Perfidious Albion

Edinburgh University Medieval Society

Chronicles of the Realm of Perfidious Albion

Illuminated pages of Chronicles: Title Page, Year One , Year Two , Year Two (continued), Year Three , Year Four , Year Five , Year Six , Year Seven, Year Eight, Year Nine, Year Ten, Year Eleven, Year Twelve, Year Thirteen, Year Fourteen, Year Fifteen, Year Sixteen, Year Seventeen, Year Eighteen, Year Nineteen, Year Twenty, Year Twenty One, Year Twenty Two, Year Twenty Three, Year Twenty Four

Lady Albions and Lord Albions in the history of the Realm
Knights of the Realm
The Populace of Albion (a guide to names and characters)

Text of the Chronicles: Year One, Year Two, Year Three, Year Four, Year Five, Year Six, Year Seven, Year Eight, Year Nine, Year Ten, Year Eleven, Year Twelve, Year Thirteen, Year Fourteen, Year Fifteen, Year Sixteen, Year Seventeen, Year Eighteen, Year Nineteen, Year Twenty, Year Twenty One, Year Twenty Two, Year Twenty Three, Year Twenty Four, Year Twenty Five, Year Twenty Six, Year Twenty Seven, Year Twenty Eight, Year Twenty Nine , Year Thirty

How the Realm began:
There was a knight, called Sir Gunnar Tormundson, who travelled to this land from his home in the Northern Fyrd. He spoke to the lady Anne Colet of Carshalton about how he missed his homeland, and the comradeship of his brother knights.
Lady Anne had another friend, the lady Morwena, who was known as AlHamra'a. She spoke to the lady Anne of her longing for her homeland, Calontir, and its music.
The wise lady Anne called these two together and said to them, "You both tell me of the glories of the lands you have left, and both sound good. You should make a new Realm here, so that all the people can share it."
And so it came to pass that Sir Gunnar and the lady AlHamra'a gathered together many Gentles and said to them. "We shall make a Realm here, and there shall be Feasting, and Fighting, and Music and Arts and all that is good within it." And there was much rejoicing.
And the people said "What shall this Realm be called?" And noone knew, until Atli Afstordalur said "Perfidious Albion", and so it was.


Year One
Morwena AlHamra'a was the first Lady Albion.
Sir Gunnar took Atli Afstordalur as his squire. A tournament was held to find the one who would replace Gunnar as Albion's champion. Atli Afstordalur won this.
Atli Afstordalur and Aethelwulf were knighted at the Castle of Craigmillar and Sir Gunnar took Stephan Lochagos as his squire.
Aethelwulf made a Great Feast and invited all Gentles of the Realm to attend. He was awarded the Order of the White Sparrow in recognition of the magnitude of his labours.
A dread phrase "hey nonny nonny" infested the Realm. Noone knew from whence it came, but all agreed that it was a Bad and Pernicious Thing, and the speaking of it was banned within the borders of Albion.
Andrew Montgomerie first saw the lady Anne Colet and asked her to accept his love, but the lady refused him.
Gentles celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas by travelling the Realm and carolling mightily. At Twelfth Night, Gentles of the Realm made a long and arduous journey through terrible weather to visit the Shire of Flintheath.
Mistress Adele de Sevingne won the admiration of many when she learned the knightly arts in secret in order to win back a favour which she had given to her beloved and which he had carelessly lost in combat.


Year Two
Gruffydd ap Sion ap Dewi ap Morgan ap Owain ap Aneirin ap Aneirin ap Morgan ap Llewellyn ap Flossie was the Lord Albion.
The Order of the Scarlet Wyrm was formed. Sir Gunnar, the Master at Arms to the Realm was made Head of the Order.
Asa Thorfastsdottir and Adele de Sevingne were the first in the Realm to receive the Order of the Golden Spydere for their skill in the Gentle Arts.
Sir Aethelwulf laboured mightily to make a Banner which was called Nidhoggr, but known as Pouncer, for the Combatants of the Realm. This Banner was presented to the Master at Arms at Court. Sir Alastair knighted Stephan Lochagos and declared him to be Standard Bearer. Sir Aethelwulf was afterwards known as Draca.
The Order of the Whyte Sparrow was written into the Charter of the Realm. This was the first Great Order. Sir Aethelwulf was its Senior Member. Stephan Locagos, Anne Colet and Morwena AlHamra'a were made members of the Order.
It came to pass that in this year, that Gentles fell into an argument. There were those who said that Authenticity was a Good Thing, and that all the Gentles of the Realm should be Authentic, and there were those who said that Authenticity was a Bad Thing and that all the Gentles of the Realm should be inauthentic. And there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Eventually, it was agreed that authenticity was Not A Bad Thing, and that Gentles could be authentic if they wished.
The One True Faith was unified in the Realm.
Jarl Guthrum of Galveg was made the first member of the Order of the Black Bear, an award for Gentles outside the Realm who nonetheless gave much to it.
Sir Aethelwulf Draca made a great Feast and soon after this he departed for a Southern Realm.
A tournament of Games was held to find Albion's Champion. There was horseback combat, archery, bowls and a game of Dolorous Lord and Lady.
The Feast of St. Nicholas was once again celebrated by much carolling, but this was not to the liking of the Citie Sheriffs, who asked the Good Gentles to cease in their singing and leave. This was not because Sir Gunnar was singing, to the amazement of All.
Gruffyd, Stephan Locagos, Mistress Caitlin and Walter de Hep attempted to visit Sir Aethelwulf Draca in his new home, but their wagon was damaged on the Road and they were forced to return to Albion.


