Renaissance Faire travels back to 1567

 

By Rick Sorrels ,Special to KP News

Photos by SD Galindo

A renaissance faire celebrates European history from the 14th to 16th centuries. The Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire on the Key Peninsula focuses on a particular year: 1567.

 

Amy Forsyth, performing arts department director for the faire, says, “We require that the actors, merchants, and staff construct their booths, and even dress and speak as if they were living in the year 1567. We want our customers to feel like they’ve stepped back in time…”

Two factors drive an understanding of this time period. First: The “Middle Ages,” also known as the “Dark Ages,” began when the Roman Empire fell in 476 AD and ended about 1450 AD. This was a very harsh and violent time to live. The existence of few major governments, coupled with a dismal climate, including a mini ice age, made subsistence living a cruel taskmaster. Roving bands of thieves and cutthroats stole what little could be scraped together by the average person. Second: The Black Death (bubonic plague) killed over half the population of Europe between 1347 and 1351.

The 15th and 16th centuries saw mild climate, bumper crops, large population growth, vacant houses and prepared fields left over from the plague, as well as a historically rare commodity, free time. This new leisure permitted endeavors other than subsistence living, leading to a great revival of art, literature, and learning not seen since the fall of Rome and the destruction of the Library at Alexandria.

The Renaissance began in Italy, the home of the great masters: Leonardo DaVinci (1452-1519), Michelangelo (1475-1564), Raphael (1483-1520), Titian (1485-1576). The Age of Discovery included Columbus “discovering” America in 1492, and John Cabot claiming all of North America for England in 1497. Native Americans were taken to England during this time period and placed on display.

Famous Renaissance figures in 1567 England included Shakespeare (1564-1616), Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596), and Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587).

With common usage of the English longbow (14th century) and hand-held cannons (late 1400s), the martial playing field was leveled. An untrained peasant could easily kill a well-equipped knight. Mounted knights and their armor retired from the battlefield to engage in the gentlemanly sport of jousting.

Renaissance Faire offers an opportunity to taste the flavor of 1567, a year in which Europeans were generally well-fed and content. Attendees can experience the art, recreation, and lifestyles of this early time.

The year 1567 has been the focal point of all 10 faires on the KP due to the historical significance of this critical time period at the pinnacle of the Renaissance and Mary Queen of Scots, who was heir to the English throne, was married to the Prince of Wales, and was later married to the King of France. Her pivotal history and tragic life has been documented many times by book, stage, and screen. Come meet the reenactment of Mary Queen of Scots, her court, and even her drunken husband, Darnley.