Ryecote Entertainment facts for kids

The Ryecote Entertainment was a special show put on for Elizabeth I, the Queen of England, on October 28, 1592. It happened at Rycote House in Oxfordshire, a large country home. During this show, members of the Norris family gave the Queen beautiful jewels. These gifts were meant to celebrate the brave actions of the Norris sons, who were soldiers.

Welcome to Rycote

Queen Elizabeth I arrived at Rycote House after visiting Oxford. The show began with an actor playing an old, experienced soldier. He welcomed the Queen by comparing Rycote to a simple "crow's nest." He then said that with her presence, it had become a grand "nest for a phoenix," a mythical bird. As part of the welcome, he gave the Queen a beautiful gown.

Gifts for the Queen

The next day, in the garden, the old soldier gave another speech. Then, different messengers arrived, each bringing a special gift and a message from one of the Norris sons.

Messages from Far Away

• An Irish messenger brought a letter from a Norris son who was a soldier in Ireland. Inside the letter was a dart decorated with diamonds. Its motto said, "I fly only for my sovereign," meaning he fought only for his Queen.
• A messenger from Flanders (a region in Europe) brought a gold key set with diamonds. Its motto was, "I only open to you," showing loyalty.
• A French page (a young servant) brought three letters.
  • The first letter was a funny part of the show. It was a mixed-up letter meant for someone called "Lady Squeamish."
  • The second letter held a French gold sword. Its motto was, "Drawn only in your defence," meaning it would only be used to protect the Queen.
  • The third letter contained a Spanish diamond-decorated staff, called a truncheon. Its motto said, "I do not command but under you," showing he only followed her orders.

The Show's Story

The show was a way for the Norris family to honor Queen Elizabeth I. The gifts and messages from the sons, who were serving in different parts of Europe, showed their loyalty and bravery to the Queen. It was a grand and clever way to welcome a monarch.

A Royal Visitor

When Queen Elizabeth left Rycote on Monday morning, another messenger appeared. He brought a gold daisy flower decorated with rubies from Jersey, an island off the coast of France. This was a final gift as she departed.

The story of this special show was later printed in a book. Its full title was Speeches delivered to her Majestie this last progresse, at the Right Honorable the Lady Russels, at Bissam, the Right Honorable the Lord Chandos at Sudley, at the Right Honorourable the Lord Norris at Ricote. It was published in Oxford in 1592.

Years later, James VI and I, who became King after Elizabeth, also visited Rycote House several times. He came in 1612, 1614, 1616, 1617, and 1619.