Regulations for the Joust in Fifteenth-Century Europe: Francesco Sforza Visconti (1465) and John Tiptoft (1466)

Author: Rühl J.

Source: The International Journal of the History of Sport, Volume 18, Number 2, June 01, 2001 , pp. 193-208(16)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This article examines the role of the Sforzas and Viscontis in Milan who set up 'Regulations for the Joust' to be staged at a wedding in 1465. For the first time the text of the only copy preserved in the State Archives of Milan is translated into English. The travels of John Tiptoft in Italy are traced from 1458 to 1461 followed by the text of his 'Ordinances' of 1466 (Ashmoleian Ms no 763 version). Both regulations are compared in detail focusing on the quantification of performance, targets, and actions. Despite striking similarities it can only be stated that the Italians preceded the English by one year.

Keywords: Jousting; Francesco Sforza Visconti; Italy; John Tiptoft; England; regulation

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2001-06-01