From the BBC Website, 31st March 2005
'Fool Factor' search for jester
The search is on for the first jester in 300 years at an ancient castle in the Lake District.
The contest, which is being dubbed Fool Factor, will take place in June at Muncaster Castle.
Applicants will have to show a range of skills, which could include juggling or comedy. The winner will become the Fool of Muncaster for the next year.
The Pennington family, who have owned the castle for 800 years, have organised the competition.
It is also being backed by the British Guild of Jesters, which currently has no members in the North.
Peter Frost Pennington said: "Muncaster's jester, Tom Fool, was the inspiration for the Fool in Shakespeare's King Lear, giving the word 'tomfoolery' to the English language.
"It seems appropriate that we should once again have an official Fool.
Quantity of ale
"This may be April Fool's Day but we're certainly not joking. This is a genuine competition for a very important position."
Jonathan the Jester, a spokesman for the British Guild of Jesters, will host the event in June.
He said: "Muncaster Castle has an important place in the history of jesters. We don't currently have any members in the north, so we hope this contest will not only find someone to follow in Tom Fool's footsteps but also prove that there are as many darn fools in the north of England as in the south."
Each of the would-be jesters will be given up to 10 minutes to demonstrate their skills.
Bonus points will be awarded to those who come dressed in full motley, a jester's outfit.
The winner will also receive £350 and a quantity of ale.