An exhibit of the armor of King Henry VIII is being displayed at the Tower of London until January, 2010. In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Tudor king's ascension to the throne of England, the exhibit will include a full suit of armor from 1544 only recently identified as Henry's. The article includes a 3-minute demonstration with replica armor of how the suit was worn. (video)

Thornforge is a New Zealand (Southron Gaard) smithery producing knives, armour, padlocks and other miscellaneous wares for the SCA period re-enactor. Be aware that the current exchange rate means that all prices are nearly double what they would be in US dollars. Commissions accepted.

I am needing help finding the style or armor the Irish wore in the 14th century. I am new to the SCA and I am trying to create armor for my persona so that I can start fighting. Any and all help will be appreciated. Thanks, Aengus

I am looking for any sites that show what style armor the irish wore in the 14th century. Any help would be most appreciated. I am new to the SCA and I am trying to find out what armor to create for my persona so I can start fighting. Thanks, Aengus

Did you know that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England has a website? Indeed She does, and one where you may enjoy a virtual tour of Windsor Castle, walk through the gardens at Buckingham Palace, or the gallery of royal paintings.

The Elizabethan era of English history was in many ways a time of transition including in the area of naval warfare. The recent discovery of the wreck of a small fighting ship off Alderney in the Channel Islands offers proof that Elizabeth's navy had "created the first ever set of uniform cannon, capable of firing the same size shot in a deadly barrage." (photos)

An authentic chainmail hauberk is being offered for sale on eBay. According to the description, the 14th to 15th century piece is "of highest quality and in perfect condition of preservation," although it appears to be missing one sleeve.

"It was a bit scary at first because we were unsure if it was a murder scene," said metal detectorist Bob white who, with his friend Cliff Smith, recently discovered a 1,500-year-old Saxon burial ground in Sussex, England.

Thorpe shares an album of his photos of knives and swords taken at the Metropolitan Museum on his Photo Bucket website.

New research by the Royal Armouries in Leeds looks at the progression of Henry VIII's girth through the study of his armor. The various suits of armor have been reunited into one place for the study for the first time since the Tudor era.

"Buyer Beware" is an ages-old concept, one that was even true for Viking purchasers of "designer swords." Dr Alan Williams, an archaeometallurgist and consultant to the Wallace Collection, discusses the problems some Norseman encountered when commissioning new weapons.

Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift? How about a teddy bear for your sweetie, armored in chainmail? (photo)

THL Mika'il al-Rashid (aka Dex) and I will be hosting another combat arrow construction party. Their Highness's have offered Broken Oaks in Seleone for this one. It will occur on Saturday January 24, 2009.

Warning: This helmet will not pass SCA inspection! Lady Maggie has discovered an online catalog entry from the Metropolitan Museum of Art showing a 16th century plaited straw helmet decorated with cut velvet and embroidery. (photo)

California artist, gamer and SCA member Ben Jackel was featured recently on American Public Media's Weekend America program. Jackel, who lives in Los Angeles, spoke about his garage studio where he crafts such treasures as an enormous Swedish battle ax and an Italian renaissance war helmet. (slideshow)

For your young fighter - who needs his or her own sound effects - here is a foam sword and shield which makes actual sounds! Just in time for a headache-filled Christmas!

A trailer from the soon-to-be-released documentary Reclaiming the Blade is now available to view online. The film was directed by Daniel McNicoll and stars Viggo Mortensen.

As part of its October 22, 2008 episode, the Mythbusters took on the challenge of proving the veracity of the medieval Korean hwacha, a weapon able to fire dozens of exploding arrows at a time. The results are chronicled on YouTube.

Isa reports that she has posted photos on her Flickr website from the recent Charlemagne's Oktoberfest event in the Kingdom of Calontir.

The government of India has recognized that, as a crop, rattan can provide people living in poverty "with a sustainable way out of poverty, a stable source of income for growing range of micro, small and medium sized enterprises." An article on their website lists the SCA as a consumer of the crop.

Idaho Falls, WA resident Nute Scott used to just think that armoring in the SCA was kind of fun. Now he makes a living at it by selling suits of armor at Renaissance Fairs. Matthews Evans of the Olympia, Washington Olympian has the story.

Archaeologists working on a Viking site 62 miles west of Copenhagen have discovered a 10th century shield. The wooden artifact is said to be well-preserved. (photo)

description:
WEALHHNUTU CHAINMAIL GATHERING AND POTLUCK
WHEN: October, 18, 2008 (It's a Saturday) from 1:00pm - 5:00pm
WHERE: Castle Brandhard in Wealhhnutu March

WHAT TO BRING: Bring projects to work on or to show. Bring mandrels (cranks for making springs) if you have them. Bring 2 pairs of pliers if you have them. If you have wire you may bring it. Construction tie wire is good to begin with, as it is cheap and fairly easy to work with. Two methods of spring making will be available. Some wire will be available. Wire cutters will be available. THIS CLASS IS FOR CHAINMAIL ARMOR-MAKING AS WELL AS JEWELRY-MAKING. WE WANT TO SEE IT ALL!!! Location:
Wealhhnutu March (Nogales, Arizona)

description:
The Barony of Arn Hold will be holding an Archery and Fighting event on the weekend of October 17-19th.

http://www.myscaphotos.com/2k8CallToArms.html

We are putting out a special challenge to the Populace of this great Kingdom to bring your bows, your swords, your rapiers and YOUR SIEGE WEAPONS!

That's right, the first ever "Fetchez la Vache" (or as we like to call it, "Fetchez la Moose") will be happening that weekend at the Call to Arms event. Location:
Emmit, Idaho (Arn Hold, Artemisia)

Italian archaeologists have discovered the burial site of a Lombard warrior interred with his horse. The skeletons were found n a park at Testona, near Turin, Italy.

Legio Draconis reports that the latest issue of Artes Draconis, the Arts and Sciences newsletter of the Middle Kingdom, is now available in PDF format online. The Spring A.S. XLIII issue's theme is "On Campaign."

The Great Hall of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. glints with Renaissance armor as the library presents the exhibit Now Thrive the Armorers: Arms and Armor in Shakespeare June 5 through September 9, 2008.

"Levantia is a site for the social history of the Roman Empire and Near East, roughly between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. It explores this especially by means of practical reconstruction and experimentation. It also includes discussion of the issues of historiographic method and representation in public contexts."

Marine archaeologists are working to recover the cannons from an Elizabethan ship which sank near the Channel Islands in 1592. The big guns will be taken to the Tower of London for expert restoration and conservation.

An innovative new research project, sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, will look at the life of the professional soldier in England from 1369 to 1453.