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Editor: Master William Caxton of the
Worshipful Company of the Merchant Venturers
Address:
The
Queen Returns!
King and Queen reunited at
Just a few hours ago, the King
and Queen of
Upon meeting, his Grace wept with
joy, embracing the Queen with both arms and kissing her profusely. She likewise
gave token of her delight in returning to his side. Both then addressed the
assembly, expressing their hope that their reunion would prove a good omen for
the reunification of the realm. Amidst hymns sung by the choir of
Queen Margaret has been absent
for over a year since departing to visit relatives in
She is understood to have had many adventures, falling foul of Genoese soldiery and Prince Edward narrowly surviving an attempt on his life in Marseille. It is believed the Prince will be submitting an illustrated manuscript entitled ‘Where I Went for My Holidays’ to his tutor, Lorenzo di Gigli, who has promised to publish it, with the permission of their Graces, if it should pass his strict scrutiny for grammar.
It is understood that a formal
celebration is planned for the next few days starting with a ceremonial banquet
in
Her Grace the Queen did not have
an easy ride to
West Country Affairs
"I'll ‘
Tension is said to be high within the castle as
Stop Press - Scots Take Roxburgh!
King James of
Business News
The Treasury announced
This unique and unprecedented
deal has been achieved by the Lord Treasurer working in close partnership with
the City of
“The City is of course the most
important financial power in the kingdom today. Where would we be without it?
I, on behalf of the King, thank the City both for its past financial support
and for its understanding and generous approach to the repayment of this
support. In particular, I would like to thank Mayor Lee, whose diligence and
dedication was instrumental to the success of negotiations. We look forward to
working together in future and furthering the already close relationship between
the Crown and the City, helping make
News of the deal broke as the
Privy Council were considering how to deal with the recent Scottish incursions
into the realm. It is understood that the Privy Council considers the firm
financial footing of the Crown to be a prerequisite to Good Governance and the
repulsion of the Scottish threat. It is also understood that the money returned
to the City under the terms of the deal brokered today will better enable the merchants
of
Mayor Lee commented, “Cor, luv a duck! An’ it’s not even Christmas! Vat’s free grand dahn, only anuver seveny-six fahsand, ate ‘undred an firty-free pahn six shillin’ an’ atepence ter go.”
Due to a long-term fall in Royal
income, the Privy Council is to reappraise the charters of all borough save
The Privy Council
The Privy Council continues to meet on an almost daily basis with the following attendees: The dukes of Buckingham (President) and Norfolk (Earl Marshal); earls of Oxford (Great Chamberlain), Arundel (Chamberlain of Chester) and Wiltshire; bishops Neville of Exeter (Chancellor), Lowe of Rochester, Waynefleet of Winchester and Kemp of London; lords Bolebec, Grey de Wilton, Lovel, Delaware, Zouche, Bohun, Sudeley, Stourton and Egremont; Sir Christopher Talbot and Archdeacon Booth of Richmond (Privy Seal).
Urgent issues of the moment include the quieting of military disruption across the country, the refocusing of military attention on the Scots invasion and a reappraisal of Crown finances.
The latter issue is at the root of two sets of writs issued this week. The first instruct all sheriffs to search out infringements of Crown rights and privileges. The second calls all borough charters in for reappraisal.
This last is usually an excuse to increase the fines paid by each town in return for the liberties enshrined in its charter. Sources close to the Privy Council were unable to confirm if this is intended as an alternative to the recently aborted tax reassessment by Lord Treasurer Essex.
To show it is in earnest regarding the many troops raised in the recent troubles. The Privy Council has officially warned transgressors and directs all sheriffs and other officials responsible for enforcing the King’s Peace that all who maintain forces in excess of the maxima stipulated two weeks ago will be fined £5 a day if they continue to defy the King’s writ. Several lords are known to be in defiance of this order but most appear to be toeing the line and no firm action has been taken, as yet.
Church News
Churches across
Bishops Chedworth of Lincoln and
Hales of Coventry & Lichfield call upon good Christians all over
The Scots Invasion
As the vile thieving hordes of
Percy return north, impartial observers are wondering if they might not arrive
too late. The Scots under King James II and the Earl of Huntly besiege Roxburgh
and ride the
The Bishop of Durham commented
yesterday, “The situation could not be more perilous with almost the entire
length of the
The one piece of good news I have
is that Lord
Other Home News
Bishops Chedworth of Lincoln and Hales of Coventry & Lichfield remain to administer to the wounded and homeless and to oversee disposal of the bodies.
