The Fool of Muncaster
The Fool of Muncaster
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Fool of Muncaster

Muncaster is the only historic home in the UK, as far as we know, which still appoints an official Fool.

If you have any queries about visiting Muncaster Castle please call 01229 717614 or email: info@muncaster.co.uk

Opening Times

19 February - 22nd March 2024: Open Weekends

  • Castle: 12-3pm
  • Gardens: 10.30am-4pm
  • Hawk & Owl Centre: 10.30am-3pm
  • The Gateway Cafe: 11am-3pm
  • Bird Display in Hawk & Owl Centre: 1.30pm
  • View the latest events and festivals at Muncaster Castle here

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Fool of Muncaster

Muncaster is the only historic home in the UK, as far as we know, which still appoints an official Fool. The tradition of keeping an official fool or jester dates back many centuries but the best known fool in Muncaster’s history was Thomas Skelton, or Tom the Fool, who reigned in the mid-16th century. The Castle’s archives show records of the purchase of his jester’s motley and his portrait hangs in the Castle.

Tom’s pranks weren’t always so amusing though. Apparently he would sit under the chestnut tree on the Cannon Bank which now bears his name and if people asked him directions and he didn’t like the look of them, he would send them on a route over the estuaries bound to lead them into quicksand.

Unsurprisingly, Thomas Skelton is strongly linked to the ghost stories which are rife at Muncaster, with tricks being played on unsuspecting visitors and staff alike and equipment unaccountably failing to work.

The tradition of appointing a fool had lapsed in more recent times but was reinstated by the current Pennington family.

Appointed annually, the current Fool’s prize reflects that of the original Fools’ wages, comprising a suit of jester’s clothes and a quantity of beer (although possibly not the traditional year’s supply!) plus the coveted Fool of Muncaster wooden trophy hat, carved from an offcut from Tom Fool’s Tree itself.

The Fool is appointed at the annual Festival of Fools and returns during his or her year of tenure to perform in an official capacity at various of Muncaster’s events, including to compere the next Festival of Fools. The roll of honour of past Fools has included some household names over the years since the custom was reinstated.The roll of honour of past Fools has included some household names over the years since the custom was reinstated.

Ian Douglas, appointed in 2022.

Ian Douglas, appointed in 2022.

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Muncaster Castle Gardens & Estate

Getting Here

Muncaster Castle
Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

info@muncaster.co.uk

Opening Times

  • 19 February - 22 Mar 2024: Open Weekends
  • 23 March - 3 November: Open Daily
Muncaster Castle, Gardens & Estate

Opening Times

19 February - 22nd March 2024: Open Weekends

  • Castle: 12-3pm
  • Gardens: 10.30am-4pm
  • Hawk & Owl Centre: 10.30am-3pm
  • The Gateway Cafe: 11am-3pm
  • Bird Display in Hawk & Owl Centre: 1.30pm

Find & Contact

Muncaster Castle
Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

01229 717614
info@muncaster.co.uk

The Castle

The Castle

The Gardens

The Gardens

Hawk & Owl Centre

Hawk & Owl Centre

What's On

What's On