The Cathars

Battle of Muret, 1213
from a French manuscript

Several years ago I became interested in the Cathars. Through some of my research, I discovered their story. I wrote a research paper about them and submitted it as an entry in the Ice Dragon Pentathlon. In 2013, I submitted an abbreviated version of that paper to the Kingdom newsletter, the Æstel. It was published in the June and July editions under the title "The Cathars- History and Belief, Myths and Legends." It is too long to post it its entirety on this blog, but can be accessed through the SCA newsletters website here.

In 2014, I taught a class at the Pennsic War on this subject. This is the class description I submitted for the Pennsic booklet:

"The subject of numerous popular fiction novels and conspiracy theories, the Cathars were a religious sect from the medieval period. Declared heretics, they were the subject of intense persecution by the Roman Catholic Church. This class will examine such questions as: Who were the Cathars and what did they believe? What impact did they have on history?"

What follows is the class outline and source list for those who may be interested in further information:

Introduction

What do most people know about them?

Many people have no or little knowledge of the Cathars.
Those who do, learned about them from books such as Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln’s Holy Blood, Holy Grail, or fiction such as Kate Mosse’s Labyrinth, or Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.
People who are knowledgeable of history, may known them because of the Crusade against them.

What were they called?

Albigenes, and the Albigensian Crusade
Cathar -"pure ones"
Cathar - "cat worshippers"
Good Christians, Good men

Origins?

Paulicians
Bogomills
 Started in Italy and spread to Germany?
Early history is shrouded, but persecution comes from the church's records
After WWII, some records have been found and released.

The Cathar history in France

As early as 1022 - Orleans. - 13 heretics burned
By 1163 - well established in France, esp. in the Languedoc
 1065 - Attracted attention of the church; churchmen are sent to debate and investigate
It was discovered they would not swear oaths - but they hid their beliefs carefully
May 1167 - meeting of Cathars at St Felix where they organized their faith
People of the area accepted and aided them, many converted

On the left, the Pope excommunicating the Cathars (Albigensians);
on the right, the Albigensian Crusade is launched. (Royal 16 G VI, f 374v)

Beliefs
Most writings destroyed.; what we know is from church records, hearings, etc.
Church called them Manchieans early on
Definitely Christian - identified themselves as Good Christians; most likely Gnostic Christian
Lord's Prayer was important.  Rejected Old Testament, valued Gospel of John
Which one - Revelation by John, or Secret Book of John a - copy found in the Nag Hamadi Library
Did not follow the Ten Commandments
Rejected the God of the Old Testament - identified him as Evil - he who imprisoned the spirit in flesh (a very Gnostic teaching)
Reliance on gaining knowledge to be reunited with the realm of pure spirit.
Did not follow church laws on eating, sex, etc.  - instead Hell is here, with endless stream of reincarnations.; we must break this cycle.
Dualists - believed in light and dark, etc.
Believed Christ was a messenger, not a savior
Did not revere the cross or relics - all are matter, the realm of the Demiurge
Rejected the ceremonies of the church, including Eucharist
Only practiced the Conslamentum - the baptism of the spirit by laying on hands.
Upon becoming Perfecti- they lived an ascetic life - ate no meat, eggs, cheese; drank water and ate vegetables and fish.  Did not swear, kill, ever go alone, ever sleep naked, ever abandon their faith, even under threat of pain or death, lived an austere life, teaching and helping others.
Followers were Credentes who could take baptism later in life; until then not required to live by strict rules.
Women were treated as equals; they preached and taught, and gave council

Why were they declared heretics?

Rejected Christ as the redeemer, as well as the Old Testament and many parts of the New.
Rejected the Church and its Hierarchy.
Believed they could have a relationship with God without the Church

What were the events of the Crusade Against Them?

