Trinovantia Nova
The Shire of Trinovantia Nova (London) is located in the Kingdom of Ealdormere. Established as a separate Shire with sponsorship from the Barony of Ramshaven in 2001. The Shire of Trinovantia Nova is comprised of the mundane Middlesex, Elgin, and Oxford counties in the province of Ontario. We are a thriving group of approximately 40 locally-active members, with a dynamic contingent of fencers and fighters, offering a great teaching practice that includes three local members of the chivalry, experienced coaches and frequent guest visitors. We also boast a hugely active Arts & Sciences population, and [allegedly] have connection two pirate ships at large (The White Rose and the Crimson Star.)
The shire hosts weekly Fencing & Armoured Combat practices, with social time on Thursdays, and monthly “Mega Practices” on the second Sunday of each month. See the Kingdom of Ealdormere calendar for seasonal address changes and updates. We also offer an Arts & Sciences Craft Night on (most) Friday evenings, in a member's home (please email the seneschal for address and details.) Indoor Archery practices have historically been an option, and with enough interest, may be offered again, as well as a variety of other activities and workshops interspersed here and there. The Shire business meetings occur the fourth Thursday of each month at the Fencing practice site.
The Shire of Trinovantia Nova hosts the Winter War event annually on the first Saturday in March, and it showcases the hospitality and generosity of our people.
Origin of the Name
The Trinovantes were one of the Celtic tribes of pre-Roman Britain, whose territory was on the north side of the Thames estuary in current Essex and Suffolk, and included lands now located in Greater London. Before Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain in 55-54 BCE, they were considered one of the most powerful tribes in Britain. Trinovantia Nova thus means “New Trinovantia”, as the Shire is based in the city of (New) London.
History
The lands that would become the Shire of Trinovantia Nova were founded in A.S. 19, under the name Trinovantus, as a canton of the Barony of Septentria. The group started publishing a newsletter, The All-Terrain Unicorn's Tale, and hosted the Septentrian Twelfth Night in A.S. 21. The name Trinovantia was rejected by the College of Arms in A.S. 23, as it was an old name for London, England, however the College suggested, given the mundane location of London, Ontario, an appropriate modification such as Nova Trinovantia might be accepted. The group settled on Trinovantia Nova, which was registered in A.S. 25.
In these early years, the group operated largely out of the University of Western Ontario, however tensions between university and non-university members led the group to operate independently of the university. For several years after, until at least circa A.S. 30, local college and university students participated in canton and other events as the Household of Antler River.
In A.S. 29, the Barony of Ramshaven was founded, consisting of lands in the western portion of Septentria, including Trinovantia Nova. In May of A.S. 35, the Canton of Trinovantia Nova achieved independence from Ramshaven. An interest in becoming a Barony dates from at least A.S. 52, and as of A.S. 55 the populace continues to support that.
Shire Officers
- Seneschal: Their Excellency Lassarfhina
- Exchequer: William of Northumbria
- Chatelaine: Lady Hannah of Trinovantia Nova
- Minister of Arts and Science: The Honourable Lady Amelye Merriman
- Chronicler: N/A