2025 Bryn Gwlad Candlemas
A Summary of Royal Court at Bryn Gwlad Candlemas
by Maitre Etienne De Saint Amaranth
It was the 1st of February, the Eve of the Feast of the Presentation (or Candlemas when the Barony of Bryn Gwlad hosted their annual Candlemas celebration and the Crown of Ansteorra joined them. The assembled were also pleased to play host to the King of An Tir who visited our fair kingdom and joined Their Majesties and Their Excellencies in court.
(Please be aware upfront that there will not be any charter pics shared with this summary. But, some of the charters given at the event were turned in and had calligraphy applied at the event and this recording herald wishes to express thanks for all of those who contributed to at the event to make that happen.)
In morning court, Their Majesties recognized newcomers and Sable Shield recipients. The Baron and Baroness of Bryn Gwlad opened their court and there were words and deeds of the day shared with all and some recognitions.
Their Majesties then called forward and recognized:
- Goldweard of St. Golias – Sable Thistle for Period Gaming
- Dae Knarrarbringa in Bareyska – Sable Talon for Rapier Combat
Their Majesties then summoned Santiago Rodrigo de Draco y Aranjuez. Santiago had previously been called as a candidate for the Order of Defense and Their Majesties concluded morning court by taking him out and placing him on vigil to consider his candidacy for that estate and the advice of peers and populace.
It was a full day with tournament and visiting and dance practices and music. But as the day’s activities drew to a close, the populace gathered for court with feast to follow.
Their Majesties again began their court session by calling for newcomers and Sable Shield recipients. They then turned to His Majesty Nikoli of An Tir who addressed the populace. His Majesty expressed thanks for hospitality and spoke of enjoying his time visiting and how he looked forward to the fighter practice being held the next day. And then His Majesty declared that An Tir would fight with Ansteorra at Gulf Wars this year (and there was much rejoicing!). Our Crown then turned court over to Their Excellencies who announced winners and champions and other baronial business.
During the awards and championships being announced, our Crown and their Heralds recognized names that were mentioned for different reasons. And with much scurrying behind the scenes, there were items in the Crown’s possession that found their long sought recipients when the Crown’s court resumed:
- Diederick van Sitteren – Sable Crane, Dated: 2024-11-16
- Gotz von Totenberg – Sable Talon for Chivalric Combat, Dated: 2022-10-15
- Marie da Serra da Estrela – Sable Thistle for Illumination, Dated: 2022-07-23
Their Majesties also called forward Escarlata de Grenada and public thanks for her efforts. And they announced the schedule and change in office of Kingdom Webminister.
Normal court business resumed and Their Majesties presented the following other awards and recognitions:
- Alexandra Doyle – Sable Sparrow
- Maelgwyn Dda – Star of Merit
- Vittoria Maggiore – Sable Talon for Rapier Combat
- Meadhbh ni Ruaidh o Chonnemara – Sable Thistle for Knitting
- Zacharria Ynez de Balzon – Sable Crane for Quartermastering
- Sigrun Sveiningsdottir i Biarka – Sable Crane for Gate Administration
- Johan of Hellsgate – Award of Arms
- Carolyne of Bryn Gwlad – Award of Arms
It is to be noted that during this court you humble recorder had ongoing sinus issues that led to the assisting herald handling most of the award calls and charter reading. Thanks go to Baron Eirik Halfdanarson for his assistance and coverage. But, as the Crown prepared to call the Order of Defense forward, your humble scribe expressed to the Crown his inability to do the coming ceremony justice, and with the Crown’s permission, surrendered his tabard to Mea Passavanti who had returned to our fair kingdom as entourage with His Majesty of An Tir. Mea then heralded the peerage court for Santiago.
The Order of Defense was called, Santiago was called. Following witnesses, Santiago was inducted into the Order, bestowed the insignia of the Order and chose to swear fealty to his Crown. Santiago then led the Order to the back of court and with a few closing words that evenings court concluded and feast and dancing began.
