I has plot!bunnies!
So, in researching for a fic, I started poking around Wiki. And I stumbled upon two articles regarding members of noble courts.
Lord of the Bedchamber
"A Lord of the Bedchamber (also known as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber) was a courtier in the Royal Household of the King of the United Kingdom (and its predecessor states), the Prince of Wales and often a male consort. A Lord of the Bedchamber's duties consisted of assisting the King with his dressing, waiting on him when he ate in private, guarding access to him in his bedchamber and closet and providing companionship. The offices were in the gift of The Crown and were originally sworn by Royal Warrant directed to the Lord Chamberlain."
Bunny: Uther named Merlin manservant, because he didn't want to assume. But, a year later, he does anyway. He announces with great pomp that Merlin is being named Arthur's Lord of the Bedchamber. Merlin is clueless but amazed to be named Lord of whatever. Gwen is slightly crushed (no more crush on Merlin) and Morgana is delighted. Arthur is ___. But the thing is, that Merlin hasn't actually "provided companionship". How will he react when he learns his full duties?
Groom of the Stool
"The Groom of the Stool was a medieval English groom (i.e., a male servant) who, among other duties, had the task of cleaning the Monarch's anus after a bowel movement.
In the early years of Henry VIII's reign, the title was awarded to minions of the King, court companions who spent time with him in the Privy chamber. These were the sons of noblemen or important members of the gentry. In time they came to act as virtual personal secretaries to the King, carrying out a variety of administrative tasks within his private rooms. The position was an especially prized one, as it allowed one unobstructed access to the King's attention. David Starkey writes: "The Groom of the Stool had (to our eyes) the most menial tasks; his standing, though, was the highest... Clearly then, the royal body service must have been seen as entirely honorable, without a trace of the demeaning or the humiliating." Further, "the mere word of the Gentleman of the Privy Chamber was sufficient evidence in itself of the king's will," and the Groom of the Stool bore "the indefinable charisma of the monarchy."
Bunny: Pure crack! (omg, pun, lol!) Arthur insists it's part of Merlin's job and a highly respected one. Merlin is appalled. Arthur is kidding, but he keeps insisting.
Lord of the Bedchamber
"A Lord of the Bedchamber (also known as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber) was a courtier in the Royal Household of the King of the United Kingdom (and its predecessor states), the Prince of Wales and often a male consort. A Lord of the Bedchamber's duties consisted of assisting the King with his dressing, waiting on him when he ate in private, guarding access to him in his bedchamber and closet and providing companionship. The offices were in the gift of The Crown and were originally sworn by Royal Warrant directed to the Lord Chamberlain."
Bunny: Uther named Merlin manservant, because he didn't want to assume. But, a year later, he does anyway. He announces with great pomp that Merlin is being named Arthur's Lord of the Bedchamber. Merlin is clueless but amazed to be named Lord of whatever. Gwen is slightly crushed (no more crush on Merlin) and Morgana is delighted. Arthur is ___. But the thing is, that Merlin hasn't actually "provided companionship". How will he react when he learns his full duties?
Groom of the Stool
"The Groom of the Stool was a medieval English groom (i.e., a male servant) who, among other duties, had the task of cleaning the Monarch's anus after a bowel movement.
In the early years of Henry VIII's reign, the title was awarded to minions of the King, court companions who spent time with him in the Privy chamber. These were the sons of noblemen or important members of the gentry. In time they came to act as virtual personal secretaries to the King, carrying out a variety of administrative tasks within his private rooms. The position was an especially prized one, as it allowed one unobstructed access to the King's attention. David Starkey writes: "The Groom of the Stool had (to our eyes) the most menial tasks; his standing, though, was the highest... Clearly then, the royal body service must have been seen as entirely honorable, without a trace of the demeaning or the humiliating." Further, "the mere word of the Gentleman of the Privy Chamber was sufficient evidence in itself of the king's will," and the Groom of the Stool bore "the indefinable charisma of the monarchy."
Bunny: Pure crack! (omg, pun, lol!) Arthur insists it's part of Merlin's job and a highly respected one. Merlin is appalled. Arthur is kidding, but he keeps insisting.