Sunday, June 28, 2020
A Brief History of Piers Galveston
Who Was Piers Galveston?
The table fork was unknown in the Middle Ages, except for those belonging to Piers Galveston, who owned three for eating candied pears. Some version of this sentence appears in literally hundreds of books, articles, and blog posts relating to eating utensils. Not only is it not true, but it is such an unusual statement. If only Piers Galveston owned table forks, in Medieval Europe, wouldn’t that make him the inventor of the table fork? Or, at least, the patron of the actual inventor? Who was he and why has he been relegated to, perhaps, the most famous person to be found in a footnote?
This paper is a brief history of the one time Earl of Cornwall; it is not a complete study and my information comes from many sources. I am forgoing the use of footnotes to make this an easier read.
We could look up his entry in Wikipedia and find out the date of his birth and death, where he grew up and other such mundane trivia. But I wish to briefly present the person that was Piers, not simply names and dates. We know that he was born in the Duchy of Gascony, near Bearn, which was, at that time, ruled by the English Crown. His family came from the village of Gavaston and many contemporaneous documents refer to him as Pieres de Gavaston. His father, Arnaud de Gavaston, was a knight in service to Edward I and served in various campaigns in Wales, France, and Scotland. His son, Piers, most likely served under his father’s command on some of these campaigns. Sometime around the year 1300, Piers was noticed by King Edward I, for his skill of arms, and was made a member of Prince Edward’s household.
In order to talk about Piers, we need to speak about the Prince of Wales, Edward Caernarfon. Fourth son and heir to Edward I of England (Longshanks) and born in 1284 in Caernarfon castle in Wales. Young Edward, who I will refer to as just Edward and his father as Longshanks, grew up tall and handsome as his father, but without his father’s ambition, will or charisma. Instead of focusing on learning how to fight, lead an army, or govern a realm, Edward was more interested in ditch digging, rowing boats, and thatching roofs. The chronicler Ranulph Higden wrote that Edward, instead of consorting with knights and nobles, preferred the company of “jesters, singers, actors, carriage drivers, diggers, oarsmen and sailors.” The author of The Life of Edward II wrote, “If only he had given to arms the attention that he expended on rustic pursuits he would have raised England on high.”
However dotting a father Longshanks was to his older children, he was less than a father to Edward and more of a monster. It might be because Longshanks saw the deaths of most of his children. Or his hatred towards the Scots, and the Welsh, and the Irish, and the French, and all who dared oppose him in any fashion. Had Longshanks been a better father, and treated Edward in the same fashion as he treated his older siblings, Edward might have grown up to be a more self confident and self sufficient person. But Longshanks viewed Edward’s inability to be a perfect copy of himself as a personal insult. Instead of being a better father, Longshanks introduced Piers Galveston to Edwards household. Piers was a couple of years older than Edward, but was a famous jouster and had won renown on the battle field. I can imagine Longshanks ordering Edward to “be more like this squire.”
Unfortunately, Piers was lazy, egotistical, greedy, rude, insulting, and knew a golden goose when he saw one. Household accounts list Piers as Edward’s companion and not his squire. Piers not only was paid to be Edward’s friend (somewhere around £70 a year, or about $60,000 to $120,000 in today’s money), but ate at the Prince’s table and was given appropriate clothes, by the household, so that he would not “diminish the look of the household and the Prince’s person.” Not bad for the son of a poor knight.
This was not enough for Piers. He asked for, or demanded, lands and titles, the true way to support one’s self. Longshanks was having none of that and rebuked his son multiple times for such unearned requests. In 1305 Longshanks ordered a reduction of Edward’s household, most specifically, dismissed both Piers and Gilbert de Clare, one of Edward’s cousins. Edward wrote to his sister, Elizabeth, asking her to ask their step mother, Queen Margerite, to intercede with the King. “If we had those two, along with the others whom we have, we would be greatly relieved of the anguish which we have endured and from which we continue to suffer from one day to the next.”
Two months after Longshanks had captured William Wallace, and had him executed, he allowed Piers and Gilbert to be reinstated in Edward’s household. In May 1306 Longshanks knighted 267 men in Westminster, including Edward and Piers, at what was known as the Feast of the Swans. The king purchased eighty rolls of scarlet and other colored cloth, 2500 yards of linen and 5000 yards of canvas for new clothing for the new knights, and Edward gifted Piers with a black warhorse with three white feet, valued at £60. However, by the beginning of 1307, Piers was out again. First by going AWOL while on campaign in Scotland with Longshanks in order to attend tournaments in France, and secondly by Edward’s foolish demands for his BFF.
“You bastard son of a bitch! You want to give lands away? You, who never gained any? As the Lord lives, were it not for fear of breaking up the Kingdom, you should never enjoy your inheritance!” This was recorded by Walter of Guisborough as Longshanks’s response to Edwards first demand that Piers be raised to the rank of Count and then the second demand that he be raised to the rank of Earl and given the vacant earldom of Cornwall. Recorded gossip tells us that Piers would not stop asking Edward for land and Edward finally approached the King. The end result was that Longshanks exiled Piers to the continent, there to “await his recall.” Piers was given a annual salary of 100 marks (almost £67) and was told to amuse himself on the tournament circuit (of which he did well). Edward accompanied Piers to Dover, and showered him with money and gifts: the vast sum of £260, five horses, sixteen tapestries in diverse colors, two quilted tunics, and two jousting outfits, one of green velvet decorated with pearls and gold, and silver piping, and the other of green sindon.
Longshanks died a few months later, in July, and the now King Edward wasted no time in recalling his friend, granting him the earldom of Cornwall, and setting him up with the hand of Margaret de Clare, the Countess of Gloucester. Edward did this to “strengthen Piers and surround him with friends”. This also made him very wealthy; the income from Cornwall was valued at around £4000 a year. Defiantly a rags to riches story. Pier’s social climbing was not very popular with the other peers of England: the earldom was traditionally reserved for members of the Royal family, and the thought of rubbing elbows with a lower-class, foreign knight was insulting. And speaking of insulting, Piers was. All of the time. While the peers did not like Piers, they had good reason to hate him. Piers would openly insult and mock the peers of the Realm any chance he could.
The Life of Edward II tells us, “The earls and barons he despised, and gave them insulting nicknames” He called Guy Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, “the black hound of Arden”. Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, was called “boele-crevee”, or burst-belly, which might be a fat joke. Edward’s cousin Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, was called “the Churl” and “the Fiddler”. Ralph de Monthermer, Earl of Gloucester and Edward’s brother-in-law, was called “whoreson”. And the list goes on and on.
Normally, when one is insulted, at this level of society, one would issue a challenge to a duel. However, Piers was considered one of his generation’s best jousters and no one wanted to lose a duel and “prove” the insult. That would be like me challenging Mike Tyson to a duel: you know that he will choose boxing as the method of the duel and then beat the stuffing out of me. The nobility would have to take the insults and bide their time. To add further insult, Edward left England, in January of 1308, for two weeks and left Piers in charge as Regent. Edward had traveled to France to get married, and contemporary accounts say that Piers was uncomfortable and out of his depth, but that he did nothing worse than making the earls who remained in England kneel to him as regent.
On February 25th, 1308, Edward and his new bride, Isabella of France, held their coronation as King and Queen of England. To organize the celebration, Edward hired the best, the most renown party planner in all of Europe...... No, he gave Piers a tonne of money and told him to take care of it.
A Royal Coronation was a big thing, not just for the King, but the Kingdom. Everything was staged so that the King was shown as not only the legal and blessed person to wear the crown, but was seen to be visibly supported by the peers of the realm. There was a role for each of the highest members of the peerage. Preceding the King and Queen were earls, “especially who by kingship are nearly related to the King”. The Earl of Hereford and Essex carried the King’s scepter. The King’s brother-in-law, the Earl of Lancaster, carried the royal sword, Curtana. The Earl of Lincoln carried the royal staff. Prince Henry, Edward’s younger brother, carried the King’s rod. And, wearing royal purple and pearls, Piers Galveston, the newly made Earl of Cornwall, carried the crown of Edward the Confessor in his “filthy hands” according to the Saint Paul’s Annalist. In addition, Piers wrote himself into other parts of the coronation: He attached one of Edward’s spurs, he unfolded the golden mantel, he retrieved Curtana from the altar, an act that should have been done by “who is the greatest of those present” and he held onto the sword during the outward procession, which he led. In a society that depended on a strict hierarchy, Piers managed to anger almost everyone. The ones he didn’t tick off during the coronation, he managed to do so during the coronation feast.
Starting off, the wall behind the royal table was covered by tapestries emblazoned with the arms of Edward and Piers, which had been commissioned at a cost of £5 from London upholsterers, John Engine and John le Tapyter; somewhere around $5000 in today’s money. There are no reports that the Queen’s arms were present in the hall. At high table, Piers put himself next to the King, still wearing royal purple and pearls, but augmented with the best of the jewelry from the Queen’s coronation and wedding presents. The Saint Paul’s Annalist described him as “so decked out that he more resembled the god Mars than an ordinary mortal”.
Edward spoke almost exclusively with Piers during the feast, something that really ticked off the visiting peerage and Isabella’s kin. Granted, the Queen was only 12 at that time, but Edward was a Plantagenet King and should have shown better courtesy towards his wife and guests. It was as if Edward wanted to anger the visiting French, or he just didn’t care. We cannot support the claim that Edward didn’t speak French and therefore could not speak directly to his wife: the language of the English court was French, not English. The very least Edward could have done was to engage in conversation with his new kin by marriage. Perhaps point out, to his bride, who the movers and shakers of their court were.
