Largesse

The generosity of kings and queens has been termed "largesse" throughout history. The giving of largesse allows the Crown and Coronets of An Tir to show that Their wealth and happiness is a direct result of the wealth and happiness of the people of The Land. Not only is gift-giving expected of Royalty, is is an extension of Their courtesy. It is Their chance to give something back to the populace and say thank you to those who are deserving.

The populace of An Tir - the craftspeople, artisans, merchants - any and all interested, are asked to donate items to be given away as gifts. These donations have benefits that are two-fold: the Royals will have a wide and diverse stock of items to choose from to give away as gifts to help alleviate the burden of financial expense; and the artisans have the opportunity to have exposure for their work, not only to be recognized by the Royals and populace of An Tir, but perhaps even throughout the Known World.

It should be stressed that the largesse items are ideally handmade or period in nature, ie: lengths of fabric; purchased hand-blown glass, etc. can be acceptable. Items should be as period as possible, or at least medieval in flavour. Items that can be given away in sets, pairs or individually are also acceptable. These items are bestowed by the Royals as They see fit: gifted to other Royalty, as prizes for event winners/sponsored prizes, or to other such deserving gentles.

Remember that items will sometimes be travelling, perhaps even great distances, both to and from events. Therefore size, weight, and breakability must be considered. When accepting donations, the items should be well packaged, and a written description (including name of artisan and branch) should be included with the item.

Items that are not given away are passed on to the next set of Royalty. All the items should not be given away during one reign. Ideally, the requests to keep gifts coming in should be continuous, so there is enough to fill the need of one reign with enough left over to continue on to the next.

We acknowledge and send Our gratitude to Baron Gerhard Kendal of Westmoreland of the Barony of Lions Gate, for having the brilliance to conceive of the idea in the first place.

Let Us show the populace of the Known World the quality of work that the people of the Kingdom of An Tir can produce.

Written this 12th day of June, 1997 AS XXXII

Darius and Morgaine, Rex and Regina An Tir

-- Submitted by HL Yolande Chastellain

Suggestions for largesse, gleaned from Cedric II and Elizabeth II's website


 * Bags and pouches made from natural fibers
 * Belt buckles, cloak pins, small brooches
 * Card weaving kits (tablets and instructions)
 * Duct tape, strapping tape, rivets
 * Fabric – natural fibers
 * Handcrafted trim
 * Handmade soaps or bath salts (clearly labeled as to content and low scent please)
 * Hats, veils, or hoods
 * Note cards
 * Jewelry, semi-precious stones or lampwork beads,
 * Necklaces (hand strung), rings, earrings
 * Lucet kits
 * Period games
 * Metal work (small hand forged items), knives
 * Napkins or table linens made from natural fibers
 * Pieces of armor, rattan
 * Pottery items, goblets, cups
 * Small sewing kits
 * Skeins of hand spun wool, silk, or linen
 * Small wood or metal boxes
 * Small journals or books
 * Teas, hot cocoa, etc (store bought)
 * Wooden, bone, or antler items
 * Wooden combs
 * Wooden toys

More suggestions gleaned from Vik and Inga's website


 * Arms or armor
 * Bags and pouches made from natural fibres
 * Fabric – natural fibres
 * Handcrafted trim
 * Handmade soaps or bath salts (clearly labeled as to content and low scent please)
 * Hats, veils or hoods
 * Illuminated note cards
 * Jewelry, semi precious stones or lampwork beads
 * Period games, gameboards or children’s activities
 * Metal work/small hand forged items (eating ware, small hooks, strike-a-lights, arrow heads, ring pins etc)
 * Napkins or table linens made from natural fibres
 * Pottery (smaller items preferred)
 * Sewing kits or similar practical items
 * Skeins of hand spun wool/silk/linen
 * Small boxes or containers
 * Small journals or books
 * Tassels and other ornaments that can be used to decorate largesse (please use natural looking yarns or thread)
 * Wooden, bone or antler items (household items, sewing implements, etc)
 * Wooden toys

IMPORTANT! Make sure to attach a tag indicating your SCA name and branch to the items donated. Not only do we want to ensure that you are properly thanked for your generous contributions but we also take great pride in the talent of our people and wish to share your wordfame with the Known World!

CAUTION: Due to allergy and heath concerns please avoid heavily scented items such as potpourri, used or second hand items, homemade food or beverage products that expire, and anything potentially sticky, spoilable or spillable. Items that are particularly fragile, very large or heavy, or that require special handling should be discussed with the Royal Largesse Coordinators. Remember that items will sometimes be travelling, perhaps even great distances, both to and from events. Therefore size, weight, and breakability must be considered.

If you have an idea of a donation that you would like to make but are unsure of its usability, please contact the Royal Largesse Coordinators.