An Historic Day for the Carolingian Company of Bowmen
An account by Baroness Arlyana van Wyck and Mistress Ygraine
of Kellswood
On May 20, 2017, the Barony of Carolingia hosted an event
featuring a venerable test of archery skill. This test was
devised by the founders of the Carolingian Company of
Bowmen, believed to be the oldest archery guild in the SCA.
Because it takes most of a day to complete, and involves
shooting at various distances out to 100 yards, this shoot
is not held often. Indeed, it had been about 10 years since
it was last attempted, so Lady Erica of Carolingia and Lady
Eleanora Stewart resolved to serve as co-autocrats and
provide the opportunity.
The Carolingian Company of Bowmen was chartered in November
1976. (The charter text can be read here:
http://www.kellswood.com/ccb/charter.php ) Its founders
created a ranking shoot which they believed was difficult
enough that advancement would merit the respect of any
archers, whether in the SCA or the modern world. It involves
accuracy shooting at distances from 15 to 100 yards, a brief
combat shooting scenario, and an endurance requirement of a
set number of total shots during one day. (The details of
the shoot can be read here:
http://www.kellswood.com/ccb/rankshoot.php ) It is a test of
consistency and concentration. Many of those who have
attempted this shoot have missed advancing in rank because
of just one poorly-placed shot.
The first level ranking, that of Bowman, has been achieved
by no more than 30 archers over the years; 10 more joined
that number at the event. Fewer than 10 archers belonged to
the rank of Companion Bowman; now there are 2 more –
Master Kobayashi Yutaka and Lord Mikjall Bogmadr. No one had
achieved the top-level ranking of Master Bowman in the over
40 year history of the Company, but that honor has now been
claimed by Master Li Kung Lo.
At the end of the long day of shooting, Baron Colin held
Court at which he thanked the event staff, the marshals of
archery and thrown weapons, and Lord Orlando, provider of
the ample dayboard. His Excellency was then among the 15 new
members of the Company who pledged to uphold its standards
of honor and safety, and paid the entrance fee to the
Captain of the Company, Master Peter the Red. All those who
advanced in rank were recognized in Court, and Master Li led
a cheer in memory of Marian of Edwinstowe, one of the
Company founders. Many of those present were heard to say
they hoped it would not be another 10 years before this fun
and challenging shoot was held again.
