Stormhold

The Barony of Stormhold is based in central, northern and western Melbourne and unclaimed regional Victoria, Australia.

Stormhold was approved to be elevated to Baronial status in 1987, and the first Baron and Baroness were invested on 1 September, 1988. Sir Styvyn Longshanks and Mistress Rhyllian of Starfire Retreat are Baron and Baroness Stormhold – that is, the founding Baron and Baroness of Stormhold.

Newsletter and Online Presence

Stormscroll is the newsletter of the Barony of Stormhold. The Barony has a website, an email list and a facebook group.

Reigning Barons and Baronesses

The full list and dates of all reigning Barons and Baronesses (also known as Landed Gentry or Landed Barons and Baronesses) are listed on the Canon Lore website under Stormhold.

The current Baron and Baroness are Sir Thorolfr Brantsson and Her Ladyship Halla Vinagjafar Hrafnsdóttir.

• Stormhold Baronial Investiture AS49

There is a story about the various tenures of the Barons, Baronesses and Vicars of Stormhold, written by Lady Elizabet Hunter, called ‘A Story of Stormhold’.

Baronial Name and Device

According to Domhnall na Moicheirghe, the name Stormhold  refers to the extremely variable weather that Melbourne is renowned for.”

The heraldry of the barony, which was similarly influenced by Melbourne’s fickle weather, and location on a bay (and, in turn inspires the award structure of the group) is; Azure goutty d’eau, a drakkar affronty Or, the sail charged with a laurel wreath gules. Or, in plain terms, a golden Viking longship sailing in the rain.

Subgroups

• The Canton of Cairn Fell includes Ballarat, Bendigo and the places inbetween in Victoria, Australia.

Per pale sable and Or, an oak tree eradicated counterchanged and on a point pointed vert a laurel wreath Or.

• The College of Saint Bartholomew is based at the Melbourne University, Victoria, Australia.

Per saltire sable and azure, a laurel wreath between four open books in cross argent, each book charged with a bee tergiant sable, marked Or.

Baronial Awards

Baronial awards are bestowed by the landed Barons and Baronesses, often in response to recommendations they receive from the populace. The Baronial Roll of Arms, and images of the Baronial awards of Stormhold, are available on the Baronial website.

Baronial Commendation

The Baronial Commendation is given for worthy deeds and the token is a pendant consisting of a gilt drakkar sailing in a white metal sea.

Silver Drakkar

The Silver Drakkar is given for service by word and deed and the token is a pendant depicting a silver drakkar affronty.

Gold Drakkar

The Gold Drakkar is given for exceptionally gracious behaviour and the token is a pendant depicting a gold drakkar affronty.

Gallant Drakkar

The Gallant Drakkar is given to those who provide service to the Barony from those outside her borders.

Storm Lantern

The Storm Lantern is given for sharing knowledge and the token is a pendant of a lantern.

Goutte de Pearl

The Goutte de Pearl is given for recognition of arts and sciences and the token is a circle of wire surrounding a pearl.

Drakkar’s Sweep

The Drakkar’s Sweep is given for behind the scenes work and cleaning up after events.
The token is a favour of white cloth with a drakkar embroidered upon with white thread

Order of Svalinn

The Order of Svalinn is given aiding in the defence of the Barony, by prowess locally and afar, by training or by supplying the warriors of Stormhold. First awarded at Winter Feast 26 June 2010.

Baronial Cyphers

The Baron and Baroness bestow Baronial Cyphers upon those who significantly enrich their tenure. The tokens change throughout time.

Events in Stormhold

• Monthly Bash is held on the first Sunday of most months
• Winter Feast is usually held in July
• William Marshal Memorial Tournament and Feast is held on the first Saturday in December