The feast that Piers organized cost more than £2800, up to $3 million in today’s money, based on entertainment and labor costs. And I think that Piers kept most of the cash. The food wasn’t served until after dark, there weren’t enough servers, and the food was either burned or under cooked. It is apparent that Piers had as much tact and leadership with the cooks and servers that he had with the peers of the realm: the cooks and servers hated him and most likely did their worst in order to embarrass the King’s favorite.
Within days of the coronation, Parliament met with one goal in mind: Piers’s behavior and antics at the coronation was a national embarrassment and he would have to go. By March, civil war loomed. The bridges across the Thames were broken and the King fortified himself at Windsor. When Parliament met in April, a large group of magnates, led by the Earl of Lincoln, demanded that Piers be exiled from the Kingdom and stripped of all lands and titles, writing that “He disinherits the Crown and....puts discord between the King and his people.” Archbishop Winchelsea threatened to excommunicate Piers unless he left England by the end of June. In this conflict, Edward compromised. He agreed to exile his BFF, but, instead of banishing him completely, he appointed Piers as lieutenant of Ireland and granted him some £4000 of annual revenue from the King’s own lands in Aquitaine.
In April 1309, Edward negotiated with Parliament to get Piers back. The King agreed to upholding Magna Carta and the Forest Charter of 1217 as well as a half-dozen statutes intended on reducing the Crown’s power. But Edward got what he wanted; Piers was allowed to return to England, where he apparently learned nothing during his exile and continued his insulting and grating ways. He managed to cause a big to-do when he removed one of the Earl of Lancaster’s retainers from a royal office and replace him with one of his own. In 1311, the Lords Ordainer, a commission of 21 of the realm’s highest nobles and bishops, set up in 1310 to oversee the Crown, presented the King with a list of 41 new ordinances, including restrictions on the King’s ability to go to war, to tax or borrow money, or even to leave England without approval. But it was ordinance number 20 that was the worse for Edward: Piers Galveston was declared a traitor and an open enemy of the King and was to be exiled “for all time and without hope of return” from all lands subject to the King of England.
Edward had no choice but to comply and Piers was exiled for the third time in November 1311. But there is little to no evidence that he actually left England since he was back by the King’s side by Christmas. With his friend by his side, Edward declared the Ordinances null and void as he was forced to agree to them under duress. Edward restored Piers’s titles and lands and sent the newly restored Earl to Scarborough castle.
In March, 1312 the Archbishop of Canterbury officially excommunicated Piers and the Earls of Lancaster, Pembroke, Hereford, Arundel, and Warwick gathered their knights and rode off to Scarborough to arrest Piers. Forewarned, Piers and Edward escaped to Newcastle. In hot pursuit, Lancaster chased them to Tynemouth Priory, where Edward and Piers split up. Edward fled North to York and Piers tried to sneak back to Scarborough. He was not successful and, on May 19th, was captured by the Earls of Pembroke and Surrey. Piers negotiated terms of his surrender: Parliament would try him and the two Earls would protect him until his trial. The Earl of Pembroke took ownership of Piers and they rode to Wallingford, where Piers would be held until his trial.
In June, for some reason, Pembroke left Piers unguarded. He would later claim that this had been a mistake and that he had intended no harm. The day after Pembroke left, Guy Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, showed up with a “strong force” and entered the chambers Piers was staying in. “I think you know me; I am the Black Dog of Arden. Get up traitor!” Piers was led, hands roped to the back of a horse, to Warwick Castle, where he was sentenced to death and then put on trial by the Earls of Warwick, Lancaster, Hereford, and Arundel. Piers was not allowed to speak in his defense and was not allowed to summon anyone to do so, either. On June 19th, he was dragged to Blacklow Hill and beheaded by two Welsh soldiers, who left his body where it lay. The author of The Life of Edward II wrote that the body was found by four shoemakers, who summoned a friar. The friar was unable to bury the body, since Piers had died while excommunicated, but “carried away the head in his hood and brought it to the King.”
And thus ended the life of Piers Galveston. But, what about the forks? The man is most well known for owning forks. Well, this was due to an inventory of his possessions that he left behind at Newcastle. The clerk did notate that among the effects were “trois furchestes dargent pur mangier poire” (three silver forks, for eating pears). Candied pears, at that: an expensive treat. Also among his lost possessions were:
“A buckle of gold with two emeralds, two rubies, two sapphires, and eleven pearls”
“A golden piece of jewelry with nine emeralds and nine garnets”
“Another belt of lion skin, decorated in gold with a cameo, worth £166”
“One hundred silver shields, each marked with an eagle”
“A fur-backed altar frontal of green cloth, decorated with gold birds and fishes”
“A ruby worth £1000”
Piers was around 30 at the time of his death. Greedy, yes, insulting, also yes, but cruel? Mean spirited, yes, but he didn’t go around murdering people. At least not English people. He was a handsome, athletic, clever, arrogant, flamboyant peacock who had to be at the center of attention. He was a good fighter: he was considered the “King of the Joust”, someone who could unhorse almost anyone, when he was 16 or 17. It is debatable if he was a good commander: his campaigns in Ireland and Scotland were less than spectacular. How insulting do you have to be to warrant the death sentence?
I think that his insults were just the icing on the cake; they provided personal justification for his enemies, of which he made many, to extract revenge. It was his influence with King Edward that was the real issue. Not only did Edward give Piers pretty much everything he demanded, including gifts and lands intended for others, but Edward would only take advice from Piers; and Piers didn’t seem to have good judgement. Both Piers and Edward lacked the ability to plan ahead or think of the consequences of their actions. They lived in the moment. When they wanted something, they wanted it right then and there and damn the consequences or the repercussions. Edward was the King of England, very few could tell him no, and Piers was the King’s favorite; only the King could punish him. I was only able to find one surviving letter from Piers Galveston (To John Langton, bishop of Chichester and chancellor of England) and none are on record from Edward to Piers. With only the words of others, we cannot truly know the relationship the two men had: did Piers keep demanding gifts from Edward to remain his friend, or did Edward offer gifts to keep Piers happy. Or did the two play a game to stick it to the “fuddy-duddies”. In any case, Piers managed to amass an awesome amount of wealth simply by being the King’s friend.
Perhaps if Piers offered better advice, or pushed Edward to think of England first and personal pleasures second, the Peers of the Realm wouldn’t have had to hunt him down and execute him. LBJ was a real bastard to work for, but at least he got things done in Congress and in the White House. The biggest failing of Piers was how he upset the strict hierarchy of English society and made a mockery of the system of fair government. If Piers had inspired Edward to run the Kingdom better, if he had delivered on his military goals, if there had been tangible results of campaigns in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and France, perhaps the peers of the realm would have put up with the insults and bad behavior. But Piers managed to produce nothing other than chaos and managed to acquire so much unearned wealth, at the expense of others, and help Edward lurch from one self-inflicted crisis after another, that the Peers of England used every method at their disposal to dispose of him: first through legal action and then less than legal action.
The Barons knew that Edward was a bad king because he only accepted advice from a terrible person: if only they could remove that terrible person, Edward would have to turn to more competent people. Unfortunately, they did not expect that Longshanks’s iron will would be inherited by his youngest son and would rear its ugly head when it came to Piers. Unfortunately, Edward’s inability to distinguish between good and bad friends did not end with the death of Piers Galveston: he fell into the same co-dependent relationship with Hugh Despenser the Younger; a man with the same greed and lack of empathy as Piers, but with the ability to actually plan and organize. Spoiler: he also was executed by the Peers of the Realm.
But, with all of what I have written, why is Piers known only for table forks? There is a significant amount of information about him: this paper is just a fraction of what has been written about his life in recent years. Why has he been relegated to a footnote in most history books? I believe that the Victorians tried to write him out of the history books. The relationship between Edward and Piers was not considered “kingly” or “moral” or “natural” in their opinion. A good deal of the Victorian history books boil down Piers Galveston as an effeminate sorcerer who cast a spell on young Edward to inflame what Oliver Wilde called, “the love that dare not speak its name” several centuries later.
However much past generations tried to ignore or cover up any hint of a homosexual relationship, if it existed, we have to acknowledge it. Not as a source of shame or sin, but as a description of two men who, while only knowing each other for a dozen or so years, were inseparable and willing to burn everything to the ground to be with one another. Despite what some people might think or say, homosexuality was not considered a cardinal sin through out the early middle ages. There were same sex marriages, often called spiritual brotherhoods, that were sanctified with the same prayers and rituals as those between men and women. While not encouraged, homosexuality was certainly tolerated, particularly among the peerage, as long as the men married women and sired “an heir and a spare” and did their jobs competently, whether for the government, guildhall, manor, or battle field. It is interesting to note that sex between men who were married to women was not considered adultery: I find that strange. However, in 1306 Andronikos II, the Byzantine Emperor, declared that sex between men would henceforth be a sin in the same category as incest and witchcraft and he wanted ban same sex marriages.
The same month that Longshanks banished Piers and Gilbert from Edward’s household, Pope Clement V made it his top priority to get young Edward married. Modern historians make the argument that Longshanks was a homophobe and got rid of Piers and Gilbert to keep his son from doing anything the King did not like. Edward Longshanks hated so many people, I am not surprised that he might have hated anyone who had the appearance of being gay, even his own son. Most of the references to Edward’s and Piers relationship were written not only after the death of Piers, but after Edward had fallen out of grace, himself. In the 1320s one anonymous chronicler wrote that when Edward first saw Piers he, “...fell so much in love that entered upon an enduring compact with him and chose and determined to knit an indissoluble bond of affection with him.” Chroniclers in the 16th century emphasized how Edward and Piers often shared a bed and kissed one another when they met after long absences. Bed sharing was common and a sign of trust and the French still kiss one another’s cheeks in friendship.
