Roland the Farter

Roland the Farter (known in contemporary records as Roland le Fartere, Roulandus le Fartere, Rollandus le Pettus, or Roland le Petour) was a medieval flatulist who lived in 12th-century England. He was given Hemingstone manor in Suffolk and of land in return for his services as a jester for King Henry II. Each year, he was obliged to perform "" (a jump, a whistle, and a fart all done at once) for the king's court at Christmas.

Roland is listed in the 13th-century English Liber Feodorum (Book of Fees).

Biography There are no records of Roland's ancestors or spouse. After Roland's death, the Hemingstone Manor was passed to his son, Hubert de Afleton. Hubert had two children, Jeffery and Agnes. During the reign of King Richard I (1189–1199), Jeffery inherited the manor from his father. In 1205, the manor was held by Alexander de Brompton and his wife, Agnes, the sister-heir of Jeffrey, granddaughter of Roland. Though it is true Roland performed in the courts of King Henry II, his association with King Henry II was established in 1159. It is thus unclear whether Roland only performed for King Henry II or for other prior monarchs. Some sources speculate that Henry was so delighted with Roland's performance, he rewarded him with a house and in Suffolk.

Serjeanty Roland held his manor and lands under tenure by serjeanty. According to the Liber Feodurum, or Book of Fees, Roland, under his serjeanty, was obligated to perform "a jump, a whistle, [and] a fart" every year on Christmas.

Roland had also received in Suffolk. In perspective, a knight's fee was 5 hides or carucates (varied widely). Each hide was between , putting Roland's fee at one hide. Furthermore, a farmer with a house typically held , while those on cottages had about . It was thus argued that Roland's fee was indeed a "handsome" and "generous one".