Thomas Cardell

His son, Francis Cardell, was employed as a musician in the household of Princess Elizabeth from October 1604, at Coombe Abbey.^[13] An account book, written by Anne Livingstone, Countess of Eglinton, or Elizabeth herself, details expenses in the Princess' household. In January 1604, a New Year's Day gift of a ruby ring was given to the dancing master, almost certainly Francis Cardell.^[14]

Francis died soon after, and his father then held positions in both the households of Anne of Denmark and Princess Elizabeth. Thomas Cardell's annuity was converted to a pension of £140, and he became one of the most well-paid court musicians.^[15] He was listed as Elizabeth's dance teacher at the funeral of Prince Henry in 1612.^[16]

Anne of Denmark played the virginals, the lira, and a wind instrument, supplied and maintained by Robert Henlake. An Italian musician, John Maria Lugaro, wrote out music for her and bought song and consort books.^[17] In July 1614, Anne of Denmark's brother Christian IV came to London incognito and managed to enter Denmark House (Somerset House) without being discovered.^[18] He was recognised in the audience chamber by "Cardel, a dancer" and a French servant, perhaps Piero Hugon or one of her French musicians, confirmed the identification.^[19]

Cardell's daughter Anne (died 1648) married John Toppe of Wiltshire. She was buried at Freshwater on the Isle of Wight.^[20]

In 1640 the role of Thomas Cardell as a dancer at Queen Elizabeth's court was evoked in a play by William Cavendish and James Shirley, The Varietie, by a character called "Manly" who danced an old fashioned volta in vintage costume.^[21] Manly advocates the use of the outdated lute and cittern rather than the then fashionable fiddle and French kit. The dance, costume, and musical instruments of the Elizabethan era, according to Manly, were more properly masculine than current French fashions.^[22] Another character, Sir William, declares that Manly resembles a portrait of Cardell.^[23]