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====== Richard of Dragon Castle ======

===== Persona =====
Lord Richard of Dragon Castle is a 12th-century man of mixed French and Scottish heritage living in Portsmouth, England with his much younger wife, Baronessa [[people:Gina Dragoni]] (who was herself born August 22nd, 1338). Richard is the son of Edmund, a Scottish architect, and a french mother.

Richard's life in his own words is as follows:

"My father built castles for the King of England Henry I and his wife Matilda (Princess of Scotland). King Henry was very impressed with the work of my father and gave him permission to build a castle and use the name Dragon as his own.

At this point in history I was very young, but showed interest in bartering, conversation, and travelling. Father decided that building his new castle in a port of trade would help his favourite son in his future.  Portsmouth was the city of choice and that is where Dragon Castle remains.

I spent a few years of my early manhood participating in the First Crusade, but decided that a warrior’s life was not for me. During these years I met many connections in the business world, and decided that a merchant’s life would be much more profitable.

I spent many years travelling to the important trading cities in the world from England. I met many interesting people and heard many wonderful stories. Even though I have travelled the world, I always considered Portsmouth my home.

While I was in a small town in Italy, I talked to one man at great lengths.  He was selling a lovely light brilliant fabric called silk and I was trading him my fine English wool. I stayed longer than expected because I was smitten by his beautiful daughter that was working by his side.  She had learned to speak English so that she could help her father talk to other merchant traders. I was very lucky that I didn’t have to learn to speak Italian.

Within a month we were married and on our way back to England. 

I got tired of experiencing seasickness with being on the water that I finally retired from sea travel. My wife and I now live a comfortable life back in Portsmouth in Dragon Castle. I continue to trade in wool and silk fabric, as my father-in-law ships me these wonderful fabrics to sell on his behalf. Of course, I take a healthy commission for my work. I also trade in other merchandise depending upon my clients' needs."

===== Whereabouts =====
Richard currently resides in the Barony of [[branches:barony:Skraeling Althing]], in the lands of [[branches:canton:Caldrithig]]. 

===== Offices and Appointments =====
==== Current Office ====
Richard currently holds no offices.

==== Past Offices ====
  * {{activities:service:offices:Seneschal-symbol.png?30|}} **[[activities:service:offices:deputy|Deputy]] [[activities:service:offices:Seneschal]]** - Canton of [[history:former_groups:harrowgate_heath|Harrowgate Heath]] (2003 - 2007)
  * {{activities:service:offices:Exchequer-symbol.png?30|}} **[[activities:service:offices:Exchequer]]** - Canton of [[history:former_groups:harrowgate_heath|Harrowgate Heath]] (2006 - 2009)
  * {{activities:service:offices:Webminister-symbol.png?30|}} **[[activities:service:offices:Webminister]]** - Canton of [[history:former_groups:harrowgate_heath|Harrowgate Heath]] (2010 - 2012; 2016 - 2018)

===== SCA History =====

Richard joined the SCA as card member in 2002 in [[branches:canton:Caldrithig]].  He moved over to the [[history:former_groups:harrowgate_heath|Harrowgate Heath]] to assist in the forming and support of the new canton on January 11th, 2004. With Harrowgate Heath passing into memory in 2019, he and his lady have moved back to [[branches:canton:Caldrithig]].

===== Interests =====
Skills:
  * Diverse arts  
  * [[activities:martial:Target Archery]]

Tried:
  * [[activities:arts_sciences:Woodworking|Furniture Making]]
  * [[activities:arts_sciences:Bookbinding]]
  * [[activities:arts_sciences:Jewellery making]]
  * [[activities:arts_sciences:Stained glass]]
  * [[activities:arts_sciences:Casting|Casting with Pewter]]

===== Awards =====
  * **[[awards:Award of Arms]]** - August 4th, 2001 (AS 35)
  * **[[awards:Order of the Hare Salient]]** - February 26th, 2003 (AS 39)
  * **[[awards:Award of the Maiden's Heart]]** - September 2nd, 2006 (AS 41)
    
===== Other Activities =====
Richard enjoys learning new skills and creating items.

===== Contact Information =====

  * Richard can be reached by [[mailto:rpcook@pobox.com|email]]

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[{{ media:heraldry:personal_heraldry:Richard_of_Dragon_Castle_heraldry.png?200|Arms: // Purpure, a lion rampant maintaining an egg Or, a bordure Or, semy fleur-de-lis Purpure.//}}]
[{{ media:heraldry:personal_heraldry:gina_dragoni_and_richard_of_dragon_castle_badge.png?200|Badge: //Or, in chief a goulpe, and in base six piles inverted three and three purpure.//}}]
 [{{ media:photographs:people:2016 Richard of Dragon Castle and Gina Dragoni.jpg?200px| Lord Richard of Dragon Castle with wife Lady Gina Dragoni.}}]
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{{tag>
people:personas_by_century:12th_century people:personas_by_culture:English people:people_by_location:skraeling_althing
people:people_by_interest:target_archery people:people_by_interest:woodworking people:people_by_interest:bookbinding people:people_by_interest:jewellery_making people:people_by_interest:casting people:people_by_interest:stained_glass
}}

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