The Lady Mary Memorial Tournament is named after Lady Mary Campbell of Inverary, a Lady who was active in the early SCA Barony of Rising Waters. She passed away on October 25th, 1987 and the Barony’s first major tournament was named after her. It is now a long-standing annual event hosted every May by the Barony of Rising Waters in the current Kingdom of Ealdormere. It is popular not only with Ealdormereans, but because of its long history and close proximity to Æthelmearc and the Midrealm there is generally a substantial foreign presence, as can be attested in the record of tournament champions below.
This event is notable as a being a Prestige Tourney: The event includes tournaments for fencing, heavy combat, archery and thrown weapons tournaments; participants of all four tournaments are welcome to participate in the event procession. Combat is preceded by the formal procession of all combatants and their consorts. Voice heralds are available to boast in each competitor, and combatants publicly declare whom they are fighting for and usually give a short speech on how their inspiration inspires them. Youth tournaments may be held, when there is interest and available youth marshals. In the spirit of the tournament all combatants are encouraged to make a fine heraldic display and to fight in the most chivalrous possible manner. Legends suggest that the winners of the Lady Mary Memorial Tournaments are the ones to watch at the Spring Crown Tournament, which is usually the next event in Ealdormere.
This event also hosts merchants, and an Arts & Science competition.
Following the tournaments, the Baroness of Rising Waters will invite 9 additional nobles to present a Lady Mary Favour. These favours are unique each year, and created by the Baroness, herself. Favours may be given for diverse recognization, from a fantastic death in the list to dedicated service, to chivalric manner and dress. The names of each champion is inscribed on trophies, and displayed at the event. The Lady Mary Memorial Tournament Feast historically features dishes served to welcome Spring, including lamb.
Baronial Champions: The Lady Mary Memorial Tournament may also include champions tournaments to identify champions in armoured combat, fencing, archery, thrown weapons, arts & science and bardic arts for the next year. Bardic champions represent the barony in champions' tournaments in their field, maintain regalia related to their role, stand with Their Excellencies in court activities, and support the development of their area.
Baronial Taxes: The Lady Mary Memorial Tournament is the traditional due date for annual taxes. The tax is generally service or arts-related, and may be submitted to Their Excellencies throughout the year, up to the feast at the event.
Lady Mary Memorial Tourney is held in the Barony of Rising Waters', and is usually one of the largest annual events in Ealdormere.
Lady Mary is traditionally held on Mother's Day weekend (the Saturday before the second Sunday in May).