Their Duels Strike Blows For History
His Lordship Stephan Cord of Burgundy cordially welcomes the fair populace of Wealdsmere, in the Kingdom of An Tir, to partake in a faire.
For those readers not fluent in medieval-speak, a rough translation: Gary Williams of Cheney invites locals to join the Inland Northwest branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
The group, which boasts more than 200 members from Yakima to Sandpoint, hosted an Olde English faire Saturday in Riverfront Park. Armorclad knights warred while bewildered onlookers bought handmade crafts and read leaflets from the group.
“We’re just helping Riverfront Park celebrate Carrousel Days, that’s all,” Williams said, bearing a shield and sword.
The society is a non-profit group dedicated to researching the chivalry, combat and costumes of the Middle Ages. The organization - started at a 1965 backyard barbecue in Berkeley, Calif. - has two requirements: that members wear a pre-1650 costume and pay a $35 yearly fee.
As the group’s lords and ladies are quick to explain, the society is not affiliated with the quasi-occult roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons, nor any religion or paramilitary group.
In fact, the local branch comprises doctors, college students, artisans, blue-collar workers and others. Members range from “babes born into SCA” to 92-year-olds, said Lady Olivia (Bambi Libby), local spokeswoman for the group.
The group encourages its members to develop a medieval persona - replete with name, history and family crest - and to live that character’s life during weekly gatherings.
“A lot of people pick characters from a period they really liked, for example, someone who lived during the lives of Romeo and Juliet,” Libby said.
Medieval society - renowned for its hierarchy of kings, dukes, lords and serfs - was also sexist. Women were chattel, devoid of property rights and not entitled to education.
The society strives to recreate a medieval caste system and official bureaucracy within each of 13 kingdoms in North America, Europe and Asia. But members stop short of sexism, encouraging women to engage in heavy combat and men to sew their garb.
For more information, write to the Chatelaine of Wealdsmere, Ladyship Fiona Finnech (Deanna Noland) at 1530 E. Knox, Spokane, WA 99205. Or use your medieval phone to call her at 325-9548.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo