Chivalry is NOT Dead!

Many may think that chivalry is long-dead ... or at least mortally wounded. However, I invite you to travel to places where chivalry is very much alive and in-practice. No time machine is needed, but a lively imagination is always a plus. Where, you ask? To a Medieval or Renaissance Festival! (Ren Faire, for short.)

After several years of gathering dust, I've finally started updating this page again. So far, you'll find I've link checked it and added a couple stray links. I'll do more sprucing up eventually. :)

How to Find a Faire

(With apologies to those of you living outside the United States - these links are U.S.-only)

• www.renaissance.festival.com - THE spot to find information about current and future Ren Faires, as well as forums where you can chat with other Faire fans
• I have to give a plug for my old home Faire, the Sterling Renaissance Festival, that started me on my faire addiction. I fondly remember my years as a "lackey" for the Wooden Unicorn. Congrats on finishing season 30, Sterling!

Places to Shop

(Note that some places will be listed in more than one section, due to the fact that they offer items from several categories)

Jewelers:

• Robert Piland does some wonderful Celtic jewelry. I own several of his pieces
• Benitez Jewelers showed up at the MD Ren Faire as a guest merchant, and I really liked what I saw
• Kate Cox designs "Female Chain Maille", Jewelry, accessories and clothing. I wore a headpiece from her for my handfasting.

Clothiers

• Museum Replicas Ltd. is great for finding authentic-style clothing and accessories.
• Purple Unicorn Costumes -- Great Ren Faire clothes in a family-run business.
• Moresca has wonderful clothing, including the gown I wore for my handfasting
• Kate Cox designs "Female Chain Maille", Jewelry, accessories and clothing.
• The Age of Chivalry offers you "... the finest in medieval and renaissance arms, armor and clothing"
• Shire Attire for the well-dressed young nipperkin!
• Swords of Honor has a lovely internet gallery of costumes, boots, swords, shields and so on

Footgear

• Minnetonka Moccasins has footgear for all ages.
• You want authentic footwear?  It will cost you, but Museum Replicas Ltd. has some great stuff

Weapons & Armor

• Sharp pointy objects can be found at Starfire Swords. I still miss my dagger of theirs that was stolen one Faire season
• The Age of Chivalry offers you "... the finest in medieval and renaissance arms, armor and clothing"

Imbibables

• I don't drink much, I don't drink often, but when I do, I love a good meade. Visit the Mead Maker's Page to learn about making your own meade.

Other Accessories/Collectibles

• I have a wonderful carven wall mirror from KJ Craftworks in my home. She specializes in handmade hairsticks and handcarved wooden art.
• Hill Woman Productions is an all-time favorite of mine.  Sue-Ryn makes some fabulous incenses and perfumes. The only perfume I ever wear is made by her, and it's called, coincidentally enough, "Gypsy".
• Kamala perfumes carries perfume, incense and more.
• Museum Replicas Ltd. is great for finding authentic-style clothing and accessories.
• Rainwalker Studios has lovely leather "Masks for the Mythic Imagination"

Reference Materials

• The History of Costume by Braun & Schneider (c. 1861-1880)
• SCRIBE - The Renaissance Information Clearinghouse
• Renaissance Festival Site- This site is mainly for those who work at Ren Faires, or want to participate in a more authentic manner - garb, dialect, etc.
• FaireChasers is a wonderful introductory site for folks who've never been to a Faire, as well as a great resource for those of us who have.

Stray Links

• Browse through the Webring for the League of Renaissance Merchants for a myriad of Renaissance items.
• Do you have what it takes to be a Wench?
• You think of the renaissance as something seen in Monty Python? How about Eric Idle's own Monty Python site, pythonline.com?

In case you lost your way click here for my blog

This page last edited 25 May 2007