Name Given at Birth: Margarett Radcliffe
Nicknames: Maggi
Hometown or where you were born:
Christened: 26 Jan 1547, Manchester Church, Lancashire, England
Current Residence:
We are currently on progress heading to Hampton Court Palace.
Age: 28 winters
Class: Nobility (Knightly)
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I be a Mayde of Honor in the Queen’s Court and along with the other Ladies; see to her daily needs and whims. The Queen herself hast charged me to warm her soul, bring her strength, raise my eyebrow when she flirts too much and to ask if it be time to dance.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim:
Skinny-dipping – NAY. However, when one has a body of water on their fathers lands and thou hast a twin brother; one must learn to stay alive. For some reason he never minded the scolding he got just so as to be amused by my drenched person.
Do you make fun of people:
It would not be a habit in which one in Her Majesties company should admit to. However, the other ladies and myself dost enjoy a bit of jesting amongst ourselves.
Favorite Color: Most all colors. For without them this twould be a most drab world to live in. The colors of Autumn dost give a since of bounty and fulfillment while those of Winter give that of rest and rejuvenation. With colors of Spring comes the rebirth and awakening followed by those of Summer with an invitation of freedom and adventure.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: Nay, if I had, dost thou think I twould be where I am today?
Closest friends/How did you meet: My closest friends twould be those that I serve along side with in Her Majesties court. There is Lady Lettice and her son Robert, the Lady Elizabeth, and the Lady Anne Russell is one of my closest friends, we often take our horse out for a run together. I have also made friends with the Queen’s Lacers.
One Pillow or two: Whatever I end up with seeing as how they seem to grow legs and escape my bed. There are more to come. Alexander is bring more when he returns from the Queen’s business. He dost see that I have the best of all things.
Pets: I have a Bay Compton that I do enjoy riding everyday. She was a gift from Alexander upon hearing that we were to come to Court. When I believe that I am alone; there hast been times I was mistaken in this thought; I do also enjoy jumping hedges and streams. How else might I find a daring adventure?
Favorite Type of Music: Most everything, it just depends on how my mood is. The more adventurous it sounds the more pleasure it dost bring me.
Hobbies/Pastimes: I dost enjoy the time I spend on horse back, whether out on my own or with the court. I take much delight in a good intriguing masque as well as the dancing and singing after supper. I also enjoy my time spent lacing with the Queen’s Lacers.
Personal Hygiene: As clean as one may be, as I wish not to offend her Majesty with any ill humored smells.
Favorite Food: It would be easier to list my dislikes.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: Aye, my parents are indeed living and in great humors thank you. As to the question of get along. Of course I do, for twould not be in my best interest not to.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: N/A
Favorite place to relax: In the gardens with music playing somewhere in the background or a stroll in the moonlight dreaming of far off adventures (this of course mayhap not always be within the boundaries set forth).
Favorite Holy Day / Why: Whichever Holy Days that Maestro has the great privilege of orchestrating. For they are far better than any others. Me thinks that if I have to choose just one, it twould be Easter. I take much delight in the awakening and birth’s of our Lord’s creations.
Favorite Drink: I fancy a good mead or wine.
What's your bedtime: That twould be when the Queen hast dismissed me from service for the day, and after I have completed personal tasks that must be attended to.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: A good slipper while within the palace walls or out for a stroll. When riding I do prefer my good riding boots.
Are you married or single: Twould currently be single. My father is working on changing this. Of course now that I am in the Queen’s service she also has a say.
Do you have a family / who are they: My father be Sir John Radcliffe of Ordsall son of Sir William Radcliffe of Ordsall and Margaret Trafford. My mother is Anne Asshawe daughter and heiress of Thomas Asshawe of Elston and Mary Anderton. I have a twin brother Sir Alexander Radcliffe, I have four younger brothers; William (Capt.), John (Sir), Thomas and Edmund and three younger sisters; Jane, Alicia and Anne. The youngest Anne departed us and went to our Lords arms in September of 1572. My sister Jane is betrothed to Sir Ralph Constable of Easington. The natural relationship between my twin Alexander and myself has been reinforced by a strong bond of mutual affection. It is most hard on us to be apart. I hide it well when he is away.
