The Kingdom of Northshield began as a
Crown Principality in A.S. 27, was raised to
full principality status in January, A.S. 30,
and became the eighteenth kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism
in A.S. 39. The arms of
the principality are Sable, a compass rose argent within a laurel
wreath, in chief an ancient crown Or.
Note: many of the names of these honours are not yet registered by Laurel and may be subject to change.
The titles of Court Baron and Court Baroness are given by the Crown to those who have, over time, demonstrated exceptional and continual service to the Crown. Recipients may wear a coronet of silver adorned with six pearls (spheroids) and ornamented as they see fit, and should be addressed as 'Your Excellency', and styled Baron or Baroness. A Court Barony carries with it a Grant of Arms to those not already holding one, and ranks ahead of other Grants of Arms in the Order of Precedence.
Order of Tyr: given to those who have distinguished themselves over time by performing, with all due courtesy, outstanding service on behalf of the kingdom. Members are expected to continue conspicuous service and to help others find their own opportunities for service.
Order of Bridget's Flame: given to those who have shown over time they enthusiastically strive for mastery in the Arts and/or Sciences, endeavoring to provide leadership and displaying courtesy. Members are expected to continue their pursuits in the Arts and/or Sciences and to help others find their own opportunities for enrichment therein.
Order of the Destrer: given to those who have, over time, demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in Equestrian Arts. Members are expected to continue conspicuous activity in Equestrian arts, and to encourage others to become involved and proficient.
Iron Griffin Legion: given to those who have, over time, demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in Armored Combat. Members will be responsible for continued, conspicuous activity in Armored Combat and for helping others become involved and proficient.
Order of the White Scarf: given to those who, over time, have demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in Rapier Combat. Members will be responsible for continued, conspicuous activity in Rapier Combat and for helping others become involved and proficient.
Order of Aquila: given to those who have, over time, demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in one or more of the Artillery Arts. Members will be responsible for continued, conspicuous activity in Artillery and for helping others become involved and proficient.
An Award of Arms may be given as a separate award, or in conjunction with the following awards:
Award of Cygnus: given to those who have performed substantial service to the Kingdom of Northshield.
Award of the Bale Fire: given to those who show proficiency in one or more of the Arts or Sciences, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors.
Award of the Queen's Glove: given to those who demonstrate prowess and chivalric comportment in rapier combat, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors.
Award of the Griffin's Sword: given to those who demonstrate prowess and chivalric behavior in armored combat, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors.
Award of the Black Bolt: given to those who demonstrate prowess and chivalry in artillery activities, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors.
Award of the Palfrey: given to those who demonstrate prowess and chivalry in equestrian activities, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors.
The Order of the Rose shall be open to retired Crown Consorts. It does not convey a Patent of Arms.
Order of the Crwth: given for proficiency in the performing arts (dance, bardic recitation, music, theater, etc.) This order shall be a continuation of the order of the same name from the days of the Principality, and all companions of the Principality's order shall be considered companions of this.
Award of the Hearthstead: given to groups who consistently (or specifically) excel at showing hospitality and hosting events. The Award of the Hearthstead may be given to groups who excel at showing hospitality and hosting events. Eligible groups include SCA branches, or any body of people acting as a group, such as a household, archers, etc.
Award of the Nordhrband: given to those who have achieved heroic and specific deeds of valor, courtesy, or prowess in the Arts Martial which have increased the renown and reputation of Northshield. This award is for individual deeds as opposed to constant performance. An example of the first might be leading a charge against a greater force at Pennsic, of the last, shooting a 300 IKAC. This award shall be a continuation of the Award of Nordbandr from the days of the Principality, and all recipients of the Principality award shall be considered equal with recipients of this award.
Order of the Pyxis: given for putting forth great effort at researching, creating and maintaining a period persona and atmosphere. This order shall be a continuation of the order of the same name from the days of the Principality, and all companions of the Principality's order shall be considered companions of this.
Order of the Saltire: Membership in this order may be offered to an individual that has shown a proven record of widespread guidance and instruction, enriching the abilities of the Northshield populace. Members of the order may bear the badge: Vert estencely argent, a saltire Or surmounted by a lozenge ploye' argent. No more than four people may be admitted to this order in any reign. This order shall be a continuation of the order of the same name from the days of the Principality, and all companions of the Principality's order shall be considered companions of this.
The King's/Queen's Cypher: given to those gentles who have distinguished themselves through personal service to the Crown.
The Prince's/Princess' Cypher: The Prince's Cypher and the Princess' Cypher may be given to those gentles who have distinguished themselves through personal service to the Crown.
The Scroll of Honor: A record of the worthy deeds of the people of Northshield and its friends. The Kingdom Herald or a deputy cares for the Scroll and insures that it is displayed at court.
The Order of Persephone's Circle: consists of those Royal Consorts from the days of the Principality who accepted membership upon their retirement from the Stellar Thrones. It remains open to any former Princess of the Principality of Northshield who has not already accepted membership, but otherwise is a closed order.
Award of the Gold Lamp: given to youths for achievement in an Art and/or Science
Award of Bellerophon: given to youths who have displayed prowess and courtesy in any of the Arts Martial.
Award of the White Owle: given to youths who demonstrate initiative in teaching.
| Index of Awards articles | Northshield webpage |
This column was compiled from Northshield Kingdom law (2005) and the Polaris Herald's webpage.
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.