Note 4 — Chapter I · A Meeting at Derby, between an Angler and a Painter.
Reading edition
No doubt, in allusion to the Charter granted in 1381, by John of Gaunt, to the troop of minstrels maintained at Tutbury Castle, in that time of its splendour. The chief was appointed by the title of ‘King of the Minstrels;’ and he had wardens and other officers under him to maintain the rules of the Fraternity, and to levy fines for any disorders.—Plott’s Hist.—Ed.