A bit of medieval Christmas joy..... Henry VI was not impressed with us Leicester lasses. ......
In 1459, King Henry VI spent the Christmas and New Year at Leicester Castle. The Twelve Days of Christmas were filled with an abundance of lavish and ostentatious events, including banquets, balls, and various sporting events, all designed to entertain the countless guests and onlookers who eagerly partook in the festivities. This was the court at its most visible - a rare opportunity for commoners to catch a fleeting glimpse of the royal family as they made their grand procession to the tournament grounds, adorned in their most luxurious and fur-lined attire. In the rare instance that the underprivileged were fortunate enough, they could potentially feast like royalty - or at the very least, indulge in scraps from the lavish spread at the king's grand table. Interestingly, it was not uncommon for a staggering 24 courses to be served at these extravagant banquets, and it was customary for the royal chefs to prepare an excessive amount of food, not only to impress their esteemed guests, but also with the intention of providing sustenance to those in need once the festivities had concluded.
In turn, the town folk frequently favoured the court with glad tidings of their own. In the lively and festive halls, merry carollers, skilled jugglers, traditional mummers, enchanting magicians, captivating actors, talented musicians, eloquent poets, and skilled bards would all gather together to contribute their unique talents to the evening's entertainment. Usually the court found such past times highly amusing, but not always. The prudish monarch, Henry VI, was absolutely livid and incensed when a group of local lasses, who were hired by a mischievous young lord, boldly revealed their bosoms and proceeded to perform a scandalous and provocative dance in front of the King and his court. "Fie, fie, for shame!" were Henry's parting shots as he dashed to his privy chambers.
Inside the grand hall in Leicester Castle in the Medieval period.
In 1459, #HenryVI spent the #TwelveDaysofChristmas @ #LeicesterCastle. The prudish monarch was livid when a group of local lasses revealed their bosoms & performed a provocative dance in front of him- "Fie, fie, for shame!" were Henry's parting words as he dashed to his privy chambers.
