The following is the hand out to a class I taught about how to improve the wordsmithing on scroll text. I made the handout and gave the class about a month before the
Compleat Anachronist published an issue on award texts. Todd Fischer's publication is identical to mine, only better written, more detailed, more articulate... Okay, so it's nothing like my class.
All of the examples in this handout, with the exception of the stock text from Caid, is by my hand.
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Period Texts: How to make our scrolls more gooder.
An introduction to how to find period texts and adapt them for SCA scrolls.
The purpose of this class is to help scribes produce better wordsmithing for the scrolls awarded in our Kingdom (AEthelmearc). It is not a requirement to use period text, but we can uses period sources to improve our wordsmithing. AEthelmearc has no mandatory fixed text used for any award; any text can be used as long as the scroll text contains the following:
- The name of the recipient
- The name of the granting nobles
- The recognition being bestowed
- The date the award was bestowed.
Outside of these items, the scribe is free to use whatever words he or she wishes (within reason). It is perfectly acceptable to use modern words and phases, or to use stock wording for each scroll, but, as a historical society, we can do better.
One of the reasons why AEthelmearc is the best Kingdom to live in [so said 100% of the people writing this blog] is the free reign our scribes have in producing scrolls. Some Kingdoms have stock wording that must be on each scroll; for example:
Be it known to all nobility by these presents that We, Guy et Darla, King and Queen of Caid, send greetings. We hereby elevate Our subject Michael Gulliver to the Order of the Dolphin of Caid, for that he served this Realm far and above the normal expectation of his rank, and for which cause We do publicly commend him. Given under Our hand and seal this 28th day of January, AS 23.
Pleasant enough, and it covers the four basic requirements for a scroll, but if Their Majesties of Caid present four or five Dolphins at the same event, Their court starts to sound like a sing-a-long. Scribes in Caid are allowed to change the opening and closing lines, but that’s about it. To my mind, this appears to be a cookie-cutter approach to scribing; no matter what one did, one will receive the same speech as everyone else and the audience would never know why the recipient was being so honored.
By looking at historical texts, and by customizing the scroll to the individual, we can produce a unique award for each person. Compare the stock AoA-level service wording from Caid with some custom words inspired by "a Privy Seal Letter from Queen Elizabeth I to the Treasurer of the Exchequer for the payment of a certain sum to the person named therein":
As by the Grace of Heaven Maynard and Liadain, sovereigns of Sylvan AEthelmearc, to the Order, greeting. We will and command of you, Our Order, at the receipt of Our missive to deliver or cause to be delivered before Us Our welbeloved Marcán an Fhasaigh, also known as Eachmharcach an Fhasaigh, Lady, in consideration of such service as she hath done unto Us by graceful equestrian skills, marshalling, service at demos, fantastic side boards, wonderful tokens, banners and shields in this and divers other Kingdoms, and acclaim her over and above such accolade as she hath already, as a member of your Order. And these Our Letters shall be sufficient warrant in her behalf that this Keystone is given under Our Privie Seal, the 22nd of June, at the Army Muster and Equestrian Event held in the Shire of Stormsport.
Far more personal to the recipient and more fun for the heralds to read. By investing in a little time and effort, we can elevate one’s experience in court from a piece of paper and a handshake to a very personal moment in the spotlight. We can break down the wording into sections:
- Opening line.
- Introduction of royalty.
- Greetings and salutations.
- Name of the recipient.
- Reason why the recipient was called forward.
- Notification of the award.
- Description of arms, when they are awarded, granted or patented.
- Confirmation of the action.
- Date and place the action took place.
These sections can be given in any order. Let us examine another text inspired by the same source as above:
Opening line: Come and hear the words of
Introduction of royalty: Magnus Tindal Augustus and Etain Augusta
Greetings and salutations: To the commoners and nobility of Sylvan AEthelmearc, greetings.
Name of the recipient: bear witness of the fine deeds of Lettice Boniface.
