Fall Coronation and Investiture Tournament 1976

Photo
Martin and Arabella process to their coronation Talanque is visible in the foreground
Information
Location: Isles Tucker's Grove Park Santa Barbara, CA Date: 11/20/1976

The Coronation of Martin and Arabella as Prince and Princess of the Principality of Caid.

Highlights

• Knighting of Sir Waldt von Markheim
• Awards of Arms for Brann Morgan Dunmore of Galloway and Cameron of Caldoon
• Gabrielle nicChlurain became Principality Seneschal and Mary Taran of Glastonbury becomes Scribes Provost for Caid
• Eadmond du Battlemont announced his engagement to Cristobal degli Glicine che Mangia Uome

From the Crown Prints

The sixth Investiture Tourney and Ceremony was held in the Barony of the Isles on November 20. We have been having a run of good weather in Caid and last Saturday was no exception. In attendance from outside were: Their Majesties Kevin Perigrynne and Patrice di Coeur Fidel(1), Their Royal Highnesses Andrew of Riga and Patrice d'Cilla(2), Duke William of Hoghton, Baroness Kathea verKaeysc, Baroness Matriana du Cameliard, Sir Iain of Cawdor Earl Marshall of the Kingdom(3), Sir William the Lucky and the lady Tamsin of the Raven Tresses, Sir William Gordon of York and Mistress Michaela de Neuville, Lord Stone of Stonecroft Kingdom Seneschal(4) and Lady Kreimhild of Stonecroft Keeper of the Master Calendar, Lord Wilhelm von Messer and his lady wife as representatives of their An Tiraean Highnesses Prince Theodulf of Borogrove and princess Anne of Caerdydd, Lord Christopher of Hoghton, Lady Alyson of Hoghton, Lady Boverk of Momchilivich, the lady Esmeralda, and Steen Halbersson squire to Crown Prince Andrew. (Ask Baron Sir Waldt about Boverk bein here as a hostage from Lion's Gate.(5)

At the tourney site there was an informal opening court for announcements, and the lists followed immediately. Competition was with two weapons or one two-handed weapon. Fighting was very fierce although the lists were small, and the winners were Viscount Gregory of York and Lord Robear du Bois. Queen Patrice di Coeur Fidel made a progress around the field, giving each lady in attendance a carnation. She was most enchanted with the newest member of the Principality, the son of Melanie de la Flamme (he is about one week old!) Her Royal Highness Princess Kelly(6) was staying with her grandparents and we think the Queen missed her daughter!

Early in the afternoon the tourney broke up and everyone proceeded into the hall (some of us via a cold shower - well, there wasn't hot water!) The multifluous entries in the 30-odd contests ringed the room, displayed on tables. It was fascinating to watch the "grown-ups" as avidly involved with the coloring contest as the children! (Mistress Bjo did point out that next time the adults would have to be warned against hogging the red and yellow crayons. No comment.) At the final court of Prince Morven and Princess Bevin, Lady Cristobal presented those assembled on the dais with her very famous fudge (the one for Their Majesties was done in the shape and design of the Kingdom. We also noted that the plate of fudge was GONE by the end of the evening!) Lady Cristobal had also made napkins for Their Caidan Highnesses with the initials "M" and "B" embroidered on them respectively.

There then ensued the first "oddity" of the evening. Lord Charles of Dublin came forward, bowed to the Royalty assembled there, and proceeded to pick up and "toss" over his shoulder Al Caida, Lady Arabella! Suddenly, out sprang Sir Martin with a shirt on that read "Duke Savage" on the back. He proceeded to do mimed battle with Lord Charles (who had put Lady Arabella down by now). Lord Charles was only conquered in the end by an amazing feat of gurning on the part of Sir Martin. When some semblance of order was returned to the hall, Court continued. Lady [[Mary Taran of Glastonbury was installed as Scribe Provost of Caid. Lord Eadmond du Battlemont passed on the job and mantle of the Principality Seneschalate to Lady Gabrielle nicChlurain.