Year Three
Gruffydd ap Sion ap Dewi ap Morgan ap Owain ap Aneirin ap Aneirin ap Morgan ap Llewellyn ap Flossie was the Lord Albion, but he tired of the Realm, and departed from it. Mistress Caitlin de Courcey became the Lady Albion after his departure.
Albion was awarded the title of Defender of the One True Faith.Sir Alastair Saunders took on Sir Gunnar's role as Master at Arms to the Realm. Albion's first progress took place.
Castles were awarded to all the knights of the Realm.
In this Year, the Dirleton Pavanne was first danced in the Realm.
Sir Alastair and Sir Andrew duelled in poetry for the honour of Albion's ladies in waiting, Alyce the Mad and Morwena ouch Owain.
The oath of the Chivalry was sworn for the first time.
Sir Andrew took Gruffydd ap Sion ap Dewi ap Morgan ap Owain ap Aneirin ap Aneirin ap Morgan ap Llewellyn ap Flossie to be his Squire. Sir Andrew swore fealty to Gruffydd as Albion, and Gruffydd swore fealty to Sir Andrew as his squire.
This was a Good Year.


Year Four
Morwena ouch Owain, a lady Of Young and Tender Years, was the Lady Albion. She became ill towards the end of the Year and appointed Alys the Mad to be Regent in her stead.
Sir Eadric visited the Realm, and was generous in his sharing of skills and hospitality. He was admitted to the Order of the Black Bear.
The Order of the Whyte Sparrow was partitioned into two types, The Whyte Sparrow (Mort) for services to the Realm above and beyond the call of Reason, and the Whyte Sparrow (ordinary) for long and steadfast service.
A masked Masque was held in the Realm. This was the first year in which Gentles took the Oath of the Green for the month of May.
Lady Albion being reminded once too often that she was Of Young and Tender Years, declared this phrase to be a Dread Phrase and the speaking of it to be outlawed in the Realm.


Year Five
Alis the Mad was the Lady Albion.
Mistress Caitlin de Courcey, Dance Mistress of the Realm was married to Otto von Gratz of Harpelstane.
Sir Gunnar was married to Ragnhild Askilsdottir of Galveg, the niece of Jarl Guthrum of Galveg of the Order of the Black Bear. Sir Gunnar held a great feast at Gunnarstead to celebrate the marriage and Gentles from many lands travelled to it. Sir Gunnar then lived at Ragnhild's estate in the South for half a year.


Year Six
Sidric Sidricsdottir was Lady Albion.
Lady Anne Colet asked Sir Andrew to be her champion, declaring that she found him a good and worthy knight, although she still did not accept his love.
Sir Bonifacius and Lady Moddan arrived bringing greetings from a Western Realm. Lady Albion sent Sir Bonifacius on a quest for the mystical "schtik" and he brought great quantities of it to the Court along with wode covered tribespeople and whale blubber. A young warrior stained the Lady Albion's underdress with wode in the course of the various diplomatic exchanges.
Sir Gunnar and the Lady Ragnhild returned to the Realm of Albion from Ragnhild's estate.
There was almost War with Frankia, but the ladies Ragnhild and Modan travelled to that far land and told of Albion's joy and harmony to all the ladies there. The ladies agreed that our two Realms should live in peace, and locked their lords out of all the castles and asked that they should endorse this Peace. The mighty warriors of both sides soon decided that their differences could be settled in a tourney rather than in battle, and their ladies welcomed them home.
Lady Albion vanished from the Realm and Sergeant Padraig de Courcey was chosen to seek for her, even unto The World's End. He stopped at every inn on his way and enquired after her most diligently, but she could not be found.
The Knights of the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm assumed power with great reluctance so as to maintain stability in the Realm. They promised that free and fair elections would be held as soon as conditions permitted.
Sir Andrew Montgomerie held a great Feast at his castle of BlackNess. Lady Anne Colet consented to be his wife at last.
Vigdis Gunnarsdottir was born in the summer on the Feast Day of Saint Dominica.
Lady Catherine of Bewley was safely delivered of a son, Struan in the Autumn.
Sir Gunnar took Gwyn ap Hywel as his squire. Thomas ap Owain was knighted.