Incidents of violence and riot
have subsided remarkably over the last ten days. The Home Counties are now
quiet and the sheriffs of
The King was rumoured to have
relapsed after the Duke of Norfolk summoned his doctors to
The secretary to Otto von Danzig,
head of the
Lord Bolebec is appointed Keeper of the Tower in place of Sir John Bertram (née Ogle). It is believed candidates are also being considered to replace Sir Robert Ogle, Sir John’s cousin, and Sir William Oldhall as Keeper of the Privy Wardrobe and Steward of the Household, respectively.
Reliable witnesses say that after
Margaret the fair maid of Stoke was executed at
Foreign News
John Tiptoft Earl of
Duke Philip gave his departing guest gifts of an illustrated commentary on Aristotle and a jewel encrusted sword in token of the Earl’s command of the physical and mental spheres before bidding the Earl ‘bon voyage’.
The Earl of Worcester’s stated intention is to put his estates in order but he has served in government in the past and several commentators mark him for future office.
The Mechanisms of Government – The Privy Council
Modern government is personal; all authority stems from the King but it is neither right nor possible for the King to rule by himself. It is an established principal that he seek advice before making decisions or enacting legislation and that he delegates authority to officers who act in his name.
All the modern offices of
government grew out of the Curia Regis, the
The modern body responsible for
advising the King and acting as his principal executive arm left the Court in
the 13th Century and immediately acquired executive powers during
the long minority of Henry III. The body developed procedures and a manner of
work until it became what we know today as the Privy Council, usually meeting
in the Star Chamber at
The Privy Council is composed of certain Crown officers: Chancellor, Treasurer, Privy Seal, Great Chamberlain, Earl Marshal, Lord Constable, Lord Admiral, Steward of the Household, Lord Chamberlain, Steward of the Duchy of Lancaster and Lord Chief Justice. Few of these will be in constant attendance but other attendees amount essentially to whoever the King asks for advice; typically a bishop or two, a few peers, lords and knights all valued for their wisdom and experience. Others may be drafted for special abilities, experience or influence. It is chaired by the President of the Council, who conveys the King’s will to the Council and the Council’s advice back to the King.
The Privy Council is essentially a talking shop where the issues of government are debated. Usually, members will be aware of the issues on the agenda and the Council is empowered to make routine administrative decisions.
For important matters, the King may choose to summon a selection of his magnates and peers to ‘afforce’ his Council. For great matters of state, such as the ratification of major treaties or Crown officers, he may summon all the peers of the realm as a ‘Great Council’. Finally, he may summon his peers and representatives of his common subjects as ‘Parliament’. This last only for the gravest matters of all or when he wishes to ask for a grant of taxation.
[Next issue: The Writing Offices]
Letters
Mr Caxton, Once again I read the
reports of the destruction of
However once again I have reports
that the Duke in fact brought his own destruction on his own head. It was
reported to me that
I am sure My Lord Suffolk, Sir
William Cornwall and Sir William Blount will confirm this. Although I cannot condone
Percy's actions, I do feel that
Lastly I have been appointed to
two Royal Commissions to look into certain acts and persons, by His Majesty,
King Henry. In this I ask my Lords Essex and Warwick to open
Editor:
Yes, the Earl of Shrewsbury has been
appointed to a commission of Oyer and Terminer but reading through the copy
given me two weeks ago, I notice Gloucestershire is conspicuous by its absence.
Since my Lord is biting off so much, and
To Master Caxton at His Press
in the Vill of
Humphrey, Duke of
Buckingham, Earl of Northampton and Lord President of the Privy Council to all
True Subjects of His Grace the Noble King Henry VI, greeting.
This day
I am sure that all true
Englishmen will wish to rejoice at this news and to offer fervent prayers for
the health and happiness of the Royal Family. As His Grace makes plain, there
are to be no recriminations for the unwise actions on the part of certain
persons in the weeks and months past, and the Privy Council gladly accepts His
Grace's commandment to settle the disputes that have for too long marred
certain regions of the kingdom.