Reason why the recipient was called forward: 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.
Notification of the award: the rank of Lady and such arms as are befitting of one of her new rank
Confirmation of the action: And these Our letters shall be sufficient warrant in this behalf.
Date and place the action took place: at our Castle in the Shire of Kings Crossing, the 10th day of May, AS49.
Anything else is icing on the cake:
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.
Opening lines:
The initial line should be strong enough for the herald to capture the attention of the court. The following link will take you to Caid’s scribal page to a plethora of opening phrases:
http://wiki.caid-commons.org/index.php/Opening_Phrases
Introduction of royalty:
Check with the signet to see if the royalty wishes to be addressed in a particular way. Titus Scipio Germanicus and Anna Leigh, not Titus and Anna. Baron Eric, not Grendel. Khan and Khatun, in place of King and Queen. Magnus Tindal et Etain Basileus kai AEthelmearc. Take some time to personalize the introduction; instead of X and Y, try to give them some life:
- Carolus and Isolda, Baron and Baroness of fair Rhydderich Hael and strong Beau Fleuve.
- Their Slyvan Majesties, Isenwulf, Fair and Handsome King, and Rosalinda, Queen of the swift blade.
- Andreas, King by Right of Arms, and Kallista, Queen of Fair Beauty.
- Greetings from Their Stellar Majesties, Siegfried, King by right of arms, and Gwyneth, Our Queen of beauty and grace.
- James I, King by right of arms, and Elina I, Queen of mercy.
- Greetings from Caleb, 9th Baron of these lands.
Greetings and salutations:
This can be part of the opening phrase:
- Greetings unto all to whom these presents come.
- Due commendations and greetings to all those to whom these present letters shall come, greetings.
- All both present and future who shall see or hear these present letters, Timothy and Gabrielle, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, greetings.
Or, it can be a separate line:
- ...to all people to whom these presents shall come, greetings.
- ...our right trusty and right welbeloved We greet you well
- To the commoners and nobility of Sylvan AEthelmearc, greetings.
- ...send humble and due recommendation.
Name of the recipient:
This is pretty self explanatory, it is the name of the person to whom this scroll is intended. Feel free to include any nicknames. Existing titles are not required when introducing the person, but a title can be added for flavor:
- Una O’Hearain, Lady
- Our trusty and welbeloved servant, Nicodemus Ben Mordecha ... he shall be known as Reb Nicodemus from henceforth
- ...our well beloved Aquila d’Athos, citizen of Thescorre...
- Our welbeloved Marcán an Fhasaigh, also known as Eachmharcach an Fhasaigh, Lady
- Lord Daidalos Pagkration
- ...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...
- ...to the trusty and wellbeloved warrior...
- ...do award Edward DeMichel Martel arms ... and call him forth from this day Lord Edward
There are certain times where it might not be possible to include the name of the recipient; for instance a tournament scroll written in a particular hand by someone who would not be available to write in a name. Or an image made up of text. Come up with generic language to replace the space where a name, or a space of a name, would be.
- ...pay heed and know that the bearer of this document is entitled to wear Our insignia and shall act as Our Archery Champion...
- ...that the one who stands before us shall now be known as the winner of the Bear Pit Challenge.
Reason why the recipient was called forward:
This is place to really personalize the scroll. Use this section to praise the recipient. This not only tells the audience why this person is being honored, but tells the recipient that people were paying attention to them.
- There is one among us who has made a great impression by taking up the pen and brush and setting to paper works of wondrous beauty.
- As Autocrat, she has brought gentles together. As Minister of Arts and Sciences she has encouraged gentles to make wondrous things. As baker she has fed many.
- Rawnie De Douglas has served as Falcon’s Keep’s Minister of Youth, Pursuivant, and is currently their Minister of Arts and Sciences, she has planned many youth activities at events and has opened her home to others for meetings.
- 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.
