[SCA-BMDL] The Siege of Harlech Castle

[Cara & Char]

The Siege of Harlech Castle
April 5, 2008

All fighters and combat archers of these Sylvan Lands are called to the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands to besiege or defend the Castle!  The year is 1404, and a brave English garrison defends Harlech castle from the assault of Welsh forces led by Owen Glendower.  Owen's victory allowed him to occupy Harlech as his base for the next 5 years, after which the English re-conquered this Edwardian stronghold.  On April 5, 2008, the English shall once again defend Harlech against the Welsh attackers, and we shall see who triumphs this day.

For fighters, a two-man spear tournament shall be held on the drawbridge, as well as a traditional heavy weapons tournament and a competition to see who can achieve the drawbridge alive through a hail of arrows.  Combat archers will be shooting down from the castle walls upon the fighters below, and there will also be a formal combat archery competition.  Archers will be positioned along the ramparts, towers, and windows of the castle.  Space will be provided for the populace to watch the martial activities from the parapets.  Safe within the castle walls, there will be a sewing circle, children's activities, and heraldic consultation table with internet access.

The site opens, and armour/weapon inspections begin, at 10 AM.  Fighting shall begin at noon.  The site closes at 8 PM.  This site is a private residence, and parking is limited.  Portions of the castle (including the great hall, but not the parapets) are handicap-accessible.  The site is wet.  Please contact the autocrats with any questions about site restrictions.  Photos of the castle may be seen on the autocrats' website:  http://www.pitt.edu/~caram/castleindex.htm

A delicious 14th-century all-day sideboard will be available for $8 ($4 for children 6-12, free for 5 and under).  Dietary questions may be addressed to the head cook, THL Brandubh o Donnghaile (donnghaile [at] gmail.com).  There is no site fee, and there is no feast.  Since this is a free event, the non-member surcharge does not apply, though donations are welcome.  Please send sideboard reservations to Master Dani of the Seven Wells at 1767 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.  Checks should be made payable to "BMDL, SCA, Inc."

Please contact the autocrats, Baroness Ariella of Thornbury and Baron Byron of Haverford, with any questions (caram [at] pitt.edu or 724-933-4661 before 10pm).  The site address (and autocrat mailing address) is 755 Stonegate Drive, Wexford, PA 15090.

Directions:  Take your best route to Interstate 79 toward the Pittsburgh area.  Take exit 73 (Wexford exit), which is 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh.  If you are coming from the north, make a left turn off the exit ramp, and go through 2 lights; at the third light, make a left onto Mingo Road.  If you are coming from the south, make a right turn off the exit ramp from the center lane, and then go through one light; at the second light, make a left onto Mingo Road.  Go 1.1 mile on Mingo, then make a left turn onto Stonegate Drive.  The second house on the left is the site.  Street parking is available, but limited; please park diagonally.


  
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