Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope reports on the Coronation of Timothy and Gabrielle which was held on a bright, sunny day in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais.
The Coronation event really began on Friday night, when Prince Timothy sat vigil at the site, having invited the populace to seek him out and give him their counsel. Unfortunately the weather conspired against His Highness, with rain and wind forcing him indoors, which then caused the vigil to be cut shorter than previously planned. However, Prince Timothy commented on the following day that it had been a very valuable experience that He recommended to any future monarchs.
Last Court of Titus and Anna Leigh. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
On Saturday morning, a choir of gentles from all over the Kingdom sang Their Majesties, Titus and Anna Leigh, along with the assembled Barons of every Barony in the Realm, into the lovely sanctuary for Their Last Court.
Mistress Kateryna Ty Ysaf receiving a Court Barony. Photo by Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann.
Their Majesties bestowed numerous awards on deserving gentles, most notably a Court Barony on the outgoing Kingdom Chamberlain, Lady Geirdis Riurikova, and another Court Barony on the Kingdom Exchequer, Mistress Kateryna Ty Isaf. Their Majesties noted that among Mistress Kat’s many achievements, she renegotiated the Pennsic Treaty so that Æthelmearc will now receive 1/3 of the profits from the Pennsic War instead of the 20% it received previously.
Mistress Ekaterina Volkova asked Their Majesties’ permission to retire as Sylvan Signet, as she had reached the end of her term. They thanked her for all of her hard work with the scribes of Æthelmearc and granted her leave to step down.
Baron Robert of Sugar Grove. Photo by Lady Christina Mary Lowe, called Jinx.
Their Majesties summoned Baron Robert of Sugar Grove, who crafted the Kingdom Throne (nicknamed “Armando”) as well as the new Prince and Princess’ thrones. After praising his skill in woodworking and carving, Their Majesties called for the Order of the Laurel and informed Baron Robert that he was to present himself on a date mutually agreeable to himself and Their Heirs at which he was to answer whether he would accept elevation to the Order of the Laurel.
After numerous other awards were given, including Court Baronies to Their Heads of Court, Maistir Brandubh Ó Donnghaile and Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann, as well as Sigils to a large number of lords and ladies who had given of their time and talents to the reign (with Sigil scrolls woodblock-printed by Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen), Their Majesties thanked the populace, walking out into the aisle to speak more closely to the people about how much They enjoyed Their time on the thrones and appreciated the support of the people of Æthelmearc.
Timothy crowned as King. Photo by THLord Juan Miguel Cezar.
They then called for Their Heir, Prince Timothy of Arindale. Once His Highness’ right to the Crown was confirmed by the Kingdom officers, Their Majesties released the Queen’s Guard and Their retainers, and then King Titus crowned Prince Timothy as King of Æthelmearc. Queen Anna Leigh relinquished her crown to King Timothy, and Duke Titus and Lady Anna Leigh departed the court.
King Timothy then proclaimed that the Kingdom should not be ruled by one person alone, and called forth his lady and inspiration, Princess Gabrielle, to the music of the choir and much praise from Her herald. He crowned Gabrielle as His Queen, after which the Silver Buccle Herald, Master Kameshima Zentarō Umakai, read the roll of Kings and Queens of Æthelmearc.
Queen Gabrielle is crowned. Photo by Lady Christina Mary Lowe, called Jinx.
Their Majesties accepted the fealty of the Kingdom Officers, the Landed Barons, and the Peerage including the vigilants for the incipient Order of Defense (of which only Don Orlando was present).
The Masters and Mistresses of the Pelican swear fealty. Photo by Lady Christina, called Jinx.
Their Majesties then called for their predecessors. They thanked Duke Titus for his service, then asked the Silver Buccle Herald to present a special message to His Grace. Master Kameshima stepped from behind the thrones, bent toward Duke Titus, and said “Knock-knock.” After the expected reply from his Grace, Master Kameshima said “Amish.” When His Grace gave the usual response, Master Kameshima said “Awwww, we’ll miss you too,” at which the populace broke into laughter, groans, and applause.
Anna Leigh is made a Countess. Photo by THLord Juan Miguel.
Their Majesties then summoned the Ladies of the Rose, who requested that Comes Tindal bring forth the Rose cloak, which they draped upon Anna Leigh’s shoulders as she was inducted into their Order. Their Majesties handed an embattled coronet to Duke Titus, who placed it on Anna Leigh’s brow as the herald named her a Countess of Æthelmearc, to the cheers of the populace.
