The Unabridged History     

of the Scarborough Royal Guard

As told by Sir Charles Richmond, Baron Wyke

Preface: This history will only cover the current Royal Guard as information on the original Scarborough Royal Guard is extremely limited and scarce at best. The numbers and dates are for the most part accurate and from the many files of Richard Hurst with some information borrowed from Matt Rhodes. Richard first strutted with the original guard as a playtron, one time in 2000 and earned his green sash in 2001. Richard is the longest running active member in the Royal Guard. Any errors or inaccuracies of this history are exclusively his!

 Thanks, Richard D. Hurst

“The year of our Lord, 2000”

  Our start began in 2000 with our good King needing a Royal Guard. In that need, he approached several gentlemen of the cast and asked for their help… they accepted!

The first members were Captain Sir Jonathan Gage (Bill Riddle), Lieutenant Sir Vincent Montcreiffe (Matt Carson) and Lieutenant Sir Marcus Desmond (Marc Mormino).

Photos on the Officers photo page

The primary goal at the time was to provide the King and Queen with a military escort and to add gravitas and realism and to ensure that the patrons knew who the King and Queen were. In addition, they were also there to help provide Their Majesties with a form of security from the “Over Zealous” patrons. Each of them wore a black sash with the Tudor Crown and Rose embroidered on them and that was their unifying costume tying them to one group.

‘Note the layout and design of the very first sash’

“The year of our Lord 2001”

The first year was well done but very quiet and low key. In 2001, our good Captain was on stage with “Cut, Thrust, And, Run” (CTAR) leaving Sir Marcus and Sir Vincent to the guarding duties. Marcus decided that it would be a good idea to enlist the help of playtrons to help guard Their Majesties and took up the mission.

He first enlisted those that he could that were dressed in full garb with proper weaponry and upon doing so, came up with the idea of the green sash to represent the playtron Royal Guard. To aid Sir Marcus with the green sashes, he enlisted the help of Lady Mira (Alysia Lynch). There were roughly eight to ten members this first year. Marcus always did his pre parade speech from atop a boulder in front of where the “Friends of Faire” is now.

“The year of our Lord 2002”

In 2002, Marcus continued his mission of recruiting as many playtrons as possible but he had the help of Sir George Boleyn (Jason Dawson) on his side to help with the recruitment this time. After many days of recruiting and keeping the Royal Guard lite and fun, they were able to increase their numbers dramatically, up to sixty-two members, “Strutting” their way around the faire in what has lovingly been termed “The Death March”. Among the new number of Royal Guard were three women that were welcomed to the Royal Guard. Note the term “Strutting” as Sir Marcus and the other officers felt that the “Scottish Regiment” should keep their individuality of Marching during parade and didn’t want to take anything away from them by following their lead. Hence, the Royal Guard struts everywhere.

“The year of our Lord 2003”

The year 2003 saw numerous changes in the Royal Guard! Sir Vincent Montcreiffe left us for a “Mission for His Majesty” (He played another character that year) thus leaving only Sir Marcus and Sir George to take up the task of the Royal Guard as Captain Gage was still doing shows with CTAR. Fortunately, they were joined by Lieutenant Sir Adrian Smythe (Kwin Smith) and Sergeant-Major Charles Richmond (Richard Hurst) in their task of making a show of the Royal Court.

The new Lieutenant and Sir George Boleyn made it their task to stay with the Royals while Sir Marcus Desmond and Sergeant-Major Charles Richmond took up the gauntlet of recruiting the Royal Guard. Still making his pre-parade speech from the original boulder upon which he started, Sir Marcus and the Sergeant-Major were able to increase their numbers for the strut in parade from a beginning sixty-two members to a record high of eighty-six playtrons. The Royal Guard was starting to really come alive during the run of faire that year.

It was getting harder to keep up with the requirements of “Three struts per year equals a green sash forever”. Lady Mira took it upon herself to create a wonderful book where the members could write their own names in the book. Every time a member “Strutted” that year, they added their mark beside their name until they met the required number of attendances. 2003 was also the year that the “White Stripe” was added to the green sash representing continued service of strutting from previous years.

This same year also saw the advent of promotions as the serving Lieutenant Sir Marcus Desmond was made “Commander” of the Royal Guard still under Captain Gage but over every other officer in attendance. Sergeant-Major Charles Richmond was also knighted at that time and promoted to Lieutenant. All of this by their Majesties own hand thusly ending the season of Faire with great expectations for the following season to come.

