This day was also called Shere Thursday, and by corruption Chare Thursday. Shere Thursday signified that it was the day whereon the clergy were wont to shere or shear their heads, or get them shorn or shaven, and to clip their beards against Easter-day.[49] In the miraculous legend of St. Brandon it is related that he sailed with his monks to the island of sheep, “and on sherethursdaye, after souper, he wesshe theyr feet and kyssed them lyke as our lorde dyd to his dyscyples.”[50] Maundy Thursday is nowhere observed in London except, as before stated, at the Chapel Royal.
[45] Dunton’s British Apollo.
[46] Archdeacon Nares’s “Glossary,” wherein the authorities briefly cited above are set forth at large.
[47] Gentleman’s Magazine.
[48] Lambarde.
[49] Brand’s Pop. Antiq. Nares’s Glossary, Chare and shere.
[50] Golden Legend.
Good Friday.
A Holiday at all the Public Offices.