Under a drizzly Saturday morning sky (May 31), armoured warriors descended upon Vancouver Island, ready to clash in a thrilling display of medieval combat.
Knights from the Barony of Seagirt (Victoria) and the Barony of Lions Gate (Vancouver) gathered at Heritage Acres for a day of sword fighting tournaments and full-contact battles, all part of the annual Sealion Medieval Market.
The event, organized by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), an international living history group dedicated to studying and recreating pre-17th century European cultures, drew participants from across the country and abroad.
“We’ve had people drive in from California to compete," said Jaz McIntosh, market event steward. "All certified members who have gone through our safety inspections and who have been training for this event have come today to go into battle on the war field for the whole morning.”
The battles between Seagirt and Lions Gate marked the opening engagement of their barony's long-standing war.
As explained by Shannon McAleese, chatelaine for Seagirt, the day featured a schedule of diverse competitions, including archery, fencing, axe throwing and a "loudest herald" contest.
Each competition awarded "war points," contributing to the overall score that would determine the victor.
Beyond the battles, the Sealion Medieval Market offered a vibrant experience for hundreds of spectators.
Vendors showcased medieval-themed goods, ranging from handcrafted wizard hats and jewellery to medieval buckets and knives.
Heritage Acres also hosted a blacksmithing demonstration, offering a glimpse into the skills of the era.
For participants, the event was more than just a market; it was an experience.
Members of the SCA camped on-site in medieval tents and pavilions, immersing themselves in the atmosphere.
As McIntosh put it, "Instead of just going camping in the forest, you can camp in the forest complete with a variety of tourneys, while enjoying medieval folk songs around a campfire while dressed in your most authentic garb.”
The Sealion Medieval Market concluded on Sunday, leaving attendees with a memorable taste of history.
