Frederick of the West Tower

Frederick of the West Tower

Frederick of the West Tower Arms

Or “Frederic” (without the “k”) as he wrote it originally, was (according to oral tradition) an early SCA member supposedly from the Bay Area in California who relocated to Portland, Oregon about 1969.

While in the West, on 22 September 1968, Frederic was knighted by King Henrik.

The Barony of the Three Mountains

The first recorded branch and event in the lands that would become An Tir was announced in the December 1969 The Page (newsletter of the Kingdom of the West):

“SIR FREDERICK OF THE WEST TOWER is now engaged in organizing this new barony in the Portland, Oregon area. The first planning meeting is being held as this issue goes to press. Training sessions for fighters are being arranged. The first official event for this barony will be a “NEW YEARS EVE REVELS at the home of the Seneschal, Sir Frederick, at 1867 - 14th St. S.W., Portland, Oregon 97201. His phone number is (503)227-8920 (ask for Frederick Schroers). GOOD LUCK-- WE HOPE TO HEAR MORE FROM YOU SOON!”

Sir Frederic is listed in the An Tir Order of Precedence as being Founding Baron of Three Mountains, and Anne of the White Tower as Founding Baroness, on 31 Dec 1969, the date of the first event, the New Years Eve Revels.

It is worth noting that in the early years of the SCA there rules about branches were still developing. There does not appear to be any official paperwork or charter for new branches, other than kingdoms, at this time. It may have simply been Sir Frederic moved to Portland and declared it a barony and himself Baron and his lady-wife, Baroness.

Sir Frederic of the West Tower, Founding Baron of Three Mountains, fighting with Master Raymond the Mild, Founding Baron of Madrone, at the Royal Tourney of Union, 1973. Photo courtesy of Theodulf of Borogrove.

An Tir

Signing of the Treaty of Union. Baron Raymond the Mild of Madrone signing. Baron Frederick of the West Tower next to him would also sign for his barony of Three Mountains. Jerald of Galloway in the black shirt and his perpetual sunglasses holding the charter as the Herald of the new principality. King Paul of Bellatrix, King of the West, (seated) would also sign. Robert of Winchester looks on. At the Royal Tourney of Union, 1973 in Madrone. Photo courtesy of Theodulf of Borogrove.

Baron Frederic met with Baron Raymond the Mild (Founding Baron of Madrone) at the Royal Tourney of Union on 27 May 1973 where they and King Paul of Bellatrix signed the Charter creating the Principality (at that time unnamed).

Sir Frederic would compete in the First Principality Coronet Tourney on 25 August 1973 at Fallshire Renaissance Fair at Fall City, WA and won, defeating Sir Jerald of Galloway, becoming the First Prince of An Tir, with Princess Anne of the White Tower.

After his reign from August 1973-March 1974, he was made a Viscount. He would win the fourth Coronet Tourney on 7 September 1974 and reign as Prince again from then until March 1975.

His tenure as Baron of Three Mountains ended on 31 December 1976.

On 21 August 1977 he was given the first Crystal Rainbow of Three Mountains, for exceptional service to the barony.

He would serve again as Baron of Three Mountains from 31 Dec 1979 to January 1982, when An Tir became a kingdom.

“King Henrik [of the West] placed the Coronet upon Sir Frederic’s head to the cheers of those assembled. Sir Frederic’s lady, Anne of the White Tower, was chosen to become An Tir’s First Princess.” Coronet Tourney 1, August 25, 1973. Photo from Vicountess Anne’s Album, Courtesy of Theodulf of Borogrove.

“King Henrik [of the West] placed the Coronet upon Sir Frederic’s head to the cheers of those assembled. Sir Frederic’s lady, Anne of the White Tower, was chosen to become An Tir’s First Princess.” Coronet Tourney 1, August 25, 1973. Photo from Vicountess Anne’s Album, Courtesy of Theodulf of Borogrove.