1170 - Pope Alexander III declared them anathema (burnable)
1198 - Pope Innocent III approved debates; by1204 - started to encourage persecution.
1207 - debates ended. Count of Toulouse, Raymond, ordered to hunt them down - he refused
1208 - Pope called for a crusade and by 1209, the army entered the Languedoc

Expulsion of the Albigensians from Carcassone in 1209
(Cotton Nero E II, pt 2, f20v, Grandes Chroniques de France, c. 1415)

Beziers attacked---15-20 thousand killed. "Kill them All, God will know his own"
Several other towns attacked
Bram -100 men had eyes gouged out except one to guide them; also upper lips and nose cut off. 
1210 - at Minerve, 140 Perfecti burned; they refused to recant. 
1211- Lavaur, 400 Perfecti burned
1216 - Pope died , Simon de Montfort died in 1218, as well as other persecutors soon later, so did several strong supporters of the Cathars.
Things eased up and by 1226 the Perfecti came out of hiding and reorganized
1227. -  a new Pope , Gregory IX, took up the crusade against them again
1233 - Dominicans set up to conduct inquisitions
1242 - The people struck back and killed 2 inquistioners and their retainers.  Attackers had ridden out from Montsegur, the last stronghold of the Cathars
1243 - Montsegur sieged and after ten months surrendered; 225 burned.
Efforts continue to find remaining, 1252 - torture is authorized.
1305 and 1309  - William and Peter Autier found and killed
1321- William Belbaste  thought to be the last Cathar is killed

Painting by Pedro Berruguete,
from the 1400s,
depicting St Dominic burning Cathar books.

Are there remnants of the Cathars?

Some could have been hiding in Italy and Germany
Those in Bulgaria were thought to be absorbed by the Muslims faith
Those in Germany may have been absorbed into, or evolved into the Waldesians and Moravians
Later in the US - New Born, Society of the Woman in the Wilderness, Ephrata Cloisters
Did they influence the Reformation?

Myths, Legends  (I didn't get to this part, despite the fact the class was scheduled for an hour and a half,due to questions etc.)

Did they possess the Holy Grail
Or did they guard the Templar treasure, which was thought to consist of money, as well as Grail, documents of Christ's family, or secret teachings
The Troubadors and the Church of Love (Amor)
Nazi Germany
Rosicrians
Freemasons
Ancient Egypt
Atlantis and UFO's

Conclusion

Cathars are expelled and their property ransacked.

Sources
Baigent, Michael and Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln. Holy Blood, Holy Grail.  NY:  Dell Publishing, 1983.
Brown, Dan. The Da Vinci Code.  NY: Doubleday. 2003.
“Cathar Texts and Rituals,” Jan 2013, < http://gnosis.org/library/cathtx.htm >.
"Catholic Encyclopedie:Cathari,"  Jan 2013, <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03435a.htm>.
Churton, Tobias. Gnostics Philosophy From Ancient Persia to Modern Times.  Rochester, VT:  Inner Traditions, 2005.
Churton, Tobias. The Gnostics.   NY: Barnes and Noble Books, 1987.
Coppens, Philip. "The Cathars:  the struggle for and a new church,"   Jan 2013, <http://www.philipcoppens.com/catharism.html>.
Fanthorpe, Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe.  Secrets of Rennes le Chateau. The Mysteries of Templar Treasure, Rosicrucians, and the Holy Grail.  Boston: Weiser Books, 1992.
Gardner, Lawrence.  Bloodline of the Holy Grail. The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed.  NY: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003.
Good, James and William John Hinke. Minutes and Letters of the Coetus of the German Reformed Congregations in Pennsylvania, 1747-1792.  Together with Three Preliminary Reports of John Philip Boehm, 1734-1744. Phila: Reformed Church Publications Board, 1903.
Henry, William.  "Secrets of the Cathars--- Why the Dark Age Church Was Out To Destroy Them,"   Jan 2013, <http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/esp_autor_whenry04.htm>.
Howells, Robert.  Inside the Priory of Sion.  London: Watkins Publishing, 2011.
Khoury, Louis. “The Voice of the Cathars,” Jan 2013, < http://www.tatfoundation.org/forum2001-06.htm#5>.
“The Legend of the Cathars by Judith Mann,” Jan 2013, <http://gnosistraditions.faithweb.com/mont.html.>
Markale, Jean. Montsegur and the Mystery of the Cathars. VT: Inner Traditions, 2001.
Marrs, Jim. Rule by Secrecy. NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2000.
McDonald, James. "Cathars and Cathar Beliefs in the Languedoc," 17 Jan 2012, Jan 2013, <http://www.cathar.info >.
Meyer, Marvin W, trans. The Secret Teachings of Jesus. Four Gnostics Gospels. NY: Vintage Books, 1984
"Montsegur and the Cathars Heresy," Jan 2013, <http://www.russianbooks.org/montsegur.htm >.
“Mystic Missal - A Door to Ways and Means on the Spiritual Path –Cathars,”  4 Jul 2004, 25 Jan 2013,  <http://www.mysticmissal.org/cathars.htm.>
O’Shea, Stephen. The Perfect Heresy. The Revolutionary Life and Death of the Medieval Cathars.  NY: Barnes and Noble Books, 2000.
Rahn, Otto. Crusade Against the Grail, The Struggle Between the Cathars, The Templars, and the Church of Rome. VT: Inner Traditions, 2006.
Robinson, James M.  The Nag Hammadi Library. The Definitive Translation of the Gnostics Scriptures Complete in One Volume.   NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 1988.
Sinclair, Andrew. The Sword and The Grail.  Of the Grail and the Templars and a True Discovery of America.  NY: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1992.
Stallings, Dennis. “Catharism, Levitov, and the Voynich Manuscript,” 10 Oct 1998, Jan 2013, <http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ciencia/esp_ciencia_manuscrito04.htm# Surviving%20Cathar%20Texts%20in%20Modern%20Translations >.
Starbird, Margaret. The Woman With the Alabaster Jar. Mary Magdalene and the Holy Grail. Santa Fe: Bear & Company Publishing, 1993.
Wakefield, Walter L. and Austin P. Evans, Heresies of the High Middle Ages, 2nd ed., NY: Oxford, 1991.
Wise, Michael, Martin Abegg Jr and Edward Cook. The Dead Sea Scrolls. A New Translation. NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2005.
Wynants, Eric.  "The Church's War on the Cathars." bibliotecapleyades.net, Jan 2013, http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/esp_cataros_07.htm.

