Katherine of Akornebir

Katherine of Akornebir was born the eleventh of November, 1503 at the family manor near Kersey, in Suffolk. Her father served both Henry VII and Henry VIII, as Master of Revels, during which time he formed a fast friendship with Lord Carpenter from Kent. They arranged the marriage of their children, Neill and Katherine, which took place in 1528. Lady Katherine moved to the Canton of Akornebir in Northbourne Parish in Kent with her husband.

The Carpenter estates in Akornebir consisted primarily of vast wheat and barley fields. Although Neill was the second son in the family, his brother Keith, had no desire to oversee the family lands and chose to explore the world with a fleet of ships. As this venture became quite successful, he turned over his interest in the lands to Neill. Neill did not follow his father’s footsteps to court, but has remained on the lands, becoming a leading personage in the county. Through Keith’s many ventures the family has gained many treasures, including Turkish carpets, copper and brassware, and jade figures.

Over the course of time they had two sons, Christopher and Nicolaus. Lord Christopher is now 23 years of age and lives in the Barony of Three Mountains where he serves the Governor of the Summits. Lord Nicolaus is studying at the College of Lyonsmarche.

Lady Katherine’s father and mother believed quite fervently in education, not only for their sons and daughters but for all folk who showed an aptitude and interest. Lady Katherine brought this believe with her to Akornebir where she allowed the children of her retainers and tenants, as well as village children who showed promise, to be educated along with her own sons. It was these efforts, along with her service to the Canton and the Barony Wastekeep that resulted in a Grant of Arms, the Goutte de Sang, being bestowed on her. Her Ladyship continues in her efforts to educate and improve the lives of those around her and in her dedication to the Canton, the Barony and the Kingdom.

After over 30 years of marriage, Honorable Lady Katherine fills her days with overseeing the home manor when her lord is away overseeing harvests and planting. She continues to pursue knowledge in many disciplines, with a keen interest in the decorative arts of embroidery and illumination. She is also developing a good medicinal garden and studying the medicinal arts.

Katherine has been fortunate to travel extensively throughout the east and south of England and even into Wales. She accompanied her brother-in-law on a trip to France and the Lowlands.

Katherine’s father-in-law, Lord Carpenter, passed away while King Henry still sat on the throne. Fortunately neither of his sons was called to court. Perhaps because of this her family managed to never fall out of favor during the turbulent ecclesiastical changes of King Henry’s and King Edward’s reign. It was during the first year of Edward’s reign that her father died. Katherine’s family embraced the changes of the Henrican church and the further changes of Edward’s reign. With a strong sense of self-preservation the family has visibly followed Queen Mary’s change back to the Roman church, while maintaining their beliefs in private.

As the manor is located on the way to the Cinque Ports, it has been a well used place for Protestants to discretely stop while fleeing into exile. Lady Katherine relies on the loyalty of her retainers and the Canton to ensure this activity remains hidden. At this time, the summer of 1558, it is rumored that the Queen is not in good health. It is, of course, forbidden to speculate on the death of a monarch. Despite that Katherine and many of her close associates have begun to look forward to the ascension of Elizabeth, God willing.