A Dream Come True: ‘I Am a National Fool’
Nigel Roder became England’s first official jester in more than 350 years in a contest to succeed Muckle John, who lost his job when King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.
Roder, whose professional name is Kester the Jester, defeated six rivals, including a poetry-reading Frenchwoman.
Unlike court jesters of old, Roder will be able to negotiate his salary. His initial contract with English Heritage will run from March to October 2005.
“It feels good. I am a national fool now. It is the best thing a man can be,” he said.
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