The Life of Edward II, written around 1326, the year before Edward’s execution, tells us, “Jonathan cherished David, Achilles loved Patroclus. But we do not read they were immoderate. Our King, however, was incapable of moderate favor, and on account of Piers was said to forget himself, and so Piers was accounted a sorcerer.” The Flores Historiarum, complied in 1325, describes Edward as “overcome with his own wickedness and desire for sinful, forbidden sex.” Again, written at a time when Edward was deeply unpopular for failed military campaigns, inadequately dealing with the massive flooding which set off a five year long famine, loss of tax revenue, loss of territories in France, et cetera.
We don’t know the exact truth of the relationship between Edward and Piers, and we certainly don’t know what went on in the King’s bedchamber. Charges of sin and sodomy were certainly used against Edward and the hated Hugh Despenser the Younger towards the end of Edward’s reign and life. Queen Isabella’s supporters certainly used it as one item in the list of justification of her civil war against her husband. The Tudors and Victorians certainly ran with the idea. It was one of the central themes of Christopher Marlow’s play, Edward II. A good deal of the myths of both Piers and Edward’s relationship date to the late 16th century, including the one about the red hot poker. Charges of homosexuality have been used to ruin people’s reputations for centuries. The claim, whether true or not, has often been used a cudgel to destroy lives and livelihoods. The Knights Templar were dissolved around this time and the order’s officers tortured and put on trial for, among other things, homosexuality, by the same Pope Clement who arraigned the marriage of Edward and Isabella. Then, as well as now, if you want to ruin the character of someone, call them a queer. Some things never change no matter how much they should.
Personally, I think that Edward truly loved Piers with all of his heart. And I think that Piers loved only himself. Piers had plenty of opportunities to put the King and Kingdom ahead of his own greed and ambition, but he never did anything to maintain peace in the realm. It is irreverent if they had an erotic or platonic relationship. There does not appear to be any mention of homosexuality during Piers’s lifetime. It wasn’t written down anywhere that has survived and it wasn’t mentioned during Piers’s “trial”. It wasn’t even mentioned in records accounting Piers’s first exile. The rush to get Edward married could just be Longshanks making sure that the Plantagenet line would continue: he was nearing 70 and had one surviving son. And Piers was probably enough of a jerk that Longshanks wanted him as far away as possible.
Victorian historians claim that Edward had to have been gay because he would not bed Isabella on their wedding night or on their coronation night. Which brings up an interesting question about these Victorian historians: what the hell? They thought that Edward having sex with a man was bad but having sex with a twelve year old girl was okay? What the hell? Many of the same historians use this same argument to “prove” that Richard II was gay, as well, because he would not have sex with Isabella of Valois, his seven year old bride. That’s not being gay, that’s being a decent and moral human being. In any case, Edward waited until Isabella was 16 before getting her pregnant (during Lent, no less). They had four children, and Edward had an illegitimate son with an unknown woman. Piers and Margaret had one child that survived (there is questionable evidence that a second daughter was born around 1310) and he also sired an illegitimate child with an unknown woman (probably not the same woman). Edward certainly fulfilled his duty of an “heir and a spare”.
It doesn’t matter if Edward and Piers were gay, straight, or bi, That really does not define who they were or justify their actions. Later historians and authors use this as a reason why they did bad things without examining actual recorded facts. The apparent gay charges against Edward and Piers were written years, even decades, after the death of the Earl of Cornwall. Some historians claim that Hugh Despenser the Younger was castrated, at his execution, because of sodomy (Christopher Marlow wrote it in his play). Except he wasn’t. Sodomy was considered a sin, in the 1320’s, but not one punishable by mutilation. And if it was, why wasn’t Piers castrated? He was only beheaded. Hugh was castrated because that was part of the horrible execution of Drawing and Quartering, the fate of a “robber, traitor, and a tyrant.” Piers was executed for his control over Edward’s patronage and access, for draining the royal treasury, for filling official offices with his own men, for creating a diplomatic nightmare with his coronation planning, and for being a low-born foreigner who insulted anyone and everyone he could; not because anyone disapproved of whose bed he was in. The historical gay-bashing was just used to avoid admitting that peers and anointed kings are just as human, and just as fallible. as everyone else.
As I have said, if Edward was a more competent king, and if Piers was a better advisor, this issue would barely make a footnote. Piers was like an out of work friend, sleeping on your couch, who insists that both of you go out drinking, every night, until 2am. And that you pay. He might be your best friend, but he’s probably not the best person to help you make important decisions. Eventually, your other friends, as well as your family and co-workers, are going to have an intervention. And in 1312, the highest peers of England held an intervention for Edward I and removed one of the most colorful and flamboyant characters of his time, for the good of the Crown and of England.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Chambers’s Journal of Popular Literature, Science and Arts, Volume 47. W & R Chambers, 1870.
Chaplais, Pierre. English Royal Documents: King John - Henry VI, 1199-1461. Clarendon Press, 1971.
Chaplais, Pierre. Piers Gaveston: Edward II’s Adoptive Brother. Clarendon Press, 1994.
Dodd, Gwilym; Musson, Anthony. The Reign of Edward II: New Perspectives. Boydell & Brewer, 2006.
Farquhar, Michael. A Treasury of Royal Scandals: The Shocking True Stories History’s Wickedest Weirdest Most Wanton Kings Queens. Penguin, 2001.
Fourteenthcenturyfiend. “A King & His People: The Controversial Coronation of Edward II, 1308.” Fourteenthcenturyfiend.com, 4 Mar. 2018, fourteenthcenturyfiend.com/2018/03/04/a-king-his-people-the-controversial-coronation-of-edward-ii-1308/#:~:text=In%201308%2C%20as%20Edward%20II,Engine%20and%20John%20le%20Tapyter.
Hamilton, J. S. Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, 1307-1312: Politics and Patronage in the Reign of Edward II. Wayne State University Press, Jan 1, 1988
Given-Wilson, Christopher. Edward II: The Terrors of Kingship. Penguin, 2016.
Jones, Dan. The Plantagenets: The Kings who Made England. Harper Press, 2012.
Larocque, Sylvain. Gay Marriage: The Story of a Canadian Social Revolution. James Lorimer & Company, 2006.
Measuring Worth - Purchasing Power of the Pound., www.measuringworth.com/calculators/ukcompare/.
Mortimer, Ian. The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century. Random House, 2012.
NOTES AND QUERIES. Volume 6 of Notes and Queries: A Medium of Intercommunication for Literary Men, General Readers ... Fourth Series. 1870.
Phelps Dodge, Walter. Piers Gaveston: A Chapter of Early Constitutional History. T. F. Unwin, 1899
Richardson, Matt. The Royal Book of Lists: An Irreverent Romp Through British Royal History from Alfred the Great. Dundurn, 2001.
Rosen, William. The Third Horseman: Climate Change and the Great Famine of the 14th Century. Penguin, May 15, 2014
Saul, Nigel. Fourteenth Century England, Volume 5. Boydell Press, 2008.
Spinks, Stephen. Edward II the Man: A Doomed Inheritance. Amberley Publishing Limited, 2017
Stratford, Jenny. Richard II and the English Royal Treasure. Boydell Press, 2012.
Thomas, Adrian E. The Life and Times of the English Princes of Wales. Troubador Publishing Ltd, 2015.
Warner, Kathryn. Edward II: The Unconventional King. Amberley Publishing Limited, 2014.
Warner, Kathryn. Isabella of France: The Rebel Queen. Amberley Publishing Limited, 2016.
Warner, Kathryn. Long Live the King: The Mysterious Fate of Edward II. History Press, 2017.
Warner, Kathryn. December 1312/October 1313: Edward II Makes Peace With Piers Gaveston’s Killers, 1 Feb. 2015, edwardthesecond.blogspot.com/2015/02/december-1312october-1313-edward-ii.html.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Scroll Text - Elisheva bint Sitt al-Sirr - Award of Arms 2015
Scroll Text - Elisheva bint Sitt al-Sirr - Award of Arms 2015
Kingdom of the West - Award of Arms
Foremost amongst the qualities of a lady be that she be good and discreet; to flee affectation or curiosities; have a good grace in all her doings; be of good conditions and well brought up, not to be haughty, envious, light, contentious, nor untowardly; have the virtues of the mind, as wisdom, justice, nobleness of courage, temperance, strength of the mind, continency, sobermoode, etc, etc. All these and more are shown by Elisheva bint Sitt al-Sirr, wherefore We, Fergus and Margarita, Prince and Princess of Oertha, are so moved to raise her to the rank of Lady and award her the following arms, Sable, three roses in pale and a gore Or. Done on this 16th day of January, as39.
based on the 16th C English "Of the chief conditions and qualityes in a wayting gentylwoman".
Scroll Text - Theodoric of York - Dragon’s Combatant 2016
Scroll Text - Theodoric of York - Dragon’s Combatant 2016
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - Martial AwardAttend all gentles and nobles unto whom these presents shall come and hear these words. Shooting is an art necessary for the knowledge of all sorts of men and women, useful both in peace and war. It is an honest pastime for the mind, and an wholesome exercise for the body, not vile for great people to use, nor costly for the poor to maintain, not lurking in holes and corners, for ill men at their pleasure to misuse it, but still abiding in the open fight and face of the world. Note that Theodoric of York has taken this wisdom and honed his skill to such a degree that we have turned our eyes towards him and moved our hands to paper and so are we moved to induct him into the Noble Order of the Dragon's Combatant for his skill of shooting, teaching, arrow and string making. Thus is this warrant signed by the hands of Magnus and Miriel, Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael, on the 17th day of September, at Summer's End, in the fair Canton of Beau Fleuve.
inspired by The Art of Archerie by Gervase Markham (1568-1637)
Scroll Text - Bovi Davidson - Dragon’s Concordium 2013
Scroll Text - Bovi Davidson - Dragon’s Concordium 2013
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - Service Award
Witness the will of Carolus and Isolda, Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael. It is the duty and the honour of the coronet to reward merit as it is due and so in recognition of the loyalty and many acts of selfless service rendered until us by one of our newest subjects, Bovi Davidson, we invite him into the Dragon’s Concordium and record this act so that in all places all may known what he has done. at Baronial Champs, June 8, AS48.