Introductory Equestrian Classes

Author on the WarHorse Rex
at Siege of Glen Gary event 2013

In an effort to promote the equestrian program in the SCA, I started to write various articles and teach classes on topics relative to horses - as they were used in the medieval period and as we use them in the SCA. One of the most popular topics has been introductory equestrian information.  The first article on this subject I wrote was "Introduction to SCA Equestrian Activities." The next year, I revised the article and titled it, "What are Those Horsey Types up to?  In 2009, at the Pennsic War, I taught a class based on information from these articles. The articles and classes continued to evolve as I updated the information, so that by 2010, I titled the article as "Equestrian Activities: A Guide for the Spectator and New Participant." That year, I taught this subject again at Æthelmearc War Practice. 

The articles and classes cover the various equestrian activities, including jousting, combat, archery and tests of skill. The latter are commonly called "games" but I feel this does not adequately describes these activities, which require a degree of skill in weaponry as well as control of the horse.  These tests include the historical activities which were practiced by mounted warriors in the medieval period as preparation for battle and tournament. They include tilting (or spearing) rings, pig-sticking and javelin throwing, the "heads course" and titling the quintain.

Because there continues to be a great deal of interest in this subject, evidenced by the good attendance each time I teach it, I taught the class again at the Pennsic War in 2011, 2013 and 2014.  At the 2014 Joint Æthelmearc Academy and Royal University of the MidRealm (RUM) event, I picked up and taught a similar class when the instructor failed to show up. (I was there to teach a different equestrian class and when I found out the instructor was not there and the interested students asked me if I could teach the class, I filled in for him.)

According to the class announcement that I have used to teach these classes, "This class will discuss types of equestrian activities practiced in the SCA. As such it is an aid to those watching the activities, enhancing their appreciation of equestrian events through an understanding of the purpose of the "games," historical background, and "scoring" for competition purposes. This class is also of benefit to those persons seeking to get involved in this exciting area of the SCA experience." 

The importance of these classes cannot be over-stated. In order to increase participation in the equestrian programs, we equestrian marshals need to constantly look for potential new people. Occasionally, people who have been in the SCA for years suddenly discover that there are equestrian activities in our organization and they are looking for information on how to get involved. Others are interested in watching the activities but do not understand what they are seeing in the arena or how things are scored. Classes of an introductory nature serve both these groups. Additionally, this class can be used when conducting demonstrations in the modern world, such as at 4-H club meetings or shows, in an effort to recruit new members to the SCA and specifically, to the equestrian program. This is the reason that I have taught this class more than other equestrian related class, and written several versions of the related article.

