Source 1b

Extract from the Ordinances of Eltham, January 1526 (SP 2/B f228)

Transcript

It is alfo ordeyned that the fix gentlemen of the privy chamber, by feven of the clock or fooner, as the King the night before determineth to arife in the morning, fhall be in the faid chamber there diligently attending upon his Grace coming forth; being ready and prompt, to apparel and dreffe his Highneffe, putting on fuch garments, in reverent, difcreet and fober manner, as fhall be his Grace’s pleafure to weare; and that none of the fiad groomes or ufhers doe approach or prefume (unleffe they be otherwife by his Grace commanded or admitted) to lay hands upon his royall perfon, or intermeddle with prepareing or dreffing of the fame, but onely that faid fix gentlemen : except it be to warme cloaths or to bring to the faid gentlemen fuch things as fhall apperteyne to the apparelling and dreffing of the King’s faid perfon.

Simplified Transcript

It is also ordered that the six gentlemen of the privy chamber, by seven of the clock or sooner, as the King the night before decides to arise in the morning, shall be in the said chamber there diligently attending upon his Grace coming forth; being ready and prompt, to apparel and dress his Highness, putting on such garments, in reverent, discreet and sober manner, as shall be his Grace’s pleasure to wear; and that none of the said grooms or ushers do approach or presume (unless they be otherwise by his Grace commanded or admitted) to lay hands upon his royal person, or intermeddle with preparing or dressing of the same, but only that said six gentlemen : except it be to warm clothes or to bring to the said gentlemen such things as shall apply to the apparelling and dressing of the King’s said person.

 

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1. This is an extract from the Ordinances of Eltham which sets out the start to the King’s day.

  • Write down what the pages and esquires did each morning
  • What did the gentlemen of the privy chamber have to do?
  • Who were the only people allowed to touch the King?
  • Why do you think this was?