Armstrong, Archibald (Archy) (M)

Surname: Armstrong
Forename(s): Archibald
d. 1672. Nationality: Scottish. VIAF.
Poet and court fool. Born in either Cumberland or Roxburghshire. Son of Archibald Armstrong. Worked as the court fool for King James VI and I, and leveraged the position to earn income through begging and selling goods. Discharged from the court in 1637 and lived in London off residual income from owned land. Allegedly the author of A Banquet of Jests (c. 1630’s), a collection of comedic poetry, though some suggest it was published allonymously. Biographical information: ODNB (BGL)

Poems associated with this person

Total poems: 1
Poem title Date Periodical Roles id #
“A woman lately fiercely did assail” 1889-01 Temple Bar Poet 17979