Dorchester.
Wards of the Crown.—I find the origin of this ancient prerogative of royalty thus quaintly explained at p. 132. of King's Vale Royall of England, 1656. Hugh Lupus, first Norman Earl of Chester, and nephew of the Conqueror, at his death in 1101, left his son
"Richard, then an infant of seven years of age, entituled then to his Earldome of Chester, and married to Matilda, daughter to Stephen, Earl of Blois. And this Matilda was niece to King Henry I., by reason whereof the said king took into his tuition and custody the said young earl; from whence, they say, this of a custome grew to be a law, that young heirs in their nonage became pupils, or wards, unto the king. A very tender care had this king over this princely child, and brought him up in the company of his own children, with whom he sent him into Normandy, and with them there provided the most princely and best education for them."
Their after-history is well known. Having duly arrived at man's estate, these promising young princes and their companion, Richard, the royal ward, were sent for from Normandy by the affectionate king, whence, taking ship at Harfleur, they set sail for England; but, through some mismanagement, the vessel striking upon a rock, the entire company perished except one butcher, who, by the help of a mast, swam safe to land. This tragedy happened about December 7, 1120.
I believe this to be the first instance recorded in English history of a ward to the king, but shall be happy to receive correction from any better-informed correspondent of "N. & Q."
T. Hughes.
Chester.
Tate, an Artist.—A friend of mine has a very fine family portrait, very much admired by judges, and generally ascribed to Reynolds, whose style it greatly resembles. But I believe it has with some confidence been stated to be the work of a pupil of Sir Joshua's, named Tate. The picture is about seventy years old. Would you, or any of your readers, kindly inform me whether an artist of that name lived at that time, and whether he was a pupil of Sir Joshua Reynolds?
A. W.
Kilburn.