a professional fool who enjoyed life's many pleasures before trading the jester's cap for the holy man's cloth. He would then go on to build a historic church and hospital in London, serving those in need to the end of his days.Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)

In Episode 1, Zachary gets the show kicked off and discusses three of the earliest court fools recorded in England: Hitard, Gollet, and Traillefer. Without them, history may have gone VERY differently!*SHOW EDIT: The correct name spelling for the fool presented here as Traillefer is actually Taillefer.*Support the show (https://buymeacoffee.com/historyoffools)