Merlin "The Pooh" Kemp:


Stuff of Histories and Legends

King Charles' fetish

King Charles II was seldom seen without two or three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels at his side. He was so fond of the breed that he wrote a decree that they should be accepted in any public place, even in the Houses of Parliament where animals were not usually allowed. This decree is still in existence today in England.

Old-time Cavalier Jobs

In addition to being a fine companion, one of the jobs of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred to do was to warm laps in drafty castles and on chilly carriage rides (the other job was to attract fleas and thereby spare their masters in the days of the Plague). A prescription written in Olde English for the Queen of England directs her to keep a "comforte dog" (now known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) on her lap to treat a cold.

The Legend of the Lozenge

John,the first Duke of Marlborough, was fighting at the battle of Blindheim (Blenheim) on the north bank of the Danube near Hochstadt. At home, his Duchess Sarah was quite naturally very nervous about news from the battle and is said to have pressed her thumb hard into the forehead of the Cavalier in her lap. This Cavalier had puppies shortly after and they were found to have a red lozenge the size of the Duchess' thumbprint on their foreheads. And THAT, according to legend, is why all cavaliers have them now.

An Artist's Rendition

The Cavalier is depicted in many of the 16th, 17th and 18th century paintings by Titian, Van Dyck, Lely, Stubbs, Gainsborough, Reynolds and Romney.

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Last Modified: 3/23/97
Wendy Elizabeth Kemp