The Debatable Lands is the oldest and largest Barony in the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, which is the Pittsburgh metropolitan area’s branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The Barony offers many activities based on the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including armed combat with rattan weapons, archery, feasts of medieval recipes, performances by a choir and comedy troupe, crafts like bookbinding and armor making, and dancing. Members learn about history while having fun in a safe and engaging way.

2. The Debatable Lands is ruled by Baron Byron of Haverford and Baroness Ariella of Thornbury, shown here being presented by the King and Queen at their investiture.

3. Many of our events feature armed combat. SCA armor is typically composed of metal and leather, but the weapons are made of rattan, a lightweight wood, that is wrapped in duct tape to ensure safety.

4. Fighters sometimes group together in teams to fight melees. A really large melee becomes a battle. At the Pennsic War, held in Slippery Rock, PA every July, combatants fight for the honor and glory of their Kingdoms.

5. Some battles feature as many as a thousand fighters on each side.

6. Even kids can compete in armored combat. Their swords and polearms are of lighter materials and more thickly padded than adults’ weapons, but they have just as much fun.

7. Some people prefer the subtlety and finesse of fencing with epee and foil. We’re more free-form than Olympic-style fencing, featuring the occasional “tavern brawl” ­ all in good fun, of course.

8. Archers young and old can shoot at targets for score, or adults can shoot specially made arrows in battle as combat archers. The best archers can attain the title of Grand Master Bowman.

9. The Debatable Lands is also famed for its non-martial pursuits. Most events feature a feast of dishes based on medieval recipes. We boast some of the best cooks in the realm!

10. The Debatable Choir performs madrigals and motets at many local events.

11. Actors from I Genisii perform a bawdy Italian Commedia del‘Arte show.

12. Our scribes create works of art for their Monarchs and Baron and Baroness to bestow on worthy subjects.

13. We learn renaissance dances. We sew costumes, like this 15 th century French brocade gown. We embroider replicas of medieval wall-hangings, like this piece based on the Bayeux Tapestry.

14. We practice crafts like bookbinding. We make chainmail and plate armor.

15. We build medievally inspired furniture, tents and even travelling houses!

16. We make objects based on medieval designs, like this Viking era board game called hnefatafl. We play medieval board games, like Mancala. We play musical instruments for entertainment and to accompany dancing.

17. In short – we have fun! And we learn a lot about medieval and renaissance history in the process. Join us and find out just how much fun you can have!