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A SMALL WELSH town has appointed its first resident jester in more than 700 years, naming him in an elaborate medieval ceremony.
Russel Erwood was officially dubbed Erwyd le Fol (French for ‘fool’) during an event in the main square in Conwy, north Wales, yesterday, which included falconry, knights and a parade.
The 34-year-old had to complete three challenges to get the job: juggling daggers blindfolded, balancing a sword on his chin and making a gold coin disappear during a conjuring trick.
The market town’s previous jester – Tom le Fol – was appointed by King Edward I of England, who was besieged by the Welsh within the town walls over the winter of 1294-1295.
https://www.facebook.com/Erwyd/posts/953013354761852
“It’s a huge honour to take up the role of town jester, there aren’t that many around,” Erwood, a professional magician and circus performer, told AFP.
He undertook his trials under the watchful eye of an executioner equipped with a large medieval axe to administer justice in case Erwood failed any of his tasks.
It was quite intimidating – he wasn’t a small chap.
Erwood will attend official functions wearing a hood with donkey ears, as part of his traditional 13th-century jester’s outfit.
He will perform tricks around the town while putting on two shows a day, three days a week until August 29.
Contains reporting by AFP.
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DOB artical has comments disabled again..
are the comments not usually closed while a case is on going ?
yes they are, which means every other article will be plagued by idiots commenting about DOB just like the last time
they ruined the comments sections the last time they did that .
There are better campaigns to wage if they looked. They only mess about here because it’s the easiest place to post and has the highest viewing stats.
Denis o brien is treasonous filth.
Russel Erwood is probably related to Tom le Fol. It is always who you know not what you know. Nepotism rears its ugly head again.
I thought Enda Kenny had a new job there for a minute.
Nah Paul they were looking for a fool not an idiot…
He has to go back to his own village soon.
“Any experience?”. “Yes, I played Panicky Idiot Number Two in The Poseidon Adventure.” “Sorry, we’re looking for more of a ‘duh duh’ idiot.”
Let’s talk about Dennis
*insert joke government being a bunch of clowns*
It was not hard to find a jester in Wales-
Ours are in the Dail.
wonder how much he’s being paid for that ?
50 quid plus the dole. It’s not funny.
ah that’s not bad for acting the fool three times a week !
Uxbridge recently elected theirs.
have your say