Henry Patenson

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A biography about Henry Patenson, the natural household fool of Sir Thomas More, created for Wikipedia.

An excerpt from the career section:

"Patenson joined the More household no later than August 1521, where he accompanied Thomas More and Cardinal Wolsey to the Holy Roman Emperor’s court at Bruges. More's The Confutation of Tynedale's Answer states that Patenson “was there sone perceuyed vppon the syghte for a man of specyall wytte by hym selfe and vnlyke the comon sorte,” suggesting that his possible intellectual disability and natural foolishness was visible. Patenson experienced provocation on this trip due to his appearance. After enduring having several objects thrown at him, Patenson hid some rocks in his coat and jumped upon a table, shouting that anyone who had not throw anything at him should leave the room. Considering that no one at the court spoke English, they laughed at him, and another object was thrown his way. Patenson retaliated by throwing one of his rocks at a bystander, breaking his skull and drawing blood. Patenson then berated the injured man for not being more careful, considering he had given him fair warning to leave the room."