General Medieval History

Egmond Abbey

If you follow this blog, then you perhaps also are familiar with my first blog post about how I developed my medieval alter ego Ava van Allecmere. In short, I was born in that area and the abbey of Egmond church books were the source of my SCA persona. The abbey in Egmond still isContinue reading “Egmond Abbey”

13th century farm

As you know, my country is small. But, we are so rich in history. Today, I am going to share another story on a very very old building, a 13th century farm. As it happens, it is the oldest still working farm in Western Europe and I am so proud it is in The Netherlands.Continue reading “13th century farm”

Mother’s Day

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and I would like to tell you something about that, and at the same time I would like to showcase the art of a fellow Scadian, the lady Else van Stretford, whose persona documentation I wrote not too long ago. Read that article here. Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring theContinue reading “Mother’s Day”

Oldest bridge

Today, I would like to tell you about the oldest bridge in the Low Lands. It is an incredible structure! I am going to take you to Maastricht, all the way to the South of The Netherlands, very close to the Belgian border. It also happens to be my favourite city because the town isContinue reading “Oldest bridge”

Unique library

Dearest Traveller, I have found SUCH a unique place! Please, come sit by the fire, I really must tell you all about this amazing library! This library, called Librije is a public reading room from the year 1564, founded by 2 church masters from the Walburgis church in Zutphen, Conrad Slindewater and Herman Berner. TheContinue reading “Unique library”

Leuven

I am happy to tell you about this gorgeous city in Belgium today. Leuven, or Louvain, is a beautiful medieval city about 25 kilometres from the Belgian capitol of Brussels. The earliest mention of Leuven (Loven) dates from 891, when a Viking army was defeated by the Frankish king Arnulf of Carinthia. According to aContinue reading “Leuven”

Compleat Anachronist

In July of 2020 my first Compleat Anachronist was published! I am so happy I was finally able to finish it and to share bits of it with you here. Now, if this isn’t a good campfire story, then I don’t know! I am aware that some of my followers already know this, but thereContinue reading “Compleat Anachronist”

Oudewater

Bad weather, failed harvest, illness or even death … In the middle ages and long after that people believed that witches and their demonic, magic powers were responsible for this. At night, they would fly around on their brooms or on goats. To expel the witches they must be hunted, traced, tested, and if theyContinue reading “Oudewater”