The Entertainment of the Kings of Great Britain and Denmark facts for kids

The Entertainment of the Two Kings of Great Britain and Denmark (also called The Hours) was a special show written by Ben Jonson. It was performed at Theobalds House on July 24, 1606. Another show, An Entertainment of the King James and Queen Anne at Theobalds, happened in May 1607. This was when Anne of Denmark was given the keys to the house. These shows were called "masques," which were popular forms of entertainment at royal courts. They often involved music, dancing, costumes, and special effects.

A Royal Visit in 1606

James VI and I, painted by John de Critz in 1604.

Christian IV of Denmark, painted by David Bailly.

Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, who owned Theobalds House.

In 1606, James VI and I, the King of Great Britain, had a special guest. It was his brother-in-law, Christian IV of Denmark, who was the King of Denmark. They traveled together in coaches from Blackwall in London to Theobalds House in Cheshunt.

Ben Jonson wrote a special welcome show in Latin for their arrival. The kings stayed at Theobalds for four days. They enjoyed hunting in the nearby woods. On Sunday, August 27, they had a fish supper. The food dishes had decorations with the symbols of England and Denmark. The main idea of the visit, "Welcome and Welcome Still," was written in gold letters. After their stay, the royal group moved to Greenwich Palace. There, Anne of Denmark, King James's wife, welcomed them. She had recently lost her baby, Sophia.

The owner of Theobalds, Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, paid a lot for this visit. It cost him about £1,180. This included £284 for gifts. Sweet treats were made by Robert Walthew, the royal confectioner. Some of the fancy gold and silver plates used for meals were rented. Inigo Jones, a famous designer, was paid £23 to create the scenery for the masque.

The "Welcome Still" Tradition

To welcome the kings, the path near Theobalds House was decorated. It was covered with fake green oak leaves. Each leaf had the word "Welcome" written on it in gold.

A description from the time says there was a fake tree at the entrance gates. This tree had green silk leaves. After welcome speeches, these leaves fell like confetti onto the kings. Then, a song called "Welcome Still" was sung.

The Entertainment of the Two Kings

At the entrance porch of Theobalds, there were three characters. They were called the "Hours" and sat on clouds. Their Greek names were Eunomie (meaning Law), Dice (meaning Justice), and Irene (meaning Peace). Their crowns had symbols like a sun-dial, a clock, and an hour-glass.

A short speech in English mentioned the welcome leaves. This speech was then repeated in Latin for King Christian IV. The entrance was also decorated with Latin writings. These writings included poems praising both King James and King Christian IV. More poems were displayed when the two kings left on July 28.

A Royal Entertainment in 1607

The spirit of Theobalds House gave Anne of Denmark the keys in May 1607.

In 1607, Robert Cecil gave Theobalds House to Anne of Denmark. This was part of a property exchange with King James. In return, King James gave Cecil the manor and Palace of Hatfield.

The royal family came to Theobalds in May. They enjoyed hunting and jousting, which are knightly games, to honor the queen. Ben Jonson wrote another masque for this visit. It was called An Entertainment of the King James and Queen Anne at Theobalds. This show took place on Friday, May 22, 1607.

The masque was performed in a gallery after dinner. A white curtain was pulled back to show a "gloomy, dark place." This area was completely covered in black silk. The Genius of the House, who was like the spirit of the place, learned that Robert Cecil was leaving.

A prophecy was found in a very strong book. It said that the greatest king, a fairy queen, and two amazing princes would visit Theobalds. These princes were Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales and Charles de Lorraine, Prince Joinville. The Fates, who were goddesses of destiny, told the Genius that Cecil was happy to give the house to Anne of Denmark. They called her "Bel-Anna." The Fates convinced the Genius to accept this change happily. Then, the Genius gave the keys of the house to Queen Anne.

One of the Fates, named Atropos, praised Anne of Denmark. She told the Genius:

She is the grace of all that are;

And like Eliza now a star,

Unto her crown, and lasting praise,

Thy humbler walls at first did raise;

So shall BEL-ANNA them protect;

And this is all the Fates can say;

Which first believe, and then obey.

There was also a French version of this dialogue. This was probably for the Prince of Joinville, who was French. Years before, in 1591, Queen Elizabeth had been entertained at Theobalds. In that show, a gardener found a jewel box with a prophecy inside.