Matilda of Swynford

Persona

Dame Matilda of Swynford (she/her) is an English gentlewoman living in England in 1342 CE. She is married to a Dutch wool merchant, Berend van der Eych, and very much enjoys the fruits of his labours. She also enjoys the fact that he is a time traveler and brings her all sorts of delightful things from his time on Crusade.

Whereabouts

Matilda currently resides in the Shire of Bastille du Lac. She is a member of House Arrochar and can often be found loitering near the bar, cutting up limes for her mistress, Adrielle Kerrec.

Heraldry

Matilda's heraldry was Granted to her by Royal Writ:

• Device: Azure, three piles or, a squirrel natural passant dexter in chief, holding an acorn vert on a gules field.
• Helm: A helm proper sinister, closed, mounted with three feathers argent and sable, gorged with a ribbon vert and mantled, with a Cap of Maintenance.
• Crest: A lozenge, bearing the arms as described.
• Supporters: Two greyhounds, natural, engorged with a coronet argent bearing seven pearl spheres, the Compartment comprising of a ribbon argent and or, bearing letters.
• Motto: Veritas Invictus. (Truth Shall Overcome)
• Badge: (Fieldless) A squirrel natural passant dexter on a gules field.

Offices and Appointments

Current Office

• Kingdom Signet - Kingdom of Ealdormere (May 2022 - present)

Past Offices

• Exchequer - Canton of Ard Chreag (three terms)
• Chronicler - Canton of Ard Chreag
• Secretary - Order of the Crucible
• Exchequer - Shire of Bastille du Lac

Past Appointments

• Arts & Science Champion - Reign of Edouard II and Genevieve II
• Chancellor - Reign of Nigel I and Adrielle I
• Chancellor - Reign of Nigel II and Adrielle II
• Trillium Signet

Interests

• Costuming
• English Culture and History
• Fibre Arts
• Illumination
• Medieval Cooking
• Medieval Hunting (especially with Greyhounds)
• Metalwork
• Pewter Casting
• Service
• The 14th Century Mafia
• The Chivalric Virtues

Awards

Order of the Laurel - November 5th, 2022 Order of the Pelican - October 30th, 2021

• Order of the Wain - August 6th, 2015
• Court Baroness - August 11th, 2011
• Order of the Crucible - April 24th, 2010
• Recognition of Royal Favour - April 24th, 2010 (Nigel I and Adrielle I)
• Award of the Maiden's Heart- August 17th, 2006
• Award of the Golden Bear - February 19th, 2005
• Scroll of Honour - October 23rd, 2004 (for providing gifts of art the the Kingdom of Northshield at their Coronation)
• Award of Orion - January 17th, 2004
• Order of the Bear's Heart - January 17th, 2004
• Award of Arms - February 16th, 2002
• Award of the Bear's Claw - January 9th, 2002

Other Activities

Matilda is the head of Hound Hall. She has two greyhounds, TJ and Beans, who have inspired her to spend a lot of time researching medieval hunting, resulting in a feast in the 14th-century style, based on the parts of the hunt (Apparently, it was yummy). She also loves to try pretty much anything and will happily join whichever experiment is ongoing, especially if it involves fire and gin.

In addition to her many awards listed above, Matilda claims to have an Award of Legs (just need a torso and a head to complete the whole set!) She has also been a winner of Kingdom Pentathlon.