News aggregator
The history of pub signs
Most people recognize, with a smile, the beautifully-carved, and imaginatively-named pub signs that grace the English landscape, but few realize that the signs date back to the Romans. The Inn Sign Society offers a history of pub signs, along with some nice examples, on its website.
SCA: “They just don’t get to read about history. They get to do it.”
“I love seeing how people can really get into their character and become someone from the Middle Ages,they just don’t get to read about history. They get to do it.” said Isabella Beatrice della Rosa (Melissa Wobig) to reporter Chris Mueller of The Daily Republic (Mitchell, South Dakota) about SCA members. Mueller covered the recent Coronation in the Kingdom of Northshield. (photo)
Medieval burial shows love that outlasts death
Two skeletons in a grave in Romania have been found buried together holding hands. The skeletons were probably buried between 1450 and 1550.
MetPublications offers free armor books
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is featuring twelve books celebrating arms and armoring on its MetPublications website. Some of the books are available to download, and others are readable online.
SCA members create "Medieval Day" at Bruce County Museum
On April 21, 2013, the Middle Ages came to the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre with the help of local members of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The demonstration was covered by the Saugeen Times (Saugeen, Ontario). (photos)
Work begins on Cardigan Castle restoration project
For years, officials at Wales' 12th century Cardigan Castle have dreamed of raising funding to restore the castle and turn it into a heritage center and site for open-air concerts. The castle is believed to be the birthplace of the eisteddfod, a festival of poetry and music, dating to the 12th century.
North Yorkshire claims Richard III
"Why should we trust them? They misplaced him for 500 years," says Conservative Councillor Tom Fox of the Scarborough Borough Council about his objection to Richard III's burial in Leicester, England. (video)
Hunt to find Boudicca
The latest subject of interest for royal remains hunters is Boudicca, the warrior queen, who fought the Romans to defend Britain, who may lie beneath a Birmingham McDonalds or platform eight, nine or 10 at King's Cross Station.
Scots mercenary tradition
Since the Middle Ages, Scottish men have been involved in military pursuits, often on foreign soil. Fierce fighters, especially from the western islands, were particularly prized by the armies of Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain and France. Steven McKenzie of the BBC looks at their history.
Experts debate age of York sapphire ring
A group of experts convened recently at the Yorkshire Museum to debate the age of the beautiful Escrick Ring, found in a field near York, England. The ring was believed to date from the 12th through 16th centuries, but some now think as early as the 5th century. (photo)
Greetings from the incoming SCA Inc. President
Leslie Vaughn, the incoming President of the SCA Inc., has published an open letter of greeting to the populace, including a farewell letter from outgoing President, Thomas Hughes.
Does Sudeley Castle conceal Roman ruins?
The recent discovery of a Roman column and the discovery last year of a stone relief of Roman god Cunomaglos have archaeologists calling for an investigation of Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, England. Experts believe the castle may conceal a temple and a villa.
Richard on the couch
Now that Richard III's body has been identified, experts are probing his mind. In a paper presented March 2, 2013 at the University of Leicester, Professor Mark Lansdale and forensic psychologist Dr Julian Boon offered an analysis of Richard III's character.
Generous donors complete funding for the Mary Rose Museum
The final UK£35,000 needed to complete the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth, England's Historic Dockyard has been raised thanks to a plea by the Mary Rose Trust. Museum officials are "putting the finishing touches" on the museum's interior, including filling cases with artifacts receoved from Henry VIII's flagship. (photo)
The Roman hairstyle debate continues
According to the article On Pins and Needles: Stylist Turns Ancient Hairdo Debate on Its Head, Janet Stephens is a hairdo archaeologist. She has recreated Roman hairstyles, and in the article, she discusses her research - and her critics.
"Knights" bring history to California middle schoolers
It was a day when history came to life recently at Lompoc Valley Middle School when students were treated to a display of armored combat and other lessons from the Middle Ages courtesy of members of the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism. (photo)
Kent church: "Reputed to be the tomb of Richard Plantagenet"
A derelict church in Eastwell, Kent, England, may hold the final resting place of Richard Plantagenet, illegitimate son of King Richard III. A grave in St Mary's churchyard is marked with the inscription: "Reputed to be the tomb of Richard Plantagenet". Now scientists want to know the truth.
A tour of the Border Abbeys
Planning a trip to Scotland? You may want to visit the four Border Abbeys, Melrose, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Kelso, founded by King David I of Scotland in the 12th Century. A recent BBC article looks at the history of the religious sites in a troubled area. (photos)
Estrella War 2013 Lost and Found List Posted
Lady Bethia Somers of the Atenveldt Sheriff's Office reports that a lost and found list for Estrella War 2013 is now available online.
Animal Day at Pennsic 42
Katla Ulfhedinn, Medieval Animal Day Coordinator, Pennsic 42, reports that the Pennsic Artisans Row will feature an Animal Day.
