FOOTNOTES:
[1] Some idea of the almost Regal splendour of the noble possessor of Ragland castle at this period, and an interesting picture of baronial manners in the early part of the seventeenth century, may be found in the following authentic document, which has been accurately copied from the original MS.
List of the Household, &c.
At eleven o'clock in the forenoon the castle gates were shut, and the tables laid, viz. two in the dining-room, three in the hall, one in Mrs. Watson's apartment, where the chaplains eat, (Sir Toby Matthews being the first,) and two in the house-keeper's room, for the ladies women.
The Earl entered the dining-room attended by his gentlemen.
As soon as he was seated, Sir Ralph Blackstone, steward of the house, retired.
The comptroller, Mr. Holland, attended with his staff, as did the sewer, the daily waiters, and many gentlemen's sons, with estates from two to seven hundred pounds a year, who were bred up in the castle: and my lady's gentlemen of the chamber.
At the first table, sat
The noble family, and such of the nobility as came there.
At the second table, in the dining-room, sat