However, as Lord President
I wish also to express the seriousness with which the Privy Council regards any
efforts on the part of any person of whatsoever degree to defy the terms of His
Grace's late proclamation on the maintenance of armed and liveried companies.
The Privy Council are of one mind that those who so despoil the kingdom and the
King's poor subjects through the continued retaining of such companies can
expect little mercy. The full range of customary and statutory penalties stand
ready to sorely chastise those foolish enough to chance continued contempt of
the Crown in this matter.
His Grace the King will
remain at Windsor with the Royal Family and the Privy Council until further
notice. Any true subject of England is warmly welcomed to bring any cause for
dispute or complaint to the attention of the Privy Council with all haste, and,
as His Grace has charged us, we shall endeavour to amend such troubles, not
with partisan spite, but in accordance with the spirit of reason and equity
that moves the True Governance.
Given under mine hand and
seal this day, the 25th of April, at the King's castle at Windsor, Buckingham.
Editor:
Licence? Bloody hell! They’ll be making
me a guild, next! I assume that means his Grace is not in favour of a free press?
Just keep Scandalum Magnate away from me.
Open
letter to Council of England. My Lords I greet you – firstly an account of
events at Leicester which I feel sure you will want to hear first hand and not
by way of the gossips. My brother, Egremont, will, when he arrives in the
capital, be able to furnish you with the details.
It
was agreed through the offices of the Archbishop and the Bishops of Lincoln,
Ely and Coventry & Lichfield that if Fauconberg failed to relieve Leicester
then the Mayor would cede the town along with Suffolk and Sir William Blount.
When Fauconberg failed I was informed by the noble prelates that if I permitted
Suffolk and Blount to leave unmolested the Mayor would cede Leicester to my
forces.
On
the 14th, Blount, Sir Thomas Cornwall and the Duke of Suffolk left
Leicester under my safe conducts – with the town denuded of fighting men, the
Mayor capitulated but despite our honourable and fair behaviour on entering the
Town, Viscount Carlisle was attacked by York and his remaining rabble, the
resulting mayhem resulted in much damage to the town and the death of York. The
actions are naturally regrettable but York, rather than face defeat, refused to
surrender with honour and the result was his own death – the man was apparently
insane at the end.
Moving
on; once Hastings cedes Leicester Castle, I will immediately march north to put
paid to Scots ambitions once and for all. I have already indicated to the Duke
of Buckingham that I have a number of needs – namely that the Council without
delay name me Warden of the North with permission to appoint at my own choosing
two deputies for East and West. The salary for such a post should reflect the
status and the pressing need to strengthen our northern border. In addition I
wish for grants of Duchy of Lancaster Manors in the County of Northumberland to
strengthen my ability to spend more on the fortifications along the border. I
also remind the council that it is imperative for my men’s moral that the
Church is reminded of the need for the ‘excommunications’ to be lifted with all
speed. I remain Henry Earl of Northumberland etc.
Editor:
Evidently Percy has never heard of the
dictum to ‘never speak ill of the dead’; by this account, the destruction of
Leicester and the killings, rapings and burnings that followed are all York’s
fault, which is a relief as it would be terrible to think an earl would commit
such atrocities – or stoop to blackmailing the Privy Council – and I’m sure
York would corroborate Percy’s account, if only he we alive.
The Weather: Father Johannus Predicts - 67% Accuracy!
One word describes the weather since our last issue – ‘changeable’. The dry spell continued for a couple of days before a cold northerly brought showers on the 18th. The next two days saw heavy rain fall under southeasterlies but the 21st brought two days of fine, mild weather despite the wind backing to east. The last three days have alternated warm, southerly showers with a brisk and cool westerly breeze.
Accuracy this week was 30%. Father Johannus says, “Tomorrow’s weather will be just like today’s.”
Court & Social
His Grace the King continues to
enjoy a welcome return to robust good health at Windsor, now rejoined by Her
Grace the Queen. The King and Queen will remain
at Windsor with the Royal Family and the Privy Council until further notice.
Any true subject of England is warmly welcomed to bring any cause for dispute
or complaint to the attention of the Privy Council at Windsor with all haste.
The Return of the Queen
The Duke of Norfolk met the Queen accompanied by the
earls of Pembroke, Kendal and
All the lords present for the Privy Council mustered
in the barbican courtyard to greet her Grace. The Duke of Buckingham
enunciating a formal greeting, upon which the assembled choir of St. George’s
Chapel broke into a spirited rendition of John Dunstable’s Agincourt hymn under
the direction of the Dean of Windsor.