Scroll Text - Rhiannon Elandris of Glyndyfyrdwy - Court Barony 2016
Scroll Text - Rhiannon Elandris of Glyndyfyrdwy - Court Barony 2016
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Court Barony
Due commendations and greetings from Thomas Byron and Ariella, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc by right of Arms, to Our right trusty and wellbeloved Rhiannon Elandris of Glyndyfyrdwy. Whereas by the advice of those men and women with whom we have utmost trust, and in recognition of the decades of service which you have done for Shire, Barony, Canton, Principality and Kingdom, while upon horse or upon foot, we are minded to surround Ourselves with such barons as shall give us council in certain arduous and urgent and serious affairs concerning Us and the defense of Our Kingdom, that We command that you, waiving all excuses, place personally yourself before Us that we may make you a Baron of Our Court in recognition of the Service which you have done for more than a generation of souls within Our society. This act We do with joy in Our hearts on the 9th day of August, two score and eleven years after wise elders met at Mistland's Tourney, from which all days are numbered.
inspired by Summons of a Baron to Parliament (1295)
Scroll Text - Zosia Kowalewska - Cornelian 2012
Scroll Text - Zosia Kowalewska - Cornelian 2012
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Courtesy Award
Foremost amongst the qualities of a gentle lady be that she be of good conditions and well brought up, be good and discreete, commit no vice, nor yet to be had in suspicion of any vice, have the virtues of the mind as wisdom, justice, nobleness, courage, temperance, strength of mind, contingency, sober mood, have a sweetness in language, make her self beloved for her deserts, amiableness, and good grace. All these and more are shewn by Zosia Kowalewska, wherefore we induct her into the Order of the Cornelian. Done by the Hands of Khalek and Branwyn, Khan and Khatun of the Sylvan Empire of AEthelmearc, on this 8th day of December, AS 47, at Masked Ball, in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael.
based on the 16th C English "Of the chief conditions and qualityes in a wayting gentylwoman".
Scroll Text - Sarah Ballengee - Cornelian 2016
Scroll Text - Sarah Ballengee - Cornelian 2016
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Courtesy Award
Pray let all know the woman who is to be rewarded by the Crown according to the ancient traditions of the Sylvan Kingdom of AEthelmearc. Since it is certain that each one of those things that are so much the more easily are called upon by lords and ladies of the Realm, kindness, courtesy and chivalry, are so much the more prized by Ourselves, Our predecessors and Our heirs. Know, all who shall hear or see these present letters, that Sarah Ballengee's good humor and kindness is pleasing unto Our eyes and We will present unto her, with Our own hands, a Cornelian so that all shall know of her outstanding courtesy. Should anyone be against this gift, let them be seperated from Our Sylvan Lands and wander forever alone. Done by the hands Marcus and Marguirete, on the day of Our first Court, the 24th of September, AS 51, in Our Shire of Herontier.
inspired by A.D. 762. Sigered, king of Kent, to Eardwulf, bishop, to augment his monastery; grant of 1.5 iugera in the northern part of the city of Rochester.
Scroll Text - Jussi Laplein - Cornelian 2015
Scroll Text - Jussi Laplein - Cornelian 2015
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Courtesy Award
Come forth good and noble gentles and know the man who is to be rewarded by the Crown according to the ancient traditions of the Sylvan Kingdom of AEthelmearc. Since it is certain that each one of those things that are so much the more easily are called upon by lords and ladies of the Realm, kindness, courtesy and chivalry, are so much the more prized by Ourselves Our predecessors and Our heirs. Know, all who shall hear or see these present letters, that Jussi Laplein's good humor and kindness is pleasing unto Our eyes and We will to present unto him, with Our own hands, a Cornelian so that all shall know of his outstanding courtesy. Should anyone be against this gift, let them be seperated from Our Sylvan Lands and wander forever. Done by the hands of Timothy and Gabrielle, on the 2nd day of August, AS 50, at the Great Pennsic War.
inspired by A.D. 762. Sigered, king of Kent, to Eardwulf, bishop, to augment his monastery; grant of 1.5 iugera in the northern part of the city of Rochester.
Scroll Text - Best Mask - Masked Ball 2015
Scroll Text - Best Mask - Masked Ball 2015
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - A&S Tourney
Perpetual peace to all the nobles and gentles of the Rhydderich Hael seeing or hearing these presents. Since those things which are done lapse with the passage of time, and unless they are corroborated by written testimony, will easily slip the memories of men, and be changed, we wish it to be known to all people both now and in the future that we, Magnus and Murigel, 11th Baron and Baroness, are most pleased with the fine mask of {INSERT NAME HERE} and proclaim to all that he/she is the winner of the mask competition. Therefore, in order that no calumny may arise in the future, and in order that all doubt may be removed, we have strengthened this gift of ours, corroborating it in writing and with our hands at Masked Ball and our Investiture, December 12, AS ten and forty.
Inspired by the Grant of a House at Riga to the Men of Lübeck, 1231
Scroll Text - Archery Championship - War Practice 2012
Scroll Text - Archery Championship - War Practice 2012
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Martial Championship
Flights of arrows from skilled hands and bow protect Our Sylvan lands. Many archers stepped forward to compete on the range, but one showed such skill, determination and accuracy that We, Andreas, King by Right of Arms, and Kallista, Queen of Fair Beauty, do recognize and name {INSERT NAME HERE} Archery Champion of the Kingdom of AEthelmearc. In witness thereof do We proclaim and set Our pen to this paper on this 19th Day of May, AS XLVII, at War Practice, in the Canton of Steltonwald.
Scroll Text - Theowyndood - Award of Arms 2015
Scroll Text - Theowyndood - Award of Arms 2015
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Right trusty and welbeloved populace, we greet you well. And for as much as Our trusty and welbeloved Theowyndwood, who which is common unto Us out of Our Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, hath among other things reported unto Us of her skill with sword and with dance, and of her courage to join with Us Our army upon the fields of war, We Timothy and Gabrielle, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, are so moved to affirm and and award unto the aforementioned Theowyndwood such arms as she shall design under the guidance of Our college of heralds and do decree that from this day forward, she shall be known as Lady Theowyndood. Done by Our hands, August, as L, as Our army defends the fields of Pennsic and of all Our lands there.
inspired by a letter from Henry V to his officers dated 6/23/1442
Scroll Text - Nicodemus Ben Mordecha - Award of Arms 2014
Scroll Text - Nicodemus Ben Mordecha - Award of Arms 2014
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
All know that We, Timothy and Gabrielle, by Grace and Prowess Rightful King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, to all people to whom these presents shall come, greetings. Know ye that of Our special grace, certain skill, generosity, courtesy and ambition has come to Our notice and thus have given and granted, and by these presents for Us, Our Heirs and successors, do give and grant to Our trusty and welbeloved servant, Nicodemus Ben Mordecha, in our Castle in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais, such arms as shall be registered with Our College of Arms. And so that all shall know of Our will, he shall be known as Reb Nicodemus from henceforth. Witness Ourselves at the Shire's Silver Anniversary the 1st day of March, AS 48
Inspired by Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578
Scroll Text - Lettice Boniface - Award of Arms 2014
Scroll Text - Lettice Boniface - Award of Arms 2014
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Come and hear the words of Magnus Tindal Augustus and Etain Augusta. To the commoners and nobility of Sylvan AEthelmearc, greetings. We will and command you, Our subjects, to bear witness of the fine deeds of Lettice Boniface. For her work at the tollner's table, her service to those who are in need of sustenance and her work at Pennsic is most pleasing to Us and is deserving of Our attention. Thus, We will and command Our Herald to deliver, or cause to be delivered, unto Our welbeloved Lettice Boniface, the rank of Lady and such arms as are befitting of one of her new rank and besides such other benefits as We mean towards her for her said service. And these Our letters shall be sufficient warrant in this behalf. Given by Our hands, at our Castle in the Shire of Kings Crossing, the 10th day of May, AS49.
inspired by Privy Seal Letter from Elizabth I to the Treasure and Chamberlains of the Exchequer for payment of a certain sum to the person named therein (27 September, 1564)
Scroll Text - Hrolfr Fjarfell - Award of Arms 2016
Scroll Text - Hrolfr Fjarfell - Award of Arms 2016
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Let all gentles and nobles know by these present that We send peace and greatings. Wheras it has come to Our Notice the generous and chivalrous nature of one of Our subjects, We are moved to recognize and honor the skill of bow, the courtesy and grace that has been given to Ourselves, Our Kingdom and subjects. It is Our pleasure to call forward Hrolfr Fjarfell and award him such arms as shall be registered with Our College of Arms and bestow upon him all rights and responsibilities associated with nobility. So say We, Magnus Tindal and Etain, most August Imperiatori, at the Kingdom Twelfth Night and Saturnalia Celebration, the 9th day of January, as50
Scroll Text - Havoc atte Ree - Award of Arms 2014
Scroll Text - Havoc atte Ree - Award of Arms 2014
Kingdom of The West - Award of Arms
Unto all gentle and noble subjects unto whom these words shall come. We, Georg and Katarzina, Prince and Princess of Oertha, send unto you Our most heartfelt greetings. Wheras it has come to Our Notice the generous and chivalrous nature of one of Our subjects, We are moved to recognize and honor the courtesy and grace that has been given to Ourselves, Our Kingdom and subjects. It is Our pleasure to call forward Havoc atte Ree and award him with the following arms: Azure, two hawks respectant and a double-bitted axe inverted within a bordure dovetailed argent and bestow upon him all rights and responsibilities associated with nobility. Done by Our hands on the 23rd day of May, AS 33.
