Question from Peter - Occupation of a Faber

Dear Friends,

Can anyone tell me what a "Faber" was in 1379. My modern latin dictionary gives "a smith" or "forger" The term is found in the 1379 Poll Tax for West Riding of Yorkshire.

The gentleman concerned, Richard Peck, married an heraldic heiress which seems a little incongruous if he was a smith or forger.

Many thanks

Peter

Question from KG - Political meaning of Henry VIII's poetry

I have been reading the poetry of Henry VIII. I was wondering if any of them are thought to have political meaning? Or if we know which poets he aped? I also wondered if we know when each poem was written (I hope this list is accurate): http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/tudorbib.htm

It doesn't give any indication of years. I'll be writing an essay for university on this and would appreciate any help anyone can offer.

Question from D.J. - Duties of Chief Mourner

I'm writing a screenplay about Mary I, and have a question about Jane Grey serving as chief mourner for Catherine Parr. What does a chief mourner do exactly? This is the first time we see Jane in the script and I want to make sure I get this right. Thank you.