Following the 2003 season of Scarborough Faire, Richard Hurst and Kwin Smith decided to share their new found faire experience with the playtron Royal Guard and held the first annual “Royal Guard Summer Workshop”, where the playtrons could develop their characters and learn how to play with the cast and patrons as well. This was the first attempt by anyone to help playtrons to enhance their own faire experience.

“The year of our Lord 2004”

A new year approached us with more changes in the Royal Guard! 2004 brought about a place to call our own as we now had a pavilion tent that was placed near the jousting list and it displayed the banners of all the current active officers, the martial of the realm and the King himself. Opening day of that year saw an incredible turnout of ninety-four Royal Guard strutting in the parade, more than any other day in any season prior. No longer were we crowding around an already tight space but we were now able to strut to the parade gate as our own unit. Needless to say, the cameras came out to witness that spectacle.

The Royal Guard officers adopted the colors of green and black for the doublets and white shirts for the officers. Also the black sashes were changed slightly so we could accommodate another new member in Sergeant Jack Parker (James Potter).

‘Note the difference of the Crown and Rose from the previous photo’

Commander Sir Marcus Desmond asked to retire from the Royal Guard and it was granted with a parcel of land and a home upon this land in the Village of Scarborough. (Which by the way, he has yet to find this parcel of land anywhere and he is still looking for his homestead to this day). Lieutenant Sir Adrian Smythe was immediately promoted to Commander of the Royal Guard and Sir George Boleyn was no longer with us.

That same year, the Royal Guard did give unto Their Majesties, each of them a sword of gold in a presentation that saw a new record of attendance of one hundred and fourteen Royal Guard.

Now with numbers higher than ever, came the first ever “Knighting en Masse” by His Royal Majesty King Henry VIII with the aid of Duke Suffolk, Sir Charles Brandon. This was done by His Majesty to show the support and appreciation that “he” has for The Royal Guard. The King also decreed at this time that whosoever wearith the sash about their shoulder was considered on duty and should not bow. Should you wish to be off duty at any time, the sash was to be worn tucked into the belt and you should bow when in the presence of anyone of higher station than yours!

“The year of our Lord 2005”

2005, the 25^th anniversary celebration of Scarborough Faire, the beginning of another great year, immediately saw yet another promotion for on opening weekend, by the request of Captain Sir Jonathan Gage. (He retired his position as Captain of the Royal Guard). He also requested that Lieutenant Sir Charles Richmond be appointed as Captain of the Royal Guard in his stead and the King granted this wish and endorsed it by His own hand. Sergeant Jack Parker also returned to sea duty aboard the Mary Rose. Fortunately, Captain Richmond and Commander Smythe were joined by a new Sergeant-Major Sir Osbert Sevier (Barret Phillips).

Opening weekend also saw a change in the location of the Royal Guard Pavilion to Crown Meadow just behind Wild Wolfe Forge. An encampment had been made at that location and it was wished that the Royal Guard Pavilion be a part of that encampment. There was finally plenty of shade for us to gather and enjoy each others company.

After an opening day number of one hundred and twenty-two Yeomen strutting in parade, it was time for yet another change. Sir Charles Richmond found it necessary to acquire help with the parade so he made new commissions of office for the playtron Royal Guard. On 16, April 2005, commissions were presented to Sir Wolfgang Von Sachsenhausen (John Keller) as Corporal of the Gentlemen Speers and Sir Klaus Panzer (Klaus Gehr) as Corporal of the Bedchamber. These were the very first warrants to be held by the playtron Royal Guard. They were soon followed as on 23, April 2005, Lady Mira (Alysia Lynch) was appointed as Clerque of the Chequer Rolle.  14, May 2005, three more commissions were appointed. Warrant to Sir Matthew Sharpe (Matthew Rhodes) for Corporal of the Yeomen of the Crown, Marie de la Guerre (Mary Kay Stone) as Corporal of the Yeomen Warders and Yeoman Captain Melpemone Dare (Shannon “Shay” Hall) as Chief of the Yeomen Ushers. In all, six appointments were made that year.

Our anniversary year also brought about an attempt at forming a “Pike Drill Team”! An attempt that was met with some enthusiasm from a few of the Yeomen, that would find themselves doing drills in Crown Meadow during the run of Faire. Inconsistency in timing of the drills and the number of Yeomen that could be there made for a very rough start.

