The Royal Order of the Tudor Rose
The Royal Order of the Tudor Rose portrays
the court of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. We are delighted to be on
progress with Her Majesty in the enchanting village of Willington for the
annual Market Faire. We invite you to stop by Court Glade and join in our
merriment. Toast to Her Majesty's health, learn a courtly dance or listen
to all of the latest court gossip and political intrigue.
We look forward to greeting you. God Save the Queen!
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The Yeomen of the Guard
Established by King Henry Tudor VII in
1485, the Yeomen of the Guard protect the Queen as she progresses through the
countryside. The Yeoman of the Guard serve as her security and as the bearers
of her chair. Clad in scarlet red livery uniforms, they are found patrolling
the streets of the market faire searching for unlicensed beggars, plague
victims, criminals and other unsavory sorts. When you see them about the
village, raise your cup, and say, “A health unto Her Majesty! God save the
Queen!”
For more information, visit
The Yeomen of the Guard's website.
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The Gentlemen Adventurers
The Gentlemen Adventurers specialize in portraying Army and Navy military officers in the service of Queen Elizabeth I. These were the men responsible for establishing England's first colonies, the exploration of the New World and heading England's interests in military matters. These were men of money, education and fortitude.
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For more information, visit
The Gentlemen Adventurers' website.
The Town Criers of Saint Blaise
The Town Criers are messengers, scribes,
heralds, bellringers, and more! As the sons and daughters of the town’s
middle class, we’re entrusted with a wide variety of tasks and
responsibilities, giving us the pleasure of rubbing elbows with folk from all
levels of society: peasants, constabulary, merchants -- even the nobility! We
lead parades with our bells held high, deliver the news of the day to the
township, and smuggle court secrets. Most of us can read and write, which many
come to regret when we read the day’s news to the general public!
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Saint Cuthbert's Guild
The Guild of Saint Cuthbert is a group of
villagers who gather together to parade through the streets of Willingtown as
well as presenting pageants that celebrate the season. They are known for their
midday feast where many of the Willingtown notables are found dining in their
Guildyard. Phoebe, the Merry Widow of Willingtown always has food upon her
table and a story to share with the locals.!
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Constables of Saint Bernard
The Constables of St Bernard make up the
unlikely lawmen of Willingtown. These “Keystone” style cops spend the
day issuing tickets for infractions ranging from melon smuggling to ale abuse.
These men keep the streets of our town ‘safe’ by inspecting the ale
stands two or three times a day. They can be seen marching in formation. No one
can describe this formation exactly but they always seem to amuse themselves!
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The Court of Misrule
Boink, the King of Fools, oversees his own court of motley jesters, jokers, and
mischievious maidens. They can be found performing for Her Majesty and roaming
the streets of Willingtown instilling merriment among the masses. These clever
fools will jest their way into your cups and riddle their way out of trouble.
With Tom-Foolery on their side what could possibly go wrong?
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The Guild of Saint Luke
You would normally find the townsfolk of
the Guild of Saint Luke in all the obvious places around Willingtown like the
marketplace, and the guild hall. But during Market Faire, you will most likely
find these likable merchants, tradesmen and goodwives at The Coughing Sheep
Tavern gambling, singing, drinking and dancing. They are also known to join in
a parade as it is just another excuse to celebrate life. They also serve as the
village docents, always eager to welcome and guide visitors to Willingtown.
For more information, visit
The Guild of Saint Luke's website.
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The Puritans
Dancing! Singing! Wine! Fine Food! Romance!
Puritans hate all that. Expect this flock of self-righteous crows to appear
anytime someone is enjoying themselves. Raise your glass in good cheer and kiss
the one you love to chase these sour faced prudes away. Enjoy the revelry of
faire, because they will assume your sinning anyway and whether you like it or
not, they’ll be praying for you.
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Mongers of Saint Swithin
The Mongers Guild brings to life peasant
class street vendors. These relentless and determined street merchants will
attempt to sell anything. Whether it’s Pig’s ears, Chicken feet, or
month old cabbage, these villagers of modest means will convince you that you
need to buy it. They also perform on the Romney Camp Stage at 1:30 each
afternoon in the hilarious and bawdy faire classic, Pye Powder Court.
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The Peasants of Saint Helena
No nation can be great without the strength
of the peasantry, peoples full of earthy wisdom, practical knowledge, and
ancient philosophy. The streets of any small town are full of these amazing
Englishmen - any small town except ours that is! Most of the Peasants Guild of
Saint Helenas is full of absurd wisdom, practically no knowledge, and crack pot
philosophy. Seek out the poor farmers for a slice of country life that will
amuse, confuse, and delight you!
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Willingtown Washerwomen
Some of hardest working women in the village, the washerwomen will
delight you with their singing while they wash the days laundry. These
ladies know how to get just about any kind of stain out of any kind of fabric using whatever they can get their hands on.
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Saint Hubertus German Mercenaries
The renaissance witnessed great changes
made in the art of warfare. Professional mercenary troops comprised of Germans,
Dutch and Englishmen were highly prized throughout Europe for their
importability into all manner of disputations. The Queen knew the value of men
with negotiable loyalties. During times of peace they can be seen fully armed
preparing and pacifying the path of Her Royal Majesty Elizabeth through the
throngs of zealously adoring citizenry.
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Equine Guild
The Royal Equine Guild proudly presents their fine collection of horses. During their daily shows they will be featuring the Gypsy Horse and the American Gypsy Horse Breed Association.
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Danse Macabre
The tradition of the Danse Macabre is a
cross-cultural phenomenon, occurring in the religion and folklore of the times.
Some thought the images of skeletons dancing in the streets would intimidate
Death so that none would be taken away. Others thought the objective was to
trick Death into thinking all the villagers were already dead, so there was
nothing for the figure of Death to do and He would pass by. Still others
thought it was a way to point out no matter if you are Queen or serving wench,
Bishop or beggar, minstrel or milliner... eventually we all will dance the
Danse Macabre.
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