1579 Gravesend & THL Giacomo, Cut & Thrust Demo

Ymir 2002 - photo courtesy of Lady Elfgoode

"Alan Gravesend" refers to two personae, one of which dates from 1327, and one from around 1579. Both began their careers as military adventurers - politely referred to as "gentlemen volunteers". Gentlemen volunteers were typically small time nobility or gentry, and not infrequently younger sons without prospects. The military establishment provided food (but no pay) and opportunities to distinguish themselves. As time progressed, and opportunities presented themselves, both advanced in rank, earning the trust of the Crown and advancing the cause of King and Kingdom.

1327 Gravesend & Master Galleron Judgment of Paris

Greatswords at the barrier - Source?

My lady wife also participates in the SCA, known there as Baroness Genevieve D'Aquitaine, and is a member of the auspicious Order of the Pelican, the SCA's highest recognition for service. She has followed and served more Crowns than it is comfortable to consider, has served as a Great Officer of this Kingdom. In addition to her other sterling qualities, Genevieve has (as a freind recently put it) "not inconsiderable sewing skills" as shown in the photo below, where Gen, playing Venus for the passage of arms of the "Judgment of Paris" sits in state.

"Venus, her Dove and Eris, Godess of Discord"

Baroness Genevienve at the "Judgement of Paris" Tournament

In an SCA (as opposed to historical) context, Gravesend has served as a marshall for rapier and heavy combat for almost his entire career. He has been a local and kingdom level officer, and is currently the Emergency Deputy Earl Marshal for the Kingdom of Atlantia. Having had a certain degree of success at rapier combat, at teaching and at service in general, he is now entitled to a series of awards and titles -- we'll just hit the abbreviations here, and link to the Atlantian Order of Precedence page in case anyone is really interested. Baron Alan Gravesend, OP, OWS, OSS, OGD, QoC, Undine, Nonpareil, etc.