John Shelton
Name Given at Birth: Sir John Shelton
Title: The Right Honourable The Earl John Shelton, Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Knight of the Bath, Guild Master, and Trade Master
Nicknames: I have made an effort to quash any attempt to refer to me by any name less than my given one.
Hometown or where you were born: Norfolk, and as a youth I tromped about the Breckland
Current Residence: Canterbury, England
Age: 37
Class: Earl, Lord Mayor, Guild Master
What do you do, your main function in life/society: As Lord Mayor, I see to such things as are necessary to the running of shire, including the settling of disputes, meting of the King's justice, and protecting my realm. As Earl I am responsibly to collect the King's dues, holding for myself my third-penny. I also see to my daily duties as Guild Master of a profitable spice trade. Of late, with the King to be wed here on his annual visit to Canterbury, Gypsies about (even Boleyn Gypsies), and the encroachment of a barbaric tribe to the <northeast?>, I find the sun setting sooner each day.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: The last time I was spotted unclad out of doors was as a babe.
Do you make fun of people: I do indeed. Sometimes mocking people is the surest, if not the only, way to make them mind.
Favorite Color: Ask my dear wife.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: No! What charge do you imply, Sirrah?
Closest friends/How did you meet: Sir William Highgate and Lady Esmerelda Highgate do oft visit, and are ever welcome. I know the good Duke Highgate to be of excellent character and a formidable chess player, on the rare occasions that we have the opportunity to play. I have known him since my appointment to Canterbury, when he spent the day making me acquainted with my new charge.
Too, I look in from time to time on Edmund Graves, the Undertaker of Canterbury, to see how he fairs and if our duties will permit a game of chess that e'en. I find him something of a solemn soul, and a good man. He interred and buried my Anna, and did what he could to keep her memory untainted by her illness; for this I am ever grateful him. He does put me in something of a position, though - how to wish well of a man and yet hope he hath little business is a conundrum that entertains my thoughts at times. Perhaps I shall mention it to Goodman Graves when next we meet.
I have been slowly making the acquaintance of Guildmaster Nicholas McGawin as well, but he seems a hard man to know, and i'truth, I have not made the effort I could.
One Pillow or two: So many strew my bed it is a wonder that I can find myself in the morning.
Pets: I do not abide useless animals, nor useless people. There are, however, animals that my wife and children dote on.
Favorite Type of Music: The slow, wordless tune of the melancholy pipers. Music of a more stately nature.
Hobbies/Pastimes: I find great pleasure in riding the shire about Canterbury, and enjoying its verdant beauty. Its streets also hold much allure for me, and I do appreciate the skill with which the masters execute their crafts. To watch raw forms come to beauty under skillful hands is always a pleasure to watch. When I am able, I make study of natural philosophy, astronomy, law, and philosophy. On the rare occasion an opponent is available, I play chess. Of late, I noticed Sir Julian Wolfe, First Baron of Northallerton, scowling over the checked board. Mayhap I shall inquire if he plays, or if he simply did not approve of the knights.
Personal Hygiene: I keep a neat and groomed appearance and expect the same of my household. My appearance should reflect my station, and my household is a reflection of myself.
Favorite Food: Here I share my wife's delight of marzipan, brushed with chocolate and spiced with orange, cinnamon, and nutmeg. For a less occasioned repast, a fresh loaf of bread, yet still steaming, doth delight me.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: My mother does yet live, though my father passed away some years ago. My dear mother remarried to the Germanic Baron von Schwartzhart, a fierce and noble fellow whom I get along well with.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: My father died when a loft line did break, and four and twenty heavy sack of herbs crushed him. He went but before his thyme, and I did rue the day I did not follow the sage advice of the seasoned lad who worked the rope (Herbert, I do think his name was). I do miss how he used to pepper his speech with jokes and wisdom.
Favorite place to relax: I'bed, burning the late candle, with my wife asleep aside me. She is a dear to have about, and I do find in myself a great affection for her, but she does tend to gossip on so, obliging me to put aside my study for the latest bit of news from London and the laundress.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: Holy days tend to bring me little joy, as there is always much to prepare afore hand. Too, the bustle and noise doth detract from the day. Any day that requires not but fasting and reflection is ever welcome. That spoken to, I find the joviality of the Harvest Festival doth lighten my mood.
Favorite Drink: Applejack, which we make from cider. In the dead of winter, barrels of cider are placed outside until they freeze. In the very center of the frozen barrel there is yet a bit left that ne'er freezes no matter how cold the night. Drawing off this liquid creates the heady and potent drink Applejack.
