The Royal Order of the Tudor Rose

The Royal Order of the Tudor Rose portrays the court of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. We are delighted to be on progress in the countryside with Her Majesty in the enchanting village of Willington to enjoy the annual Market Faire. We invite you to stop by Court Glade and join in our merriment. Toast to Her Majesty’s health and long life with a fine ale from a nearby ale stand, learn a courtly dance, listen to all of the latest court gossip and political intrigue, flirt with a Lord or Lady, or mayhap, seek employment with one of the noble houses.

We look forward to greeting you. God Save the Queen!

visit their page at www.tudorrosecourt.org

The Yeoman of the Guard

Established by King Henry Tudor VII in 1485, the Yeomen of the Guard are the queen’s bodyguard. You will see them attending and protecting Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth. As the Queen annually progresses through the countryside she is attended by her guard as they serve as her security and as the bearers of her chair. Clad in scarlet red livery uniforms, they are found patrolling the streets of the market faire searching for unlicensed beggars, plague victims, criminals and other unsavory sorts. More often than not, they will be found wooing the ladies with style and panache. When you see them about the village, raise your cup, and say, “A health unto Her Majesty! God save the Queen!”

The Town Criers of St Blaise

The Town Criers are messengers, scribes, announcers, heralds, bellringers, and more!  As the sons and daughters of the town’s middle class, we’re entrusted with a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities, giving us the pleasure of rubbing elbows with folk from all levels of society: peasants, constabulary, merchants -- even the nobility!  We lead parades with our bells held high, deliver the news of the day to the township, and smuggle court secrets.  Most of us can read and write, which many come to regret when we read the day’s news to the general public!  Some of us are even half-educated, which ensures amusing if not accurate news.  The patron saint of our guild is Saint Blaise, known to intercede on behalf of those afflicted with throat ailments, and owing to our wide variety of loud vocal obligations, we certainly need such blessing! 

St. Cuthbert's Guild

The Guild of St. Cuthbert is a group of villagers who gather together to parade through the streets of Willingtown as well as presenting pageants that celebrate the season. They are known for their midday feast where many of the Willingtown notables are found dining in their Guildyard. Phoebe, the Merry Widow of Willingtown always has food upon her table and a story to share with the locals.

Constables of St Bernard

The Constables of St Bernard make up the unlikely lawmen of Willingtown. These “Keystone” style cops spend the day issuing tickets for infractions ranging from melon smuggling to ale abuse. These men keep the streets of our town ‘safe’ by inspecting the ale stands two or three times a day. They can be seen marching in formation. No one can describe this formation exactly but they always seem to amuse themselves.

Washerwomen of St Genieve’s

It is impossible to miss the Washer Women of Willington, as they go about their daily business tending to the town’s dirty laundry. Whether mending or washing garments, they work hard while singing throughout the day. They attempt to find time in their busy schedules to plan weddings, (for the unsuspecting) give beauty and manner lessons, (to the unwilling) and pass along pertinent information about everyone else in the village (to anyone who will listen). These proper ladies would never be caught gossiping, fighting with food, slinging insults or plotting general shenanigans…never. 

The Rogue Fools and The Maidens of Mischief

Led by the resident King of Fools, Boink, the Rogue Fools roam the streets of Willingtown instilling merriment among the masses. This motley crew of jesters, jokers, and fools will have you laughing in the road ways. Watch, as these boys jest their way into your cups, and riddle their way out of trouble. With Tom-Foolery on their side what could possibly go wrong…

The Maidens of Mischief can be seen parading in the streets and leading the crowds in cheer for the Knights of Avalon as they joust for the Queen’s favor at the Tournament of Horses. Although these girls were all once raised in fashionable houses, they now adorn themselves in bells and loud colors after the Queen once remarked that they weren’t very bright...

St. Lukes

There is no doubt that you can often find the townsfolk of the Guild of Saint Luke in all the obvious places around Willingtown, like the ale house, the marketplace, and the guild hall, going about their daily business. But more than likely, you will find these likable merchants, tradesmen and goodwives taking their days quite seriously, including in them as much gambling, singing, drinking and dancing as can fit before the sun goes down. They will most always join in a parade if they are about, since it is really just another excuse to celebrate life. They also serve as the village docents, always eager to welcome and guide visitors to Willingtown.

Puritans

Dancing! Singing! Wine! Fine Food! Romance! Puritans hate all that. Expect this flock of self-righteous crows to appear anytime someone is enjoying themselves. Raise your glass in good cheer and kiss the one you love to chase these sour faced prudes away. Enjoy the revelry of faire, because they will assume your sinning anyway and whether you like it or not, they’ll be praying for you.

Mongers of St. Swithin

The Mongers Guild brings to life peasant class street vendors. These relentless and determined street merchants will attempt to sell anything. Whether it’s Pig’s ears, Chicken feet, or month old cabbage, these villagers of modest means will convince you that you need to buy it. They also perform on the Amethyst Arbor Stage once each afternoon in the hilarious and bawdy faire classic, Pye Powder Court.

Guild of St. Hubertus

The renaissance witnessed great changes made in the art of warfare. Professional mercenary troops comprised of Germans, Dutch and Englishmen were highly prized throughout Europe for their importability into all manner of disputations.  The Queen knew the value of men with negotiable loyalties. During times of peace they can be seen fully armed preparing and pacifying the path of Her Royal Majesty Elizabeth through the throngs of zealously adoring citizenry.

Danse Macabe

 The tradition of the Danse Macabre is a cross-cultural phenomenon, occurring in the religion, folklore and art of England, France, Spain and elsewhere. Some thought the images of skeletons dancing in the streets would intimidate Death so that none would be taken away. Others thought  the objective was to trick Death into thinking all the villagers were already dead... and enjoying it! So there was nothing for the figure of Death to do and He would pass by. Still others thought it was a way to point out no matter if you are Queen or serving wench, Bishop or beggar, minstrel or milliner... eventually we all will dance the Danse Macabre.

St. Helenas

No nation can be great without the strength of the peasantry, peoples full of earthy wisdom, practical knowledge, and ancient philosophy.  The streets of any small town are full of these amazing Englishmen - any small town except ours that is!  Most of the Peasants Guild of Saint Helenas is full of absurd wisdom, practically no knowledge, and crack pot philosophy.  Seek out the poor farmers for a slice of country life that will amuse, confuse, and delight you!