Tag Archives: a market day at birka

Market Day at Birka Hotel Update

03 Saturday Feb 2018

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The staff of Market Day at Birka XXX (2019) would like to bring all our potential guests up to date regarding developments at the hotel which hosts the event.

An abbreviated version of this information was announced in Royal Court at Birka recently, but we want to provide more details, and also to inform gentles who were not at the event, or who did not attend Court.

We want to reassure everyone – we will be at the same location in 2019, and expect arrangements to be substantially similar.  We have a contract from the hotel in hand, which is currently being reviewed by the autocrat, the hotel liaison deputy, and the Seneschal of Stonemarche.  Once it has been signed, dates will be announced. We continue to have an excellent relationship with the hotel’s local management, and the are eager to see us return next year.

You will see some changes however – most notably the name of the hotel.  It is changing brand affiliations from Radisson to DoubleTree by Hilton. If you’re interested in the business details, a local new blog, Manchester Ink Link,  has written an excellent summary here.

What you, as a prospect Birka attendee, need to know right now is that you cannot make a reservation now and have it transferred to the room block reserved for Birka, at the special Birka rate, when the room block is officially opened later this year.  In past years the hotel staff has done this as a courtesy, however this year they will not do so.  They have their hands full with logistical issues related to the transition, including moving to using the Hilton reservation system instead of the Radisson system. They simply don’t have time to make a lot of manual adjustments to reservations for us.  Do not reserve now unless you want to pay full price.

We will, as always, have a block of rooms reserved for Birka which includes every hotel room in the facility which is not reserved under long-standing contracts with other clients. They have long term contracts with other businesses which pre-date us, and must be honored.

An announcement will be issued when we have a firm date for the room block becoming available.

We are also working to set up arrangements for room rates at other nearby hotels for those who aren’t able to reserve rooms at the primary hotel, or prefer another location. An announcement concerning these options will go out after the room block at our host hotel is released.

Thank you,

Lady Tomyris

Event Steward,  Birka XXX

Tournament Results from Birka

01 Thursday Feb 2018

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Tournament results are available from the bear-pit style tournaments traditionally held at A Market Day at Birka.

Photo by Aaron Replogle

152 heavy list (rattan) fighters entered the lists, fighting a total of 3,222 bouts. The overall top finisher was Lord Arne Ulrichsson with 280 points. The next ranked finisher was Sir Douglas Henry with 243 points.

Complete Birka heavy list tournament results are available by clicking here.

Photo by Aaron Replogle

72 rapier fighters entered the lists at A Market Day at Birka, and fought 1,496 bouts in total. The top finisher was Master Quintin Brilliant with 171 points.  The next ranked finisher was Maréchal Remy Delamontagne de Gascogne with 169 points.

Complete Birka rapier combat tournament results are available by clicking here.

Unified Marshal’s Meeting at Birka

23 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Announcements, Archery, Equestrian, Heavy List, Rapier, Thrown Weapons

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badge Earl Marshal

I’m going to hold an open-to-all unified marshals’ meeting at Birka, 3pm on Saturday, in the Frost Room. (I know the equestrians are also meeting then. They can come on in when they’re done. There will be plenty of time for them.)

I’m going to talk about my proposed change for the tenure of the Earl Marshal, catch up with all my supervisory concerns, outline what I’m looking for in the next Deputy Marshal for Armored Combat, and generally address questions and issues any of our groups may have.

 Vis
East Kingdom Earl Marshal

Birka Bear Pit Tournament Results Published

30 Monday Jan 2017

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Rapier Combat at A Market Day at Birka. Photo courtesy of Dutchess Caoilfhionn.

Results from both Armored and Rapier Tournaments at the 2017 Market Day at Birka have been posted to the Northern Army website.  Vivat to Douglas Henry  who placed first in the  Armored Combat bear pit, and to Robert of Anglespur who placed first in the  Rapier Combat Bear pit. Congratulations to everyone who competed!

Unofficial Birka Court Report

03 Wednesday Feb 2016

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Being the Court of Their Majesties Brennan Ri and Caoilfhionn Banri held on January 30, A.S. L (2016)

in the Barony of Stonemarche at A Market Day at Birka

Court Heralds: Malcolm Bowman, Ryan MacWhyte, Mylisant Grey, Alys Mackyntoich, Lucien de Pontivy, Aildreda de Tamworthe, Grimm the Skald, Kayleigh MacWhyte, Maria von Ossenheim, Lucien de Wyntere, Yehuda ben Moshe, Liadin ingen Chineada, Eginhard d’Aix la Chapelle, Kirsa Oyutai, Simona bat Leone

Reporting Herald: Malcolm Bowman

Olaf Haraldson, Writ for Pelican.

