ABSTRACT
There was a subtle difference between the court and the royal household in the early modern period. The royal household was central to a monarch's expression of magnificence through its appearance, the wealth of the furnishings and the use of court ceremonial both secular and liturgical. The Black Book of Edward IV described the king's household as the 'lantern of Inglond', and noted that its primary function was 'the conuersacion of his most high estate'. The household had a charitable role, expressed by the provision of support for elderly members once they were no longer able to work. The size and presence of the chapel royal was a very good indicator of whether the household was in its full or reduced form. The household also had a corporate nature that was expressed by the issuing and wearing of livery. Retaining men and giving them livery was a demonstration of power and wealth. The Tudor livery colours were green and white.