The Dukes of Norfolk and Buckingham then led the company into the courtyard of St. George’s Chapel where, under an awning to keep off the rain that persistently failed to mar the day, her Grace was formally reunited with her husband, the King.
Her Grace was dressed informally for the occasion in rich but plain satin and his Grace also dressed down in a plain blue gown but the young Prince Edward cut quite a dash in his new Italian-style armour, especially made on the continent with lavish engraving and gold inlay.
Upon seeing the Queen, his Grace wept with joy, embracing her Grace with both arms and kissing her profusely. She likewise gave token of her delight in returning to his side.
Turning to Prince Edward of Wales, his Grace greeted the prince formally remarking, “Oh! Haven’t you grown? Quite the little knight, now!” The young prince responding to his father’s kisses with the traditional response, “No Dad; people can see!”
The King and Queen seated themselves on thrones set on a dais while the assembled company assumed their seats upon the three sides of a square before them.
The King then addressed the company: “Our Lords,
ladies and gentlemen gathered at Windsor Castle, We thank you for your
presence. The lamb of peace is now in the Spring fields new born and
vulnerable. We would ask all present here to seek moderation in word and deed such that harmony hath the chance
to thrive. England's garden grows its great families whose long branches hold
many different blooms whose fragrances and hues are, by the bless'd design of
God, beautiful, sweet and unique. We should all benefit if they be not pluck'd
too soon and if instead they are nurtured as by a tender steward. Like any
garden's, England's borders should be kept safe from pests who would seek to
despoil it and the weeds of rancour which would strive to choke its life. Let
us all join as one to maintain this peace that has begun.”
To this, the Queen added in
her own words: “Now that King and Queen are reunited, let the country be joined
together also: men of the north and south; England and Wales, in earnest union,
together without rancour. It is accordant with God's commandments and nature's
laws that husband and wife should be as one. Harmony at the head of the nation
shall surely bring concord to the body politic also. In such accord shall
England's strength be found and glories grow up from this bless'd ground.”
Lord Chancellor Bishop Neville of Exeter then preached a solemn sermon to the company on the sanctity of kingship based on the First Epistle of Peter, chapter II, verses 16/17, “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King.”
Public greetings over, the Court retired to continue festivities in the castle. Public revelries have continued after dark and do not look to stop before dawn.
A Royal Proclamation (below) is being distributed by special couriers by order of the Privy Council.
Heralds have refused to confirm whether the King
and Queen will be holding a formal celebratory banquet but it is understood
that such an event is planned and celebrations are expected across the land in
the next week.
Royal Proclamation
By Order of the Privy
Council, the following intelligence is to be broadcast in every street, and
copies of this broadsheet are to be posted on every market cross and church
door in England, Wales and the Pale of Ireland.
I, Henry, by the Grace of
God, King of England and France, Duke of Aquitaine, Lord of Ireland, Duke of
Lancaster, etc, etc, wish it known that on this day, the 25th of April in the
year 1461, We were joyously re-united with Her Grace the Queen and His Grace
the Prince of Wales. Further, We wish it known that before the Lords Spiritual
and Temporal gathered at Our castle at Windsor, We have reaffirmed the great
love We hold for Our family, Our realm and Our good and loyal subjects. We
earnestly desire that the previous dissensions and strifes that have wracked
Our kingdom shall be resolved with amity and love as befits our Christian duty,
and that grievances too long held shall be resolved with the gracious aid of
our chief counsellors.
Moreover, we wish it to be
known that, while We bear no malice nor ill will to those lately implicated in
the creation and sustaining of the unlawful so-called 'Protectorate', We can
not and shall not tolerate the continued raising and maintaining of armed
companies in defiance of Our late proclamation, and We hereby give notice that
our Privy Council shall be ruthless in the suppression of such companies and
the punishment of those who defy us in this wise. All subjects that love Us are
hereby enjoined and, with stern fatherly love, commanded to obey Our chief
counsellors and render unto them all assistance that they shall require in
returning this Our realm to a peaceable condition.
H. Rex.
Writs under the Privy Seal
have been issued to all sheriffs and other Crown officers empowering and
abjuring them to enforce recent Privy Council guidelines on retinues.
