Archibald Armstrong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Archibald Armstrong
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Archibald Armstrong, engraving by Thomas Cecil
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| Died | March 1672 |
| Other names | Archy |
| Occupation | Sheep thief, court jester, money lender |
| Years active | 1606?–1641? |
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Archibald "Archy" Armstrong (who died in March 1672) was a famous court jester. He was born in Cumberland, England. People say he first became known for being very clever. Later, he joined the service of King James VI and I as his official jester. He became one of the King's favorites.
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Archy Armstrong: The King's Jester
When King James VI also became King of England, Archy Armstrong was made the official court jester. In 1606, he earned a yearly fee for his work. By 1611, he received a daily payment. He even got fancy clothes made by the King's tailor.
Archy was born in Scotland. In 1612, he became a "denizen" of England. This meant he had many of the same rights as someone born in England. He became very important at court. Many people tried to be his friend. But his success made him a bit too proud. He became rude and caused trouble, so many people at court did not like him.
King James seemed to like Archy a lot. In 1618, Archy even got a special right to control who could make tobacco pipes. This was a big deal and could make him rich.
Archy's Jokes and Troubles
At horse races in 1612, Archy tried to make King James and his son, Prince Henry, jealous of each other. He pointed out that more courtiers stayed with Prince Henry. After this, Prince Henry's friends would often playfully toss Archy in a blanket when they saw him.
In 1613, Archy went to the wedding of Princess Elizabeth. He wore a fancy red velvet coat with gold. Another jester at court, Tom Durie, also wore a similar bright outfit.
In 1617, Archy traveled to Scotland with the King. He was called "His Majesty's pleasant" jester. In Aberdeen, he and other important people were made "burgesses" of the town. This was a special honor. It was also said that Archy helped his Scottish relative get a yearly payment from the King. People thought Archy had a lot of influence. However, in 1618, Archy was reportedly banned from court for bad behavior.
Adventures in Spain
In 1623, Archy went with Prince Charles and Lord Buckingham to Spain. They were there to arrange a royal marriage. The Spanish court liked Archy very much. He even said he received a payment from them.
But Archy's behavior became even worse in Spain. He made fun of the Spanish princess about the defeat of the Spanish Armada. He also openly criticized Lord Buckingham. Buckingham threatened to hang him. Archy famously replied that "dukes had often been hanged for insolence but never fools for talking." When he returned, he was praised by writer Ben Jonson for his jokes about the Spanish marriage.
Archy and King Charles I
Archy kept his job when Charles I became king. He became quite wealthy. The King even gave him a large piece of land in Ireland. After Buckingham died in 1628, Archy said Buckingham was "the greatest enemy of three kings." Archy then started making fun of William Laud, a powerful church leader.
One time, Archy said a prayer in front of Laud: "Great praise be given to God and little laud to the devil." Laud was a short man and did not like jokes about his height. After news of a rebellion in Scotland in 1637, Archy greeted Laud with: "Who's fool now? Does not your Grace hear the news from Stirling about the liturgy?" Laud complained to the King's council. Archy was immediately punished. He had his jester's coat taken off and was fired from the King's service. He was also banned from the court.
Archy's Later Life
After leaving court, Archy settled in London. He became a money-lender. People complained that he used unfair methods. In 1641, when Laud was arrested, Archy got his revenge. He published a book called Archy's Dream, which criticized Laud.
Later, Archy lived in Arthuret in Cumberland, which some say was his birthplace. He owned land there and died in 1672. He was buried on April 1st.
Archy was married twice. His second wife was Sybilla Bell. Two books of jokes are said to be by him: A Banquet of Jests (around 1630) and A choice Banquet of Witty Jests (1660).
