Groom of the Stool
Attend the king in his most private moments, and become one of the most powerful people at court. The job is exactly what it sounds like. The influence is much bigger.
c. 1495 – 1558About the role
Tudor kings had a servant whose job was to look after the royal close stool, a padded box with a chamber pot inside, and to help the king use it. It sounds like the worst job at court. It was one of the best. The Groom of the Stool spent more time alone with the king than anyone, and controlled who else did.
At the Hampton Court Replica, you'll serve a king played by a long-standing member. You'll keep his private chambers, manage his personal purse and, yes, attend to the stool. Courtiers will try to win your favor. Let them. Most of the job is deciding who gets through the door.
What you'll do
- Keep the king's close stool clean, padded and ready.
- Attend the king in the privy chamber, with towels and a basin.
- Manage the privy purse, the king's personal money.
- Decide which courtiers see the king, and when.
- Never repeat anything you hear. Ever.
What we're looking for
- Unshakable discretion.
- A strong stomach and a steady hand with a basin.
- Political instincts, and good timing.
- Noble birth, or a convincing manner.
Perks
- The key to the privy chamberThe most valuable key at court. Worn on a ribbon.
- A velvet stoolBlack velvet and gilt nails, as Henry VIII liked it.
- The king's earEvery day, in private. Use it wisely.