- 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. For the many times that he has joined hands with others and danced the night away. For the service that he gives to his home group. For the support he gives at demos and furthermore for goat wrestling. Yes, We have indeed heard of Richard Kempe’s skill at goat wrestling.
Notification of the award:
This describes the actual award or honor that is being given to the recipient. Whether it is an award of arms, induction into a martial order, a tourney winner, a sigil or a ducal title, it must be spelled out.
- ...do induct him into the Noble Order of the Golden Alce and furthermore Award unto him Arms that he shall bear.
- ...induct him into the most noble Order of the Cornelian and bestow upon him all rights and responsibilities associated with The Order.
- ...bestow upon Rawnie an Award of Arms conveying upon her all the rights and responsibilities
- Thus do we call forward the Venerable Order of the Ice Dragon and proclaim that from this day forward, the list of this ancient order will contain her name.
- ...do We induct him into the Order of the White Horn and lay upon him all Rights and Privileges of That Order. Furthermore, we have given him licence to wear the badge of the Order and to Throw in the Name and Honor of the Kingdom.
- ...induct him into the Order of the Keystone...
- ...we name you the Ice Dragon Youth Combat Champion.
Description of arms, when they are awarded, granted or patented:
If the recipient has passed arms, and they are being awarded arms, list the blazon of their arms.
- ...by these words, award him the following arms, Azure, a lion and on a chief erminois three mullets of ten points azure and, further, award him the rank of Lord...
- He shall henceforth have the sole right to bear the following arms: Per chevron or and sable, two palm fronds palewise vert and a sun or.
- ...that We bestow upon her the following Arms: Purpure, a swan naiant wings elevated and addorsed argent and on a chief dovetailed or 2 sprigs of rosemary conjoined at the base vert and raise her to the ranks of nobility
If the person does not have passed arms, either leave a space for the blazon, or use generic wording. I prefer to use generic wording; one can only guess as to how much space is required to write down someone's emblazon. If you do not leave enough space, then a future scribe will have to squeeze the emblazon into what little space you have left. Plus they will have to match your hand or hunt you down and have you write it.
- ...Award unto him Arms that he shall bear.
- 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.
- ... to such arms as he shall register with the College of Arms...
Some Kingdoms will not issue a scroll until the recipient has their arms passed; AEthelmearc does not do this. The majority of the time, the scroll is handed out when the award is bestowed. I think that once the person has the award and the scroll, it will encourage them to speak with the heralds about getting arms.
Confirmation of the action:
This is like the closing line in a letter: "I hope to hear from you soon." It should wind down the herald’s speech and let the listeners know that nothing else is being awarded.
- So say We...
- Done by Our hands...
- In witness thereof do We proclaim and set Our pen to this paper...
- Let Our wrath fall upon any who shall gainsay Us.
- Given under Our Seal at...
- ...corroborating it in writing and with our hands...
- So is the will, and delight...
- And so that none may deny you your victory, these our Letters shall be your warrant in this behalf.
Date and place the action took place:
This can be as simple as on the 5th day of May, to the naming of saint’s or feast days.
- On this 14th day of September, AS 37, at Summer’s End, in the Canton of Beau Fleuve.
- Done on the feast of Saint Agapetus, this 20th day of September, AS 49, in Our Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands.
- Their Final Court in the Shire of Heronter....
- ...on this 30th day of August, anno societatis nine and forty, in Our Barony of Delftwood...
- ...and given the 22 day of June in the year of the society 48.
- Done on the 3rd day of the 3rd month of Our Reign, in the Year of the Dragon.
- ...the 21st day of March, in the 49th year of the Society.
- Made and given at Investiture the 10th day of December the year of grace forty and six.
- Done by Our hands on the fields of Pennsic XLI, on the 7th day of August, AS XLVII.
- 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.
- ...made and given at Port Oasis, on the day of the Sicilian’s Revenge, the ides of November, AS nine and forty.
