Legal Definitions - botiler of the king

The botiler of the king was a historical royal official responsible for procuring, managing, and supplying all wines for the monarch's household and court. This position carried significant authority, often including the unique privilege to select specific quantities of wine directly from merchant ships arriving in royal ports, thereby ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply for the king.

• Example 1: Royal Feast Preparation
  Imagine King Henry VIII is preparing to host a grand banquet for a visiting foreign ambassador. The botiler of the king would be meticulously overseeing the royal cellars, ensuring that a diverse selection of the finest wines, from robust reds to delicate whites, was ready to be served. He would have previously used his authority to acquire these wines, perhaps selecting prime casks from recent shipments, to ensure the king's hospitality was impeccably presented.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the botiler's primary duty of providing wine for royal events and the continuous management required to maintain the king's cellar.

• Example 2: Inspection of Incoming Shipments
  A merchant vessel, having just arrived from Gascony, docks at a royal port, its hold filled with barrels of newly harvested wine. Before any other goods could be unloaded or sold, the botiler of the king, or his designated deputy, would be present at the docks. Exercising his official prerogative, he would inspect the cargo and select the two finest barrels for the royal household, ensuring the king had first choice of the incoming vintage before it reached the general market.

  Explanation: This scenario highlights the specific power and privilege associated with the office, allowing the botiler to directly procure the best wines for the monarch from incoming shipments.

• Example 3: Managing Royal Household Provisions
  During a period of extended royal residence at a remote hunting lodge, the daily consumption of wine for the king and his retinue is substantial. The botiler of the king would be responsible for anticipating these needs and coordinating the transport of wine from the main royal cellars or arranging for new supplies to be brought directly to the lodge. His role ensured that even away from the primary court, the monarch's access to quality wine remained uninterrupted.

  Explanation: This demonstrates the broader logistical and provisioning responsibilities of the botiler, ensuring a continuous supply of wine for the king's daily life, regardless of location.