Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 December 1898 — Lord of Misrule. [ARTICLE]

Lord of Misrule.

Down to the reign of Henry VIII., and occasionally since, a “Lord of Misrule” was appointed to direct the amusements of the English court during the holidays. He presided over the festivities, prepared the games, directed the sports, and saw that the court was kept properly amused during Christmas week. The office was considered highly honorable, and the “Lord of Misrule” was generally some wealthy nobleman who was willing to spend money lavishly in promoting the gaieties of the court. It is of record that during the Yeign of Elizabeth, Essex, as “Lord of Misrule,” spent in one Christmas season £3,000 of his own money on the court games.