Year Seven (Leonese Calendar)
Brisena de Leon was Lady Albion.
Arnferth of Streanaeshalch presented a new calendar for the Realm. Henceforth, each Year began at Full Court, rather than at the end of the summer. This was called the Leonese Calendar in honour of the Lady Albion. Year Seven was thus the longest Year of the Realm.
The Dread Phrase "It's been a good year" was proscribed.
Sir Andrew Montgomerie and Lady Anne Colet were married, and there was much dancing.
Sir Gunnar took Corwyn of Ambrose as his squire.


Year Eight (Leonese Calendar)
Julian Percy was the Lady Albion.
In this year was a bitter cold winter, and Gentles suffered much from it, particularly Arinbjorn Skeggison, whose water supply froze completely. Sir Alastair and Lady Magdelene suffered a great icicle which grew on the wall of their homestead and was very large.
Sir Andrew took Sir Gunnar's stepson, Arni Grimson, to be his squire.
Ashild Gunnarsdottir was born at midwinter on the Feast day of Saint Marcellus.
Lady Magdelene Saunders was awarded the Order of the Whyte Sparrow for her services to cookery in the Realm while heavy with child. Corwyn baked bread and butchered many rabbits in the cause of Feasting at the Lady Albion's request.
Mistress Caitlin de Courcey departed from the Realm, and Kyril Levski ot Troyan became Head of the Order of the Golden Spydere in her place.
Corwyn of Ambrose was Knighted by Sir Gunnar and also awarded the Order of the Golden Spydere for his bardic talents.


Year Nine (Draconian Calendar)
Mark of Norwich was Lord Albion.
In this year there was much politics.
A second new calendar was proposed for the Realm, in that Full Court was moved from November to March, making year nine the shortest year of the Realm. This new calendar was called the Draconian calendar since Aethelwulf Draca caused it to be. Sir Alastair assured the Council that the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm would be happy to support any Draconian measures which were called for.
Cassandra was made a member of the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm.
Ymma was awarded the Order of the Golden Spydere for her skill at dancing.
Sir Corwyn of Ambrose was given the Order of the Whyte Sparrow (mort) for services to the Realm above and beyond the call of sanity, in that he remained at his post as Minister of Arts and Sciences in spite of the aforesaid politics and also provided Diurse Entertainments for the Gentles of the Realm.
At the Feast of the Pheasant there was much spectacle. The dragon appeared, and Vigdis Gunnarsdottir rode on the back of an elephant (which some say was Sir Gunnar wearing a cunning disguise). Sir Corwyn spoke to Sir Gunnar's father, Tormund Gunnarsson, to make an offer for Fion Tormundsdottir.


Year Ten (Draconian Calendar)
Eleanor of Deer was Lady Albion.
Sir Andrew and Lady Anne Montgomerie invited Gentles to a picnic at their Castle of BlackNess. Unfortunately on the very day of the picnic the Lady Anne suffered from a curious affliction of bells and ribbons which necessitated much questing for a cure.
Mistress Ymma was safely delivered of a son, Gregory.
A picnic was held at the Castle of Craigmillar and was attended by many Gentles.
A great Feast was held in the Winter Time, and many of the Chivalry swore an oath to travel to the Holy South Lands and even unto the World's End in the name of the One True Faith. Hrothgar Bertramsson, Goatfriend, of Caer Caledon and his entourage attended this Feast in earnest of the end of the Blood Feud between the two Realms, which was concluded save only for Sir Aethelwulf's settlement. A guard was placed on Hrothgar so as to ensure the Peace of the Realm and the Security of its Herds and Flocks. The Ladies of Albion formed a Court of Love and judged Padraig of Harpelstane worthy of its highest honour, and David of Epsom as unworthy on many counts.
Sir Gunnar took Rhodri of Flint as his Squire. Sir Corwyn took Ieuan ap Arthur ap Ardur as his Squire.
Sir Andrew Montgomerie knighted Arni Grimsson.
A second great Feast was held in the Spring time, and Sir Gunnar and Sir Corwyn delighted Gentles with their wonderous tales. Ymma and Horatio Dalrymple played music and sang in most excellent ways.
Sir Arni took Bard Eriksson as his squire.
Cassandra, Mark of Norwich and Matilda de Borg were admitted to the Order of the Whyte Sparrow for their many and diurse services to the Realm.


Year Eleven (Draconian Calendar)
Sir Hrolf Arnorsson was Lord Albion.
At midwinter a Feast was held to celebrate the tenth anniversarie of the Realm of Albion. Many who had left the Realm returned to it, and there was much musik and telling of tales.
Sir Gunnar's squire, Rhodri of Flint was admitted to membership of the Order of the Whyte Sparrow (Ordinary) and the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm.
Ragnhild took Aldis Jorundsdottir into her household as a foster daughter, and there was much rejoicing, especially by Vigdis and Ashild.