Catalina de Valencia, Silver Rapier. Scroll by: Mariette de Bretagne

Grimm the Skald, Silver Rapier. Scroll by: Shadiyah Al-Zhara

Gabriel Roberts, Silver Rapier. Scroll by: Xandra Rozina Xiberras Galea

Eadgyth aet Staeningum- Silver Crescent. Scroll by: Sorcha Dhocair inghean Uí Ruairc, W: Colin MacKenzie

Valerian of Somerset, Tygers Combatant. Scroll by: C&I: Lada Monguligan Frame: Mongo Chinua Glass: Conor O Ceallaigh

Baptiste O’Brien, Tygers Combatant. Scroll by: Jonathan Blaecstan W: Nest verch Tangwistel French: Kirsa Oyutai

Harkin mac Tighearnan, Tygers Combatant. Scroll by: Robert dwe Makminne & Emma Makilmone; W: Tommaltach MacFiachoch

Benedict Hope, Award of Arms. Scroll by: Aaradyn Ghyoot

Ban of Wintermoor, Award of Arms. Scroll by: C: Faolán an Screcain I &W: Aislinn Chiabach

Keagan MacKeagan Award of Arms. Scroll by: I& W: Leonete d’Angely C: Nataliia Anastasia Evgenova

Allerick van den Broeke, Award of Arms. Scroll by: Fiona O’Maille ó Chaun Coille

Kirsa Oyuta, Silver Wheel. Scroll by: Katherine Stanhope French: Godfroy de Falaise English: Deidre Ruadh Inghean Mhic an Mhadaidh

Medhbh ingean ui Cheallaigh, Silver Wheel. Scroll by: Mergriet van Wijenhorst

Þory VeÞardottir, Award of Arms. Scroll by: Cassandra Arquest de Northumbria

Cherrl de la Rouche, Award of Arms. Scroll by: I: Yzabell du Perche C:Nest verch Tangwistel

Orso Tano de Firenze, Award of Arms. Scroll by: Sorcha Dhocair inghean Uí Ruairc W: Ulrich Reinhart

Duncan Fletcher, Award of Arms. Scroll by: Juliote de Castlenou D’Arry

Cassandra Hobbes, Silver Crescent. Scroll by: Xandra Rozina Xiberras Galea

Ro Honig von Summerfeldt, Silver Crescent. Scroll by: Christiana Crane

Margurite de Gui, Silver Crescent. Scroll by: Alisay de Falaise

Brita Mairi Svensdottir, Augmentation of Arms. Scroll by: I&C: Elsa de Lyon W: Anastasia Guta

Cathain, Apollo’s Arrow (w/Award of Arms). Scroll by: Aleksei Dmitriev

Temyl zwie Breuken, Award of Arms. Scroll by: I: Lorita de Siena C: Faolán an Screcain German: Udalrich Schermer

Marjorie Parmentar, Award of Arms. Scroll by: I: Lorita de Siena C: Faolán an Screcain French: Nathalie Royne/Kirsa Oyutai

Analeda Falconbridge, Laurel. Scroll By: I: Camille des Jardins C: Alexandre St. Pierre W: Lucien de Pontivy & Aildreda de Tamworthe

Adrienne d’eureaux, Silver Brooch. Scroll by: Alexandre St. pierre

Christiana Crane, Maunche. Scroll by: Edward Mac Gyver dos Scorpus W: Analeda Falconbridge

Anastasia Guta, Maunche. Scroll by: I: Thyra Eiriksdottir W: Alys Mackyntoich

Kristin Alarsdottir, Award of Arms. Scroll by: Camille des Jardins

Sunnifa Heiriksdottir, Writ for Laurel. Scroll by: Nest verch Tangwistel

Lijsbet van Catwic, Award of Arms. Scroll by: Nyfain merch Cohel

Anna Ophelia Tarragon, Tyger of the East. Scroll by: Alexandre St. Pierre W: Adrienne d’eureaux Latin: Steffan ap Kennydd

Hrafyn Bonesetter, Chivalry. Scroll by: Stone: Olaf Haraldson W: Aife Chonchobair in Derthaige

Court was also attended by Their Highnesses Prince Kenric and Princess

Avelina, Their Majesties Emperor Magnus Tindal and Empress Etain of

Æthelmearc, and Her Highness Princess Thora of Atlantia.

Mercedes Vera de Calafia, East Kingdom Seneschal, announced that

Midland Vale had completed all requirements and is now officially a Shire.

West Kingdom Chancellor Minor Jolie De la rue presented a gift of toys for

the Royal Toybox created by other children.

Lucan von Drachenklaue was re-belted by Her Majesty and swore fealty.

Thirty-seven newcomers presented themselves when called into court.

Please note – all Tygers Combatant, Maunches and Silver Crescents now bestow a

Grant of Arms to their recipients (if they do not already have one).

Birka Tournament Results

01 Monday Feb 2016

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Tournament results are available from the bear-pit style tournaments traditionally held at A Market Day at Birka.