Scroll Text - Geirdis Riurkikova - Award of Arms 2014
Scroll Text - Geirdis Riurkikova - Award of Arms 2014
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
By the King and Queen of AEthelmearc, Rurik and Angelik, our right trusty and right welbeloved We greet you well. And for as muche as We ben informed that Our trusty and welbeloved Geirdís Riurikova has taken many tasks upon her shoulders, We are right pleased with the work she hath done for these, Our Sylvan Lands, that We are right moved to make of her a Lady and award her the following arms, Or, a talbot passant sable and on a chief embattled purpure three mullets of six points Or. Thus were Our hands moved on the 14th of July, AS43 at the Baronial Re-Investiture in the Baron of St. Swithin's Bog.
By the King and Queen of AEthelmearc, Rurik and Angelik, our right trusty and right welbeloved We greet you well. And for as muche as We ben informed that Our trusty and welbeloved Geirdís Riurikova has taken many tasks upon her shoulders, We are right pleased with the work she hath done for these, Our Sylvan Lands, that We are right moved to make of her a Lady and award her the following arms, Or, a talbot passant sable and on a chief embattled purpure three mullets of six points Or. Thus were Our hands moved on the 14th of July, AS43 at the Baronial Re-Investiture in the Baron of St. Swithin's Bog.
inspired by 1432-36SC1/44/8 Letter of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, to the Chancellor
Scroll Text - Elska Fjarfell - Award of Arms 2016
Scroll Text - Elska Fjarfell - Award of Arms 2016
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Send greatings to all good people of the Land and know that We, Magnus Tindal and Etain, basileos kai basilissa of AEthelemearc, wish peace unto all. Know ye that of Our special grace, certain skill, generosity, courtesy and ambition has come to Our notice. We are impressed by the work of Elska Fjarfell that We are moved give and awarde, and by these presents for Us, Our Heirs and successors, do give and award to Our trusty and welbeloved servant, Elska Fjarfell, as mentioned above, such arms as shall be registered with Our College of Arms. And so that all shall know of Our will, she shall be known as Lady Elska from henceforth. Witness Ourselves at the Kingdom Twelfth Night and Saturnalia Celebration, the 9th day of January, two score and ten years from the founding of Our Society.
Inspired by Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578
Scroll Text - Drusis - Award of Arms 2014
Scroll Text - Drusis - Award of Arms 2014
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Zephyrs of the air pass the knowledge of the words of Titus Scipio Germanicus and Anna Leigh, otherwise called King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc. To all present and to come which these letters shall see or hear, We sendeth health with all humble commendations will, and by reason ordain, that men of valiant and virtue be had in a perpetual memory. And where that Nobleness is once in a blood it may not be lost without too long continuance in sloth and vice. Also, Doctor Bartholomew in his treates of Tokens of Arms said, "If the Arms be once ours they may in no ways be taken away from us". And also recounted both in virtue and behaviour, worthy to bear the ancient tokens and mark of Nobleness and also, thus do We, the aforesaid King and Queen, and by the authority of the Crown, raise our trusty Drusis from the ranks of commoner and do award him with arms, title and honor and charge the aforesaid Lord Drusis to consult with Our College of Heralds to have created such arms unique to him that he may display them as he does service to Our fair Kingdom. Thus we have signed with Our hands these present letters, made and given at Port Oasis, on the day of the Sicilian's Revenge, the ides of November, AS nine and forty.
based on the Grant of Arms to Thomas Elyott, 1492
Scroll Text - Carrick MacBrian - Award of Arms 2014
Scroll Text - Carrick MacBrian - Award of Arms 2014
Kingdom of The West - Award of Arms
Gather ye and attend these present letters, know that We, Eyvindr and Cyneswith. Prince and Princess of the Mists, send greetings. Know ye that of Our special grace, certain skill, generosity, courtesy and ambition has come to Our notice and thus have and given and awarded, and by these presents for Us, Our Heirs and successors, do give and award to Our trusty and welbeloved servant Carrick MacBrian the right to bear the following arms, Per pale sable and gules, an orle of lozenges argent. And argent. And so that all shall know of OUr will, he shall be known as Lord Carrick from henceforth. Witness Ourselves on the 10th day of May, AS 43.
Inspired by Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte, June 11, 1578
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Scroll Text - Arlian - Award of Arms 2015
Scroll Text - Arlian - Award of Arms 2015
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
May it be known to all that Timothy, King by Right of Arms, and Gabrielle, Our Fair Queen, send greetings to the Barons, Lords and freemen of Our domains. Be it known that we have witnessed the flashing blades and noble skill of Our faithful and well-beloved subject, Arlian, and he has well impressed Us his skill as a swordsman and for his service to equip and transport other warriors to practices and musters where so ever they might be. And so, We are moved to raise him to the rank of Lord, and award him Arms, and charge the newly made Lord Arlian to consult with Our Heralds to construct such suitable Arms that he will bear from now until the end of time. And these Our letters shall be your Warrant in this behalf. Given by Our hands at War Practice, on this 16th day of May, as50.
inspired by a letter from Henry VII to the dean and chapter of Wells, dated April 9, 1495.
Scroll Text - Arik of House Gladiqui Scoparum - Award of Arms 2015
Scroll Text - Arik of House Gladiqui Scoparum - Award of Arms 2015
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Various are the traits that make a good warrior. Timothy, by skill and might, King of Sylvan AEthelmearc and Gabrielle, Queen of beauty and grace, to Our trusty and welbeloved servant, Arik of House Gladiqui Scoparum, on the reading or hearing of Our receipt, greetings. We will and charge you, for your skill with the blade and your courage in the shieldwall, set aside the life of the common soldier and prepare yourself for command as a Lord within Our army and Our Kingdom, for We will and desire to Award you Arms and command you, at your earliest convenience, consult with Our college of heralds for such Arms that you will bear from this day until the end of days. And these Our letters shall be your warrant in this behalf. Given under Our Signet on the twenty and seventh day of June, in the fiftieth year of the Society, in Our Barony of Thescorre, at Pax Interruptus.
inspired by a warrant to the Exchequer from Henry VII for the payment of 20 pounds to Sergeant Thomas Englisshe, 10/16/1498
Scroll Text - Aine ny Allane - Award of Arms 2014
Scroll Text - Aine ny Allane - Award of Arms 2014
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
O come all good people of the Land and know that We, Titus Scipio Germanicus and Anna Leigh, by Grace and Prowess Rightful King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, to all people to whom these presents shall come, greetings. Know ye that of Our special grace, certain skill, generosity, courtesy and ambition has come to Our notice. We are impressed by the work of Aine ny Allane in the art of war, to wit her efforts as waterbearer and in combat archery, as well as her work in the art of peace, to wit in the arena of social media and event documentation. So moved are We that We have given and awarded, and by these presents for Us, Our Heirs and successors, do give and award to Our trusty and welbeloved servant, Aine ny Allane, as mentioned above, in Our Castle in the Port of Oasis, such arms as shall be registered with Our College of Arms. And so that all shall know of Our will, she shall be known as Lady Aine from henceforth. Witness Ourselves at the Shire's Sicilian’s Revenge the 15th day of November, two score and nine years from the founding of Our Society.
Inspired by Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578
Scroll Text - Rhys Penbras Ap Dafydd - Award of Arms 2016
Scroll Text - Rhys Penbras Ap Dafydd - Award of Arms 2016
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Due greetings to all good people of the land and know that We, Thomas Byron and Ariella, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, wish peace unto all. Know ye that of Our special grace, certain skill, courtesy and ambition has come to Our notice. We are impressed by the hat making and service of Rhys Penbras Ap Dafydd that We are moved to affirm and award by these presents for Us, Our Heirs and successors, do affirm and award to Our trusty and welbeloved servant, Rhys Penbras Ap Dafydd, as mentioned above, such arms as shall be registered with Our College of Arms. And so that all shall know of Our will, he shall be known as Lord Rhys from henceforth. Witness Ourselves at Our final court, the 24th of September, AS 51, in Our Shire of Herontier.
Inspired by Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578
Scroll Text - Phoenius Von Valkenburg - Award of Arms 2013
Scroll Text - Phoenius Von Valkenburg - Award of Arms 2013
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Pay heed to the words of Maynard and Liadain, by grace and might King and Queen of AEthelmearc. It is the duty and the honor of the Crown to reward merit as it is due and so in recognition of the loyalty and service rendered, and of his quest for knowledge, by our subject Phoenius Von Valkenburg, We award unto him all rights to such arms as he shall register with the College of Arms so that in all places she may be numbered and counted among the nobles of this realm. Done the 14th day of September, AS 48 at Summer's End, in the Canton of Beau Fleuve.