Appointments
Lord Bolebec becomes Keeper of the Tower of London, replacing the recently arrested Sir John Ogle.
Other appointments to be announced in the near future pending discussion in Privy Council.
The Earl of Warwick and Sir John Ogle are reported to be under arrest in Gloucester.
Births, marriages & deaths
Born April 21st to Sir George and Margaret de Vere, a daughter.
Born April 24th to Sir David and Mary Owen, a son, Henry. Henry is heir to his mother’s share of the de Bohun estate and his father is half-brother to the Earl of Pembroke.
(Jackanory Ester’s column will be back next issue.)
Obituary Richard Duke of
Born
1411 to the Earl of Cambridge, grandson of the Duke of York, and great-grandson
to Edward III, Richard became a ward of King Henry V when Cambridge was
beheaded for treason on the eve of the Agincourt campaign in 1415. Within
weeks, his uncle’s death at Agincourt made him heir to the vast estates of the
Duchy of York and in 1425, Ralph Neville Earl of Westmorland bought his
wardship.
Richard
was knighted in 1426. Despite his father’s attainder, he was summoned to Court
as Duke of York in 1428, serving as Constable of England at a trial by combat
at Smithfield. He escorted Henry VI to France for his coronation as King of
France and remained abroad for two years.
In
1432 he was rewarded with livery of his estates and titles. He was now the
richest man in the realm with lands in almost every county, titled Duke of
York, Earl of March, Rutland, Cambridge and Ulster. He served in the 1434 Great
Council at Westminster and in 1436 replaced the late Duke of Bedford as
Lieutenant General in France, resigning a year later due to non-payment of
wages for himself and his troops. In 1438, the Privy Council pawned the Crown
Jewels to pay him. Also in 1438, he married Cecily Neville, his warden’s
daughter and sister to the late Earl of Salisbury.
In
1440 he returned to France as Lieutenant General, staying for five years. In
1443 he concluded a peace with the French only to see it destroyed and Brittany
alienated by the incompetence of John Duke of Somerset with troops and cash
intended for York. In 1445, he escorted Queen Margaret from Anjou to the
Channel before his recall later that year.
In
1447, he was exiled to Ireland as Lieutenant, his demands for payment
embarrassing the Court. He delayed departure as long as possible but was forced
to go in 1449. In Ireland he acquitted himself well, becoming the most popular
and successful Lieutenant in over a century but remained in bitter dispute with
the government over debts owed to him.
In
desperation, he returned in 1450 and marched on London, breaking into the
King's chamber to demand an audience over his expenses. The King granted him
his demands but in 1452 York was again in arms, this time with the late Earl of
Devon though both were reconciled to the King at Dartford.
The
King's madness led to York's first protectorate in 1454. York replaced the
Court faction in government with the Neville earls of Warwick and Salisbury and
John Tiptoft Earl of Worcester, arresting the Duke of Exeter (his son-in-law),
the Duke of Somerset and the late Lord Egremont for breaking the King's peace
when they rebelled.
The
Court backlash after Henry's recovery pushed York and the Nevilles into open
warfare, York regaining ascendancy at St. Albans.
Many
of the more moderate Court adherents worked openly with him and when the King
relapsed, York again became Protector but in 1456, the King's recovery again
displaced him. In 1457 he was reappointed Lieutenant of Ireland. At ‘Loveday’
in 1458, York was paired with the Queen after paying compensation for those
killed at St. Albans but in 1459, the Court's machinations drove York and the
Nevilles into war once more. The fiasco of Ludford Bridge forced York to flee
to Ireland but he returned in 1460 to win a decisive victory over the Court at
Melton Mowbray.
Despite
oaths to uphold ‘Good Governance’, York eschewed recognised constitutional
procedure, refusing to use the Privy Council. Despite reducing Crown debts,
murmurs of tyranny spread and to calm his critics he called a Privy Council to
Windsor in the New Year. Far from restoring faith in his government, York’s
clumsy attempt to arrest the Earl of Oxford provoked outrage among his peers.
As the crisis deepened, York assumed the office of Lord Protector for the third
time but his action provoked Percy to attempt his removal by force. York went
to Leicester to oppose him but was killed when Percy’s men took the town by
force.
