Staffordshire Quest

As part of its community outreach program, OOTW has established the Staffordshire Quest as a guide for our patrons as they wander through the Towne of Stafford. The activities in the quest provide a way to learn about the townsfolk that live in the Towne of Stafford and their visitors that have come to see Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Read the letters and news from the Towne of Stafford to see what is happening in the towne and the issues that face the citizen's of the towne. Stafford Towne Letters and News

After you complete your exploration of the towne, receive a Certificate of Citizenship for the Towne of Stafford.

Explore the Towne of Stafford

Be it known to all in the year 1568, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, is visiting her subjects throughout all of England during her yearly Progress. In recognition of the honor bestowed upon them, the people of Stafford will entertain Her Majesty to the best of their abilities. Come and explore the town of Stafford as they honor Her Majesty and earn the right to be called a citizen of the Towne of Stafford.

Learn about the people living in Stafford.

* What are the various jobs available in Stafford? Talk to different people from the towne to find out how they earn their living.
* What is the meant by the Great Chain of Being and how does that determine your station in life?
* Who is the Sergeant Trumpeter? How do you become a Royal Court Trumpeter or Kettledrummer?
* Who is Master of the Hounds and what is his job? What does a 'Page of the Hounds' and a Fewterer do?
* Who can be a Squire or Knight? What kind of training is needed? What are the steps necessary to become a Knight? What is the main job of a Knight?
* Who are the members of the local militia? What is their job? What weapons do they use?
* What crafts or trades such as pottery making, leather working, bead making, weaving, sewing, spinning, or working metal can be found in the towne?

Find out how the people of Stafford dress themselves.

* What kind of clothes do men and women wear? Does the style depend upon a person's station in life?
* What is under a Maid's of Honor skirt?
* Is the sword real? What is the proper way to wear a sword?
* Why do you wear a hat?
* May a lady show her ankles? Why or why not?

Find out how the people of England govern themselves.

* What is the Privy Council? Who can be a member of the council? What decisions and concerns are addressed in this council?
* What does the term Progress mean? What is the real reason that Queen Elizabeth goes on Progress?
* What is the Court of Common Pleas? Who sits on this court? What is the purpose of this court? Who attends this court?
* What is Queen Elizabeth's role in government?

Find out about the role of animals in the town.

* Where can greyhounds be found and why were they brought to England? How are they used? What is the significance of the colors of the hounds? What is the saying associated with greyhounds?
* What kind of horses do Knights use as a War Steed?
* Do they need any special protection or training? What are horse "clothes"?

Learn about Her Majesty's court and their travels.

* Who travels with Her Majesty while she is on Progress and where do they all stay while they are traveling?
* Who are the Maids of Honor and what are their duties?
* Who are the Gentlemen Pensioners and what are their duties?
* Which members of Her Majesty's court have accompanied her on Progress? Why did they come on Progress? Where are their homes when they are not on Progress?
* How do you become a Knight or Lady?
* What are some of the different titles that are held by members of Her Majesty's Court? How did they earn them?
* Which playwrights have the patronage of Her Majesty or members of her court? What is the relationship between Master Shakespeare and Master Marlowe?

There are many different ways to enjoy yourselves.

* Watch a Masque performed by the Townsfolk.
* Watch one of the many shows performed by traveling jongleurs, performers, and minstrels.
* Many within the towne are known for their quick wit. Learn a verbal game about a local cat such as the Queen's Cat or mayhaps the Minstrel's cat.
* Join the court as they dance for Her Majesty or learn a dance from the Revelers.
* Attend the Joust to watch the Knights demonstrate their skill.
* Watch the Coursing of the Hounds.
* Learn to play a game of skill, strategy, or luck from the townsfolk, the local games merchant, or Mistress Ann at Poppet's Glade.
* Try a game of bowls, stool ball or mayhaps Pall Mall.