Arena and equipment layout for Equestrian Activities at Saxon Summer 2011

In 2013, I updated the article again and it was published in the Kingdom newsletter, the Æstel, as a series of articles under the title, "Equestrian Activities or What Are Those People Doing Over There With Horses At An Event? That year, I won the Sylvan Quills for Best Series in a Kingdom Publication for these series of articles. The Sylvan Quills are given out by the Kingdom Chronicler’s office for excellence in Æthelmearc publishing.

I have not posted the articles here on my blog but they can be found in the April, May, June and July 2013 issues of the Æstel and can be accessed by SCA members here.)

In an on-going effort to promote the equestrian program, I believe it is important to keep this topic current and to continue to publish articles and teach classes on this subject. I encourage others in their Kingdom to do so as well as my fellow equestrians in Æthelmearc!

Medieval Horse Equipment Class Notes

In 2013, I made a second collection of horse miniatures outfitted in medieval equipment which I entered in the Ice Dragon A&S competition the Pentathlon). Like the first set, I wanted to use these as teaching aids for classes on equestrian equipment, and to educate people about the type of equipment which was used on horses in the Middle Ages.  At the Pennsic War, of the same year, I taught a class specifically on medieval horse equipment and utilized these miniatures for the class.  The following are my notes for this class:

Separate classes could be taught on how to construct medieval horse equipment and I have taught several of that nature. This class is an over-view of medieval horse equipment and sources available to use in researching this subject. The focus is on what equipment SCA equestrians might want to make for their horse to wear or use while participating in equestrian activities within the Society.

As in modern times, there are a various types of equipment that was used on horses during the medieval period. These include: 

1.  Caparisons (or Barding) and Armor
2.  Bridles and saddles
3.  Harness, carts and wagons
4.  Grooming equipment and shoes and accessories like spurs

This class will also discuss the crests worn by mounted warriors (which are also reproduced in the equestrian program for Crest combat as well as accouterments) and the use of heraldry on equestrian related equipment.

Caparisons or Barding

The term barding is commonly used in the SCA to indicate the decorative cloths or straps won by horses.  This term covers the strap type barding as well as the flowing cloth caparisons or trappers.  In this class, that term is being used in a generic manner to cover all these types of equipment.

The first equipment usually made by the SCAdian equestrian is barding or some type of material to cover modern saddles and bridles and add decoration to the horse's tack. This type of equipment also adds to the pageantry of events and enhances the medieval feel of our activities. Barding types consist of full barding, blanket barding and strap barding or some deviation of these three.

 

Two miniatures showing full barding style or caparisons.

Source picture from Froissant's manuscript.

Caparisons were very decorative and often included elements of the rider's heraldry.  The model above on the left is a representation from a period example from the Codex Manesse, while the one on the right is from a 15th century manuscript by Froissant.

These three miniatures depict a horse wearing strap barding. The top two come from the source, Medieval Costume, Armor and Weapons by Wagner, Drobna, and Durdik. The center bottom example comes from Gaston Phoebus' Hunting Book.

 

Source from Gaston's Hunting Book

The miniature on the left represents the blanket barding style where only the hind end of the horse is covered.  This particular type shows a miniature version of the Æthelmearc Kingdom Equestrian Championship barding that is worn by the King's Equestrian Champion's horse.



Armor

As SCA equestrians become involved in more advanced activities such as mounted combat and jousting, they begin to look at sources for building armor for themselves and their horses. There are various sources for horse armor, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York's, as well as the collections at Leeds and the Higgins Museums.  (The latter was being closed at the time of this class.)  My miniature depicts a horse wearing a chanfron, which protects the horses head and face, and a crinet, which protects the horse's neck.  These were made of leather,  scale and chain mail, and plate.  The miniature is representing a version made from leather. Note that these models were not meant to show detail, or construction methods, but to provide a visual aid to the students attending the class.

Saddles and Bridles

With time, equestrians often look to enhancing their appearance by making medieval style bridles and saddles. You can make your own equipment using period sources. There are some bridles and saddles that have survived that we can use as examples. Many of these would not represent the typical saddle ridden by a typical SCAdian persona, as the ones that were preserved were the property of royalty and people from the upper nobility. But they do provide us with information on saddle style and construction. When making a medieval saddle, students are cautioned against building your own tree.  This is a job for experts in order to ensure a correct fit and prevent injury to your horse's back. In building a saddle from the start, purchase a good quality saddle tree to start with or re-purpose an old quality saddle. If you don't want to or lack the skills to make a saddle, you can purchase a Spanish or Portugese saddle, as these are similar to saddles used in period (though not exact). Some saddle-makers are offering to make replica medieval equipment as well, but you should examine these well to determine if they are historical or based on fantasy or Renaissance Faire designs. 

