BARON AND BARONESS
JEHAN DE LA MARCHE
BARON OF MIDDLE MARCHES
1970-1979
I founded the March of the Marshes in Bowling Green early 1970 as the first official SCA group in Ohio, and then found out Margrave Jamie Fox had unofficially founded the March of Cleft Lands. We met and agreed to a treaty uniting the groups and creating the Barony of the Middle Marches with myself as seneschal. In May 1971, I was created the first Baron of the Middle Marches.
At that time, the barony officially included all of Ohio, but actually, there were just the 2 original groups.
As far as I recall, we had no baronial awards at that time. Even kingdom awards were barely getting started.
As indicated above, we created the first SCA groups in Ohio. I was the first fighter from Ohio to fight in an MK Crown Tourney, at the second MK Crown Tourney held in Tregirtsea in May 1970. The first official event in the barony was a tourney held at the United Christian Fellowship building on the campus of Bowling Green State University in the fall of 1970. I do not recall the exact date. Andrew of Seldom Rest was the first knight in the barony. He was knighted in about February 1971. I was the first Laurel in the barony, in May 1971, at the same event (Spring Crown Tourney) when I was made baron.
The first joint Middle Kingdom/East Kingdom event (precursor of Pennsic) was held in Cleft Lands, in May 1971(?). It was known as the “innerbelt tournament” because it began being fought on a grassy space surrounded by part of the local highways. Later it was moved into a gym because even though it was May, it was so cold it was snowing. The EK contingent arrived late, so in effect there were two tourneys, one of MK fighters won by Andrew of Seldom Rest and one of EK fighters won by Rakkurai of Kamakura. Andrew and Rakkurai met in the final and Andrew won.
Another notable event was the expedition to the first Castel-Rouge (Winnipeg) event. This was immortalized in (Count) Franz von Blinkend-lIchten’s Dickischelumpkinsleid. “Fatty Lumpkin” was a 15-year-old airport limo, which Andrew had brought for SCA transport. He and his wife (Duchess) Anne and I set off from Bowling Green, stopped in Chicago and picked up Duke Cariadoc, Count Franz, and Baroness Signy (who had come up from North Woods) and went on toward Winnipeg. A few miles outside Fargo ND, the rear left wheel of the vehicle went flying across the road in a cloud of black smoke. Anne, who was driving, screamed, and Andrew who was dozing on the seat behind her reached over and steered the vehicle in a 180-degree turn onto the median. Once help arrived, we rented a car in Fargo and went on to Winnipeg, arriving in time for the feast. I had to fly back to take an exam (being a student at Bowling Green at the time) but the others had quite an adventurous return journey, stopping off en route and founding another barony, then called White Bear. I regret I do not recall the current SCA name for that region.
ANDREW OF SELDOM REST
VICAR OF MIDDLE MARCHES
1973-1979
Unfortunately, he has passed away.
GALEN DE RENYARD
AND
ELEANOR OF ALNWICK
BARON AND BARONESS OF MIDDLE MARCHES 1979-1989
The Marche in the Columbus area was dissolved by King Laurelen Darksbane due to problems (he may better remember what they were!). When it was re-instated, Baroness Eleanor created the new name of “Tirnewydd”, which is Welsh for “New Land”.
Originally, the Middle Marches was the entire state of Ohio except for the Cleftlands, which was a barony. During our tenure as Baron and Baroness, the Marche of Fenix in the Cincinnati area became large enough to become a Barony. That is the only change we can remember. I am sure others have happened since.
There were no baronial awards until we created them. We created an award for chivalry (I believe this was named for the daffodil) and one for the arts and sciences (cannot recall its name). Baron Galan thinks there may also have been another award for service to the barony, but again, after more than 30 years, the memory fades!
Eleanor was the first baroness as the founding baron, Jehan de la March, did not have a lady. Also, the first Red Dragon tournament was created during our tenure.
THOMAS AP LLEWELLYN
AND
MARGARETE VON DEM SCHWARTZWALD
BARON AND BARONESS OF MIDDLE MARCHES 1989- 1998
Unfortunately, Margarete has passed away.
DILAN MACANTSAIER (NOW DIGLACH MAC CEIN)
AND
UNA WINIFRED BERRY
BARON AND BARONESS OF THE MIDDLE MARCHES 1998-2003
We had several new groups form and dissolve during our period as Baron and Baroness. Groups in Gallipolis, Marietta and Kenyon College formed, and a group in Zanesville dissolved. We also were there when the Barony of Brendoken was formed.
