'''Nigel Roder''', (born 1967), also known professionally as '''Kester the Jester''', was designated the official '''"State Jester'''" of [[England]] in 2004 by [[English Heritage]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Jesters joust for historic role | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/3545218.stm | publisher= [[BBC News]] | date=8 August 2004 | accessdate=21 October 2012}}</ref> The prior jester of record, [[Muckle John]], vacated the position shortly after his employer, King [[Charles I of England]], was beheaded in 1649.
Roder was appointed by [[English Heritage]] after winning a jesting competition. Subsequently the [[Guild of Jesters]] complained through their spokesman, Jonathan the Jester, that English Heritage should not be allowed to use the title of State Jester. Several guild members also wrote to their [[MPs]]. After the question was raised in Parliament, Kester's title was amended to '"[[English Heritage Jester]]'". a<ref>{{cite roleweb that| wastitle=Jesters laterget takenserious overin byname 'Peterkinrow the| Fool'url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4120607.stm (again| afterpublisher=[[BBC aNews]] controversial| competition).date=23 December The2004 position| waslast=Griffiths subsequently| abandonedfirst=Emma by| theaccessdate=21 state.October 2012}}</ref>
Nigel Roder is currently working throughout the United Kingdom as an entertainer both in his jester role and as a teacher of circus skills workshops.