What's your bedtime: After dark, and growing later as the King's wedding approaches.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: I would prefer good sturdy boots, but as the wedding draws near, I try to style my footwear after the traditions of the King's court.
Are you married or single: I am once again married, to the Countess Anna Shelton. My wife before her, Anna Boleyn, daughter of , was stricken with illness and died late spring three years ago.
Do you have a family / who are they: My second wife, Countess Anna Shelton, whom I married but a year and a fortnight ago; my eldest daughter, Margaret, from Anna's first marriage, whom I took in as my own; my two daughters by Anna, Hermia and Emma, and the various wards of my home: Helena, Julietta, and others. My mother and her husband, mentioned before, and my wife's parents. I have little contact with Anna's parents.
Favorite Entertainment: The wandering bards and minstrels entertain me greatly. I am always astounded (and somewhat cautious) of those that produce kerchiefs and flowers from an empty hand.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Natural philosophy
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Learning the ledger at the side of my father, although I was quite adept at it.
Favorite Sport: I have recently tried my hand at archery, and found it to my liking.
Favorite Sport to watch: I do enjoy watching two men advance on each other, sword in hand and valor in their hearts, to do battle for honor and glory.
Most Humiliating Moment: When I learned that the glory of the sword should be appreciated, but pursued no more by myself.
Proudest Moment: Taking oath, on bended knee, to King Henry, and hearing him bid me rise, Earl and Lord Mayor of Canterbury.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: I am often vexed by fools, if that is what you do enquire. Though, i'truth, Canterbury has a good many odd fellows. The beggar Dustbin and the mad lady whom offers tea to all spring to mind with such force that I cannot help but mention them.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: A fair face, a head that holds more than hair, and a firm hand. As I have said, I have little patience for useless people.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord": Immediately above me would be Sir William Highgate, Duke of Kent, a most honourable person: I like him well.
Do you remember your first kiss: Yes. An I think that is all you need know about it.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: Not really. Though that is not to say I have forgotten them.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: In the green about Canterbury; though a visit to Sir William's estate is a welcome change.
Have you ever been overseas: I have not, though I have seen the sea many a time.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: Do you jest? Of course my manor has good floors of stone! A poor jest, sirrah, a poor jest indeed.
What is your bed made of: Pillows, it would seem.
How many people sleep in your bed: Myself and my wife, Anna Shelton. Thanks to regular airing and the wisdom of the apothecary Constance Anne Thompinson, that is all that do.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. Gossip speaks to my temper. In this gossip there is much truth. Though, i'truth, it doth get the better of me more of late, with the King's wedding, gypsies, barbarians, harvest, and so on
2. When I was younger and beginning my studies, I contemplated continuing them in clerical life.
3. Bring me no ill news afore midmorning, for I am quick to anger until well after breaking fast.
4. I do not love my wife, Anna. I have developed a great affection for her though, (despite her sometimes over-eager mannerisms), and in time I believe that I will come to love her.
5. My first wife, Anna, died of illness; her memory still lingers in my heart. I tell no one my wife died of saints' fire (Ergotism). It would do nothing good for my household or her dear memory.
6. My mood is mercurial: anger and mirth have transposed themselves 'tween breaths; frivolity and solemnity coming and going as the breeze, with as much predictability.
7. I care for the well-being of my village, and am quite generous to them. Examples of this include my decree that the peasantry may bake their own bread, and may hunt hedgehogs, squirrels, and hares (the last only in the winter-time), and catch dace, grayling and gudgeon as they please. As a gift every Christmas-tide the peasantry may catch one salmon or trout for their Christmas table, which they must present to my house master for counting.
8. I have let be Swift Nick and his band, for I have caught them at no banditry in Canterbury (n'er mind the time Nick foolishly tried to rob my Captain of the Guard). He spends freely in Canterbury and makes no trouble that I hear of, has made of himself good use to me from time to time, and does hold a gentleman's word of silence on such matters. I have hope his band behaves itself while the King is about. Gypsies and barbarians are bad enough.
9. Though I am Lord Mayor, I do occasion to still indulge in a favoured pastime: the enhancement of foods and drink by fine and rare spices. It is a point of pride to serve dishes that require good and strange spices, and my trading guild ensures I have access to the best.
10. My mother's husband introduced me to a most vile dish when last we met; if I ever have the need to doom some evil, black-hearted villain to a hellish end, they shall find their last hours spent head-first in a barrel of sauerkraut. The very smell of it moves me to retch.