Duelling dwarf loved by royals 'knighted for bravery' before falling from favour
A duelling dwarf loved by the Royal Family was "knighted for bravery" - before he spectacularly fell from favour.
"Sir" Jeffrey Hudson was a larger-than-life character in the 17th century. Green trousers belonging to the warrior were recently sold at auction and were 29cm in length. The trousers - worn by Hudson while entertaining King Charles I's guests - sold for £10,000 to an avid collector.
Hudson, who was born in the Midlands in 1619, became known as the Queen's dwarf. He was also popular with Charles I's wife, Queen Henrietta Maria. 'Lord Minimus', as he was called, was first a novelty act at the age of seven. He was served inside a pie and wore a tiny suit of armour to the amusement of the monarchy.
He was born to a butcher from poor stock, and became the court jester before he became a fighter. His battle with the Royalists in the English civil war happened between 1642 to 1651. King Charles I was tried and executed by Oliver Cromwell and the Roundhead army, which backed the parliamentarians.
It has since been claimed he was knighted for his bravery, after taking up arms against the Roundheads during a journey from Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford with the Queen. But, although his knight status is disputed by historians, he was made a "captain of the horse", and recorded as Captain Jeffrey Hudson in old documents.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
A pair of tiny trousers from the legendary court dwarf, were sold at auction for £9,750 (Sworders/BNPS)The Queen fled to her native France early on during the civil war with her little companion in tow. Hudson, however, fell out of favour with the royal court after ruling out resuming his role as a joker or comedian. He challenged William Crofts, to a duel in 1644 which ended of his connection to England's royal family.
Crofts reportedly turned up to the duel with a large water pistol. But Hudson had taken his threat deadly seriously and shot his h opponent in the head. He was said to have been sentenced to death in France but the Queen managed to sentence before he was sent back to England. He was captured by Barbary pirates on his return to Britain and claimed he had grown during his time in chains. He was later ransomed back to England after the restoration, when the monarchy returned under Charles II, the son of executed Charles I.
A painting of Charles I and Henrietta Maria (Sworders/BNPS)As a Roman Catholic, Hudson was imprisoned during the period of anti-Catholic hysteria surrounding the Popish Plot in London. This proved to be a false conspiracy about Catholics planning to assassinate the King. He was not released until 1680, spending four years behind bars and died two years later, at around 63-years-old, before being buried in a pauper’s grave.
Sir Jeffrey drew fascination from artists and was later painted by the famous Flemish artist Van Dyck while in the Royal Court. He was captured for posterity standing with the Queen and her pet capuchin monkey, Pug, on his arm.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