- Given by Our hands, at our Castle in the Shire of Kings Crossing, the 10th day of May, AS49.
Sounding Medieval:
Take the opportunity to read through period writs, grants and charters; they have a certain flair to them that we can use to make our scrolls sound better. Many statements were done in pairs:
- Right trusty and well beloved...
- ...to give and to grant...
- ...to have and to hold...
- ...for ourselves and our heirs...
- And moreover, we do by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant licence...
Alliteration is awesome and allowable:
If you can manage it, use alliteration; either a few words or the entire scroll (if you're clever enough).
- Queens quest for the answers to quarrelsome questions and quietly question querulous quakers. Quaintly questioning quartets of scribes whose quivering quills dribble quercitron inks.
- ...for daring to dance with death...
- ...announce and affirm...
- ...to give and to grant...
Poetry and song:
If you have the talent, use it. Anything from the style of Beowulf to Dr. Suess.
I am the Baron, I speak for the Bees.
I speak for the Bees who are so busy,
Who do so much work they make some dizy.
I am the Baron who speaks for the Bees
Ye children of Mars, come join with me,
And sing in praise of {insert name here}’s little army,
Dubblets buttoned, and collars starched
They did battle on a cold day in March.
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?
What to do? Too many choices, too many to be seen. I know, I'll use the Patented Baron’s Choice Garfunkle Machine.
Foreign languages:
If you plan on using a non-English language on a scroll keep these points in mind:
- Make sure that you know the language or that you work with someone who does: do not rely on Google Translate as your sole source.
- Contact the herald, who will be running that court, to give him/her a heads up and to give time for him/her to find a stunt herald to read that scroll if necessary.
- Give the English translation on the back of the scroll.
Think of the Persuivants:
When writing your text, try to bear in mind that it will be read aloud. Make sure that what you write will not only sound good, when read, but will not trip up the herald. Make sure that you have a clearly written copy of the text taped to the back of the scroll, in a large enough font to be easily read. Make sure that you use proper grammar and spelling to help the herald and spell things out phonically, if necessary. I print out my wording in 18point font (Times New Roman) and tape it to the back of each scroll using blue painter's tape. Also, turn in your completed scrolls well in advance so that the herald can read the text before court and prepare for it.
Keep one thing in mind, when writing scroll texts: our scrolls are meant to be read out loud. Come up with text that sounds good when heard; there should be a certain cadence and tempo to the words. They should flow out of the herald’s mouth with a natural rhythm. Read your words out loud before committing them to paper. Our kingdom and baronial heralds are good at what they do, and we should be writing texts that compliment their speaking skills, not hinder them.
If, after reading this document, you only take one thing away, let it be this: our courts should be theater and the words that we provide for the Crown and Coronet should be a shining example of the pageantry and art that is the backbone of our Society. A little bit of research and work can turn court from something one endures to something one enjoys.
Examples inspired by period sources:
Coinage Agreement Between Hamburg and Lübeck, 1255
Call upon all to hear these words, oh noble crowd. I wish it to be known to all people, that the skill and hard work of {INSERT NAME HERE} are worthy of note and his/her skill and dedication has moved me to name his/her work as the Baron’s Choice. Done by the hand of Carolus, Baron of the Rhydderich Hael in the presence of Their Majesties, who witness. In the year of the Society 46, March the 24th at the Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon.
The Gelnhausen Charter; April 13, 1180 A.D.
Since human memory is short and does not suffice for a crowd of things, the authority of those who preceded our reign 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 the skill and knowledge demonstrated by Our good subject, Lidia Allen, is most pleasing to Our eyes. We, therefore, induct her into the Noble Order of the Sycamore and by this Award, We do affirm her right to bear the Badge of the Order and retain all rights and privileges of said Order and wishing this to remain valid unto all posterity, We forbid that any one, with rash daring, infringe it or in any way attempt to violate it; and We validly corroborate this Our decree, signed by Our Hands and witnessed by those who are present at this deed on the 26th day of March, AS 46 in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael.