Scroll Text - Joe the Silent - Award of Arms 2013
Scroll Text - Joe the Silent - Award of Arms 2013
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
All both present and future who shall see or hear these present letters, Timothy and Gabrielle, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, greetings. Justice desires and reason demands that those men of virtue and great heart shall be by their deeds and renown rewarded in this life by certain signs and shows of honour and nobility in order that others should be moved also to pass their days in feats of service and virtuous works. For this reason we, the above mentioned King and Queen, announce and affirm that Joe the Silent has followed the paths of virtue, especially in his service to the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, to an extent that he is worthy and deserving of Arms. He shall be in all places and in the company of other worthy and noble men received, counted, numbered and acclaimed as Lord Joe the Silent. And so all may know of his nobility we award him the right to bear such arms as shall be registered with Our College of Arms. Done on this 2nd day of November, AS48, at Hallowtide, in the Shire of Blackwater.
based on the grant of arms of Christopher Brown 1480
Scroll Text - Heero Himoura - Golden Alce 2012
Scroll Text - Heero Himoura - Golden Alce 2012
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Martial Award
As the tree grows, it stands to guard the home against the wind and the storm, so to does Heero Himoura stand to guard AEthelmearc. With sword and bow, with blade and arrow he stands ready to fight with honor. As Warrior and as Champion he places Kingdom and Barony above personal glory. Here kneels before us a man taking his first steps on the path of Bushido, the Way of the Samurai. To guide him on his Way, we Andreas and Kallista, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, do induct him into the Noble Order of the Golden Alce and furthermore Award unto him Arms that he shall bear so that the enemies of Our Realm shall known him by sight and flee from his wrath. Done with pen to paper, on this 5th of May, AS 47, at Crown Tournament.
Scroll Text - Alistair MacLeod - Award of Arms 2016
Scroll Text - Alistair MacLeod - Award of Arms 2016
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
O Alistair MacLeod, You stand before Thomas Byron and Ariella, Rightful King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc. Many are the crimes of which you have been accused. And for so much as we have been informed by nobles and gentles beyond reproach that you have been willfully seen retaining, conspiring to poach the King's deer and firing a crossbow within Our domains, acts not permitted to those of the common ranks. To take no action against you might stir and conspire means of commotion and insurrection showing against Our honor and estate, the common word of Our Land and Our Laws. We therefore would and desire that immediately after light of this, you are to be escorted to Our College of Heralds where, with consultation, a device worthy of a Lord shall be created for you as we mean to award you arms so that your service and your skill shall be done with Our blessing. And these Our letters shall be unto you in that behalf sufficient warrant. Given by Our hands At War Practice in the year of The Society fifty and one.
inspired by Sign Manual Warranty (English) for the Issue of the Great Seal) (2 December, 3 Edward IV)
Scroll Text - A&S Champion - Summer's End 2014
Scroll Text - A&S Champion - Summer's End 2014
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Champion
Due commendations and greetings to all those to whom these present letters shall come, greetings. Behold here Our honored subject, whose skill and talent is becoming of a champion of Our realm, is pleasing to Our eyes and the works of art presented to Us has been noted by Ourselves as exceptional among Our subjects competing for Our notice today. Thus, let all know that we have selected {_____________________________________} as Our Champion of Arts and Sciences and bestow the symbols of this office that all may know Our choice. So say We Magnus Tindal et Etain Nobilissimus Imperator AEthelmearc, on this 6th day of September, anno societatis nine and forty, at Summer's End, in Our Canton of Beau Flueve.
Scroll Text - Simonetta d'Alfassi - Award of Arms 2019
Scroll Text - Simonetta d'Alfassi - Award of Arms 2019
Kingdom of the Eath - Award of Arms
O good people of the Western Region. Various are the traits that make a good noble. Rhys, by skill and might, King of the East and Elaina, Queen of beauty and grace, to Our trusty and welbeloved servant, Simonetta d'Alfassi, on the reading or hearing of Our receipt, greetings. We will and charge you, for your skill with the knife and spatula and your command in the kitchen and of the side board, set aside the life of the commoner and prepare yourself for nobilty as a Lady within Our Kingdom, for We will and desire to Award you Arms and award you the following Arms that you will bear from this day until the end of days: Argent, a coney rampant contourny maintaining a wooden longbow proper nocked with an arrow sable, a chief invected azure. And these Our letters shall be your warrant in this behalf. Given under Our Signet on the third day of March, in the 25th year of the Society, in Our Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, at the Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon.
inspired by a warrant to the Exchequer from Henry VII for the payment of 20 pounds to Sergeant Thomas Englisshe, 10/16/1498
Scroll Text - Siobhan Readnait - Golden Alce 2017
Scroll Text - Siobhan Readnait - Golden Alce 2017
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Martial Award
Proclaim to all nobles and gentles these present letters hearing or seeing, Gareth and Juliana, Rex et Regina of Sylvan AEthelmearc send humble and due recommendation. For so much as We have been informed by many persons of the tenacious nature of the Hounds of Hael. How the pack will hunt down their prey along any path, regardless of where that path might lead or how treacherous that path might be. Furthermore, We have had word brought to Us of the archery skills of Siobhan Readnait, Lady and marshal. Of how she travels Our Kingdom shooting on any range she might find. We therefore will and desire that, immediately after the hearing of these words, induct you into Our Noble Order of the Golden Alce and these Our letters shall be Our warrant to you of your new station. So say We on this 4th day of November, AS 52, in Our Shire of Blackwater.
Scroll Text - Theowyndwood Keyote - Golden Alce 2018
Scroll Text - Theowyndwood Keyote - Golden Alce 2018
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Martial Award
Peace to all who would see, hear or read these words. For as much as Our trusty and welbeloved Theowyndwood Keyote has been seen in armor and under arms and has among other things reported to Us how Our enemies and adversaries are coming towards Our Realm to besiege it, We command that you keep your sword and shield about your person until such time that We have once again gathered Our army. That being said, We will and command that you take your place among and in the number of the Noble Order of the Golden Alce and wear the badge of Our said Order so that you might strike terror in the hearts of those who wish harm to Ourselves and Our Realm. Thus is Our will made into law by the hands of Sven, King by right of arms, and Siobhan, fearsome Queen in Her own right, at Summer's End, the second and twentieth day of September, AS 53, in the Canton of Beau Fleuve.
inspired by Letter from the King Edward IV to his officers (23 June, 1442).
Scroll Text - Thrown Weapons Tourney - Harvest Raid 2018
Scroll Text - Thrown Weapons Tourney - Harvest Raid 2018
Shire of Heronter - Martial Tourney
Let all hear these words of the skill of {INSERT NAME HERE} upon the darkened field of thrown weapons has shown and that, witnessed by many, has defeated all other who braved the dark of night and has earned the right to claim to be the winner of the Thrown Weapons Night Throw held on this 29th day of September, AS 53, at Harvest Raid and the Coronation of Anna Leigh.
Let all hear these words of the skill of {INSERT NAME HERE} upon the darkened field of thrown weapons has shown and that, witnessed by many, has defeated all other who braved the dark of night and has earned the right to claim to be the winner of the Thrown Weapons Night Throw held on this 29th day of September, AS 53, at Harvest Raid and the Coronation of Anna Leigh.
Scroll Text - Thrown Weapons Tourney - Harvest Raid 2018
Scroll Text - Thrown Weapons Tourney - Harvest Raid 2018
Shire of Heronter - Martial Tourney
Shires call for soldiers as Swedish ships are seen on the horizon, set on smashing, spoiling and shattering our simple peace. While swordsmen and women swing their sabres and stab with their spears, and the skillful archers shoot their shafts, throwers of sharp stilettos and axes did hold a series of sport to test their skill of smashing the center spot on the targets to sharpen their savvy in order to better scour and sweep away the snively sailors and slow assailants soon to be striving to invade our fair Kingdom. Of all of the scrappy aspirants that showed up, {INSERT NAME HERE} was the most successful. And thus is named the winner of the thrown weapons sweepstakes, done on this 29th day of September, AS 53, at Harvest Raid and the Coronation of Anna Leigh.
Scroll Text - Bardic Champion - Baronial Champs 2018
Scroll Text - Bardic Champion - Baronial Champs 2018
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - Bardic Championship
None may know the true extent of our pleasure on this day. The hall was filled with many bardic voices, music, stories and song. It is with great pleasure that we proclaim {___________________} as the Bardic Champion of the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael. Done by the hands of Magnus and Murigel, Baron and Baroness of the aforesaid Barony of the Rhydderich Hael. So given in the final year of our reign, Anno Societatis XLVIII (53), on this day of Baronial food and merriment.
Scroll Text - Queen's Rapier Champion - QRC 2018
Scroll Text - Queen's Rapier Champion - QRC 2018
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Martial Championship
{________________________________}, you have caught the eyes of Sven and Siobhan, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, for the skill of arms which you have shown within the rapier lists at the Spring Rapier Championship. So impressed are We that We are moved to name you, above all others, as the Queen's Rapier Champion. Done on this second day of June, AS 53, by Our hands in front of all here assembled in Our Dominion of Myrkfaelinn.
Scroll Text - Baron and Baroness Choice - Ice Dragon 2018
Scroll Text - Baron and Baroness Choice - Ice Dragon 2018
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - A&S Tourney
{Insert Name Here}, pray attend the words of Magnus and Muriel, Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael. Let all here present hear our praises for the skill and craft of your entry into the Ice Dragon Pentathalon, that was witnessed by so many. You have impressed our eyes and earned the right to claim to be our choice of the finest work of the arts and sciences, held on this 14th day of April, in the year of the Society three and fifty, at Ice Dragon.
