The lowest members of society, the medieval commoners of Europe were broken down into two classes each with individual ranks and titles.

Artist and SCA member Andrea Masse-Tognetti (Meredith the Maskmaker) joined Martha Stewart on October 7, 2009 to demonstrate how to make a leather unicorn mask.

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HBO has acquired the rights to produce a fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Fire & Ice books. The first films, A Game of Thrones is scheduled to film in late October 2009 in Northern Ireland.

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Skirmish Magazine, a British publication dedicated to providing information to the living history community, accepts submissions for articles "on historical re-enactment and living history from around the world, covering all historical periods."

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On October 7, 2009, General Sir Richard Dannatt was installed as the 159th Constable of the Tower of London. Sir Richard's Installation ceremony is available to view on the Historical Royal Palaces website.

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For nobles of medieval Europe, a title would be rewarded to a person who performed some service to the monarch and would usually be passed down to each new generation.

For nobles of medieval Europe, a title would be rewarded to a person who performed some service to the monarch and would usually be passed down to each new generation.

Henry VIII was known for his love of spectacular jousts. Now visitors to the Hampton Court website can share in his favorite pastime by playing Joust for Henry VIII.

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A mysterious stone uncovered in Midlothian, Scotland, may have a connection to the Knights Templar. Discovered by Crispin Phillips in the process of repairing a wall, the stone is covered with unusual symbols and appears to date to about the 13th or 14th century. Because the ruined chapel where the stone is located was part of an abbey founded by the Templars, scholars think the carvings may relate to the Templar organization, though no one has yet been able to figure out what they mean. Find out more in the article by Claire Smith at the Scotsman, which includes some nice photos.

• Learn more about the Knights Templar

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Templar stone? originally appeared on About.com Medieval History on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 19:10:57.

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A mysterious stone uncovered in Midlothian, Scotland, may have a connection to the Knights Templar. Discovered by Crispin Phillips in the process of repairing a wall, the stone is covered with unusual symbols and appears to date to about the 13th or 14th century. Because the ruined chapel where the stone is located was part of an abbey founded by the Templars, scholars think the carvings may relate to the Templar organization, though no one has yet been able to figure out what they mean. Find out more in the article by Claire Smith at the Scotsman, which includes some nice photos.

• Learn more about the Knights Templar

Follow me on Twitter

Templar stone? originally appeared on About.com Medieval History on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 19:10:57.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Ursus of Anglesey reports that he has posted an album of photos from the Pennsic XXXVIII Known World Chivalry Tournament.

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Hebrew? Persian? Pirate Speak? Now Latin is the latest translation to be added to Facebook's Translations application.

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In 793AD, the Island of Lindisfarne, in Northumberland, northern England, was violently raided by Vikings who arrived in a surprise attack from the North Sea.

In 793AD, the Island of Lindisfarne, in Northumberland, northern England, was violently raided by Vikings who arrived in a surprise attack from the North Sea.

On the West Kingdom list, it was reported that Leohtulf of the Silver Hills defeated Loy Schiemann der Klein in the finals of the recent Coronet Tournament in the Principality of the Mists. Leohtulf was inspired by Gillian Trenowyth. (video)

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Hrólfr has posted a report from Gwen on Legio Draconis that Sir Thomas Blackmoore defeated Sir Mordan Peresenchenev in the final round of the October 10, 2009 Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of Meridies. Thomas was inspired byu Elisenda.

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Their Royal Majesties Vladimir and Kalisa of the Kingdom of Atlantia have announced the list of combatants and their consorts for the upcoming Crown Tournament.

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Viscountess Elashava bas Riva, Northshield Kingdom Chronicler, shares photos from the recent 30th Anniversary celebration in the Barony of Caer Anterth Mawr on the Northshield Gallery website.

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Sullivan Gym is a place for students of the University of Southern Maine to lift weights, play basketball, or sometimes practice medieval warfare through a program offered by the Blade Society, a student-run organization affiliated with the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism. Joel Neill of the Free Press has the story. (photos)

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The Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art has acquired a rare 13th-14th century tea jar "widely revered as an icon of Japanese tea culture." The jar, originally made in China, has been used to store tea for over five centuries. (photo)

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