‘In their own time, minstrels were viewed at best as figures of some social value and at worst as licentious rogues.’ Irina Dumitrescu on medieval minstrels and professional performers: www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...

Irina Dumitrescu · Pimps and Prodigals: Medieval Minstrels

Minstrels did more than merely play songs. They were natural messengers, spies, diplomats and propagandists...

It was all harmless fun. Courtiers weren't so bloody woke about everything.