Few know however that the first Norman to die in the battle was not a ferocious warrior but the court jester of the Conqueror. While jesters held a privileged position in court they were not immune to the jealousy of others. To be his court jester was a perilous position but one the Will Somers managed to occupy for decades. Despite being known for a generally gentle form of humour Somers once shamed a juggler so much that he left court. One joke ended with him throwing milk in the juggler’s face – and the juggler left court forever.

Source: The Nation July 19, 2021 06:56 UTC