When designing and building equipment, we can turn to manuscripts for guidance as well.  Information about buckles and harness hardware can be found in Clark's The Medieval Horse and its Equipment, c. 1150 c.1450.

Harness and Carts, Wagons

For those who drive, manuscripts are the best source information on for carts, wagons and harness. I especially like Wagner, Drobna, and Durdik's Medieval Costume, Armor and Weapons. as it has many excellent examples. The miniature to the right was based on a harness from this source.

Source picture from Wagner.

 

Accessories-Spurs, Shoes, curry combs, etc

Clark's The Medieval Horse and its Equipment, c. 1150 c.1450. also covers information on grooming equipment, shoes, spurs, as well as pendants and decorations to harness and bridles.  This gives the medievalist plenty of information to base their own equipment design and construction.

Crests

In period, crests were decorative objects worn on the rider's helmet and are based on their heraldry.  Usually the crest is an element, or charge, of their arms such as a goose, lion, etc.  For the SCAdian,  there are a variety of sources for researching crests including illuminated manuscripts, which contain depictions, and heraldry rolls and books. Crests can be historically accurate for decoration or modified to adhere to rules for crest fighting which usually require non-frangible materials. Period pieces included a type of paper mache, covered in gesso and painted, or leather over a metal framework.  These would not be suitable for Crest Combat but you can use Styrofoam with a cloth or leather covering which is painted.

Crest display as part of the Tournament from Rene's Tournament Book

Heraldry

Heraldry was used to identify the rider in battle and on the Tournament field. It serves a similar function in the SCA as well as adding to the pageantry of the event. Heraldry can be displayed on surcoats, mantles for helmets, barding and banners. Numerous sources, including illuminated manuscripts, can be used to assist the researcher in creating these items accurately.

Conclusion

Because leather does not survive into the archaeological record, there are not many extant examples.  The best sources are manuscripts and artwork depicting horse equipment. There are some extant examples to be found in museums though the researcher is cautioned to understand that these are examples from the very wealthy and are not representative of the average man’s equipment. Often what survives to make it into a museum is the equipment of kings and high nobility. But these examples provide clues to construction materials and methods as well as design.

The Hand out includes various sources to get you started. I also recommend you go to the various Kingdom equestrian pages and their social media websites, looking at their files sections, for articles and discussions related to medieval horse equipment.

Medieval Genealogy Class and Roundtable

In 2014, at the Pennsic War, I continued to teach a series of classes related to genealogy in the medieval period.  The prior classes covered basic genealogy techniques, medieval sources for genealogists researching their family origins back into the Middle Ages, and creating a medieval style family history document or book. This year (2014) was the fourth year that I would teach genealogy related classes at Pennsic and I wanted to teach a class that would summarize the prior classes and lead to a roundtable discussion by the participants. 

The class description read: This class will feature a discussion of medieval genealogy, sources and techniques as well as period examples. As a follow-up to past classes on medieval genealogy, this class will start with a review of techniques and sources and will culminate in a roundtable discussion.

My class notes included an abbreviated version of the notes for the Medieval Genealogy and the Medieval Family History classes. (This information can be obtained by viewing my posts on this blog for these classes.)  Additionally, the notes included the final section, which was the discussion and roundtable portion of the class.

Discussion and Roundtable

What discoveries have the participates made into their medieval origins?
What are the participants favorite research sources into medieval genealogy?

This class was well received and the participants were all experienced genealogists, which resulted in a lively and informative discussion. As a result of the class, I started a Facebook page for SCA Genealogists, so that we could continue to share information and network.  The page can be found here.

Medieval Genealogy Family History Class Notes

As part of a series of classes I was teaching at the Pennsic War, in 2013 I taught this class which focused on creating a medieval styled family history book or record.

Introduction

I have taught several genealogy classes here at Pennsic and other events. While it is understood that our personas cannot be connected to historical or actual persons, it is natural that we think about how our own family lines reach back into the medieval period and think about researching them to find links in medieval times. Therefore, there appears to be a great deal of interest in this area within the SCA.