This same year also saw the very first “Green and White” tabard worn by Sir Charles Richmond. It was party-colored and sported a very large Crown and Rose on the front and back.

To show their enthusiastic attitude, Corporal de le Guerre and Corporal Sharpe even came up with a song for the parade that followed the tune of “Do Wah Diddy” and they even started playing games with Noobler the Gnome. To help liven the parade up even more, we came up with a new command “Royal Guard, Strike a Pose”. This command brought about some very interesting ideas for poses as the Yeomen even came with “The Fountain” pose.

This year would have yet another venue before it would end! “The Kings Luncheon” began this year and was extremely well received. Another job for the Yeomen and yes, the Yeomen of the Guard, could hardly wait to be able to stand guard at The Kings Luncheon, for while the King and other nobles feasted, so too were the Royal Guard able to enjoy some of the flavors of the food. A few of the servants would go around to each of the Guard and feed them a taste of the food and play with them, as well. 2005 was very much a fantastic year at Scarborough Faire.

“The year of our Lord 2006”

As with all things in life, 2006 would have more changes in store for the Royal Guard. The officers of the Guard were to change as well! Sergeant-Major Osbert Sevier retired from the Guard and two new officers stepped in to help out! Sergeant-Major Sir Matthew Sharpe (Matthew Rhodes-formerly Corporal of the Yeomen of the Crown) and Ensign Reginald Sharpe (Ian Rhodes)! The two new officers as well as the two existing officers now found themselves wearing matching green doublets styled after the scarlet doublets that the English Royal Guard is known for wearing. Handcrafted by our very own new Sergeant-Major Sir Matthew Sharp.

This year also found the Royal Guard Pavilion moving to yet another location near The Castle. No matter where the pavilion moved, we still had a place to call our own. The numbers of the Guard were in the one-thirties now and the strut to the parade gate was even more of a spectacle. While numerous members of the Guard had left our numbers, we were still growing, “It is Good to be a Royal Guard”.

There were also Green and White striped tabards starting to show up in the ranks of the playtron Royal Guard led by Corporal Wolfgang Von Sachenhausen. This tabard was to become an integral part of the Pike Drill Team.

With the number of the Guard being so high, rules and regulations had to be set in place. So a structure to the Guard was born and continues to be a part of the way we do things. Also, there were more things for a Guard to be a part of than just the parade. We were now enlisting the help of the Royal Guard at the Knighting Ceremony, reserving tables for The Kings Luncheon, and guarding Their Majesties wherever they went. We also now had a new jousting troupe and the Royal Guard was enlisted to help carry the dead bodies from the jousting list. Help was also needed at the Chess field to keep the combatants “watered” during the heat of the Chess match.

With more challenges for the Royal Guard and open NCO positions, more warrants of office were commissioned! The new Corporal of the Yeomen of the Crown, Sir William Rodgers (Marvin Bechtold), Corporal Sir Klaus Panzer (formerly Corporal of the Bedchamber), was retained as Corporal of the Kings Body Guard and Dame Captain Marga (Leah Patton) to Clerque of the Chequer Rolle.

By the end of the season there were more promotions in order! On the last weekend of faire, Captain Sir Charles Richmond was promoted to “Major” (a brand new title for the royal guard) by special Royal decree, Commander Sir Adrian Smythe… promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard, Sergeant-Major Sir Matthew Sharpe… promoted to Commander of the Royal Guard and finally, Ensign Reginald Sharpe… promoted to First Lieutenant of the Royal Guard! Thus ending another wonderful season of Scarborough Faire!

“The year of our Lord 2007”

In 2007, Captain Sir Adrian Smythe retired from the Scarborough Royal Guard and Major Sir Charles Richmond went on special assignment for His Majesty which found Commander Sir Matthew Sharpe in command of the Royal Guard. He was not left alone in his task as he still had First Lieutenant Reginald Sharpe, and he was joined by Sergeant-Major Ronald “Rabbit” Lewys (Ronald Lewis).

The placement of the Royal Guard Pavilion near The Castle had given way to being our permanent residence in the Village of Scarborough; as a 20’ x 20’ platform was erected for the pavilion to be set upon. This left the Royal Guard with a permanent place to muster before parade, and to post our individual Coats of Arms as well as the Royal Guard Coat of Arms.