Scroll Text - Ulrich - Award of Arms 2019
Scroll Text - Ulrich - Award of Arms 2019
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Salutations and greetings all who shall see or hear these present letters, Gareth and Juliana, Rex et Regina of Sylvan AEthelmearc, bids you well. Justice desires and reason demands that those men and women of virtue and great heart shall be by their deeds and renown rewarded in this life by certain signs and shows of honour and nobility in order that others should be moved also to pass their days in feats of service and virtuous works. For this reason We, the above mentioned Rex et Regina, announce and affirm that Ulrich has followed the paths of virtue, especially in his service to the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog and to the Crown, to an extent that he is worthy and deserving of Arms. He shall be in all places and in the company of other worthy and noble people received, counted, numbered and acclaimed as Lord Ulrich. And so all may know of his nobility we award him the right to bear such arms as shall be registered with Our College of Arms. Done on this 30th day of January, AS52, at 12th Night, in the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog.
based on the grant of arms of Christopher Brown 1480
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Scroll Text - Robert Ferness - Fleur de AEthelmearc 2019
Scroll Text - Robert Ferness - Fleur de AEthelmearc 2019
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award
O, now hear the words of Anna Leigh, Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, right trusty and welbeloved. Forasmuch as We, of Our special grace, in consideration of the true and faithful skill of the arts and sciences which Our welbeloved servant Robert Ferness hath done unto Us and Our Kingdom, know that We have given and granted unto him a place within our Noble Order of the Fleur where We had noticed his absence before hand. We further grant him leave to wear the badge of the said Order as he sees fit for one of his new station and further grant unto him all said rights and duties of the Order and demand that the Order receive and admit the said Robert without delay; and these Our Letters shall be your Warrant. Further, do We Give and Grant him the following Arms that he and he alone shall bare from this day until the the end of days: Per chevron chevronelly Or and gules, and Or, in base a ship in full sail gules, all within a bordure embattled sable. Given by Our hands at the Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins, in the Barony of Delftwood, on the 9th day of February, 53 years since the founding of Our Society.
Inspired by Signet Letter for the Issue of Letters under the Privy Seal only (20 Nov., 16 Edward IV)
Scroll Text - Rapier Tourney Winner - Ice Dragon 2019
Scroll Text - Rapier Tourney Winner - Ice Dragon 2019
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - Martial Tourney
{________________________________}, pay heed to the words of Padraig and Juliana, 12th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael. To the nobles and commons within seeing or hearing of these words, it is our wish and desire to recognize your and your partner's noble skill of fencing, said skill with the sword did impress our eyes and so moved hand to paper and name you the winners of the Ice Dragon Two-person melee and trivia competition, held on the 13th day of April, AS 53, in the Barony of Rhydderich Hael, at Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon.
Inspired by Henry VII's warrant for an imprest at the receipt of the Exchequer, 10/16/1498
Scroll Text - 2nd Place Pent - Ice Dragon 2019
Scroll Text - 2nd Place Pent - Ice Dragon 2019
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - A&S Tourney
All in Herring of these present letters of Padraig and Juliana, 12th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael. It our Porpoise to recognize those whose grace, skill, knowledge and service bring honor and glory to our fair Kingdom. We wish to take the op-Pearch-Tuna-ty to Wrassetle with the difficult problem of how to recognize {__________________________________________}. As we weigh his/her deeds on our o-Fish-al Scales, we must admit that he/she does Reely good work. Not Fish-standing the brief amount of time he/she had to School us, his/her Turbot-charged work can be seen all over the Plaice. Never Flounder-ing, never Koi, never Shell-fish in his/her work, the Moray he/she creates, in his/her Divers and So-Fish-i-cated way, the better Our Kingdom becomes. So much good works of arts and sciences that, after we took time to Mullet over, we were moved to act. Thus do we wish him/her no Gill treatment and, for his/her Bereeft do some-Fin nice for him/her, are moved to name him/her as the second place winner of the Ice Dragon Pentathalon. And Shoal anyone gainstay our decision, and Anchor Us, let them pray for their Sole and seek a Sturgeon. Done on this 13th day of April, AS 53.
Scroll Text - Davin ap Einion - Keystone 2019
Scroll Text - Davin ap Einion - Keystone 2019
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Service Award
Tell one and all the words of Gareth and Juliana otherwise called King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc. As it appears for so much as the Order of the Keystone, right Noble company, is, before this day, short of a full compliment. We have been moved to take action this day. We have been informed, by nobles and gentles beyond reproach, of the service of Davin ap Einion. We are well pleased by the deeds of service that he has performed and the work he has done for Our Kingdom and Our Baronies and are so moved to declare that he may be in all places honourably admitted, renowned, counted, numbered and received among the number and in the company of the Order of the Keystone. And if any does dare challange Our Will in this manner, let Our wrath fall upon them like a thundering storm upon a field of barley. Thus is Our will made into law on the third and tenth day of April, AS 53 (LXIII), in Our Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, at the Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon.
inpired by Grant of Arms to the Carpenters Company of London, 1466
Scroll Text - Archery Champion - Baronial Champs 2019
Scroll Text - Archery Champion - Baronial Champs 2019
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - Archery Championship
It has come to Our notice the notable skill of arms shown on the range that we are so moved to take action. Thus, be it known that we have selected {_____________________________________________} as our archery champion and to wear Our regalia so that all may know our will in this matter. In witness whereof we have caused to be made these Our letters. Witnessed ourselves in the 53rd year of the Society.
Scroll Text - Cynwulf Rendell - Captain of Archers Emeritus 2019
Scroll Text - Cynwulf Rendell - Captain of Archers Emeritus 2019
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - ServiceCome hear the words of Padraig and Juliana, 12th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael, to our most beloved Cynwulf Rendell, of late our Captain of Archers and guiding hand of the Hounds of Hael. Since we have had consultation with the Hounds, and other archers of lessor reputation, with regard to the quantity and quality of service which you hath done for ourselves, our predecessors, our Canton, and our Barony, we are so moved to take action on this day and to name you as Captain of Archers Emeritus. In witness do we, Padraig and Juliana, the aforesaid Baron and Baroness, commit our hands to paper on this 24th day of August, at Summer's End, in our Canton of Beau Flueve.
inspired by the 1295 Summons of Representatives of Shires and Towns to Parliament
Scroll Text - A&S Champion - Seven Pearls 2019
Scroll Text - A&S Champion - Seven Pearls 2019
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - A&S Tourney
Monday, June 8, 2020
Scroll Text - Royalty Choice - Summer's End 2019
Scroll Text - Royalty Choice - Summer's End 2019
Baron of the Rhydderich Hael - A&S Tourney
Royal eyes did examine the works of Arts and Sciences, on this day, and it is the wish and desire of Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, to hold up before all the fair works of the trusty and welbeloved subject {______________________} whose skill in the said Arts and Sciences did impress royal eyes and so moved hand to paper and name you and your work the Royalty's Choice at the Summer's End A&S Competition, held on this 24th day of August, four years plus two score and ten after wise elders met at Mistland's Tourney, from which all days are numbered.
Inspired by Henry VII's warrant for an imprest at the receipt of the Exchequer, 10/16/1498
Scroll Text - Ursus Epicurius - Keystone 2017
Scroll Text - Ursus Epicurius - Keystone 2017
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Service Award
Come forth good and noble gentles and know the will of Marcus and Marguirete, King and Queen of AEthelmearc. Since human memory is short and does not suffice for a crowd of things, the authority of those who preceded Us has decreed that those things were to be written down which the progress of fleeting time generally removes from the knowledge of men. Wherefore let the generality of the present as well as the future subjects of Our Kingdom know, that Ursus Epicurius, the Castellan of the Rhydderich Hael, for the reason that he greatly impressed us with his service at Demos and in the kitchen, and is in all ways a benefit to Us and Our kingdom, has incurred Our pleasure. We, therefore, after deliberating with Our councilors, have agreed to induct the aforesaid Ursus Epicurius into the Noble Order of the Keystone. We do confirm, therefore, this lawful award of Our Royal Majesty onto Ursus, as mentioned above. And wishing this to remain valid for all posterity, We forbid by a royal edict that any one, with rash daring, infringe it or in any way attempt to violate it; and We validly corroborate this Our decree by the present privilege with Our hands, this 8th day of April, in the fifty-first year of the Society, at the Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon, in Our Barony of the Rhydderich Hael.
Inspired by the Gelnhausen Charter; 1180
Scroll Text - Pent Winner - Ice Dragon 2020
Scroll Text - Pent Winner - Ice Dragon 2020
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - A&S Tourney
Caw forth good and noble gentles and know the Pheasant words of Padraig and Juliana, 12th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael. It is difficult for one person to judge the Ice Dragon A&S Penthalon, but Tucan do a better job. Many people did enter the Pent, but one stands Owl alone. {______________________________________}, you are certainly Quail-ified for this honor. This will certainly be a feather in your Capon. Everyone was Flocking to see your work, and the judges enjoyed the Tweetment of your documentation. We hope that this attention is not too much of a Birden. And Beak-cause of your skill and Talons, we are feeling Emu-tional when we declare you the winner of the Ice Dragon Penthalon. We hope that you will Crow away and start to Egg-plore next year's project. We hope that you will Tern your hands to something new and that these words will not Cheep-en your victory. Done Heron this 21st day of March, AS54, in the ancient lands of Dunn Carraig, once a Canton of the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael.
The event was postponed for a year due to COVID19.
The scroll was presented at Ice Dragon 2022. There was much.... not rejoicing, what's the word? Groaning?
Scroll Text - Meg MacNeil - Award of Arms 2019
Scroll Text - Meg MacNeil - Award of Arms 2019
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Due honors to all who would see, hear or read these words. For as much as Our trusty and welbeloved Meg MacNeil has been seen in armor and under arms and has among other things reported to Us how Our enemies and adversaries are coming towards Our Realm to besiege it, We command that you keep your sword and shield about your person until such time that We have once again gathered Our army. That being said, We will and command that you take your place among and in the number of the Nobilty and thus do We Award you these arms, Per bend sinister azure and vert, a bend sinister and in dexter chief a sea-mew volant argent, so that you might strike terror in the hearts of those who wish harm to Ourselves and Our Realm. Thus is Our will made into law by the hands of Marcus, King by right of arms, and Marguerite, fearsome Queen in Her own right, at Heronter's 12th Night, the four and tenth day of Janurary, AS LI, in the Shire of Heronter.
inspired by Letter from the King Edward IV to his officers (23 June, 1442).
