Jesters

Jesters, Court, or Court Fools, were persons in the employ of princes and others, who by their real or affected folly furnished amusement for their masters. They were sometimes witty buffoons who were licensed to quiz the courtiers and even their own masters. The first mentioned in English history is William the First's fool, Goles. Amongst other celebrated jesters are Will Somers, the fool of Henry VIII., and Archie Armstrong of Charles I.; in France, Friboulet of Francis I., and Chicot of Henri III. In the East the most famous was Babalul, the fool of the Caliph Haroun al Raschid. They wore a motley dress and a hood, and carried a bauble, to which a distended bladder was frequently attached. The priory and hospital of St. Bartholomew were founded by Rahere, jester to Henry I.