1. Archibald "Archy" Armstrong was born in Scotland, and according to tradition first distinguished himself as a sheep thief; afterwards he entered the service of James VI and I as a court jester, with whom he became a favourite.
10 Facts About Archibald Armstrong
1. 2.
When James VI succeeded to the English throne, Armstrong was appointed court jester.
3.
Archibald Armstrong's influence was considerable and he was greatly courted and flattered, but his success led to him becoming presumptuous, insolent, and mischievous and was much disliked by the members of the court.
4.
At the Newmarket races in 1612, Archibald Armstrong tried to excite jealousy between King James and Prince Henry, by pointing out how more courtiers stayed with Henry once they were parted.
5.
Archibald Armstrong attended the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V of the Palatinate in 1613.
6.
Archibald Armstrong wore a crimson velvet coat with gold lace.
7.
Archibald Armstrong teased the infanta on the defeat of the Armada and censured the conduct of the expedition to Buckingham's face.
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James VI and I 8.
Archibald Armstrong retained his post on the accession of Charles I, and accumulated a considerable fortune, including the grant by the king of 1000 acres in Ireland.
9.
Archibald Armstrong settled in London as a money-lender, and many complaints were made to the privy council and House of Lords of his sharp practices.
10.
Archibald Armstrong was twice married, his second wife being Sybilla Bell.