![]() After the restoration where he succeeded to the English throne after the Civil Wars, he did not reinstate the role. The tradition of court jesters in medieval England came to an end with Charles II. They were even sometimes expected to take messages to the enemy camp. They would be expected to entertain, usually by mocking the other side and risking attack. However, this also meant that they were expected to line up with the army opposite the enemy. Their important role meant that they were often required to travel with the court to battles because they could boost morale. Jesters often faced the fury of the King after delivering bad news. Having to deliver messages in their performance also came with risks. James VI of Scotland reportedly fired a jester for insulting too many influential people. There was always the chance the King could be offended by a joke. There was a dangerous side to the role of court jester. The Dangers of being a Court Jester in Medieval England However, there were huge risks to the job. Portrait of Henry VIII and family featuring jester Will Sommers on the right, and likely another jester Jane Fool on the left, circa 1545, via wikimedia commons Court jesters could use these privileges to help family members. This meant the role offered a safe place of permanent residency and financial security that jesters outside of court did not typically experience. If they made the King happy, then they would be paid a good amount. Their pay depended on how successful they were. Jesters often wore colourful costumes, including the famous three-pointed hat. Some jesters even had considerable influence over the King. They sometimes used their performance to share news – even bad news – with the King. ![]() If you want to read more about a royal who spent a lot of time at Oxford Castle, read our blog about Empress Matilda How often they performed would vary depending on the mood of the royals. This included magic tricks, acrobatics, storytelling, songs and telling jokes. The Job of JestersĬourt jesters lifted the mood at court with entertainment. ![]() While they are remembered in modern times as jokers who wore funny hats, their role was not always filled with laughs. Court jesters in medieval England had the important role of entertaining the court and keeping the royals happy. ![]()
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