1. Will Sommers (c. 1525–1560s) – The Fool of Henry VIII
Perhaps the most famous English jester, Will Sommers served Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I—a remarkable feat of survival in a dangerous age. He was known for his close relationship with Henry VIII, and it's said he could speak to the king in ways no one else could. Chroniclers describe Sommers as both witty and gentle, able to ease the king’s volatile temper.
2. Archibald Armstrong – The Scottish Satirist
Armstrong served King James I and Charles I and was infamous for his scathing wit. He made enemies among powerful courtiers and was eventually dismissed for insulting the Archbishop of Canterbury. Nonetheless, he became wealthy and influential in his own right.
3. Triboulet – The French Master of Mischief
Triboulet served King Francis I of France and was known for both his physical deformity and sharp mind. He once insulted a noble and, when threatened with execution, quipped that he wished to die of old age—a reply that allegedly saved his life.
These examples demonstrate how jesters could maneuver through treacherous political environments, wielding comedy as a shield and a weapon.
Women as Fools
Though rare, female jesters did exist. In the Tudor court, Jane the Fool served Queen Catherine Parr and later Mary I. Little is known about her beyond court records, but she is noted as a "natural fool" and companion to the queens. She is also depicted in several paintings, wearing the cap and bells typical of the role.
In other parts of Europe, female jesters occasionally appeared, though social norms limited their presence in male-dominated court environments. Their roles were sometimes conflated with that of ladies-in-waiting or entertainers, blurring the lines of classification shutdown123