What is The Barony of Ben Dunfirth?
The Barony of Ben Dunfirth is the branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) serving the Hamilton, Brantford, and Burlington area of Ontario, Canada in the Kingdom of Ealdormere.
The SCA is an inclusive community pursuing research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat and culture. The lives of participants are enriched as we gain knowledge of history through activities, demonstrations, and events.
We welcome all people interested in historical re-enactment, trying new crafts and activities, learning about the past, or becoming involved in a family-friendly hobby with something to offer for all ages.
Have questions? Take a look at our FAQ section below!
The Barony of Ben Dunfirth is an LGBTQIA2S+ safe space
The Barony of Ben Dunfirth and The Kingdom of Ealdormere is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces and celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, non-binary, two-spirit, and all other gender and sexual orientations (LGBTQIA2S+) individuals.
The Barony of Ben Dunfirth’s populace has many active members who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, including most our current officers! We are a safe space that does not tolerate hate or discrimination of any kind.
We’re extremely proud to fly our very own baronial pride flag!
Welcome from Their Excellencies
Welcome from Their Excellencies,
Unto the nobles of the Barony of Ben Dunfirth, and all visitors and guests, warm greetings from Jørgen and Meredyth, your Baroness and Baron!
Our barony is at the heart of the Kingdom of Ealdormere, and we welcome you – we are a fierce, pragmatic people, and while in the past twenty-one years our barony seen many changing faces, we are proud of our heritage and how we as a group collectively overcome adversity and challenges, and contribute with our arts and service to the kingdom at large.
We would like to encourage your participation, and we are your hosts within our boundaries. If you would like to attend local business meetings or fight and fencing practices, we meet Mondays. On occasion, we have Scribal Nights, hosted by Marioun Golightly, and Archery Practices on Sundays.
We host the events Murder Melee in the Meadow and Huntsman’s Harvest, and occasionally a kingdom event every year or two. If you would like to get involved in the Society, and you have questions, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll give a helping hand.
Thank you for joining us!
Jørgen & Meredyth
Domine et Dominus Arx
Their Excellencies of Ben Dunfirth
Their Excellencies, otherwise know as the Baronial Nobles of Ben Dunfirth, are the ceremonial heads of the Barony. They represent their respective branch across The Kingdom of Ealdormere and The SCA.
Jørgen Lennertson (He/Him) and Meredyth Llwellyn (She/Her) are the current reigning Excellencies of Ben Dunfirth.
FAQ
Is this a LARP?
No. We are a historical anachronist group devoted to the research and recreation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, culture, etc. We maintain our own political structure through a system of rank, awards, positions, and honours to reward participants’ accomplishments and service.
SCA members generally also pick a historic name to go by and often craft an entire “persona” for themselves focused on a particular time and place. Some dedicated individuals may attempt to act as their persona would. However, while SCA events may contain aspects of roleplaying, as we embrace the historical characters that we portray, our events do not contain any live-action roleplaying in the same sense that a LARP would.
While the SCA may also contain some aspects of fantasy, we are a historically-focused group and we encourage playing within the realm of historical anachronism (See: What is the SCA? for more information).
Is this a Ren Faire?
No. The Society for Creative Anachronism differs quite a bit from a Ren Faire.
Renaissance Festivals are generally an interactive event that recreates a Renaissance or Medieval village or setting. They usually feature actors and performers who maintain a character throughout and aim to entertain attendees. Dressing up in garb is not required for Ren Faire attendees.
At a Ren Faire, attendees come to watch, whereas SCA events are about active participation. We are devoted to the research and recreation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, culture, etc., and our events focus on participating in these activities (See: What is the SCA? for more information).
As someone who may be newly interested in the SCA, you are, however, not required to participate in any ongoing activities and we welcome and encourage watching and asking questions!
The SCA’s only requirement while attending an event is a “reasonable attempt” at garb, as to not disturb the immersion of attendees.
Not sure what to wear? Not a problem! Our events have what we refer to as Gold Key, otherwise known as our loaner garb. Please see below for more info!
How do I get involved?
Come and drop by one of our weekly meetings & and fight practices! We would love to get to know you and introduce you to our growing barony.
We meet every Monday from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM in the cafeteria of Hamilton District Christian High, located at 92 Glancaster Rd, Ancaster, ON L9G 3K9.
Please enter using the door on the right side of the building and go down the hallway until you reach the front entry hall. The cafeteria is through a glass door on the right.
You can also check out one of our upcoming events on our Event Calendar page.
Not ready to show up in person? No problem! Feel free to reach out using our contact form below and we’d be happy to connect with you and answer any questions you may have.
We also recommend joining our active Ealdormere Discord server or Baronial Facebook group to connect with our community.
Do I need garb to attend a meeting or fight practice?
No. Our baronial meetings and fight practices are typically done in mundane clothes, although you’re welcome to attend in whatever clothes make you most comfortable.
If you’d like to participate in armoured combat or rapier fighting, please reach out to the corresponding marshal to let them know you’re coming so we can ensure we have loaner gear that will fit your size.
I want to attend an event but I don’t have any garb! What do I do?
Not a problem! If you don’t have garb then we will happily clothe you. At every event, we have what’s called Gold Key. This is our collection of loaner garb that’s typically kept at Gate. You can also reach out to our Chatelaine, Gabriel (bd.chatelaine@gmail.com), and they will be happy to help find you something comfortable to wear!
We recommend that you bring a belt and a pair of non-denim pants, but if you have neither, denim pants are fine and we can steal someone else’s belt when they’re not looking.
Do I need a membership to attend?
No. You are not required to buy a membership; membership is completely optional.
We recommend considering a membership if/when you decide to attend events on a regular basis, as a membership allows you to pay a lower entry fee.
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Feel free to contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page. We’d be happy to provide more information and answer any questions you may have!