Year Twelve (Draconian Calendar)
Devorgilla was Lady Albion.
Lady Ymma gave a Feast in honour of the hero Beowulf and there was much overacting as parts of his story were told by Sir Corwyn (Beowulf), Sir Alexander (Grendal), Lady Ragnhild (Grendal's Mother) and Arinbjorn (Hrothgar). A riddle game was played at the feast.
The Byzantine Ambassadors, Halfdan the Brown, Anna and Niceatas gave a Feast in the Spring
Rhodri of Flint was knighted by Sir Gunnar.
Sir Hrolf and Fion Tormundsdottir were betrothed.
Eleanor and Aldis Jorundsdottir were admitted into the Order of the Whyte Sparrow.
Siobragh was admitted into the Order of the Golden Spydere in recognition of her skills in the arts of calligraphy and woodcutting.
At the Winter Feast in the same year Sir Arni took Leif Haraldson and Guinever as his squires.


Year Thirteen (Draconian Calendar)
Sir Alastair Saunders was Lord Albion.
Lady Ragnhild made a great Feast in the Spring and the Gunnarsdottirs led a troop of players in performing a story from the life of King Arthur.
Aldis Jorundsdottir made a great Feast in the Winter and master Hugh recounted the tale of his victory in a great battle against a cunning and valiant foe which was a rabbit. Sir Rhodri took John as his squire. Lady Ragnhild took James as her squire.


Year Fourteen (Draconian Calendar)
Hugh was the Lord Albion.
Sir Gunnar led the horde of Albion to victory on the fields of Hastings and diurse other battles besides. There was a feast in the winter and Hrothgar Goatfriend visited the Realm, but, by the constant vigilance of the Chivalry, all Albion's flocks were safeguarded. In this year also there was an embassy from Byzantium, and there was much devious plotting, though none of it of much import.
Mistress Ymma was safely delivered of a daughter, Stella.


Year Fifteen (Draconian Calendar)
Tracey was Lady Albion.
In this year was some confusion over the calendar, due to changes in date systems and methods of counting, and also due to the Scribe of the Realm being easily confused. It was therefore decreed that this was Year Fifteen of the Realm and that Year Sixteen would commence at the next great Council election hereafter.
A Feast was held at St Valentine's Eve. Three ladies of the Realm were asked questions by James in a quest to find a true love for himself. He chose Mistress Aldis, who said he must bring her a bearskin made into a cushion before she would enter into an engagement with him. Lady Albion said that James should be executed for failing to choose her, but it was pointed out that since he was a squire of the Household his weregild would be expensive.
Lady Ragnhild and Sir Gunnar gave a great feast near the end of the year to celebrate ten years since their marriage. There was much dancing and quaffing and the telling of stories. A dancing bear was pursued by the children of the Realm and it was mightily relieved when Members of the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm saved it from further suffering by slaying it and taking its fur. Aldis still refused to enter into an engagement with James because Sir Rhodri, not he, had slain the bear.
Sir Alastair took Damian as his squire.


Year Sixteen (Draconian Calendar)
James was Lord Albion
There was a feast held in the Spring at which Lord Albion provided mead for all, and was presented with a rabbit in exchange. Lady Ragnhild took Megan and Daniel as her squires. There were plays concerning the Life of Thor and the deaths of Judas Escariot and a Whyte Sparrow.
Mistress Ymma resigned as Head of the Order of the Whyte Sparrow and was replaced in that office by Aldis Jorundsdottir.


Year Seventeen (Draconian Calendar)
Lady Ragnhild Askillsdottir was Lady Albion
There was a feast held in the Winter at which the ladies Anjylle and Elizabeth entertained the populace with their singing and Sir Alastair recounted the Feat of Sir Bohort. And there was juggling.
In the Spring, Lady Albion commanded another great Feast and there was singing and juggling and much excellent food for all. Joseph, David and Anjylle were admitted to the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm for their diligence and skill in combat, David was admitted to the Order of the Whyte Sparrow for his steadfast work for the good of the Realm. Joseph was awarded the Order of the Golden Spydere for his juggling and Anjylle was awarded the same for her skill in singing.
Lady Albion took Sir Alastair Saunders as her personal Champion, so that she was Champion of Albion and he was Albion's Champion.


Year Eighteen (Draconian Calendar)
Lady Magdelene Saunders was Lady Albion
In the summer there was a picnic held at Sir Alastair's castle at Dirleton. The handkerchief game was played, and a game of cards graciously provided by Mistress Lena. There was also speculation as to the contents of Master Christopher's hose.
In Winter, Gentles journeyed to Gunnarstead to join Sir Gunnar and his household in a feast, and there was much food and poetry and music and juggling and cloven fruit. Master David's Whyte Sparrow award was upgraded to a Whyte Sparrow (mort) on the grounds of his services to cookery above and beyond the call of sanity.


