The Diamond Rose Guild The Diamond Rose is a historical and re-enactment guild dedicated to the education of Renaissance history and arts. Our members are very versatile in their knowledge of things Renaissance and also in our costumes and garb. The character make up of our group encompasses different nationalities, social statuses, and many different trades,. For example, we have ladies and gentlemen of the court, an armed royal escort and guardsmen for procession, (all in fantastic uniforms), musicians, several ladies versed in weaving and needlework and most of all, we have fencers to entertain the audience with swordplay. Our members are trained in period speech and mannerisms through the tutelage of our theatrical coach, Richard Winters of Nevada City, CA. The Diamond Rose regularly performs locally at renaissance fundraisers, public performances at theaters and, of course, at Renaissance Faires in this area, in the Bay area and near Lake Tahoe. Our guild is a member of CIRGA and our By-Laws can be found here. The background of the Diamond Rose centers on a certain region in France that was mainly Protestant Huguenots who were openly and financially supported by Queen Elizabeth. Although persecuted in France, our group can travel through England without fear. We continue to train in the art of swordplay in case the Queen should have need of our services as loyal protectors of Her Majesty or as the Royal Escort. The fencing instruction of the Diamond Rose focuses on the art of Renaissance swordplay as was practiced in the 1500's and 1600's. Our gentlemen of the "Guard" perform the duty of a royal escort for nobility. The Noble Guard is a close-knit unit of cavaliers skilled in the use of weapons of the era. The camp followers include many trades people performing the duties needed about the camp. At times we have gentry and courtiers in our midst, who are escorted about the Faire as their social status dictates. The "Guard" is also known as the "Black Guard", because the uniforms are mainly black and white. If needed, the Guard can arm with muskets or pole-arms for procession. Renaissance Faires The Diamond Rose Guild would be an asset to any Renaissance Faire. We are a memorable presence when the faire patrons are welcomed by the "Guards" during meet and greet sessions. The Guards wear black velvet tabards trimmed in white with the fiery Huguenot Cross insignia boldly emblazoned. There are up to ten guardsmen who may carry either 8ft pole-arms or 5ft long musket replicas. Leading the troupe is the Captain of the Guard, accompanied by the standard-bearer carrying the banner, in front is our drummer. The impressive uniforms, precision marching and superb attention to detail make the Guard a remarkable presence to any Faire. If the Diamond Rose is granted a large enough area, we welcome the opportunity to instruct groups of faire attendees at scheduled times. We can teach one-on-one or small groups. Our encampment is a reenactment of dueling and life in the Renaissance period. We will do theatrical fencing performances for the Royal household or the Faire organizers if they so wish On a more businesslike note, the Diamond Rose carries it's own insurance for its members. We adhere to the dress code of the period and keep all mundane items out of sight of the public or covered during Faire hours. The members of the Diamond Rose are always respectful, courteous and helpful to the Faire staff, and enjoy educating the public. The main living quarters for the Guard encampment is a16' round, black and white period pavilion and we also have a standard 16x16 square, beige marquee pavilion that is the armory and storehouse for our gear. |
