Medieval Feast 2018 -
February 17th, seating promptly at 6:30 pm
St James Parish, Lothian MD
6 January 1156: Somerled (progenitor of Clan Donald) defeats the Norse at the Battle of Epiphany (probably off Islay) with his fleet of 80 Norse-style longships. The fleets of Godred and Somerled met off Islay, to the north at Rubh' a' Mhaoil, on the night of the Epiphany on 5–6 January or 12 January 1156, and a fierce battle continued through into the next day. A stalemate occurred between the two fleets and Godred and Somerled initiated talks which ultimately partitioned the Western Isles from the Northern ones. Subsequently Somerled becomes King of the Isles, leader of a Gaelic state centered on Finlaggan on Islay. This sounds as a great reason to have a feast....Help us celebrate and get in touch with your inner Scot!
Enjoy a little history with a side dish of humor. Shake off the snow and wintry doldrums—don your favorite Medieval period finery (plain clothing allowed, too, if you must)! Join the Celtic Society's Medieval court in the enjoyment of numerous dishes prepared using traditional ingredients of the period and feast-worthy entertainment!
As in any respectable court, entertainment will include musicians, dance, a story or two, and always, a good time. But of course, one never truly knows what excitement may accompany our honored guests of the court… unless the seer is present, of course.
Just as it was at a great medieval feast hall, where each person supplied their own dining kit, we suggest that you bring yo...ur finest period dining utensils, plates, soup bowls, mugs, goblets and napkins, and candles/-holders*. Remember, there is no electricity in the medieval period! Limited place settings can be provided, if necessary.
*column styles stand easily on the table – if you bring tapers, please bring candleholders, as well.
Traditional Dancing after dinner. For additional information please email [email protected]. Advance tickets only, purchase tickets online at http://cssm.ticketleap.com . Tickets are $30, additional online fees apply.
*After his death, Somerled's Kingdom of the Isles was divided amongst his three sons from his marriage to Ragnhild. The descendants of Aonghus went on to form the Clan McRuari or McRory; the descendants of Dughall went on to form the Clan MacDougall; and the descendants of Ragnald's son Donald Mor McRanald would become the Clan Donald, who went on to found the Lordship of the Isles. Widespread DNA studies suggest that as many as 500,000 people living today are descended from Somerled: this is a number only bettered by Genghis Khan who, again according to DNA studies, is estimated to be the ancestor of 16 million people alive today.
