SC - Great Celebration in Atlantia

[RANDALL DIAMOND]

>>>>I agree that the word "court" now seems to have a different meaning, but
I've wondered how much our formal courts in the SCA have been affected
by the terms used in modern jurisprudence and Hollywood. Were most
courts, or Royal audiences, announcements, awards and such done with
everyone gathered in auditorium type seating in rows in front of the
Royalty? I doubt it, but I've not done any studying on the matter.<<<<<

It is my impression, that period "court" was not a formal ceremonial
as it seems today.  For instance when QE2 holds a formal display (wearing
her tinhat and all )and knights someone or other British type of stiff
court formality, this is not quite as occurred in period.  Period "Court"
seems
to me was whenever the Royal was in the presence of the "courtiers", whether
this was just entertaining the Royal or doing whatever business the Royal
had in mind at the time.  When the Royal traveled, the "Court" followed.
This was different from the private moments with just the Royal and
attendants,
or with visits "in state" to Parliment to address the Lords. That was not
"holding court"
 The "Court" was not a sit down affair but just everyday activity between
the
Royals and the courtiers as a public happening (Public to the nobility at
least).
I don't think that period court was anything at all like SCA formal
ceremonials.
I think that knightings, grants of properties, favour, arms, oaths of
fealty, etc.
occurred at anytime during the day of the "court" that the Royal was
inclined
to dispense.

Akim Yaroslavich
"No glory comes without pain"