Year Nineteen (Draconian Calendar)
Finn Gunnarson was the Lord Albion
In this year did the Gentles of the Realm battle with the demon called Eusar and after a long and terrible struggle its evil was eventually defeated and there was much rejoicing.
In the Winter there was a feast at which the story of the hero Beowulf was told to all. And there was much acting. And the Dragon was declared to be cute.
In the Spring there was a feast of courtly love and there was much dancing (though not all of it was in the right direction). Also in the Spring, our noble leader Finn led the horde of Albion out to battle on the fields of Jorvik and though they were few in number many a tale was told later of their gallantry.
In May the Gentles of the Realm gathered at Sir Alastair's castle of Dirleton for a picnic and there was much eating of cheese and much throwing of radishes.


Year Twenty (Draconian Calendar)
Jenny was the Lady Albion
Mistress Amy cooked a feast in the winter, and there was some reading of Chaucer, much singing and also much dancing.
Finn (and Mistress Elisabeth, in absentia) were awarded The Order of the Whyte Sparrow. In the spring, Sir Alastair held a picnic at his Castle of Dirleton and awarded knighthood to Sir Finn and there was also much playing of the handkerchief game.


Year Twenty One (Draconian Calendar)
Nicole was the Lady Albion
In the winter of this year was the 20th anniversary of the first Feast Of Albion, and there was much rejoicing (and feasting). Master Fenland was made head of the Order of the Whyte Sparrow. James was awarded The Order of the Scarlet Wyrm.
James and Sir Alastair made a challenge to the Gentles of Albion that at the next feast All should bring forth their finest codpieces and should be judged on the merits thereof. And there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. And Lady Magdelene spoke, saying: "I shall go unto the kitchens and remain there cooking for the whole of the feast, that I may be spared the codpieces" and many Gentles cried "Please my lady, have mercy and let us be assistant cooks with you that we also may be spared!". And so it was that at the Feast of Valentine in the Spring that Sir Alastair did win the competition of codpieces for more Gentles cried out in horror and fled at the sight of his wonderous creation than did so at any other such item.
In May there was a picnick at Sir Alastair's Castle of Dirleton and his daughter, the lady Ann, was admitted to the Order of the Golden Spydere for her skills at singing and juggling.
There was an picnick at the Castle of Craigmillar in the Autumn and much good food was eaten and Greensleeves was sung by all the ladies. Sir Alastair took Robert McIain as his squire.

Year Twenty Two (Draconian Calendar)
Thea was the Lady Albion.
At the Winter Feast the Albion Singers did entertain The Populace with much music and many instruments, and there was jesting and much poetry. The lady Ann was awarded the Order of the Whyte Sparrow for services to cookery, the lady Mary was awarded the Order of the Golden Spydere for her music and Robert McIain was awarded the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm for his codpiece.
The Order of the Scarlet Wyrm swore the Oath of the Chivalry in the presence of Albion, and then Sir Alastair took Lady Thea as his squire.
At the Spring feast were many codpieces, to the distress of Master Fenland and others of a delicate nature. Robert McIain introduced the award of The Greene Parrott which is given to those Gentles who entertain the Realm inadvertantly with unguarded remarks. There was a blessing in Latin from Mistress Laura, diurse and delightful music, a sonnet from Sir Alastair, and a Dancing Bear who astounded All with his virtuosity. Lady Magdelene gathered together many Gentles for a reading of The Chronicles so that those newly arrived in Albion might understand its long and glorious history. Lady Thea awarded Ava verch Arvan ap John the title of Song Mistress of the Realm.
In the summer there was a picnic at Sir Alastair's castle of Dirleton. Mistress Emma and Robert McIain were awarded the Order of the Golden Spydere.

