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t is one hundred and seventy five years since the Beatification,
that blessed time when the isles were uplifted and placed in the
great darkness. Despite the ever widening divisions between the
thrones of Europe, it is agreed that the lands were raised in order
for the godly to be brought closer to the Almighty. |
What is less certain
however, is why beasts and birds were forbidden entry to the uplifted
isles. Theologians have argued that such creatures are too base
and unclean to live so near to the Lord of Hosts, yet this belief
is thrown into confusion by the presence of insects such as bees
and flies and those things which crawl and creep through the soil.
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Whatever may be the truth behind this great mystery, at the time of the Beatification, it was discovered that cunningly constructed mechanicals had replaced the beasts of the field and metal birds soared in the unfamiliar vaulted skies. In those early years, skilled craftsmen were instructed in the working principles of these unusual creatures by the special ambassadors. Inside every mechanical, from the most crudely fashioned tin fighting cockerel, to the Queen's own Ladies of the Privy Chamber, there are glass phials containing a fluid named ichor. |
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The sophisticated
models possess four vessels of these different coloured "humours",
each one governing separate aspects of function.
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The basic fluid is the green which
maintains balance and motion. Vulgarly called "phlegm" it is present
in even the most rudimentary creature. |
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Last and most precious of all is "black bile", a precious elixir to be found in large quantities only within the servitors of the richest households. This costly liquid imparts elementary thought to a mechanical and is valued many times higher than gold. When one of these creatures suffers an injury or a piece of its intricate mechanism needs replacing, it is despatched to a workshop to undergo repairs. |
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One of
the most reliable establishments is located on a small isle in
Suffolk known as Malmes-Wutton. There, under the watchful guidance
of Master Edwin Dritchly a learned Master of Motive Science, three
apprentices toil over all manner of mechanical beasts. |
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For tradition's sake,
piglets such as this will be found in groups of three or four and
share their sty with a much larger mechanical sow. Some observers
have noted with interest that over the years these groupings will
form strong bonds, just like that of a family of real, living beasts.
Of course these creatures contain only the basic ichors, no black
bile is wasted within their feeder pipes.
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The wealthy members of society are wont to display their riches by keeping more sophisticated devices. Within the mansions of the rich there are mannequins capable of playing musical intruments and performing mummers' plays. In the Royal household Elizabeth, the Queen, owns many expensive creations. The most lavish are kept locked in her treasure house but others are in daily usage. In her private bedchamber, two jewelled Eliza's attend her whilst five brass Besses care for her majesty's countless costly gowns. |
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More humble in appearance, yet still fashioned to resemble the Queen, are the twenty wooden Tizzys whose duties include serving guests at royal banquets. |
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One of the most unusual mannequins to dwell within the uplifted isles is the secretary of Doctor John Dee, the Royal Astrologer. Known only as "Lantern" this peculiarly shaped mechanical is made from copper and serves as the old astrologer's secretary. Yet there are many rumours concerning this odd device, some believe that it is really an imp of the devil summoned by the Doctor to do his bidding and many fear it. |
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The isles of Europe
have often given rise to outlandish looking mechanicals but the
most sinister creation is undoubtedly the Torture Master. |
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This frightful abhorrence serves
as a walking torture chamber.
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© 2004. Robin Jarvis. All rights reserved |