Sir Roger Aston: Groom of the Stool

 

 

 

I’m not a fan of the monarchy—after all, what was the American Revolution all about?—but I have found a number of kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, and other “royals” in our family tree. I’ll get to the famous ones eventually, but I thought I’d start with our 14th great-granduncle via the Lucy Cross branch, Sir Roger Aston, Gentleman of the Bedchamber, Master of the Great Wardrobe, and possible Groom of the Stool to King James I.

What exactly is a Groom of the Stool? According to Historic UK:

 

“The ‘Groom of the King’s Close Stool’ (or just Groom of the Stool for short) was a role created during the reign of Henry VIII to monitor and assist in the King’s bowel motions.

The word ‘Stool’ was in reference to a portable commode which would have been carried around at all times, along with water, towels, and a wash bowl. To ensure he was carrying out his job at peak efficiency, the Groom of the Stool would also have closely monitored the king’s diet and mealtimes, and would have organized his day around the king’s predicted motions.

Perhaps surprisingly, it was the sons of noblemen or members of the gentry that were usually awarded the job. Over time, they came to act more as personal secretaries to the king and were rewarded with high pay and some great benefits such as the right to lodgings in every palace, the Sovereign’s old clothes, and the option to have any used bedchamber furnishings.

Of course, one might hope to be reimbursed handsomely for such a role, especially if the Groom actually cleansed the royal posterior himself. In all fairness though, there are no historical records to suggest that the Groom went to these extremes, although he would have almost certainly helped the monarch undress for each occasion. . . .

Quite amazingly, the role of Groom of the Stool (known as Groom of the Stole from the Stuart era onwards) carried on all the way until 1901 when King Edward VII decided to abolish it.”

 

King Edward VII—party pooper!

 

Sir Roger Aston was the bastard son of our 14th great grandfather, Sir Thomas Aston Esq., the one-time Sheriff of Cheshire. Sir Roger led an interesting life, which you can read about on his Wiki page, but trust me, nothing he did was as relatable to us modern commoners than being tasked to cart around the King’s Stool.

 

After he died on May 23, 1612, Sir Roger was interred in St. Dunstan with Holy Angels Church, today just northeast of London’s Heathrow Airport. Inside the church there’s an elaborate monument to Sir Roger, his wife, Lady Mary (Stewart) Aston, and his four daughters. 

 

 

"You'll never guess what I did to get here..."  —Sir Roger Aston