The Barony lost some land during our time, to better serve those people living there. We gave some land to Flaming Gryphon, Red Spears, and the new Barony of Brendoken.
We created the new awards of the Warden of the Marche, the Treasure of the Marche, Shepard of the Marche, and Titan of the Marche.
We started the first Baronial Cookout at Blackstone Raids, and continued at events like NOWM, Baron Wars, etc. It was a chance for the Barony to get together and enjoy each other’s company.
At the event where we were made Baron and Baroness, we had EVERY Baron and Baroness until that time in attendance for the first (and only) time.
Interesting story…. The Barony had an auction, to raise money for new regalia. Several venerable items were purchase to be preserved, including the Baronial Battle Banner.
Then came a map of the original Barony, which at the time was the ENIRETY of Ohio. The Auctioneer got excited and announced that we were auctioning off the Barony – Of CLEFTLANDS.
So we did. Now Baron Talymar bought Cleftlands for $7.75
We informed the Baron of Cleftlands (Laurelin) later that spring……
RAGNAR KARLSSON
AND
BRISE SANGUIN
BARON AND BARONESS OF THE MIDDLE MARCHES
2003-2007
LAMORAK OF DUNSINANE
AND
ISABEAU DE FOIRBEIS
BARON AND BARONESS OF THE MIDDLE MARCHES
2007-2012
Created Baron and Baroness by Palymar IV and Aislinn II at TRM Crown Tournament in May 2008. The general populace thought that the investiture would be made by King Dag, but due to unforeseen delays it actually occurred several weeks after he stepped down.
At their investiture, Lamorak and Isabeau’s knight, Duke Talymar, took their belts and chains stating that they now owed their fealty and allegiance directly to the Crown and the people of the Middle Marches. Created Baron and Baroness of the Court by Dag and AnneMarie Red Dragon 2012. After stepping down both Isabeau and Lamorak requested their status as squires be restored. First Baronial Court At Glenyarin group, Portsmouth. 2Nd court The Snowball in Dernehealde. Lands gained or lost – None. A request was made by the Barony of Fenix to cede several southwestern counties to them. As there were no groups developing there for either Fenix or Middle Marches, it seemed to the Baron and Baroness that they would be simply giving land away for no particular reason. Lamorak said that as Baron he oversees the Crown’s land and that in tryth the counties in question were not his to give away. The request was denied.Groups forming and dissolving during their term of office
| Portsmouth group {Glenyarin} started and dissolved {graduation of students and moving of key people}Hocking College Group StartedMarietta Group {Border Keep} Dissolved {graduation of students and moving of key people}St. Clair Group Dissolved {playing in Athelmarc} |
Awards that were Created
| Pillar of the Marche for AandSPillar of the Marche for service{As these two had the same name, they were reorganized under Marcus and Eilis such that the Pillar was given only for excellence in Arts and Sciences.}Titan of the Marche: “The Titan of the Middle Marches is an order for those participants in the arts martial who have developed exceptional prowess on the list fields and have sought to be an unceasing example of their skill, teaching it to others and providing extraordinary martial service to the Barony. As this is an Order, such recognition may only be received once.”Icy Hand of Death: The order was opened, Lord Valamir, the Baron’s ‘executioner’ was admitted, and the order closed.Herder of Cats: The order was opened, Aine ingen Neill mec Lugdechwas admitted, and the order closed. |
Gifts of Baronial Property
| Wooden coronet boxes with inlaid wood were made by Baron Richard Aldwulf Glass beads for the baroness, in red and white, were made by Rivka The Baronial Sunshade was purchased through donations and auctions. |
Coronets used during their term of office
| Gold plated ‘wire’ coronets. After stepping down, they were the first to be granted the use of 12 pearls on their Court Baron coronets as a symbol that they had served as landed Baron and Baroness Lamorak issued a Baron’s Challenge to donate armor to the ‘iron key’ of the new forming groups. Two complete sets of armor were raised and donated. |
Humorous Courts