146 heavy list (rattan) fighters entered the lists, fighting a total of 3,183 bouts. The overall top finisher was Sir Douglas Henry with 251 points. The next ranked finisher was Lord Arne Ulrichson with 226 points.

Complete Birka heavy list tournament results are available by clicking here.

78 rapier fighters entered the lists at A Market Day at Birka, and fought 1,094 bouts in total. The top finisher was Rowan of the Rose (Lady Millicent Rowan) with 107 points.  The next ranked finisher was Baron Therion Sean Storie with 99 points.

Complete Birka rapier combat tournament results are available by clicking here.

In Memoriam: Baron Olaf of Trollheimsfjord

23 Saturday Jan 2016

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We are saddened to report that Baron Olaf of Trollheimsfjord, known in the modern world as James Michael Revells, passed away very suddenly on January 9.  He was 61. Baron Olaf was a long-time resident of the Barony of Stonemarche, but had moved south to Atlantia to be near his family last fall.  He is survived by two daughters, two brothers, and three grandchildren.

His daughters chose to honor the importance of the SCA in his life by dressing him in his finest garb, including his coronet, for the funeral service. After the funeral his remains were cremated, that being the closest our modern age offers to the traditional Viking ship burial.

Baron Olaf of Trollheimsfjord at Market Day at Birka

Baron Olaf of Trollheimsfjord at Market Day at Birka. Photo courtesy of Hlafidge Arastorm the Golden.

Olaf was a long-time participant in the SCA, receiving his Award of Arms in 1989. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in many ways – in long-running events he was instrumental in starting, in the children of friends in the Society who grew up thinking of him as Uncle Olaf, and in artisans who learned from him, and went on to become respected practitioners of the arts he taught and encouraged. One can read the breadth of the hole he leaves behind in the comments and remembrances being left on his Facebook pages (one under the name Olaf of Trollheimsfjord and one under Jim Revells).

He will be best remembered for being the man who started the Market Day at Birka event. Today, with typical attendance in the 1600-1700 person range, Birka is the largest event in the East Kingdom, unless one wishes to count Pennsic. It’s an institution, with more than a quarter century of history. And we owe it all to Olaf.

Back in 1989 he conceived a vision – an event recreating the famed Market at Birka in Sweden. It would have merchants from all over the Known World, and bear pit fighting in the Viking style, and Viking games. He presented this idea to the Barony of Stonemarche, and people agreed it sounded like a fun concept for an event. No one except Olaf really believed it would grow the way it has. He had faith in his dream, being ready to pass out fliers at Pennsic for it’s second year, even before the first one had taken place in the humble confines of the common room at his condominium complex. That first Birka had some issues, leading to him receiving a Burdened Tyger for his work as the autocrat, but it kept going. He ran it for two years, then stepped aside to let someone else serve as autocrat, but he’s always been at the heart of it, even when he wasn’t in charge of anything. In 2001 King Andreas and Queen Isabella recognized that and named him a Baron of their Court to honor his work in making Birka a landmark of the East.

He was also a fine metalsmith, making beautiful period jewelry. For those skills he was inducted into the Order of the Maunche in 2003. He was also widely known and respected for his willingness to share his skills, and to encourage beginners to take up the art he loved.  Here too he leaves a legacy. In 2002 he was instrumental in proposing the idea of a Metalsmith’s Symposium, with an entire event full of nothing but metalworking classes. Once again he stepped up to the challenge of making his dream real and ran it for the first time. He set the pattern, and the event now has a 14 year history, across multiple kingdoms.

Most of all, he will be missed by family and friends for the kind of man he was – generous, honorable, and always there when he was needed.

Mistress A’isha bint Jamil

Birka Garb Challenge, issued by Caoilfhionn Banrí / Défi de costume à Birka, par Caoilfhionn Banrí

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

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En français

Greetings, people of the East!

Her most royal Majesty Caoilfhionn has issued a Garb Challenge to the good gentles attending the Market Day at Birka. She desires to see the skill with needle and thread of the populace in interpreting the theme, “Characters of Pixar.”

If you must, turn yourselves Inside Out in order to find the perfect Toy, Story book, or other accessory to adequately display your Incredible interpretation of the challenge. Even if it seems you might hit a creative Wall-e, or you are afraid Monsters, Inc-luding laurels, squire brothers and apprentice siblings may scorn you, you must be Brave, keep your chin Up, and stay strong by eating nourishing Ratatouille. Although it is a Bug’s Life out there for those artisans who think taking on challenges is like Finding Nemo, those wounds inflicted by pins, needles, and shears will soon turn to sCars of pride and victory!

En français  Traduction par Behi Kirsa Oyutai

Salutations, gens de l’Est !

Sa très grande Majesté Caoilfhionn mets au défi toute la population venant au Marché de Birka de produire des costumes. Pas n’importe lesquels cependant; son désir est de voir le talent de nos artisans avec fil et aiguille lors de l’interprétation du thème, “Personnages de Pixar.”