Grant of Arms of Christopher Brown, 1480.
To all present and to come who these present letters shall see or hear Caleb Reynolds, 9th Baron of the Rhydderich Hael, greetings. Equity will and right ordains that virtuous men and women and of noble courage be by their merits and renown rewarded for service to the land. For this end I, Caleb, Baron as above mentioned, not only by common renown but also by report and witness of other noble men and women worthy of credence truly advertize and certify that Fionnghuala Leasa na Linne, Lady, as for a long time followed feats of service and also in her other affairs has carried herself valiantly and governed honourably, and given works to Barony, Principality and Kingdom. As her just induction into the Venerable Order of the Ice Dragon was over twenty years agone, I am minded to create a new award, to wit: the Tangled Rose, to celebrate the decades of service given by Lords and Ladies to the Rhydderich Hael and so say that this award shall be given only once per year. I forthwith ordain Fionnghuala with said award as principal. Therefore in witness of this I Caleb, Baron above mentioned, have signed with my hand and sealed with my seal these presents. Made and given at Investiture the 10th day of December the year of grace forty and six.
and
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.
1459/60 grant of arms to John Alfrey
To all those who shall see or hear these present letters, Maynard and Liadain, King and Queen of AEthelmearc, greeting and recommendation. Equity requires and reason ordains that men and women virtuous and of good skill and knowledge be rewarded for their merits by renown and recognition. And therefore We who not only by common renown but also by the report and testimony of other nobles worthy of credence are truly advertised and informed that Zofia Kowalewska has long persued feats of scribing, teaching, cooking, cleaning, retaining, autocrating and as well in this as in other of her affairs has borne herself valiantly and conducted herself honourably so that she deserved well and is well worth that henceforth she may be in all places honourably admitted, renowned, counted, numbered and received among the number and in the company of Our Order of the Millrind. And for the remembrance of this we assign to the said Zofia Kowalewska the right to bear the blazon in the manner which is fitting for one of her new station and grant her arms. In witness whereof We King and Queen of AEthelmearc above named have signed our with Our hands and sealed with Our seal and given the 14th day of September in the year of the society 48.
and
To all those who shall see or hear these present letters Maynard and Liadain, King and Queen of AEthelmearc, greeting and recommendation. Equity requires and reason ordains that men and women, virtuous and of good skill and knowledge, be rewarded for their merits by renown and recognition. And therefore We who not only by common renown but also by the report and testimony of other nobles worthy of credence are truly advertised and informed that [INSERT NAME HERE] has performed feats of combat and as well in this as in other of [his/her] affairs has borne [himself/herself] valiantly and conducted himself honourably so that [he/she] deserved well and is well worth that henceforth [himself/herself] may be in all places honourably admitted renowned counted number and received among the number and in the company of the heavy weapons champions of AEthelmearc. And for the remembrance of this we assign to the said [INSERT NAME HERE] the right to bear the arms and devices of the Kingdom champions. In witness whereof We King and Queen of AEthelmearc above named have signed our hands and sealed with our seal and given the 22 day of June in the year of the society 48.
"Of the chief conditions and qualityes in a wayting gentylwoman"
Foremost amongst the qualities of a lady be that she be good and discreete; to flee affectation or curiositie; have a good grace in al her doings; be of good condicions and wel brought up, not to be haughtie, envious, yltunged, lyght, contentious, nor untowardlye; have the vertues of the minde, as wisdome, justice, noblenesse of courage, temperance, contingency, sobermoode, etc, etc. All these and more are shewn by Ciar ingen ui Chrotaig, 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 29th day of September, AS 47, at Harvest Raid, in the Shire of Heronter.
and
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 wiscom, justice, nobleness, courage, temperance, strength of mind, continency, 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 xth day of December, AS 47, at Masked Ball, in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael.