Court Gossip
Earl of Essex:
"Father, is the Pope infallible?"
Confessor: "Of
course my son! Why do you doubt?"
Essex: "It's just
that even God made Warwick."
“From the keep came a
scream heard for miles
In Gloucester it raised
a few smiles
Said Talbot ‘I'll warrant
and wager 10 Florins
Warwick's forgotten that
Essex has piles’
- attributed to Godwin of Gloucester, jester
to the Duke of Somerset.
“George! Don’t do that!” The Queen to Bishop Neville.
What the
other papers say
“Plenty of opportunities for the lowest in the land to advance themselves” – according to ‘What Pillage’ magazine. The ‘pickings of Leicester’ are said to be the best on the market since the wars in France. The magazine’s editor, Wat Pillage, is said to be offering a special deal to take readers on a ‘Bawdy Tour’ of Newcastle.
A new magazine ‘Margaret’ is launched this month in North Wales. Backed by important overseas investors, the new title will feature articles about the Noble Art of Entertaining in Style, Furnishings and keeping abreast of continental fashion. ‘England is still in the 14th Century’ says the magazine’s editor Lady Isabella de Gaulois. It also includes an article about what to do if your husband has lost his marbles (‘take control’).
For
One Man and His Lance regrets the passing of the Duke of York. “The Smithfield Tourney was one of the best in England. We trust the new Government organises a reconciliation Tournament. A mutual metal bashing in the name of entertainment will give this Kingdom a real tonic.”
Cock and
Bull Magazine
- latest reports of the bear baiting from Gloucester, bear ‘Dastardly Dick’
much fancied in ragged showing against "Young Talbot Pack".
Courtly Love’s editor, Anna de Wintour, informs her readers the Earl of Rutland’s ‘Night Time Hints for Lusty Young Knaves’ is dropped for a new feature ‘What I did On My Foreign Holidays’ by the Prince of Wales - said to be ghosted by Lord Egremont (rumoured soon to be Duke of Exeter).
In contrast, ‘My Liege’ magazine has seen a number of staff ‘axed’ by the owner - editor Dickon ‘Dodgy’ Desmond. There are rumours that those who are to face the chop for ‘aggravated treason’ include the magazine’s illustrator who was discovered drawing a picture of the Duke of York being crowned King Richard III at Westminster Abbey.
The famous Tyburn Calendar and its more upmarket Capital & Treason are expecting plenty of new exciting trials and executions following the death of the Duke of York. “We expect to see at least a few Gents having their entrails burnt before their eyes” boasts the publisher Martin Boils, “and plenty dancing the jig at Tyburn. I am sure our readers can’t wait to read these stories. We print everything Westminster Chronicle refuses to use.”
Classified Advertisements
For Sale!
Ballads: ‘More Crusading Ballads for Lost Northerners’, ‘Planty’s Noggin Went a Bouncing’, ‘I’m the Sharpest Sword in the Scabbard’ and ‘Rivers In Deep, Mowbray on High’ available. ‘Call Me Lord Buckaroo’ and ‘I was Lost in France’ are withdrawn due to political circumstances. ‘The Beaufort Bangle Jangle’ and ‘Doctor Bourchier Went to Gloucester’ are also withdrawn as no one can sing the tunes.
Lewd drawings: Queen Margaret, King of France and Pope available.
Discretion promised.
Paston’s Pies: hard baked, double as missiles.
Privy Council Collectible Peer Set: to celebrate the Council at Windsor, a London-based
miniature modeller is crafting a special set of 3” figurines depicting all
major players in high-quality, hand-finished pewter. Queen Margaret a rarity!
Hanse Trading License: worth its weight in gold. Join the Guild and
ensure your goods are delivered on time.
Sack of ‘King Henry’ wool on offer. First takers will also receive
bottle of Anjou Rose wine.
Talbot Tokens: pledge ‘for Margaret’ on face and ‘for York’ on
reverse. Will be collectable so get yours now!
Clearance Sale!
Everything to go! Clothing monogrammed with personalised ‘Plantagenet Rex’,
figurines of now dead Yorkists! Portraits of former Duke of York posing with
crown! Guaranteed collector's items; some with seal of authenticity! Knock-down
prices!
Jerkins, Tabards, and other miscellaneous items, war surplus goods. All must go. Box 490 for catalogue.
