Once a Week (magazine)/Series 1/Volume 2/Ana (June 16, 1860)
ANA.
It is well known that Lord Kingsale and Lord Forester both enjoy the singular privilege of standing covered in the presence of royalty. Lord Forester obtained this concession from Henry VIII.; but the right belonging to Lord Kingsale dates from the reign of King John. It originated as follows: His ancestor, the Earl of Ulster, had a very strong arm, and one day, at the desire of the king, he chopped a massive helmet in twain in the presence of the French sovereign. King John was so pleased at the feat that he desired him to ask at his hands any favour that he pleased; and the Earl replied that as he had estates and wealth enough, he would only ask for himself and his successors the singular privilege alluded to above.