Year Twenty Three (Draconian Calendar)
Dominus Arthur was the Lord Albion.
There was a picnic held at the Castle of Craigmillar to welcome new arrivals to the Realm, and though the day was chilly there was much merriment. Ava verch Arvan ap John was awarded the Order of the Golden Spydere.
A tournament was held to see who would replace Lady Ragnhild as Champion of the Realm of Albion and Guy Elmslie the Swordsmith won this, and there were many ribbons. He was given charge of the Blazon of the Champions Arms.
In this year also there was much calligraphy and the scribes of the Realm did labour long to keep the Chronicles of the Realm and to make scrolls for worthy members of The Populace.
At the Winter Feast the Oath of the Chivalry was sworn in the presence of Albion.
Guy Elmslie Champion of Albion and David of the Patches were admitted to the Order of the Golden Spydere in recognition of their artistic talents. Also Mistress Ava verch Arvan ap John, Master Ryan, Dominus Arthur and David of the Patches who had laboured diligently for the good of the Realm were admitted to the Order of the Whyte Sparrow. Sir Alastair presented the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm to Rowan the Tall, Mistress Laura, James of Carlyle (who was known as The Undoubted), Master Oliver, Dominus Arthur and David of the Patches whose skills at arms are well known to all.
Lady Magdelene presented a new banner for the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm which she had sewn, and Sir Alastair declared his squire Robert McIain to be Ensign and to have the honour of carrying the standard. Sir Alastair also declared James of Carlyle to be Albion's Undoubted Captain of Archers.
David of the Patches replaced Lady Magdelene as head of the Order of the Golden Spydere.
There was much singing and dancing and also the Lord Albion told the heroic tale of Albion's loss and subsequent recapture of the valuable Meadow Land where the Gentles of Albion do meet and enjoy good ale.
In the Spring Mistress Jessica and Mistress Lilly presented The Feast of the Rose, and there was much dancing, as well as songs, poetry and all manner of merriment. There was a competition of subtleties which was won by Lady Magdelene's white roses made from marzipan. There was also a competition most unsubtle between various and mighty codpieces.
An evil plot by unknown assaillants caused the Meadow Land to be damaged by fire so that Gentles could no longer gather there, and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
A picnic was held at Sir Alastair's castle of Dirleton in the month of May and Lady Magdelene's troop of players presented the tale of The Tempest with much acting and very little sarcasm.

Year Twenty Four (Draconian Calendar)
Dominus Arthur was the Lord Albion, though his Grand Vizier, David of the Patches did think this a sorry situation and did seek to remedy it with much plotting.
James of Carlyle became Undoubted Champion of the Realm at a Tourney in the Winter by the acclaim of all.
At the Winter Feast, Master Fenland did labour long in the kitchen and produce many delicious dishes.
The banners sewn by Lady Ragnhild stretched from one end of the hall to the other, and many of them bore the emblem of the Ancient Masters of Arms.
The Minstrels of the Realm, led by Robert MacIain, provided many songs, a musical ensemble and much dancing for the entertainment of all. Sir Finn told a tale of the Norse Gods.
Mistress Jessica was awarded The Order of the Whyte Sparrow and was made its Head. Mistress Katherine was awarded the Order of the Golden Spydere and the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm. Simon the Welshman was awarded the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm. David of the Patches and Lady Mary Saunders were awarded the Order of the Green Parrot.
In the Spring Dominus Arthur cooked a feast for good Gentles. Lady Magdelene's Company of Players presented two tales by Master Geoffrey Chaucer - the Wife of Bath's Tale and the Nun's Priest's Tale - and there were many masks. The minstrels yet again provided music, songs and dancing for all, and Master Ingram led a dance group in a longsword dance reputed to be from the days of the Vikings.
Master Ingram appealed to the Court of Albion for judgement in the case where his elder son had sold his younger son into slavery to Sir Finn, without giving a lawful portion of the profits to Master Ingram himself. It was ruled that the sale was not valid since both of Master Ingram's sons were below the Age of Majority, and therefore the elder had no right to enter into a contract of sale. Sir Finn complained at being left without a slave, and therefore Master Ingram compensated him by selling him his eldest son as compensation for the loss of the younger one.