After family researchers begin to compile information on their family tree, they get to the stage where they want to share it. People post their trees on the internet, create websites to hold their information, and many create family history books which they can easily share with their family members or pass down to later generations. 

There are a variety of courses in the modern world, including some excellent ones by the National Genealogical Society, on how to write family history books. But being medievalists, it is not surprising that we consider making a book in the medieval style.

This class will provide you with information about medieval genealogies so that you may apply this to making your own medieval style family history book.

Historical Genealogies

Most medieval genealogy commonly concerned the lineage either Christ or Royalty. There are several examples of genealogies for noblemen and knights as a proof of lineage, especially as it relates to their suitability for elevation in rank. There were also genealogy scrolls of various families which became increasingly more common in the later period of the Middle Ages and were very popular during the Renaissance and beyond.  

Book of Kells

Illuminated manuscripts of the period varied greatly in design and this is true for those concerning genealogies. We see a wide variation in page layout and design, as well as a variety of ways to depict family trees and familiar connections. In these medieval examples we see the development of the depiction of family trees which we are used to seeing today. 

Simple listing

Earliest is the Book of Kells. Folio 200 recto contains a depiction of St Luke’s genealogy of Jesus.   This is a simple listing format showing descent directly from one person to the next.

Portraits

Lambeth Bible

With the Lambeth Bible (England, second part of 12th century), which on 404 A folio depicts the Tree of Jesse, or the genealogy of Christ, miniatures depict the images of the persons in descent.

Next we see figures of the individuals in the family depicted in the illumination almost like small portraits. This style continues with the addition of roundels to include the names of persons contained in the family line. This is particularly true of genealogies concerning Royalty which are the most common in the medieval period. 

Early examples can be found in several Welsh genealogies created in the 12th Century. (More information was provided from a paper I prepared as part of a related A&S entry for the Ice Dragon Pentathlon. 

First use of Rondels and Trees
Manuscripts detailing the descendants of William the Conqueror were common. An example is the genealogical manuscript, the Chronicle of the Kings of England, c. 1340-1342 (Royal 14 B  vi membrane 5) shown on the right. Within the roundels are portraits of the dukes of Normandy, ancestors of William the Conqueror and the descendants of William. This is a beautiful depiction of a “family tree” and incorporates this idea of the tree in the artwork.   

The Genealogy of Edward IV (Harley MS 7353, ca. 1460-1470) includes a tree motif as does the  Nemus Genealogium Norvagicum (Chronicles and Genealogy of the Norse Kings from Legendary Fiormo up to 1647 (MS 2128, ca. 1711-20) which is shown below.

Roundels with Names or Heraldry but not portraits
The practice of using roundels evolves during the period as portraits would no longer be painted, but the names of the people would be scribed within the roundels. One of the best examples of this style of medieval genealogy comes from the Chronicles and Genealogy of the Kings of England (MS 033, ca. 1325-1430).

Heraldry within the roundel is also used to indicate a particular person.

Lesser nobility family histories and parchment scrolls



By the end of the medieval period, more families were beginning to record their lineages. This was an important process for those who were eligible for promotion to the peerage as they had to prove their knightly rights. The same requirement existed for those seeking to join secular orders ---they also had to prove knightly descent on both sides of their family. One such example is The Byron Family Genealogical Roll written in 1627. This roll traces the family back from John the First Baron Byron who was born in 1626. to Radulphus Buron who was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, The borders are illuminated and 68 coats of arms are shown. The document was prepared for his elevation to the peerage and was later referenced by his descendant Lord Byron.


Later, more affluent families began to record their families, and by 1600 this is becoming more common. There are 40 such manuscripts of English genealogies in the Schoyen Collection of Medieval Manuscripts.

Genealogy of Roger of St. Albans

By this time, recording family trees on parchment was the norm for most noble families. The Schoyen Collection has a variety of these including the genealogy of Roger of St. Albans. What is particularly interesting about this parchment scroll is the resemblance of the artwork to the Fraktur of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Frakturs were used to document births and marriages and were thought by scholars to have developed from medieval manuscripts. This particular family scroll shows the same type of artwork and provides that “missing link" between the two art forms.