Lord [[Robert MacChlurain of the Isles and the members of Darach presented Their Highnesses with their viscountal coronets, and also two scepters to be added to the regalia of Caid. Baron Piers Howells de Cambria and Baroness Ximena Aubel de Cambria(7) presented Al Caid, Sir Martin, and Al Caida, Lady Arabella with new silver goblets. (Lady Arabella's was contaminating her drinking and Sir Martin's--well, let us just say it was not befitting a new prince.) The Griffin Freehold presented Their Highnesses with a plate full of you know what(8), topped with a Cookie Monster handpuppet.) Master John ap Griffin and Mistress Bjo of Griffin gave Their Highnesses each a rutilated quartz gem. (If you can keep your hands in your pockets, ask Mistress Bjo to show you her semi-precious gemstones sometime!) Master John presented a bottle of wine to Their Highnesses Andrew of Riga and Patrice d'Cilla, and to Their Majesties they presented a box of trim with hearts in varying designs, colors, and sizes (Her Majesty collects them in case you could not guess from her veil, her costume, or her name!)(9) and a beautiful cut coin of a knight on horseback that was done by the lady Janeann. His Majesty had been making eyes at it back in the fall, and was told it had been sold--but notto whom! Surprise!

Princess Bevin presented elegant medieval bookplates to Janeann, Kerisa of Silverwolf, and Arekose Dragasus for their hunting attire at the Quest/Hunt several weeks ago. Her Highness also gave beautiful rings to Lady Anna McAyre, Lady Mary Taran, Lady Gabrielle, Lady Joan of Crawfordsmuir(10), and Lord Gwydiaan am y'Gorlwyn as tokens of her thanks for the service they rendered to her and His Highness during their reign.

Brann Morgan Dunmore of Galloway and Cameron of Caladoon received Awards of Arms. Unfortunately, due to the ill-health of their fire dragons, both were unable to attend, and were represented by Baroness Alison von Markheim and Mistress Louise of Woodsholme. Duke Aonghais dubh Mac Tarbh took Eoin of Northmarch, son of Lord Robert, as his squire. The squire's oath was administered by His Majesty King Kevin, and Eoin was presented with a new surcoat by Duke Aonghais.

Correction here: During Grand March, the really first curious event occurred. Three "ladies" who bore faint resemblances to Lady Catriona, Lady Sine, and Lady Cadhla came forward. They looked more like charwomen--in fact, one of them said she was the washerwoman for Lady Catriona who was at home in her castle with her hands in beefsteak to make them whiter. Well, the tall red-headed one with a name something like Widsitha the Mad O'Roarke was dragged reluctantly up the aisle, proceeded to jump onto Prince Morven's lap and give him a kiss, give Crown Prince Andrew a kiss, and flee the hall. During the presentations, this same young woman came forward and gave Princess Bevin a small bouquet of wilted field flowers and a necklace of pop-tops, and gave Prince Morven a bag of semi-sweet, semi-melted chocolate chips. Where were the constables????

Lord Gwydiaan and Lady Anna gave Their Highnesses a bottle of sweet wine. Alexander Greylorn gave His Highness two large chocolate chip cookies that were topped with a HUGE CHOCOLATE CHIP. (Who is going to pay His Highness' dental bills???)

Then, in what had to be the serious highlight of the afternoon court, Baron Waldt von Markheim was knighted by His Majesty. Prince Morven gave the new knight his knight's chain. It was a very exciting moment and there is no truth to the rumor that Baroness Alison could not take notes due to the sudden onrush of precipitation around the eyes. Yours truly had a little difficulty for a similar, but totally unfounded, reason!

Continuing with more presentations, the little scullery maid who looked like Lady Sine Singing Hands presented Their Majesties and Their Caidan Highnesses with plates of Lady Sine's fantastic shortbread. Lord Cameron of Caladoon, via Mistress Louise of Woodsholme, sent Their Caidan Highnesses two ancient coins. Arekose Dragasus mentioned the formation of the Caid Cavalry. He said that any Society members can go out to the Hagman Equestrian Center in the San Fernando Valley, rent a horse, and he will give them free riding lessons. (I heartily recommend this. It's a lot of fun, Arekose is a patient person, and it's good exercise. However, if you are a novice rider, do it on a Saturday to give yourself time to recuperate!)

• (1)-(4) West Kingdom
• (5) Visit West Kingdom Who's Who for details on these guests
• (6) Refers to TRM's daughter, not to the Crown Princess
• (7) Baroness Ximena and Viscountess Arabella are real-world sisters
• (8) Chocolate chip cookies, Sir Martin's favorite
• (9) Patrice di Coeur Fidel = Patrice of the Faithful Heart
• (10) Mistress Joan's name is based on Dorothy Dunnett's Francis Crawford of Lymond novels (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymond_Chronicles) and not the famous actress

Memories

• Please feel free to add your memories of this event.

More Information

• This event on The History of the West Kingdom website

Events 1975

Events 1977

Events of Caid
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