Still wearing the green doublets and black sashes, the officers went on to keep the traditions of protecting Their Majesties, Strutting in the parade, guarding the Kings Luncheon, doing double duty at the Knighting Ceremony (guarding and presenting children for knighthood) and disposing of the dead at the joust field each day.

Just prior to the 2007 season, the “Halberd Drill Team” came into its own by dedicating hours of practice doing the drills and getting them set to memory. Notice the name change from Pike to Halberd. Also during the off season before Faire, Marvin Bechtold and Richard Hurst busied themselves making ten matching Halberds for the team to use during the run of faire.

Opening day of this year, Commander Sir Matthew Sharpe and the Halberdiers started a new tradition of honoring our fallen comrades with a ceremony. In this ceremony, each of the names of the fallen, were read aloud, a bell was rang and the Halberdiers reversed their halberds in a “mourn arms” position.

This season also saw much lower numbers in the Guard, mainly due to inclement weather almost the entire season (it snowed on opening day) and rising transportation costs. The numbers decreased to an average of sixty Royal Guard members on any given day but at the same time, it made the numbers much more manageable.

The end of the season brought about yet another promotion in the officer’s ranks with Sergeant-Major Sir Ronald Lewys being promoted to Lieutenant.

“The year of our Lord 2008”

The advent of another year, 2008 saw the return of Major Sir Charles Richmond stepping down in rank to fill the position of Captain! With Commander Sir Matthew Sharpe, Lieutenant Reginald Sharpe, Lieutenant Ronald Lewys, there would be two new officers to work with. The first is Sergeant-Major Sir William Rodgers (Marvin Bechtold-formerly Corporal of the Crown) and Sergeant-Major Allan Richmond (Stephen Flowers). A new position was opened in the Royal Guard with the addition of Harbinger-Messenger Calton Lewys (Cody Lewis).

The biggest change this year came before opening day when the officers’ dress was changed from the traditional Green Doublet to spectacular doublets of Scarlet made by the hand of Jarie Lewis, the wife of Lieutenant Sir Ronald Lewys.

Left to right; Sir Charles Richmond, Sir Ronald Lewys, Sir William Rodgers, Sir Allan Richmond, Sir Matthew Sharpe, Reginald Sharpe and Calton Lewys

The black sash was no longer needed to identify the officers of the Royal Guard but, in order to honor our tradition; Matthew Rhodes created a new sash that was worn on the belt. The new officers were actually given a new full size black sash because that is what they were working for by joining cast. There will be no more black sashes presented to anyone.

Opening weekend, with the Queen by His side as well as Sir Charles Brandon, King Henry VIII stripped Sir Charles Richmond of his title as Captain of the Royal Guard. Instead, he placed the title of “The Baron Wyke” in the hands of Sir Charles for past services rendered and honored Sir Charles with a new chain of office.

It wouldn’t be long before more warrants of office were commissioned to the playtron Guard. The new inductees to the NCO club are as follows:  Corporal Sir Alex McCurran (Chris Patton)… Corporal of the Bedchamber, Corporal Sir Thomas Hawkins (Richard Webb)… Corporal of the Household Guards, Corporal Sir Grym Hawkins (Brad Stewart)… Corporal of the Crown, Corporal Sir Louis Harsh (Julia)… Corporal of the Yeomen Ushers!

There would also be another change in the pool of cast officers as Commander Sir Matthew Sharpe was promoted to Captain, Lieutenant Sir Ronald Lewys to Commander and Lieutenant Reginald Sharpe was finally knighted and became Lieutenant Sir Reginald Sharpe.

The last weekend would find two final promotions of the year; Sergeant-Major Sir William Rodgers to Lieutenant and Sergeant-Major Allan Richmond to Lieutenant. This day also found the announcement of the retirement of Lieutenant Sir Reginald Sharpe.

During the last weekend, King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn had their portraits made with the Royal Guard.

Photo courtesy of “The Stalkwells”

While the years have seen many changes with officers and yeomen coming and going, duties increasing and the formation of another division of the Royal Guard (the Halberdiers), one thing remains constant in each of us. The dedication and willingness to do a job and know that is was done well! We still guard Their Majesties and protect the people of the Village of Scarborough and each of us find honor in that original prime directive of The Royal Guard.

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