 

 

Printed Genealogies

After the invention of the movable type printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the middle of the 15th century, printed books began to appear which included the genealogies. Two of the most notable such books are those written by George Owen Harry and John Speed. The first source is George Owen Harry’s “Genealogy of the High and Mighty Monarch, James.” The second source is by John Speed, published in 1610, identified as: “The genealogies of the scriptures, according to euery familie and tribe. With the lyne of our sauiour Iesus Christ obserued from Adam, to the blessed virgin Mary./ Gathered and contriued by Iohn Speed.” 

Harry’s “Genealogy of the High and Mighty Monarch, James.” 

These books were published in the beginning of the 17th century and utilize a similar format to show lineage as the earlier illuminated manuscripts. The use of roundels persists but there is little of the other usual illumination.

John Speed's work

 
In these examples from Harry's work (below),we clearly see the use of what appears to be modern pedigree trees. Also seen in these examples are family narratives similar to what is used today. These examples provide historical data about the person, parents, and some descriptive information. 

These medieval genealogy examples give us an idea of how genealogy was recorded in the period, but also provide us with inspiration for making our own medieval style family history. Many families have a commercially produced family history made from a family member’s research. But few families can boast a richly illuminated and calligraphed book of their family history, which will become a family heirloom to be cherished for generations. I am currently working on my own medieval style family history, incorporating these principles from extant sources and examples. I am using illumination to richly decorate the pages and give it that real “medieval “look. The words will be written in calligraphy instead of printed with a computer and printer. If you think you can’t do that -think again as I just started calligraphy and illumination this year!

 

Sources:

Bodies Politic & Non-Codex Genealogy/Predigital Worlds, Pre-Digital World, 8 Jun 2012, 22 Feb 2013,  http://predigitalbooks.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/organic-politics-non-codex-genealogy/

A Genealogists Sketchbook.  (Medieval and Modern Genealogy, memory and history-part of nltaylor.net.)  The Mother of all medieval genealogies- the 'great stemma, 22 Aug 2011, 5 Mar 2013, http://nltaylor.net/sketchbook/archives/1577

Medieval and Earlier Manuscripts: November 2011, Feb 20013, http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/2011/11/index.html

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Equestrian Events for Autocrats and Event Organizers

This article was written and published in the Æstel and the Æthelmearc Gazette in an abbreviated form. I taught a class on this subject based on the information for the article  at Æthelmearc War Practice in 2010.

This article is specifically tailored towards those persons interested in adding equestrian activities to their event. Equestrian activities add pageantry and interest to any event, but require additional procedures with Corporate and marshallate staff. This article will explain these requirements and make the process easy to understand for event organizers and Autocrats.

Clearance with Marshallate Staff 

Before announcing that you are having equestrian activities at your event, you should contact Equestrian Marshallate staff. Anytime a horse is present at an SCA event, that event is considered to be an Equestrian event, and special considerations apply (such as the requirement that an Equestrian Marshal in Charge be present throughout the time that horses are on site, and special insurance be activated). The good news is that most special procedures will be handled by your friendly and helpful Æthelmearc Equestrian Marshal Staff.  

Marshallate staff will advise you if an Equestrian Marshal is available the weekend of your event.  Marshals are riders too and often travel out-of-Kingdom to participate in other events. Plan on contacting  the Kingdom Equestrian Officer (KEO), their Deputy or your local Euestrian Marshal at least 6 months before the event. Staff will also assist you in getting your event on the Æthelmearc Equestrian Calendar. Because the costs of transportation are considerably higher for equestrians, the number of back-to-back events are minimized to ensure maximum participation. A general rule of thumb is that two equestrians events will not be scheduled on the same side of the Kingdom within the same calendar month. This does not apply to practices and demos.

Site Issues

Prior to adding equestrian activities to your event, several questions must be answered. These include:

1) Is this potential site suitable for equestrians? This involves looking at the site to determine if there is an adequate space for an arena to conduct activities. Some marshals prefer a site that has a covered arena in the event of inclement weather. Some marshals require a regular ring fence, while others are content with a temporary ring set-up. Options include snow fence and temporary arenas. Most marshals are flexible, but may require a specific level of experience in order to participate based on the fencing available. For example, due to the unique situation at Æthelmearc 10th Anniversary a few years ago, the marshallate staff required that participants be only experienced riders who had participated in events prior to this event. It was important to completely minimize the chances for any mishap due to the fact we were bringing horses back to Cooper's Campground following years of prohibition of this activity at this site. 

