Who was the original character in Jack-in-the box?

Question: Who was the original character in Jack-in-the box!?

If the name 'Jack' is meant to be any one,then the children's toy Jack-in-the-box is any one!.!.!.or was he really a some one!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Hi M!. O!. K!.
My understanding is, that jack was based on a Medivil Court Jester!.
I remember reading that he was based on a Court Jester employed by Charles 1!. His name was Jeffrey Hudson who was very popular and loyal!. Jeffrey Hudson had the title of Royal Dwarf because he was very short of stature!. One of his jests was to be presented hidden in a giant pie (from which he would leap out) hence the idea of a Jester in a Box!.
I hope this is of help!.
CATHORIO!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

A theory as to the origin of the jack-in-the-box is that it comes from the 13th century English prelate Sir John Schorne who is often pictured holding a boot with a devil in it!. It is believed in folklore that he once cast the devil into a boot to protect the village of North Marston in Buckinghamshire!. If it's true, it would explain why in French, a jack-in-the-box is called a "diable en bo?te" (literally "boxed devil")!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I always thought that "Jack" was an early modern term for a young man!. Isn't that where we get Jack (Knave) in a deck of cards and expressions like Jack-of all trades and Jack-about town!. Does it have some connection to medieval journeymen!?

Interesting Question!.Www@QuestionHome@Com