Guilds at Faire
Guilds

At most Faires you'll find groups of people that have formed Guilds (Clubs) that reflect a specific historical station, occupation or interest. Depending to their popularity, they may have an environmental area dedicated to their Guild. Guild members are skilled performers who portray a character they have developed from historical research. These characters interact with other characters within the Guild and with other Guild members through improvisations. Most Guild members are unpaid participants and it is usually possible to audition for a Guild by contacting the Faire or the Guild you have chosen.

Here are some of the Guilds you might run in to:

  • Guild of St. Albans

    • Innkeepers & Village Drayers, They portray local drayers (cart pullers), brewers, and keepers of the village inn where folk gather to feast, sing, game, raise toasts. and revel in our court of the Lord of Misrule and view thy pageants.

  • Guild of St. Ives

    • The Merchant Class Representing the newly emerging Middle Class of Elizabethan England, their Guild demonstrates homecrafts, feasts, pageants, music, and the evolving lifestyle of the Merchant and his family.

  • Guild of St. Helena

    • The Peasant Folk A merry band of farmers, shepherds and tradesfolk celebrate the harvest with parades and pageants, spirited games and bawdy jesting.

  • Guild of St. Brigid

    • The Scots A theatrical and social organization dedicated to portraying the daily life of a 16th century Hibern Scottish clan--replete with crafts, colorful marches and a rousing dance show.

  • Guild of Saint Blaise Town Criers

    • With ringing bells, resounding voices, and a cacophony of excitement, They march at the head of every major parade. lend support to major shows and clear the way for shire dignitaries and noble visitors.

  • Guild of St. Cuthbert

    • Parades and Pageants, They form the core of most parades and take part in various shows and pageants on both the stages and the streets and are renowned for their feasts.

  • The Court of Misrule

    • A motley company of jesters, clowns, and fools, They perform their merry mayhem on both the stages and the streets of the Faire.

  • Guild of St. George

    • The Queen's Court, They portray the noble ladies and gentlemen of Her Majesty's Court and their company of attendants, grooms and servants.

  • Guild of St. Michael

    • The Military, A force of hardy English soldiers and fierce Landsknecht German mercenaries, They are the Majesty's Guard, escorting royalty on their progress through the countryside. Joining them in their encampment and on the march is their loyal band of camp followers. They drill, feast, fight, and boast of their exploits on the battlefields of Europe.

  • The Puritans

    • They are the book-burning, idol-smashing, theater-bashing lunatic fringe of the religious reformation movement, fighting folly at the Faire with hellfire, damnation, and self-righteous indignation . . . but they never practice what we preach.

  • The Sea Dogs

    • They are the riggers & mapmakers, the gunners & traders of Elizabethan England who, together with their band of lovely land based lasses, gather to sing, dance, cavort, elucidate, and improv throughout the Faire.

  • The Mongers

    • They portray frolicsome fishwives, merry milkmaids, clattering tinkers, bumbling barber surgeons, and other colorful characters of the town market as they haggle over our wares, outwit the Lord Sheriff, engage in song and games, feud with rivals.

  • The Washerwomen

    • We're quick witted and colorful village women at the local washin' well and we perform our slice of life improv to the rhythm of slapping wash.

HISTORY OF GUILDS

(Art Gallery) (Faire) ( Faire Locations) (Renaissance Market Place) (Town Crier) (Guest Book)

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