Nice arena with good footing

Suitability questions also include safe footing for the horses. Hard concrete or rocky surfaces are not appropriate for equestrian activities. A Marshal will inspect the site to determine suitability prior to adding the event to the equestrian schedule. The Marshal will also look for other issues (e.g., wet conditions or unusual concerns such as nearby traffic or mundane features) to ensure the site is safe for the horses and riders.

2) Does the property owner approve of horses on the site and give permission for such activities?  Contact the property owner and secure this permission. An Equestrian Marshal will be happy to assist with this phase, answering specific questions that the property owner may have.

3) Is there a space for stabling or "storage" of horses when the activities are not going on? Stables with large box stalls are ideal, but tie stalls are acceptable. Many sites don't have stabling, so horse owners practice "horse camping."  This is a common equestrian activity in the mundane world.   Horse trailers are often fitted with "living quarters," or an attached human camping space attached to the horse compartment. Other equestrians simply pitch a tent near their trailers. The horses can be kept inside the trailer, or kept in temporary fencing which is electrified. These fencers which generate a low charge that is not harmful to the horse or humans, is powered by DC current, battery, or solar power.

SCA Equestrian Insurance

A special insurance policy must be activated in order to have equestrian activities at your event. This includes any equestrian activity, even if the horses are used only for processions. It is important that you know there are strict time deadlines for this activation. This insurance must be ordered 30 days prior to the event, or a late fee of $175 will be added to the normal $50 fee. This additional fee can make adding equestrian activities cost prohibitive and perhaps eliminate the feasibility of having horses at your event. Ordinarily, the Equestrian Marshal in Charge (EqMiC) will order this insurance. In Æthelmearc, only he/she or the Autocrat are authorized to order this insurance. This insurance provides additional liability insurance for the SCA. If the event site owners want to be covered under this policy, an additional fee of $50 is required for each individual or entity.

Local Services and Emergency Planning

Author's local veterinarian office

The EqMiC or the Autocrat should check the local area to determine what equine services are available. As participants are usually not from the local area, their familiarity with these resources is not readily known to them. The name of a local veterinarian must be obtained and made available to the equestrian participants or horse owners in the event of an emergency while on the site. Contact information for farrier (horse shoeing) services and local stabling options should also be available.

 Equestrian activities have a whole set of unique emergency planning requirements.  Unlike most SCA participants, equestrians have another creature to worry about that cannot help itself in the event the owner is incapacitated. If a rider is severely injured or sick and is removed from the site to a local facility for treatment, its not just a matter of getting their stuff packed into a car and arrange to get it to them at a later date.  Someone has to be designated beforehand to take care of his/her horse.   Generally, the EqMiC will ensure that all horse owners complete a form designating who is responsible for their horse in these types of cases. Or they will authorize the event staff to arrange for temporary placement of the horse in a local boarding facility.

Signage and Waivers

Equestrian activity is general recognized to be an inherently hazardous activity by most states.   Additionally, most states have passed Equine Liability Laws which limit a facility or property owner's liability in the event an equestrian is injured while participating in equestrian activities. But these laws require the posting of specific signage detailing this liability limitation. The SCA requires that two signs be posted at all events where equestrian activities are conducted. This applies to any event where horses are present, even if only for use in processions. Usually the EqMiC will provide and ensure these signs are posted.   

PA Equine Liability sign

In addition to the regular wavier requirements, a special equestrian wavier must be completed by all attendees at the event, regardless of whether or not they will be participating in equestrian activities or not. Persons claiming they will not go near the horses are still required to sign this wavier. Failure to do so requires the troll staff to refuse entrance to that person. The only exception to this requirement is in the case where a demo or parade is held on public grounds, and then, only equestrians must sign a wavier. Generally this wavier is made available for signing at Troll. Copies of this wavier will be forwarded to the Æthelmearc Wavier Clerk by the EqMiC or Autocrat. 

Despite the fact equestrian activities require these additional steps, it is worthwhile to consider adding equestrian activities to your event. It adds a special effect and pageantry to the event. The additional activity also promises to add to your attendance numbers as well. Most of the extra steps required will be completed by the EqMiC, but the Autocrat needs to be familiar with these requirements, especially those with time limits.