Scroll Text - Grace Fenix - Award of Arms 2020
Scroll Text - Grace Fenix - Award of Arms 2020
Kingdom of Caid - Award of Arms
Due greetings to all good people of the land and know that We, Alaric II & Carynsa, King and Queen of Fair Caid, wish peace unto all. Know ye that of Our special grace, certain skill, courtesy and ambition has come to Our notice. We are impressed by the service of Grace Fenix that We are moved to affirm and award by these presents for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, do affirm and award to Our trusty and welbeloved servant, Grace Fenix, as mentioned above, the following Arms: Purpure, an owl stooping argent. And so that all shall know of Our will, she shall be known as Lady Grace from henceforth. Witness Ourselves on the 31st of August, AS 38, in the presence of all assembled.
Inspired by Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578
Scroll Text - Oddkatla Jonsdottir - Millrind 2020
Scroll Text - Oddkatla Jonsdottir - Millrind 2020
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Service Award
Oddkatla Jonsdottir hear these words from The King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc. Since we have had consultation and meeting with the peers, barons, baronesses, lords, ladies and other principal people of Our Kingdom with regard to the quantity and quality your service, both great and small, which you hath done for Our Kingdom, Ourselves and Our Predecessors. We will command you, strictly enjoining you in the fidelity and allegiance in which you are bound to Us, that on the 8th day of August, in the 52nd year of our society, you accept from Our hands the token of the Noble Order of the Millrind and do join the said Order without delay or excuse. In witness do We, Timothy and Gabrielle, the aforesaid King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, commit Our hand to paper at the Great Pennsic War at Our Grand Court.
inspired by Summons of a Baron to Parliament (1295)
Scroll Text - Ragnar inn Raudi - Silver Alce 2020
Scroll Text - Ragnar inn Raudi - Silver Alce 2020
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Youth Martial Award
Do hear these words, oh noble crowd, of Timothy and Gabrielle. We wish it to be known, to all people, that for the skill and deed of arms that We have witnessed, We have agreed with Our advisors and judges that those aforementioned skills and deeds are worthy of note and proclaim and that Our welbeloved Ragnar inn Raudi should be from this moment on be included into the Noble Order of the Silver Alce, done in the Barony of Delftwood in the presence of the finest Knights, Gages, and Alces who shall bare witness to Our Will. Done by Our hands in the year of the Society 54, Feburary the 1st.
based, in part, on Coinage Agreement Between Hamburg and Lübeck, 1255.
Scroll Text - Rapier Tourney - Summer's End 2019
Scroll Text - Rapier Tourney - Summer's End 2019
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - Martial Tourney
To all who shall hear or see these words. {________________________________}, you have caught the eyes of Padraig and Juliana, 12th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael, for the skill of arms which you have shown within the rapier lists at Summer's End. So impressed are we that we are moved to name you, above all others, as the victor of the said Summer's End Rapier tourney. Done on this 21st day of March, AS54, in the enscaled Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, by our hands in front of all here assembled.
Scroll Text - Speed Tourney - Ice Dragon 2020
Scroll Text - Speed Tourney - Ice Dragon 2020
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - Martial Tourney
O wagers of war and of peace, hear these words. A fierce and might warrior, {_________________}, did show martial prowess, especially at speed, and did best all in armor who stepped upon the list. So quick was their blade swung that the MoLs were forces to tally the points by counting the bodies of the slain that were left where they had fallen. So impressed are we, Padraig and Juliana, 12th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael, are moved to name you, above all others, as the victor of the Ice Dragon Speed Tourney. Done on the 21st day of March, AS54
Scroll Text - Robert O'Conner - Pelican Writ 2017
Scroll Text - Robert O'Conner - Pelican Writ 2017
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Writ for Pelican
inspired by Privy Seal Letter {Draft) to serve as a Letter of Credence to the royal Commissioners for raising a forced loan, with a departmental direction as to the style of Address to be employed (21 July, '22 Edward IV).
Scroll Text - Elizabeth Arrowsmyth - Sycamore 2017
Scroll Text - Elizabeth Arrowsmyth - Sycamore 2017
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award
inspired by the Grant of Arms to the London Weavers Company, 1490
Scroll Text - Baron's Choice - A&S 2010
Scroll Text - Baron's Choice - A&S 2010
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - A&S Tourney
At the Ice Dragon Pent many people came and went, all wished to be the winningist winner of the best.
But how to choose the best? How to pick one out of the rest?
But how to choose the best? How to pick one out of the rest?
What to do? Too many choices, too many to be seen. I know, I'll use the Patented Baron's Choice Garfunkle Machine.
Just pull the lever and twist the knob. Gefilte the fish and plumb the bob.
Twirl the gawhirl and release the gavlease and a name comes out as fast as you please. Will it succeed? Yes, indeed! Ninety-eight and three quarters percent guaranteed.
With a whirl of the gaflig and the sprong of the kafloo, it chose you {insert name}, that's who!
You have been picked by the Baron as most nice, even though you made it out of mice,
At Ice Dragon Anno Societatis 44, and we hope you come back next year and enter some more.
Scroll Text - Petition to the Crown - 2018
Scroll Text - Petition to the Crown - 2018
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - Petition to the Crown
May it please Her Majesty, Her hard-working and long-suffering Excellencies, Baron Magnus de Lyons and Baroness Miriel du Lac, being in need of a well deserved Rest, the grateful subjects of your Loyal Barony have sought high and low among the Populace, in search of those Just and Trustworthy individuals who, by dint of their Wisdom, Courtesy, and Hard Work have been judged Worthy to rule our land in Your Name. The merits of each candidate have been weighed and the people have chosen.
Therefore, at the behest of the undersigned members of the Rhydderich Hael, I request that, if it please Your Majesty, You Invest THL Padraig O’Brandubh and Mistress Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Siena as the Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael.
In Service to the Dream Baron Rhiannon Elandris of Glyndyfyrdwy
Scroll Text - Thrown Weapons Tourney 2018
Scroll Text - Thrown Weapons Tourney 2018
Shire of Heronter - Thrown Weapons Tourney
Scroll Text - Juliana Rosalia Dolce da Siena - Golden Bee 2018
Scroll Text - Juliana Rosalia Dolce da Siena - Golden Bee 2018
Barony of the Rhydderich Hael - A&S Award
Inspired by the Grant of Arms to the London Weavers Company, 1490
Scroll Text - Thalia Papillon - Golden Alce 2018
Scroll Text - Thalia Papillon - Golden Alce 2018
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Marital Award
based on the 16th C English "Of the chief conditions and qualityes in a wayting gentylwoman".
Scroll Text - Snorri sketi Bjornnson - Award of Arms 2017
Scroll Text - Snorri sketi Bjornnson - Award of Arms 2017
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Award of Arms
Inspired by A Statue imposed by King Henry VIII and written by the King in the 6th year of his reign (1515) was an amended, more specifically detailed version to replace an earlier Royal Statute of 1363
Scroll Text - Fauna - Keystone 2020
Scroll Text - Fauna - Keystone 2020
Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Service award
Scroll Text - Grace Fenix - Harp Argent 2020
Scroll Text - Grace Fenix - Harp Argent 2020
Kingdom of Caid - A&S awardCome hear the words of Patrick II & Kara II, King and Queen of Fair Caid. We have heard Sew much about Our Welbeolved Grace Fenix and Needled to tell the Kingdom about her. Let Us Cut to the point and Gather Our thoughts. Nothing about her is what it Seams. While she is always working and making garb, she never Seam-stressed. She never Quilts. Never Unravels, she always offers Purls of wisdom that gets to the Knitty-gritty of the Fabric of the problem. She makes garb for the Shear fun of it. We have heard of her Pattern of Arts and Service and, Needle-less to say, We be-Weave that she has has earned Our attentions, and thus to We induct her into the Harp Argent and give her the right to bear the Thimbles of the Noble Order. And if any seeks to gainstay us, We advise them not to be Spoolish and to keep their Darn mouths shut or else they might get Stitches. Done by Our hands on this 7th day of July, AS XLVII, with all of Our Backing.
Sunday, June 7, 2020
Vivat vs Vivant
Hello, my fellow AEthelmartians. And any Easterners who might read this.
I am Baron Caleb and I would like to take a moment to point out the difference between "Vivat" and Vivant". There appears to be some confusion as to what is the official cheer of our fair Kingdom. Vivat is Latin and it loosely translates to "he lives." Generally accepted as a cry wishing someone long life and prosperity. But because it's Latin, we can't have just one word.
Vivo: "I live".
Vivi: "We live".
Vavat: "That person lives".
Vivant: "Those people live".
Vivet: "That person lives, sometime in the future, but not right now."
Vivent: "Those people live, sometime in the future, but not right now."
And, of course, there are passive voice versions of them as well, in addition to feminine derivations and personal and impersonal conjugations, and.... Look, this is why Rome conquered so much territory: They sent in teachers, first, to teach the natives Latin. then the Legions marched in, but no one could figure out how to correctly say "go home" in Latin. "I go to my home!" No, wait, "That person there, go to my home!" No, wait. "That person there go to your home." Hang on. "All of you people, now, go to your homes, in the future." Screw it, I give up. Just stay.
In any case. for AEthelmearc: Vivat for one person. Vivant for more than one person.
Thank you for your time.
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