‘Yes, Lord Protector! - The
unauthorised biography of Sir Humphrey Stafford, charting his rise from
immensely wealthy Buckingham landowner to Most Powerful Man in the Kingdom! PO
Box 333, London. Price 17 groats.
‘How To Win Friends and
Influence People’ - well thumbed, some pages heavily marked. Apply estate of
Duke of York.
Wanted!
Beautiful titled Lady seeks dashing Knight to rescue her from Red
Dragons and other assorted beasties. Must send recent illustration or woodcut
to guarantee reply. No time wasters, wastrels or someone who hasn’t washed
since St. Crispin’s day need apply.
Iron Shovel: to dig hole and bury valuables whilst current crisis continues, Box 1202.
Announcements.
‘Putting the 'king' in Buckingham’
- a satirical comedy about our new Lord Protector, on show for this week only,
before it is closed down by the newly-instituted Royal Committee for Civil
Co-Operation.
Many heirs expected to be available following recent events. Apply to the Westminster Chronicle. [No don’t! – editor]
At the Southwark Fleapit, a largely Yorkist audience drove the Red Rose Ensemble production ‘Death of a Traitor’ off the stage by to be replaced by ‘Knowest Not I am a Neville?’
The inn ‘The Lord Northumberland’ in Bristol has changed its name to ‘The Saracen’s Friend’, but will keep the same sign so not to confuse customers.
Win A Peer for a Night! A
charity auction at which you can bid for an evening with one of the country's
most eligible young nobles! Rumours say the Prince of Wales is up for auction,
so take note, ambitious Yorkists.
The Westminster Chronicle requires columnists – apply Ed.
Campaign Matters
Orders were pretty
lackadaisical this time round; I had to bully almost half of you (which I hate)
and that’s not a criticism I’ve had to make for some time, now. Getting your
orders in on the deadline really does help me keep the turnarounds to a
minimum.
For those new(ish) to
Rosewar who may not have heard this before and for those of you who seem to
have forgotten; when writing your orders, read your results. It also
helps if you at least look at the map and measure off distances, even using
your thumb. Believe me, I can tell who doesn’t.
If you want to communicate
to another PC, please go direct. There’s a contact sheet on the back of
every issue of the Westminster Chronicle so you’ve no excuses. If you can’t
find the latest copy and someone’s moved (it seems at least one of you moves
every turn) then you can always call me. If you don’t like phone or e-mail, you
can include a letter with your orders and I’ll post it on with your results.
OK, gripes over! I must
say, despite niggling problems with orders, I found turn 23 much easier than
#22. It was also truly fascinating. I think the game has reached maturity as
the action is suddenly very political, centring on Windsor and the Privy
Council. I’m sure next turn will be even better.
Speaking of the Privy
Council, I have discussed this with some of you already but I think it’s a good
idea to make it clear to all now that almost half of you will be represented on
the Privy Council next turn. The Privy Council is where most of the
governmental business of Rosewar is carried out (see the column to the left).
Having spent this turn
juggling a lot of paperwork, trying to work out if each writ sent in as orders
gets sent out or not, I think we shall now make it a formal protocol that the
Privy Council will, unless it is a very special case, debate a matter in one or
more turns and only issue an official writ, press statement or act the turn after
action is agreed. I’m quite happy if debates take more than one turn,
government administration is slow and the medieval English bureaucracy was not
known for its efficiency. If you really want to speed things up, I recommend
all Privy Councillors chatting to each other about what they want to discuss
and their views so they can put their comments in their orders. Three of you
did that this turn and I think they can all see the benefits.
General Chat
Well the good news is that
News less good: Aynsley
Before unemployment struck out of
the blue, the year was going well. We had a great Christmas and got to see both
‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’. I’m not surprised ‘Lord of the Rings’
won five BAFTAs, including best picture; it’s magnificent. ‘Harry Potter’ is a
very different sort of film and it’s a pity in my opinion that it came out at
the same
As a Christmas present from our
in-laws, we’ve now got membership of the National Trust as well as English
Heritage. Truly awesome! This means we’ll have free entry to more than twice
the number of properties and already we’re planning an excursion into
Unfortunately, most National
Trust properties are shut until the weekend before Easter but we took the
chance to visit Bramall Hall when we were in
The deadline for turn 24 orders is March 28th 2002.