Games Tourney and An Tir Principality Coronation
Games Tourney and An Tir Principality Coronation Held on September 11, 1976 at Ravenna Park, Seattle.
Event Announcement
Originally the event was simply to be a “Medieval Games Tourney”1 held on September 11th in Ravenna Park, but after the victory of Theodulf of Borogrove in the July 10th Coronet Tourney, with his consort Anne of Caerdydd , their home barony of Madrone added their coronation to the event, creating the “Games Tourney and An Tir Principality Coronation.”
By the September Crier, it had become the: “Madrone Harvest Faire and An Tir Coronation”
“Edward of Stonehaven, Caitlin na Darach, Katharine of Northhall and Duncan of Chisholm will co-autocrat the Madrone Harvest Faire and An Tir Coronation, September 11, AS XI, in Ravenna Park, Seattle. Events will begin at 10 am and end at approximately 6 pm. SCHEDULE: Set-up: 10 am-noon. Procession and Coronation Ceremony--noon-2 pm. Madrone Harvest Faire 2 pm-6 pm (approximately). The Faire begins with a potluck (bring enough to feed ten) at 2 pm, which will be followed by games, dancing, music, and contests on courtly behaviour and manners. The games will include quoits, battle-dore, chess, and nine-man morris. The ancient custom of forfeits may be observed. FACILITIES AVAILABLE: Tables for your potluck dish, euphemisms, and water. BRING: pillows, blankets, in-period games, beverages, potluck contribution for ten, pavilions for shade, and disguised mundane utensils. This being a public park, visible alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Discretion and disguise are encouraged. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The autocrats, Edward of Stonehaven and Caitlín na Darach (Ed and Katie Huston) ; Duncan of Chisholm (Duncan Saunders); Katharine of Northhall (Kathleen Buckley).2
Event Chronicle
“In cold, windy, overcast weather (contrasted with the scorching previous week), the folk of An Tir gathered in Seattle's Ravenna Park for the final court of Prince Steingrim and the coronation of Prince Theodulf. The event was autocrated by Duncan of Chisholm, Katharine of Northhall, Caitlin na Darac and Edward of Stonehaven.
As Princess Hrefna, plague-stricken, was unable to attend, Viscountess Fiona di Varanus took her place. Amid cries of "beware the huzanga!" (which abounded upon the greensward) the populace gathered about the throne. A thank-you from the absent Princess conveyed her gratitude to the ladies of the Society for introducing her to our ways. Prince Steingrim took full blame for any lack of coordination of events during his reign, and apologized fulsomely; he also said the Shasta raid was fairly successful.
The grand processional followed, with usual heraldic misfeasance. Folk from Lions Gate, Three Mountains, Golden Blossoms, and Madrone were [rep]resented; then Theodulf and Anne approached the throne with their entourage, and were crowned. They then removed the large An Tir coronets and donned small silver circlets. The knights of the realm were called forward and exchanged oaths of fealty with the Throne, as did the great officers of State, the Masters and Mistresses of the Laurel and Pelican and the Barons and Baronesses.
Princess Anne proclaimed that Viscountesses in the future would be known as "Ladies of Valorous Estate" and would serve as advisors to the Princess. Then Steingrim and Hrefna (in absentis) were named Viscount and Viscountess.
The populace was asked to gather around the Throne and His Highness proclaimed that henceforth all Viscounts and Viscountesses would march in the order of precedence according to the date they stepped down from the Throne. He also proclaimed that all entrants in the Coronet Lit’s of An Tir must subscribe to YE CRIER (‘’cheers from overworked and underpaid staff!’’) There followed presentations from Houses Barque, Kendal and Nautiloid; John of the Angular Dove gave a unique and unprintable presentation to Motley in the spirit of St. Letch. From Duval a box of soil was given to the throne. Julian of the Purple Must presented a bottle of wine.
The following awards were given: The Honor of the Belated Rose to Edward of Stonehaven; awards of arms to Genevra of Estolat, Deitrich von Kreigsheldensberg, Morgan of Aberystwyth, Harold of Gloucester, Linda of London, Eric Blackhand, Gerek the Far-Seeing, Bombor of Bombardia, Diane av Fjell Tusenfreuden , Koressa of Highwood Keep, and Fritha of Caer Bannog.
The autocrats were summoned to the throne and given gifits; Their Highnesses also donated goblets to be given to the most chivalrous lady and gentleman.
Then did a piper pipe, and the feasting and gaming commence, though sore-beset were all by yellowjackets and occasional gusty winds. At final court Amanda Kendal of Westmorland was pronounced the Most Courteons Lady, and Andre LeSard the Most Courteous Gentleman. An unravel ensued at Wakefield Castle, as the weather deteriorated even further. Sean Gealt escaped lynching by taking refuge at a slide show of the Viking Invasion of Mars--wise man!” 3
Photos courtesy of Theodulf of Borogrove.
Citations
1’’The Crier’’ , August 1976, page 1.
2’’The Crier’’ September 1976, page 9.
3”HARVEST FAIRE AND AN TIR CORONATION” chronicled by Deirdre Muldomhnaigh. In ’’The Crier’’ November 1976, pages 9-10.