 Lord Byron, with his love of the bizarre, was also the possessor of a black leather boot which he used as a drinking vessel. It was silver - mounted round the top, bearing the inscription on the rim V T. QVID. CVRRENTI. CALCAR. G. G. I599.," A silver spur adorned the heel of the boot, whilst the forepart was similar to that of a fourteenth - century shoe, the pointed toe being turned up to form a handle, and from the extreme end of it hung a silver ball. The history of this boot - cup can be traced to it being presented in 1599 to George Gordon, created Marquis of Huntly in that year. Byron's mother was descended from this peer, and it was on this account that it was purchased by the poet from a member of the family.
Reproduced from the book:
Drinking Vessels of Bygone Days
by G. J. MONSON-FITZJOHN, B.Sc.,F.R.Hist.S.
author of Quaint Signs of Olde Inns, etc. |