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.

Event Staff

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

(Printed in the December 1976 issue of Ye Crown Printes, the Unofficial Newlsetter of Ye Principality of Caid)

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 MacTarbh 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 Graylorn 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 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!)

After court, people returned to their coloring and observing of contest entries, and conversation, and listening to a flute-guitar-violin trio (Karin von Schatten, a new member who doesn't have a society name yet--mundane name is Ken, and the lady Patrick.) Ioannes Leckie set up his tape system and there was music for dancing. The kitchen provided a delicious hors d'oeuvres of hot, homemade vegetable soup.

The final event at the afternoon court was the announcement by Lord Eadmond du Battlemont of his engagement to Lady Cristobal Degli Glicine che Mangia Uome, and their marriage on April 9, 1977 (complete and full medieval wedding, of course). He presented her with an exquisite box of inlayed metal work done by the same artisan who had made the coronets of the Baron and Baroness of Calafia.

Then it was time for the banquet. What a spread! The vegetable station: cold raw vegetables, broccoli & cauliflower salad (Lady Su, olives, cherries soaked in kirsch, tabouli (Baroness Ximena, macaroni salad, fruit salads, gelatine salads. Soup/stew station: vegetable soups, a luscious thick stew soup (Lady Miranda Douglas of Schiehallion. There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Cedric the Dark ate 5 bowlsful while he was serving!), and 3 or 4 other steaming vats of things. Rice--at least 4 kinds here. Lord Stone of Stonecroft's famous chili (shredded beef on rice garnished with slices of avocado, red onion, bell pepper & tomato) for which you need a waiver! The first bit isn't bad, the first swallow is dynamite! Little meat balls wrapped in pastry (please send recipe!) Great trenchers of bread, including an onion rye baked by Duryn the Red (talented fellow), a puree of yams with brandy (Huette Aliza von und zu Ährens und Mechthildberg), a pan of fresh roasted rabbit (compliments of Lord David the Ironlivered), and mulled cider and lemonade. I have undoubtedly left something out! Dessert was fresh fruit, cheese, and a panoply of cookies and sweet breads and fruitcakes. . . . . . Groan.

After the banquet had been cleaned up and the chairs rearranged, we were entertained by a short puppet show medieval variation of "Who's On First" by those masters(?) of comedy, Lord Renfield) and Lord Mouice the Insane. Then it was time for the Investiture.

Prince Morven and Princess Bevin were in matching outfits of light teal blue with a trim of gold, teal, and cranberry. Each had a beautiful cranberry-colored sash, and Prince Morven's undertunic was of the same color. The outfits were designed and executed by Her Highness. At their final Closing Court, Cedric the Dark received his Award of Arms. Ann Christopher of Cheshire presented Prince Morven with a banner, the front of which was his arms (checky gules and or, a bear segeant erect proper) and the back was as follows: Or, a seme of chocolate chips proper, a Cookie Monster segeant erect proper. Ann dubbed the material "Morven cloth" and His Highness pointed out that it was "Terry" cloth as well (tee hee).(11)

Duke Aonghais presented His Highness with a clay pipe. Lyrel Philippa of Essex gave His Highness a plate of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and Lady Mary and Duke Aonghais gave Her Highness the first half of the Norris book of costume photocopied (oh, sigh! that is a sigh of jealousy--it is the first half of the book on the Tudor period which came out in two volumes.)

Investiture Sir Martin the Temperate was attired in a stunning outfit of a cinnamon-colored satin undertunic and a metallic brocade overtunic with laced sleeves. He also wore russet-colored tights and gold shoes. The outfit was designed and executed by Lord Alewaulfe the Red who is also the Seneschal of the Barony of the Angels AND did the embroidery on the mantles of Caid AND Lady Eyana's banner AND taught a machine embroidery class at Ithra that they practically had to pry the people out of their seats to get them to leave. House Irini & Griffin Freehold purchased the textiles & accessories for the Prince & Princess' costumes as Investiture gifts. Lady Arabella wore a beautiful gown that she and her sister, Baroness Ximena Aubel de Cambria had made. It was Florentine 16th c. The underdress was brown, gold & silver brocade with silver cuffs that had been jewelled; the overdress was dark brown velvet, trimmed with gold lace, pearls, and rhinestones. Lady Maria Alysaundre de Rohese wore a court coat of green, red, and gold brocade over a tissue cloth-of-gold dress; Lord Guillym Avery of Royse wore a tunic of the same brocade over white tights. Both of these costumes were made by the Princess and the Baroness.(12)

After the Investiture Ceremony, presentations were made. Jared Blaydeaux gave His Highness a large bull with a small frying pan in a very salient place (no comment).(13) Lord Randolph the Devious and his lady wife Janeann said that they had promised Prince Martin a 25-year-old bottle of Chivas Regal, but Lord Randolph said that he would have to be satisfied with two 12-year-old bottles. His Highness said that he would try to be (right!) Griffin Freehold and House Irini presented His Highness with a cut coin by lady Janeann of a knight on horseback & tiger's eye necklace & earrings for Princess Arabella.

As representatives from An Tir royalty, Lord Wilhelm von Messer presented Prince Martin with a glass 'orb' of Forbidden Fruit liquor. Lord Gwydiaan and Lady Anna presented His Highness with a 4-pak of Guiness Stout. Via Griffin Freehold, His Highness received a "futuristic novel" by Georgette Heyere from John Hertz and his wife. Baron Talanque and Baroness Rowen Lynn of Woodvine presented Her Highness with lace trim (there is no truth to the rumor that Baroness Ximena was heard to exclaim, "I know where she keeps her material!") and His Highness with a beautiful print of Edward V.

His Highness declared Alexander Graylorn, Lady Joan of Crawfordsmuir, Duryn the Red, and Lord Alewaulfe to be Image Makers of Caid during his and Arabella's reign.

The Griffin Freehold presented His Majesty with a dancing "boy" who resembled Lord Robear du Bois in a state of great dishabille (this was so that Her Majesty would not feel left out because His Majesty had received a dancing girl at his coronation. However, King Kevin was heard to remark "Hey, mine didn't dance and hers does!") The Freehold also presented His Highness with his very own dancing girl, who must be the alternate persona of Lorissa du Griffin. (This is precedent for this, ask the Baroness of Lion's Gate, Amanda Kendal.)(14) His Majesty pointed out that blond dancing girls were very hard to come by these days.

Darach presented Prince Martin with the newest member of his Principality who looked like a little red wyvern (in truth, it was the son of Melanie de la Flamme). The eveningg ended with revelling and heard congratulations to both the new Prince and Princess, and the newest Viscount and Viscountess.

P.S. House von Regensburg presented Morven and Bevin with beautiful calendars for 1977. Lady Su of the Silver Horn gave Morven a bag of un-melted chocolate chips and a "felt tipped pen" calligraphed recipe for said cookies for use "when you are off the throne and nobody is making cookies for you anymore." (Now, Su. . . )

--Written by Fiona Gregorovna

(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
(11) Viscount Sir Morven's modern first name is Terry
(12) Lady Maria and Lord Guillym are Viscountess Arabella's real-world children
(13) To clarify, it was a ceramic bull, not a real one!
(14) Sadly, Amanda Kendal of Westmoreland passed away in 2011 (http://history.westkingdom.org/Memoriam/AmandaKendal.htm)