Lysts at Castleton

To bring back the colour, pageantry and excitement of medieval dayes in a whole new way... Come all you Lords, Ladies and Children. Experience the greatest tourney in the Knowne World as you have never experienced a tourney before. Participate in every activity, view the spectacle of every event, see every performance, attend every court, visit with your friends and have a day of food and merriment all from your place among the gallery.

The Lysts at Castleton is idealy based on René of Anjou's Traictié de la Forme et Devis d'ung Tournoy, written circa 1460. This book describes a type of tournament which was adapted from the ancient customs of France and other countries. Although described in great detail in his treatis, no one knows if such a tournament was ever actually held during the fifteenth century. It is our desire to bring a touch of Rene's history to life on the lyst fields of Castleton.

To all knights, nobles, squires and all others expert in arms, of great valour and most excellent in personal endowments, who likewise are so gifted and accomplished, who believe themselves to have few equals in the world, arm thyself for the field, mount thy destriers and solemnize the 25th day of April, 2009 to present thyselfe at the lysts in Castleton Village, armed with great zeal and earnest desire to eternize the glory of Their Royal Majesties, Ansteorra.

To beautifie the honourable achievements of these knightly potentates withal, a Pas of many tournaments will take place including: foot, mounted combat and jousting. Nobles of Renown who present themselves as Venants at the said Field on the appointed Day should be prepared to show Letters of Venancy to compete, a suitable crest upon their helm to be judged by All Ladies present as well as an Honour Shield for displaying on the List Tree.

Gather your retainers and venture to Castleton and be a part of this historic event!

Details of the event:

Special Event:

The Baron's Men present
"The Tempest"

click button

Washed ashore following a terrible storm, King Alonso and his court encounter a strange island inhabited by monsters, fairies and the wizard duke (played by Master Thomas of Tenby) who was once betrayed by Alonso.

We would like to invite all of you to come and enjoy a lovely spring day at the Pas followed by this immortal tale of magic, love and redemption told under the stars in Bryn Gwlad.

Details of Competition:

Please don't be lulled into the false notion that this is an event only for equestrians! The truth is that this grand Pas is for everyone! Of the tournaments being held, the largest will be a Chivalric foot battle which will be spoken of by the Chroniclers and storytellers of the Knowne Worlde for years to come!

There will be three phases of the competition held during the day. The first round will be mounted combat. The second round will be foot combat challenge tourney. The third round will be a mounted jousting competition. All followed by a demonstration of advanced jousting.

Skill at arms is important, however the combatants must also inspire others. Can they express themselves well, or at least choose someone to write and speak well for them? Do they strive to look their best upon the field? Do they yield advantages, or use those advantages to gain victory? Do they honour their opponents? How do they pay homage to those whose inspire them?

Each combatants' progress on the tournament field will be tracked by the use of honour shields. These shields should be painted with your registered arms. If you have an honour shield, please bring it to your competition. If you do not have one, the dimensions of each shield are no larger than 8"x10" with a hole in the top so they can be hung from a hook. If you do not have the resources to provide your own, you will have the opportunity to paint your own onsite.

Those who wish to compete for these honours must possess Letters of Venancy detailing their eligibility to compete in the lists. These letters may be on paper, parchment, leather, wood, or stone and should provide your Society name, any titles you may have, and any other information about your lineage, accomplishments, and/or quests you wish to proclaim. These may be as creative as you wish.

All those competing for honour are also asked to present themselves to the Crown immediately following morning court. Instruction will be provided. Banners and honour shields are requested, personal herald for each competitor are required. At large heralds should be available for hire.

See the sites before you come to town! Here are some pictures from town and a map of the site. Also be sure to note the location of the beautiful Curtain Theatre, the only permanent theater in Ansteorra.

We intend this celebration to be a departure from past events, so please regularly visit our website http://lysts.swordworks.org for additional, detailed information.

Site Details
Site fee: Adults - $10, Children 5 to 17 - $7, Children under 5 – free, Family max - $30. Feast fee - $8. Feast reservations should be made by Sunday 4/19/09.
Feast information here.
Merchants are greatly encouraged to attend and will be given space for their pavilions right on the list field! Please contact Deborah, the Merchant Coordinator before the event for details.
Site opens at 3p on Friday April 24, 2009 and closes at 2p on Sunday April 26, 2009.
Click here for directions and maps to the site.

Stabling and Accommodations
Click here for equine issues and information.

You may contact your gracious hosts through:

*
*
*
*

Master Steward
Sir Alexis la Bouche
(Dave Wise)
steward@lysts.swordworks.org
512/923-8133

“The Fine Print”
Please make checks payable to SCA Inc. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. They may also attend with a 21 year or older adult with a signed and notarized Minor Event Waiver Form from the parents. The site is wet in period containers only. Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash and under the owners control at all times. Horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test. No ground fires. Merchants will need to contact the Merchant Coordinator for additional information.