Their Majesties next appointed Sir Ariella of Thornbury as the Queen’s Guard’s Chivalry Advisor, and Lord Silvester Burchardt as Captain of the Guard. The Guards were then called in and given their baldrics of office.
Court was recessed so that gentles could enjoy a hearty lunch created by THLady Byrghida Zajacowa and her kitchen crew, followed by the various amusements of the day, which included a Gold Chain Tournament and Unbelted Meet & Beat organized by Sir Hauoc the Wild, a Rapier Tournament run by Doña Gabrielle de Winter in which fencers were invited to test themselves against the White Scarves of the realm, and dancing organized by THLord Sionn the Lost. There were also merchants, a Kingdom History display by the Kingdom Historian, THLady Hrefna Ulfvarinnsdottir, a table of period desserts for gentles to taste, and an auction of many fine items arranged by Duchess Christence Blackmoore and Baroness Ellesbeth Donofrey with assistance from Lady Syele Pfefferin and THLady Astrid Olafsdattir (friends of Their Majesties from nearby portions of the East Kingdom) to benefit the Royal Travel Fund.
THLord Blue Star, who received the Order of the Gauge in morning court, vs. Sir Ariella of Thornbury. Photo by Lady Christina, called Jinx.
Don Vigo da Napoli, who was inducted into the White Scarf that morning, fencing his daughter, Lady Ghalyla bint Joseph. Photo by Lady Christina, called Jinx.
Though the day was windy, the temperatures were warm and the sun was shining, so the fighters and fencers enjoyed the opportunity to compete in the list outdoors.
At the First Court of King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle, many deserving gentles were recognized. Shortly before court began, the tickets for the auction had been drawn and items given to the winners, so Their Majesties called for Duchess Christence to announce the total collected for the Travel Fund. The crowd gasped as Her Grace proclaimed that the auction had brought in $1,058, the highest she had ever seen for a single-day charity auction at an SCA event.
Lady Syele Pfefferin, Baroness Ellesbeth Donofrey, Duchess Christence Blackmoore, and THLady Astrid Olafsdattir, who organized the Travel Fund auction. Lady Syele also donated two very popular and amazing German hats, much like the one she is wearing, to the auction. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Mistress Alexandra dei Campagnella swears fealty as Sylvan Signet. Photo by Lady Christina, called Jinx.
His Majesty thanked Her Grace, the other organizers of the auction, and all who donated the spectactular items to it, as well as the populace for their generosity. He suggested that, rather than Their Majesties using that money to fund Their own travel, the donations should be used to purchase a trailer for future Crowns to transport royal regalia.
Other notable items of afternoon court included the appointment of Mistress Alexandra dei Campagnella to the office of Sylvan Signet. Mistress Ekat was called forward to pass on the portfolios and wished her successor well in the post.
Their Majesties also appointed Mistress Euriol of Lothian as interim Chamberlain; Her Excellency made it known that she is seeking a permanent replacement in that office.
It was also announced that the next Kingdom Seneschal upon Mistress Cori’s retirement in September will be Duke Christopher Rawlyns.
Don Quinn Kerr receiving his Writ for the Order of Defense. Photo by Lady Christina, called Jinx.
Later in the court, King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle called for all of the peers of the realm to witness the bestowing of Æthelmearc’s third Writ for the Order of Defense, which was given to Don Quinn Kerr. King Timothy noted that numerous people had advised Their Majesties that the Order of Defense could not be complete without Don Quinn. He is not only a member of the White Scarf, but also has a Laurel for research into period fencing practice, and serves as commander of the Southern Watch. He hales from the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog, of which he is a former Baron. Don Quinn was instructed to determine a suitable date and place for his elevation. The populace expressed their pleasure at this Writ with great applause.
At the conclusion of court, gentles retired to a splendid feast by Lord Leioolfr Grimr and crew. Toward the end of the feast, Their Majesties requested the presence of the cooks, who received a standing ovation from the feasters along with King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle’s great thanks.
Lord Leioolfr Grimr, who received a Sycamore earlier that day, and the cooks in his crew. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Congratulations to the autocrat, Maître Gilles de Beauchamps, and the good folk of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais, for hosting another memorable and well-run event!