headache-stick

Updated: May 9, 2025

Richard made himself very unpopular in 1485 by his forced loans, as they were called: a system of assessing a man after dark with a self-cocking writ and what was known as the headache-stick, a small weapon which was worn up the sleeve during the day, and which was worn behind the ear by the loyal subject after nightfall.

Bill Nye - Comic History of England

It was a common sight, so says the historian, to hear the nightfall and the headache-stick fall at the same time. The queen died in 1485, and Richard thought some of marrying again; but it got into the newspapers because he thought of it while a correspondent was going by, who heard it and telegraphed his paper who the lady was and all about it.

Bill Nye - Comic History of England