Year Twenty Five (Draconian Calendar)
James of Carlyle was Undoubtedly the Lord Albion, and there was much rejoicing.
An picnick was held at Sir Alastair's Castle of Dirleton on a fine sunny day in May and there was much playing of the hankie game and games of hiding and seeking. The singers of the Realm did perform most prettily.
Lord Albion did exercise his Undoubted Droit De Seigneur, which is, as all good Gentles do know, his right to wear all hats constructed in the Realm, though not All at the same time.
In the Autumn a picknick was held at the Castle of Craigmillar and there was much dancing and merry combat.
The Winter Feast in the Realm was beautified by many fine costumes made by the Populace and all delighted in the good food brought forth from Lady Anne's kitchen.. Rhys ap Pedr led Albion's Company of Players in performing the tale of The Marriage Of Thor, and all did agree that Sir Finn was a most fetching bride. Robert MacIain's Minstrels sang many songs, including a carol unto the boars head prepared by Lady Anne for Albion's pleasure.
Sir Alastair had vouchsafed to Gentles the rules of the game of Courtly Love and this was played with much enthusiasm by many. Our Undoubted Leader did receive many finely crafted missives, as well as others of a more earthy nature.
Lord Albion, Lady Mary, Rhys ap Pedr, Robert MacIain and Mistress Alexandra were admitted to the Order of the Whyte Sparrow in recognition of their labours for the good of the Realm. Mistress Victoria and John of Peter's Borough were admitted to the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm for their skills in the Art of Defence.
Master Oliver was presented with the scroll of the Champion of the Realm which he had won in the tourney by his demonstration of great valor while outnumbered by many foes.
Lady Magdelene took Aethelwynn as her squire.
Master Arthur did bring a case of witchcraft against Mistress Josephine but this was dismissed by the Court on the grounds that his speech included an ungentlemanly assertion that the good mistress was no lady. Lord Albion did wisely decree that Mistress Josephine should strike Master Arthur with the Breadboard Of Remonstrance and thus was the case closed at last. David of the Patches then accused Lord Albion of being a witch. Lady Magdelene, acting on behalf of the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm, then offered to set David of the Patches on fire in order to disprove his case, and he fled the hall, thereby clearly demonstrating his guilt to all.
In the Spring there was held The Feast Of The Parsnip with many excellent and exotic dishes from the far away land of Alsace provided by Master Hieronymus and Mistress Clara. Lady Lettice Saunders became Head of the Order of the Golden Spydere. John of Peters Borough became Head of the Order of the Whyte Sparrow. Mistress Caroline, the Clerk of the Realm, was also awared the Order of the Whyte Sparrow.
Mistresses Maggie received The DisOrder of the Greene Parrotte for remarks made under the influence of concussion and and Aethelwynn received a Greene Parrotte Mort (and that a Blue one) for repeatedly insisting on having All Manner Of Things explained to her regardless of personal safety.
Robert MacIain's Minstrels entertained the Populace with many songs. Albion's Company Of Players, led by Mistress Aethelwynn presented the cautionary tale of The Judgement Of Paris, and Sir Finn was agreed to be the fairest of the Goddesses once again.
A competition of codpieces and corsetry was held, and Lord Albion did deliberate long and diligently over his choices, returning many times Undoubtedly so as to examine the various contestants again to be sure that he had selected the most worthy winners.
Gentles petitioned Lord Albion for the right to re-form the lapsed lesser Order Of The Peacock, to be given to those of the Populace who produce flamboyant and excessive costumery with which to enrich the Realm. Lord Albion did display great wisdom in saying that since a peacock and a parrot were both green there might be a clash of a heraldic nature. Hence he did decree that another colour should be found for the Peacock, and so the Order of the Purple Peacock was formed and there was much rejoicing.
Lord Albion also gave thought to the defence of the Realm and appointed Bledri ap Iwan his Engineer to make seige engines to drive away enemies. In this he perhaps fell slightly short of his usual standard of Great And Infallible Wisdom for many at the Feast did test these seige engines most thoroughly by loading them with parsnip and aiming them at his Undoubted Lordship.

Year Twenty Six (Draconian Calendar)
Mistress Claire de Vime (known as The Shameless) was the Lady Albion.
Sir Alastair hosted a picnick at his Castle of Dirleton and there he knighted John Lyon. Lady Magdelene knighted James Allanson of Carlyle also.
The minstrels seranaded both the Lady Albion and her Exchequer Mistress Aethelwynn (whose natal day it was).
Sir Alastair led an expeditionary force down to the Southlands and although they were small in number they were great in gallantry. Charles was knighted in the field for his bravery in facing un-numbered hordes during that time.
Mistress Caroline presented The Feast of the Beasts in the Winter and there was much singing and playing of instruments as well as a Game of Beasts and a play about a cunning fox.
Master Ingram attempted to collect payment for his son, Charles, who he had sold to Sir Finn in Year Twenty Four. Sir Finn did bring forth the money, but Sir Alastair reminded Sir Charles that since he was now a Knight of the Realm he almost certainly could not in fact be owned by anyone, though all agreed that Lady Lettice should have the use of him by common law and custom.
Lady Albion gave out an authorisation allowing Gentles to pursue any Normans found interfering with the flocks of the Realm.
Bledri ap Iwan and Gertrude were admitted to the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm. Mistress Maggie was admitted to the Order of the Golden Spydere. Emilia of Lancaster, Mistress Ingram and Master Ingram were admitted to the Order of the Purple Peacock.
Sir Alastair took Bledri ap Iwan as his squire. Sir James took Master Benedict as his squire. Lady Magdelene took John of Peter's Borough as her squire. Sir John took Mathilda of Kent as his squire.
Master Ingram gave a great feast in the Spring and presented Mistress Claire The Shameless with an impressive pair of quaking puddings the colour of rose, each decorated by a single cherry. As pretty a pair as had been seen in the Realm for many a year.
Robin's minstrels presented many songs and there were diurse other entertainments. And there was much merriment.
Lady Albion presented Sir Alastair and Lady Magdelene with a fine subtlety of marchpane in gratitude for their service to the Realm.

Year Twenty Seven (Draconian Calendar)
John of Peter's Borough was the Lord Albion.
Sir Finn Gunnarson was married to Tofa Eriksdottir at Eastertide.
Sir Alastair invited good Gentles to a picnick at his Castle at Dirleton in the summer and there was much food and playing of games.
In the winter, Sir Charles and the Tostig prepared a great feast with a magnificent castle made of diurse and delicious dishes of food. Sir Alastair and Lady Magdelene brought canons of marchpane to beseige that great castle and there was much noise and smoke. Also at that feast, Lady Magdelene's Players presented to the populace Master Chaucer's tale of Chanticleer and the Fox. Jofreda was admitted to the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm.
In the Spring, Mistress Luise cooked a feast for the Populace. Lady Magdelene's Players performed the story of the hero Beowulf with much shouting, roaring and clashing of steel. This was a good thing. Tostig was awarded the Order of the Scarlet Wyrm for his skill at combat.