Favorite Entertainment: Besides the schemes that I plot for my fellow Ladies amusements. Let us just say that some of the mischief that the Gentlemen of the court get into may not be entirely all their fault. I do enjoy reading and how it stimulates the mind.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: I found most subjects were both interesting and since my twin brother and I were inseparable, I enjoy those subjects most girl’s twould not normally been permitted to learn.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Neither my brother nor I much cared for learning to play an instrument. As far as chores go, we had servants.
Favorite Sport: The Hunt of course, for it meant more time with my horse. There is a certain since of freedom when on horse back.
Most Humiliating Moment: My most humiliating moment of course twould involve the antics of Alexander (my twin). We, being the entire court, were in the Queen’s favorite garden which has a beautiful water fountain that is about ten hands deep. Well on that particular day Alexander was informed of his upcoming Knighthood. In his excitement and merriment of the news, he politely picked me up and dropped me in the fountain. The action was not humiliating and much as it having been done in the presence of Her Majesty. Not to mention that I was wearing my gown of whyte satten, all embroidered, rich cutt upon cloth of silver that cost my brother one hundred eighty pounds'. That day even Giacomo could not best me for foole. Needless to say that the rumors of my being able to swim are no longer rumors.
Proudest Moment: When I was immediately claimed by the Queen to adorn the privy chamber as a Maid of Honour. Also, being elevated above all other ladies of the Court as the Queen's prime favourite.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: It twould be hard to say, we all have our moments.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: The traits I most admire are the eyes. After all they are the windows to ones soul. Next twould be that of a sincere smile. Just for good measure as instructed to say by my father. One with money and lands aplenty and position of good standing. I, however; twould rather love and be loved than miserable. No matter how enamored of pirates I be, I would never even think of attempting to marry below myself.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord": First and foremost our Lord God followed by the Queen then since my father is still living, him as well. My brother also believes that he is over me. With all those in line ahead of him, he can believe whatever he wishes.
Favorite Sport to watch: It twould have to be the joust. It involves horses of course. I do delight in watching Sid playing her hand tennis with unsuspecting competitors. (not that the other Ladies twould wish this known, but on occasion we wager with unsuspecting observers on the outcome.)
Do you remember your first kiss: Aye. But you must not tell, for if my brother ever found out I would feel like I was partaking in the Spanish Inquisition. Please spare me. That twill be all you are getting on this matter.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: When I am allowed to visit my home, I do visit the homes of my childhood friends.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: Since I am now in the service of the Queen and live wherever she goes, it twould be home with my family.
Have you ever been overseas: Only in my dreams of adventure.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: That twould depend upon which palace or manor we are staying in during our summer progress.
What is your bed made of: It is made of the finest of woods and the best of down and feather mattress with three pillows. My brother dost see to it that I have the best of everything and had it custom made to hold at least two since I do share a chamber.
How many people sleep in your bed: Myself, for the Queen has not yet found me a suitable husband.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. I am a twin, and do miss Alexander much for he his away on the Queen’s business.
2. Love to spend time daily riding my horse
3. People seeking favors of Her Majesty seek them through me as I am her Mayde of Honor.
4. It is said that I sleep with my eyes open (they would be surprised by what one can learn by giving that impression).
5. I tend to find my way outside the Palace walls and with in the market place. I also tend to go for strolls after dark. How else would one gain the information and gossip that I acquire (If they only new the truth).
6. I am always looking for an adventure or scheme that I can get the other ladies involved in. They usually end up with an experience or much merriment.
7. Even unto this day, if there is a body of water about, Alexander will indeed make a point in assuring that I am acquainted with that body of water.
8. When given leave of duty for a time, I can generally be found with the Queen’s Lacers whilst Alexander is away. Which, he his and I do miss him much.
9. As the Queen's prime favourite, all who would sue for Gloriana's favours sought the aid of myself as their intermediary.
10. I am the great, great, great, great granddaughter of the Lady Godiva.