The Principality of Æthelmearc
began as the Western Region of the East Kingdom. It was elevated to principality status in
A.S. XXIV, and became the fifteenth kingdom of the SCA in
A.S. XXXII. The arms of the kingdom are: Gules,
an escarbuncle argent within a laurel wreath and in chief a coronet Or.
Order of the Gage: given to recognize
accomplishments in the heavy lists and melee fields.
Members of the Order of Chivalry are not eligible for this award.
The order's badge is: (Fieldless) On a gauntlet sable, an escarbuncle Or.
Order of the White Scarf: given to recognize accomplishments of the fencers of Æthelmearc. Members of the order are entitled to wear on their left shoulder a white scarf with the badge of Æthelmearc: Gules, an escarbuncle argent within a bordure Or.
Order of the Scarlet Guard: given to recognize accomplishments
of the archers of Æthelmearc. The order's badge is:
(Fieldless) A tassel per pale gules and argent.
Order of the Millrind: given to recognize service to
the kingdom. Members of the Order of the Pelican are not eligible for
this award. The order's badge is: (Fieldless) A millrind argent.
Order of the Fleur of Æthelmearc: given to recognize
skill in the gentler arts. Members of the Order of the Laurel are not
eligible for this award. The order's badge is:
Per saltire gules and Or, four fleurs-de-lys bases to center
counterchanged.
The Order of the White Horn: given to recognize
accomplishments in those martial areas not recognized by the Orders
of Gage, the White Scarf, or the Scarlet Guard. The badge of the order is: (Fieldless) A hunting horn argent.
Order of the Keystone: given for service to the kingdom,
including teaching and autocratting. The order's badge is: Or, on a
keystone gules an escarbuncle argent.
Order of the Sycamore: given for accomplishments in the peaceful arts and
sciences, including entertaining and research. The order's badge is:
(Fieldless) Three sycamore leaves conjoined in pall per pale gules and Or.
Order of the Golden Alce: given for accomplishments in the martial arts and
sciences. The order's badge is:
(Fieldless) A stag's head cabossed per pale Or and gules.
Order of Merit for Martial Authenticity (name pending): given for authenticity in
appearance while performing a martial activity, including research and teaching with an emphasis
in visual merit, not skill level.
Order of the Sigil of Æthelmearc: given for service to the Crown. The token is the Æ (Aesch) of Æthelmearc.
Order of the Silver Buccle: given to outstanding subjects age 14 and under. The token is a silver buckle.
Order of the Silver Alce: given for accomplishments in the martial arts and sciences by subjects age 14 and under.
Order of the Silver Sycamore: given for accomplishments in the peaceful arts and sciences done by subjects age 14 and under.
Order of the Jewel of Æthelmearc: given to recognize those outstanding individuals who exemplify skill, courtesy, chivalry and service. The Crown may recognize only one new member per reign, and consults with the members of the order before bestowing the award. The newest member is presented with an escarbuncle set with a gem, dependent from a chain, which is passed on to the next recipient.
Order of the Garnet (a principality order, now closed): given to former consorts of Æthelmearc, who displayed gentility, grace, statesmanship, courtesy and chivalry during their reign. Companions are styled "Lady of the Garnet." Their duties are to promote courtesy and chivalry, to be an example of proper etiquette, to give counsel to the Coronet, to devise quests to promote the ideals of the order,and to give tokens of favor to those who perform extremely courteous/chivalrous acts, or to those who are constantly courteous/chivalrous. They have the privilege to select a Champion of the Garnet, and to convene a council to advise the Coronet on matters of courtesy and honor. The token of the order is a garnet.
The Ladies of the Garnet retain their rank and precedence and may aid the Order of the Rose.
The Shield of Chivalry: given to the most chivalrous fighter in Crown Tournament, to hold until the next Crown Tourney. The Bearer of the Shield of Chivalry is selected by former royal consorts (including, but not exclusive to, members of the Order of the Garnet and Order of the Rose), and is charged to champion the ideals of chivalry on and off the field, use of proper etiquette, and courtesy, by example, at all times. Should none be found worthy, the shield is left in the keeping of the Crown.
| Index of SCA Kingdom Awards articles | Kingdom of Æthelmearc webpage |
This article was compiled from Æthelmearc law and the SCA Armorial. Assistance was provided by THL Giulietta da Venezia, Sir Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono, Lord Kwellend-Njal Kollskeggson, Master Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn, Mistress Orianna Fridrikskona, Mistress Ellisif Flakkari, and Mistress Caitlin Davies. The illustrations of award badges were provided by Mikhail of Lubelska and Maitresse Yvianne de Castel d'Avignon.
Mistress Jessa d'Avondale (OP, Court Baroness, GoA, OSC, OM, OBT, QC, Terpsichore) is from the fifteenth-century Italian court, where she is studying the dance (including those peculiar ones from France and England). She resides in the East Kingdom. Marla Lecin (mlecin@optonline.net) invites anyone with updates or corrections to this article to contact her.