Bryn Gwlad Baronial 2024

by Golden Staff Herald Maitre Etienne De Saint Amaranth

It was a glorious day with a breeze when the Barony of Bryn Gwlad held their Fall Baronial on the 16th of November, being the Feast of Saint Gertrude the Great (also known as Gertrude of Helfta), she who was highly educated and at age 25 began to have visions such that she is considered one of the great mystics of the 13th century. This date is also when Prince Edward, while traveling with the Ninth Crusade, becomes King Edward the First (also known as Edward Longshanks) upon the death of his father Henry III.

In the shadow of this history but shining with honor and chivalry King Jean Paul and Queen Gilyan visited their vassels, Orazio d’Assisi and olfinna in kyrra Ottarsdottir, holders of the Barony of Bryn Gwlad, and came among their populace.

In morning court, Their Majesties welcomed newcomers and presented Sable Shields. They then presented Awards of Arms unto the following:

• Corey of Bryn Gwlad
• Graee na Uile
• Judita Berest'e
• Titus von Konstanz
• Tobe of Bryn Gwlad

And the days activities began. In addition to the baronial championships, the kingdom also held an amazing to watch tournament to determine the new Royal Blade (Cut and Thrust Champion). The lunch sideboard was tasty and filling and there were pickups around the various tournaments.

His Majesty took a turn at the archery range but, alas, his bow string was not fit for the King of Ansteorra and broke before his might.

As the day drew close to evening, court was resumed and the following business was presented. This record notes that the Golden Staff Herald was assisted by Baron Alden Drake.

The court of Bryn Gwlad recognized many for championships and services given to the barony and should be published separately. Additionally, Their Excellencies made good on a bet which was won by Their Serene Highnesses of Vindheim and herds were transferred. But the following items related to kingdom precedence were of note and are included herein as well.

The following kingdom awards from reigns pre-dating their current majesties were delivered to recipients:

• Sofia Speranza - Sable Crane
• Sophie Federspil - Sable Thistle (bardcraft)
• Emeline Neville - Sable Thistle (ambience)
• Elen Verch Phellip - Sable Thistle (costuming)
• Diana of Bjornsborg - Sable Sparrow

And three new members were added to the baronial service order, the Order of the Dragiau Brynn:

• Valgard of York
• Wilhelm Von Artz
• Sharon of Conway

Their Majesties then took time to present additional awards to deserving members of the populace and to recognize a champion. But first, their court gave voice to the Star Principal Herald who enacted a decision made in the past that was never fully executed. In court that day, with permission of the Crown, our principal herald exercised her power to grant unto Jonathan ap Morgan the title of Herald Extraordinary. Their Majesties business with the court then included the following:

• Tomas Niallagain - Royal Blade (Cut and Thrust Champion)
• Aine MacFinn - Award of Arms
• Ammon Von Niemanden - Sable Talon (Rapier Combat)
• Clara Tarabotti - Sable Crane
• stienne de Bretagne - Sable Crane for Heraldic Pursuits
• Euphemia of Bjornsborg - Award of Arms
• elene Margaretha von Braunschweyg - Sable Crane for Quartermastering
• Royse of Ffynnon Gath - Award of Arms
• Tegus Gan - Sable Crane

During this court, His Majesty was presented with a new bow string fit for a king to replace the one broken earlier.

Prior to the closing of court, Her Serene Highness Octavia invited Her Majesty to measure the Queen’s Champion against Her Highness’ Champion. In the common language (rather than higher courtly style), smack was spoken. Things will happen.

Court was mostly closed, but not quite. During feast, Their Majesties reopened court and called for Vlaho Natalio Pavlin, who had been in the kitchen all day and was unavailable for either court and at that time presented him with an Award of Arms.

The day ended over feast and camaraderie was had by all.