My interests in medieval studies began with children’s tales of knights, dragons, wizards and Robin Hood, did I mention dragons?! The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) https://www.sca.org/ gave me an organized way to approach these, starting with medieval fighting. From fighting I quickly expanded my studies to brewing, outdoor living, architecture, clothing and Scottish culture. The persona I took on is Thomas de Marr’ circa 1550AD – 1600AD from the Scottish county of Marr. This area has a mixture of Highland and Lowland Scottish culture, but what made me pick this time period that it is the beginning of the images that define what we think of today as Scottish heritage. The basket hilted claymore, emergence of the kilt (Great Kilt) for example, and it’s the era of Shakespeare and seafaring exploration.
This is a collection of my many interests and what I have learned so that others may learn from my efforts and more importantly avoid my mistakes (make new ones!).
A Pleasant Surprise!
On July 11th, 2026 at the Great Northeastern War I was asked the question if I was willing to join the Order of the Laurel. This is a Peerage award which is essentially the equivalent of Knighthood but for the Arts & Sciences in the SCA. What really got me surprised was that my wife Lijsbet van Catwiic was getting elevated to the Laurel which I knew and had been planning for 5 months prior. Meanwhile all my friends and family had been scheming behind my back to prepare for my elevation as well. To be elevated at the same time, in a joint ceremony, is truly an honor that means more to me than anyone could possibly know. My Lady and I have walked hand in hand, side by side and worked together on so many projects, that this was the perfect way to take this next step in our journey, together. To my knowledge this has only been done once before in the East Kingdom.
While Lijsbet and I were called into court together to be sent on vigil we had separate vigils set up for us. Thanet House had craftily been setting up my gorgeous vigil space when I was setting up Lijsbets so I was none the wiser. They felt it was important that we have different vigil spaces to reinforce the knowledge that although we had had walked many paths together, we were being recognized for our own accomplishments, that we each had earned this recognition in our own right. It was perfect. It was impactful. I will always be grateful to Thanet for this event. There were 3 vigils happening in our encampment at the same time with a shared space for food, book signing and waiting. There was none of the 3 gallons of Powdered Hippocras left that I made for HER vigil, complete with copies of the documentation. Yep, I am a nerd who made his own vigil food and drink… and garb.
The next day we held the “Rites of Qualifications” in Thanet’s Megallino tent. This is where the members of other orders speak to your qualifications as a Peer of the Realm before witnesses. All are invited but none are required. Doing this portion of the ceremony seperately from Court reduces the time needed in an already strained Court schedule yet also makes it very much more personal and intimate. Both my Lady and I had indicated that it was our desired approach. In court we were boasted into their Majesties presence by our good friends the Baron and Baroness of our Barony of Endewearde. They did so in a manner that was true to form for our relationship and journey together. As it should always be, ladies first, Lijsbet was asked the question first and gave her oath after the Laurel spoke for her. Then it was my turn to answer the question and swear my oath. My regalia presented to me is as follows.
- Cap by Aneleda Falconbridge. A wreath sewn to a bonnet that represent all the colors found in the Endewearde forest.
- Cloak by Sunna Regnbue Wīsaz. The shoulder cloak appropriate for late period with or without a great kilt.
- Medallion 1 from my Lady Lijsbet which is a pin to be worn on kilt, tunic or doublet.
- Medallion 2 is from their Majesties of the East
- Medallion 3 is shared between Lijsbet and I. It is the Hubcap of Bling handed down through the Thanet Household
The Misadventures and Projects of Thomas de Marr' 