| Baroness Isabeau needed to take a six-month leave of absence from her duties. So, Mistress Melisande outfitted a Barbie doll in the style of clothes that Isabeau wore, and it sat in the baroness’s seat beside Lamorak.For a Baronial fundraiser, Lamorak had a picture of himself placed on an archery target, and for a donation people could sign-up and shoot at it. He then took the list to court, called forward all who had shot at the picture and declared them traitors for trying to kill the Baron. They were taken away by the Baron’s executioner, Lord Valamir, who returned shortly with a string of disembodied hands and the traitors whose arms were wrapped in bloody bandages. Good Baroness Isabeau took pity on them and waved a ‘magic’ plastic wand (with electronic sound effects) over the bloody stumps and the hands were miraculously returned. Lamorak was probably the first and last Baron to have an executioner.During a Dernehealde fight practice, Lord Gunalf broke a sword in a misplaced thrust to Lamorak’s crotch. The rattan sword broke at a 90 degree angle and was carried in several court processions in which Lamorak was announced as Baron Lamorak, Iron Cup.Although Melisande de Marmande was a Pelican, Laurel, and Court Baroness, Lamorak and Isabeau gave Melisande her first ever Baronial award. |
MARCUS PINARIUS DRACONARIUS
AND
EILIS THE STONE
BARON AND BARONESS OF MIDDLE MARCHES
2012-2016
Three inactive groups dissolved: Ath Draegon, Border Keep, Briarwood (tried to start, but failed). New groups that formed: College of St. Brutus, Canton of Pferdestadt.
There was land (Brown County, Ohio) given to the Barony of Fenix in 2013.
In our time as Baron and Baroness we completely re-vamped the award system- something that Marcus and I are extremely proud of during our tenure. We added 7 awards: Hope, Chevron and Flame, Red Chevron (We added a Children’s award category), Compass, Sable Gate, Hero, and Cuff. We standardized the descriptions of all the awards, worked and mostly passed all the heraldry for the awards, and added standardized wording for all the scrolls. “The Baron’s Challenge” which was technically an “award”, but was also a project based thing was retired because it was unclear its intent. We gave out two “Closed Order” awards: Baronial Quartermaster and Praetorian Guard. We also held one Regency court for Cellach I and Vukasin I.
During our tenure as Baron and Baroness of Middle Marches, we started many initiatives some more successful than others, however here is a brief list: we built two new websites, started quarterly baronial meetings, started the officer charges ceremonies, made Baronial Championships its own event, started Baronial Coinage, we “broke” the College of Heralds at Pennsic by submitting 14 award blazons at once (Ask Anna of the Western Hill about that one), we “broke” the Midrealm Scroll blank Challenge in 2014? (Also ask Anna of the Western Hill), started to have guilds (scribal and fiber arts) which did not take off as hoped, Middle Marches had 2 Kingdom Champions (AandS and Equestrian) and 1 Known World Rapier Champion. I also gave out the only (that I am aware of) “group Golden Affodil” to House Effervo.
We participated in the Battle of 5 Armies event at Harvest Days 2015. We judged at every North Oaken Regional AandS Faire during our tenure. We were one of a handful of Baron and Baroness to ride into court at Mugmort Melees on horseback. We got to announce my pregnancy to everyone at Red Dragon 2013.
TALYMAR GAN Y LLWYN
AND
MELISANDE DE MARMANDE
BARON AND BARONESS OF MIDDLE MARCHES
2016-2022
Well, the other Barons and baronesses will have the retrospective of their entire term of office, while we are only halfway through. We still hope to accomplish other things and set others firmly into ‘tradition’.
St. Brutus and Pferdestadt became official SCA branches. We’ve lost Portsmouth (again), but we’ve gained a strong and growing group in Wood’s End.
Since we were once the entire state, no land will be gained, only lost, as the SCA in the State of Ohio continues to grow. We are currently the largest geographic Barony and losing land to overall growth of our organization would be a healthy thing.
We feel there is a full complement of awards at this time and do not foresee any formal additions. But recognitions such as the Chevron Cloak and the Middle Marches Valkyries are important ways of recognizing people.
We are proud of the growth of the rapier community, but would like to see more growth in equestrian. We would like to start a symposium of classes.
We have an opportunity to put a spotlight on the heritage of the barony — both because of MK 50 Year and hopefully through a 50 Year Baronial celebration next year. Tradition and heritage are important to both of us — if the old don’t teach and tell their stories, the young won’t learn.
We would like to leave the office with a better sense of cooperation and unity among all the groups — a sense that we are one family.