minstrel: Definition of Bardic

[Martin Hungerford]

In one case at least (See Percy's "House Book of the Earls of 
Northumberland") there was a character referred to as "the King's 
Juggler". For England in the 14th C. it would appear there was a strict 
social structure in the performing arts. What I think of as a 'Bardic 
performance' (i.e. in which some-one receits poetry while some-one else 
harps) would rank at the top of that structure. Juggling, acrobatics, 
conjuroring and dance music playing were all lower ranked activities. 

I think much the same hierachy (sp?) applied in 12th C France, where we 
find Troubadors hiring jongleurs to perform their work and/or minstrels 
to accompiany them.

There are some sources, which if any one finds I'd love to see. In 
partic. there was a book produced in the 12-14th C called someting like 
"Advice to the Jongleur"  Does any one know of this?

Martin the Juggler OL


This is Martin Hungerford, aka Martin Jongleur, aka Martin o' Lyos 
(called the Juggler) OL.  email:jongleur at netcon.net.au 


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