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Cast of Characters
Last year fair-goers witnessed the tumultuous reign of fickle Henry VIII and his quest for women, power and pleasure.
This year, Henry's only son, young Edward VI, rules the shire. Or to be more precise, the Lord Protector, the Earl of Northumberland, John Dudley rules in his stead until young Edward comes of age, if he should come of age. The King is exhibiting signs of illness, and Dudley has started scheming to try to secure his own family line in the thrown. His son Guilford, and the King's cousin, Jane Grey, are Dudley's chioce for successor. King Edward's sister, Mary, has different plans however. As Henry VIII's first child, she sees herself as rightful heir to the throne, though her father dispossessed her when he divorced her mother. A struggle for power is brewing, and though Mary knows she may be going down, she has no intention of going quietly. Will Mary make a move on the throne? Will Edward stand up for himself? And what about Elizabeth...with which of her siblings will she ally herself?
The Shire is populated by all manner of people. Faire-goers should be prepared to encounter them all. Here are a few tips on how to successfully interact with a variety of Shire residents.
The Court
The trick to handling this crowd is to mind your manners and theirs. Court members should be refered to by title, and when in the presence of Royalty, speak only when spoken to, remember to bow, and never turn your back.
Of course, one shouldn't forget that Royals are people too.
The Clergy Edward's Court is a Protestant one. You'll end up in hot water, or hanging out with Mary Tudor, Henry's dispossessed Catholic daughter, if you mention the Pope.
The Peasantry Anything goes with this lot. Except bathing. So watch your purse and check your morals and your sense of smell at the gate.
The Exotic Don't be surprised to see some bare midriff, be drawn into a dance or asked if your children are for sale.
photos courtesy of Douglas Beagley and Adam Silverman Green Mountain Renaissance Festival · Champlain Valley Expo · Essex Jct., VT  |
