During the Medieval period, various types of fowl were consumed as food. The more wealthy gentry were privileged to exotic foods, such as swan, and even peafowl was consumed. On a king's table, a peacock would be for ostentatious display as much for culinary consumption.
White peacocks have been kept at the Netherlands' Staverden Castle since the year 1400 when Anton's cousin, William the Duke of Guelders, entrusted his lavish forest home to vassals, only under the condition that they always keep white peacocks to provide feathers for his helmets. The peacock feathers are now presented annually to the Commissioner of the Queen in Gelderland.