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August 17, 2004

Surely you jest

It has been three and a half centuries since England last had an official jester. I have not seen a single jest or jape and already find the concept irritating. There may have been good reason this institution was left behind at the Restoration (via Martinis, Persistence, and A Smile).

Nigel Roder has beaten six rivals by public acclaim to become England's first official jester for more than 350 years, succeeding Muckle John who lost his job when King Charles 1 was beheaded in 1649.

"This is a real job. He will have to amuse and provoke -- although failure to do so will no longer risk beheading," Tracy Borman, events director of English Heritage, told Reuters on Saturday.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at August 17, 2004 08:29 AM

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Comments

I nominate Robert Fisk. Most of what he writes is a joke anyhow. As a side benefit, we could then justify continuing the tradition of beheadings and rid the world of a vile journalistic pustule.

Posted by: Damian at August 17, 2004 12:38 PM