The officers of a branch are a resource to the members. Feel free to contact your local officers with questions, ideas, and so forth.

You will find our Shire Officers here

The Officers of a Shire

Seneschal (mandatory office)

The seneschal of the shire is the chairperson and president of the group.  He/She is responsible for making sure that the shire follows the rules of the SCA and is responsible for all legal and modern concerns of the shire. The Seneschal acts as the chief liaison between the Shire and the Kingdom. Representing the shire and its members in decision making and to the Crown is another very important part of any seneschal’s job.

Chancellor of the Exchequer (mandatory office)

Sometimes called a treasurer or reeve.  This person organises the shire’s money and prepared the group’s financial reports. 
When setting costs for an event the autocrat should contact the seneschal and treasurer in advance to agree on charges etc.

Herald (optional office)

The Shire herald is the person who begins the process of registering names and devices (coats of arms) for members within the SCA.

He/She encourages and helps you to find a period name for your persona and he/she also helps you design a period style heraldic device or arms for your persona.  You then have the option of registering that name and device within the SCA, which then results in that device being yours and no-one else can use it in the SCA.

The second function of a herald is that of making announcements.  In a court within the society the herald will make all the announcements by way of calling people forward, announcing decisions and calling for cheers.

On the field of combat a herald will often announce the contestants and call on the next to get ready was well as announcing the victor.

Knight Marshal (optional office)

Commonly called the marshal.  This is the officer responsible for safety in all heavy armoured activities.  The marshal will inspect your weapons and armour to be sure they are safe before you begin a fight.  He/She will advise you on the rules and on improvements to your armour if needed.  The marshal also encourages historical authenticity on the field of combat.

 The marshal has almost total control upon the field of combat for heavy weapons and there his/her word is just about law.  The marshal will often help train new fighters and can at least direct you to people who are willing to do so.

At events the marshal will organise any heavy fighting tournaments that are being held.

Minister of Arts and Sciences (optional office)

 The Shire’s MoAS, as it is often abbreviated, is the person who will help you locate information on any period art or craft that you are interested in.  The MoAS is not a walking encyclopaedia but he/she will maintain lists of teachers and resources which he/she can then direct you to, so that you can begin learning whatever interests you.

 Competitions in the arts and sciences are organised by this officer, as are display areas for members to display their work.

 The MoAS will often organise classes and workshops for the members of the shire.  So, if you would like to see a class in something please let the MoAS know – it might just come about.

Chronicler (optional office)

This is the publisher of the shire’s newsletter.  The newsletter will contain articles of interest to the shire as well as reports from the officers.  Useful contact information can also be found therein.  Send any articles or artwork that you would like the shire to publish to this officer.

Announcements of events and practices can be found in the newsletter.  For subscription information and full details contact this person.

Chirurgeon (optional office)

This is the shire’s first aid officer. If organising events it is a good idea to discuss safety with this person before hand.  No one knows for sure how to pronounce the name of this office correctly.

Constable (optional office)

Often called the sheriff.  This person is responsible for site security and lost and found. 

Chatelaine (optional office)

 The chatelaine is the officer who is responsible for helping the shire grow and helping new members.  The chatelaine will make information available to help new members and will also answer any of their questions that he/she can.  The chatelaine should be heavily involved in running any demos that the shire does, helping out with printed information and talking to visitors and passers by.

Captain of Archers (optional office)

This person is responsible for period archery and its safety.  He/She will help you start archery if you are interested in it and also runs the archery part of any event.  The Captain of Archers has as much authority on the archery field as the Knight Marshal does on the heavy weapons field.

Marshal of Fence (optional office)

This officer is the person with responsibility for period fencing.  Safety is his/her primary concern but he/she will be able to help you learn fencing either personally of by introduction you to those who are willing to do so.  On the fencing field hi/her work is almost as good as law.

Historian (optional office)

This officer keeps record of what events are held and writes regular accounts of them to build up an accurate history of the shire. Feel free to write accounts of you experiences at events to this officer for inclusion in the histories.