Year Twenty Eight (Draconian Calendar)
Sir Charles was the Lord Albion.
A picnic was held at the Chapel Of St Margaret and Sir Charles made a pie of meats with the emblem of the Realm upon it. Lady Magdelene made the Arms Of Albion from marchpane for the delight of all, and there was much eating.
Lady Magdelene was elected as Head Of The Order Of The Whyte Sparrow.
In the Winter, Mistress Alice prepared a feast with a famous dish from the kingdome of Italie. Sir Charles's players performed the Mummers Play with much goodly use of a funnel and a great dragon. Albion's Singers sung mightily, Sir Alastair recited sonnets and Aengus Óg mac Dhòmhnaill nan Eilean told the tragic tale of a brave knight. Master Colin's trousers were a source of wonder to all, and there was much dancing.
Sir Charles was admitted to the Order of the Whyte Sparrow in recognition of his labours for the good of the Realm, and Mistress Lettice was awarded the Whyte Sparrow Mort for services beyond the call of sanity. Mistress Alice was awarded the Golden Spydere for her talents in the arts.
Mistress Alice presented Lord Albion with A Turnip Of His Very Own.
A tournament was held, and Sir Charles was declared to be the Champion of the Realm of Albion.
Sir Charles took Aengus Óg mac Dhòmhnaill nan Eilean as his squire.
Sir Charles hosted a Feast in the Spring and was awarded The Order Of The Purple Peacock for his mighty pluderhosen. Lady Magdelene's singers and Master Ingram sang for the delight of all.. Aengus Óg mac Dhòmhnaill nan Eilean told a tale from the Isles. Anne Yaroslavna of Kiev also told a tale and there was much dancing.



Year Twenty Nine (Draconian Calendar)
Sir Charles was the Lord Albion.
A picnic was held at Sir Alastair's Castle of Dirleton to celebrate May, and though the day was cold there was much eating of pies.
In Winter, Master Tostig prepared a great feast, and at it Lady Magdelene's Mummers presented the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Sir Alastair and Sir Finn recited a poem telling of the fall of the Saxon kingdoms, and there was much music and dancing.
Tostig and the herald of the Realm Aengus Óg mac Dhòmhnaill nan Eilean were awarded the Order of the Whyte Sparrow for their labours for the good of Albion. Lady Ariane received the Order of the Golden Spydere for her wonderous works of art and music. Aengus Óg mac Dhòmhnaill nan Eilean and Master Tomas were admitted to the noble Order of the Scarlet Wyrm. Master Jack received the Order of the Purple Peacock in recognition of his extensive trousers..
In Spring there was a great feast cooked by Mistress Ariane. Lady Magdelene's Mummers presented a tale of King Arthur, and Sir Alastair recited The Feat of Sir Bohort. There was much singing and dancing. Sir John Lyon petitioned the Lord Albion to be allowed to form a Guild of Musicians. Mistress Ariane was awarded The Order of the Scarlet Wyrm for her skills at combat.


Year Thirty (Draconian Calendar)
Alexander Conarchie was the Lord Albion.
In May a picnic was held at Sir Alastair's castle at Dirleton and there was much Hiding and much Seeking. Master Tomas's hiding was somewhat hindered by his very stylish hussar boots.
In Winter Sir Charles prepared a great feast and there was singing and dancing and poetry and eating and drinking. Lady Magdelene's Players performed The Challenges Of Thor. Master Tomas was awarded the Order of the Purple Peacock. Master and Mistress Ingram and Master Benedict were given the Disorder of the Green Parrotte in recognition of their truly disordered rendering of a round of 'We Be Soliders Three'
Luke Elias, the son of Sir John Lyon and Mistress Ariane was presented to the Populace.

Year Thirty (Draconian Calendar)
James Conarchie was the Lord Albion.

Illuminated pages of Chronicles: Title Page, Year One , Year Two , Year Two (continued), Year Three , Year Four , Year Five , Year Six , Year Seven, Year Eight, Year Nine, Year Ten, Year Eleven, Year Twelve, Year Thirteen, Year Fourteen, Year Fifteen, Year Sixteen, Year Seventeen, Year Eighteen, Year Nineteen, Year Twenty, Year Twenty One, Year Twenty Two, Year Twenty Three, Year Twenty Four

Lady Albions and Lord Albions in the history of the Realm
Knights of the Realm
The Populace of Albion (a guide to names and characters)