Inspired by Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578
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 award 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 [note: I used the phrase "given and granted" in this text. I should not have used "granted" for an AoA, but should have used "awarded"]
and
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.
and
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.
1432-36SC1/44/8 Letter of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, to the Chancellor
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 been 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.
Grant of Arms to Thomas Elyott, 1492
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.
Grant of Arms to the Carpenters Company of London, 1466
Proclaim to all nobles and gentles these present letters hearing or seeing, Titus Scipio Germanicus and Anna Leigh, otherwise called King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, send humble and due recommendation. As it appears for so much as the Order of the Golden Alce, 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 skill of arms of Daniel Rufus, right trusty and right welbeloved fighter. We are well pleased by the deeds of arms that he has performed and the service to Our Kingdom as a teacher and a marshal that we are moved to add his name to the rolls of the said noble Order which they and their successors might boldly and vowably occupy challenge to Our will and desire for evermore without any rebuke of any estate or gentle of this Realm. Thus is Our will made into law on this 27th day of September, as 49, in Our Shire of Sylvan Glenn during the Siege of Glenary.
1452 SC1/43/184Signet (Initialed) R h
By the King and Queen Trusty and welbeloved, we greet you well. And be it that Our Antoinette de la Croix, for certain great works of instruction, scribal, heraldry, serving, and divers other acts, by her as put herself above such common people. The work that she has done is most pleasing to Our Eyes and to Our Ears. Thus, do We, James I, King by right of arms, and Elina I, Queen of mercy, induct her into The Order of the Keystone on this 29th day of April, AS 34, at Axes and Ales in the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle. Done by Our Hand and Our Seal.
Letters Patents of King Henry the Seventh Granted unto Iohn Cabot and his Three Sonnes, Lewis, Sebastian and Sancius for the the Discouerie of New and Unknowen Lands
O come all good people of the Land and hear these present letters from Magnus Tindal Augustus and Etain Augusta. It has come to Our notice the notable service done for Ourselves and the generous and chivalrous nature of one of Our subjects who worked tirelessly to Guard the Empress against any who might be so ill as to think to do harm unto Her that We are so moved to take action. Thus, be it known that we have given by Our hands to our wellbeloved subject, Mark le Gabler, a Sigil of AEthelmearc and allow him to bear the badge of the Sigil, from this day until the world’s end without let or hinderence. In witness whereof we have caused to be made these Our letters. Witnessed Ourselves at Coronation, in the Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands, the 20th day of September, in the 49th year of the Society.
A letter from Queen Katharine Parr to the Privy Council 25 July 1544
Due commendations and greetings to all who shall hear or see these letters, I greet you well. Letting you wit that having viewed all of the entries in the Ice Dragon A&S Pentathalon, I was well to perceive thereby the state of the health of the peaceful arts of fair AEthelmearc, as also the good beginnings of success there; for joyful news whereof I give unto you right harty thanks. And forasmuch as, seeing the other items on display, I have be so moved by your skill, {INSERT NAME HERE}, and have presently signed my name to this warrant naming you and your work as Princess’s Choice. Done by the hand of Gabrielle van Nijenrode, Princess of AEthelmearc, at the King’s Majesty’s Ice Dragon Court, the 21st day of March, in the 49th year of the Society.
Useful Links:
http://www.sca.org/links/calendar.html
http://pages.uoregon.edu/rbear/courtier/courtier.html
http://englishhistory.net/tudor/letters.html
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/15th.asp
http://quod.lib.umich.edu/c/cme/chanceng
http://legacy.fordham.edu/Halsall/sbook1n.asp
http://wiki.caid-commons.org/index.php/Opening_Phrases
http://www.sca.org.au/scribes/articles/period_text.htm
http://www.britannia.com/history/docs/
http://verysleepy.itgo.com/grants.htm
http://www.aethelmearc-scribes.org/Red_Book.html
http://www.angelfire.com/pa/allthat2/scriptorium/wordings.html
