The High Middle Ages Simulation Society
Researching and re-creating life from the Conquest to 1300 A.D.
WHO WE ARE
HIGHMASS was formed to give a more period and location specific organization for reenactment events involving the Middle Ages. Those forming the organization noticed a lack of such specific organizations with more firmly established groups like the SCA gathering a plethora of time periods, world spanning cultural groups and even involving fantasy elements. In the founders opinion, this often confused the public who attended these events where Japanese samurai were right at home beside European knights.At HIGHMASS, we concentrate on the time period from the Norman Conquest (1066 A.D.) to 1300 A.D. and on the areas of Western and Eastern Europe as well as the Levant (Crusader Kingdoms). While this still nearly covers 300 years of history, it is somewhat more specific than the more popular groups already commonly known.While we aim for historical authenticity, we do realize that sometimes that is impossible given the modern world we live in where airplanes are likely to fly over an event or automobiles and smartphones can be seen in the backdrop. This is why we use the term "simulation" as we attempt to simulate the life of the High Middle Ages as closely as possible, whether the impression is of a noble, a clergy person or a peasant.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Unlike many reenactment societies, we at HIGHMASS do not engage in mock battle reenactments. Instead, we do what we call "interpretive depiction" This involves collecting items to make up the kit of the impression pursued and then depicting that persona in camp or in a military gathering. Such gatherings may involve camping, riding horses or engaging in craft demonstrations or arms and armour instruction.We try not to use fantasy or fictitious personas whenever possible but seek to emulate the life of a known individual, whether that person be a noble, a member of the clergy or a peasant. We do not use titles that are currently in use but those that are either extinct or dormant. Much information can be gathered through historical research and while much more information will be available for nobles and clergy, much information is still available for the peasantry in such publications as the Domesday Book and similar tax records of the Middle Ages.
OUR AFFILIATES
HIGHMASS is made up of our affiliates which includes Earldoms, Baronies, Fiefdoms and Ecclesiastical divisions. Unlike some medieval reenactment societies, we do not have a king or queen as leader but Earls/Countesses who govern their particular demesne with full authority within the confines of the overall rules and policies of HIGHMASS. There are particular guidelines for the structure of each affiliate division, whether it be an Earldom, a Barony, Fiefdom, Cathedral or Abbey.For particular Affiliates, please click on the links below to contact them directly.
The Earl of OxfordThe Earl of Oxford draws his inspiration from Aubrey de Vere, the first Earl of Oxford who lived from 1115 to 1194. He was an English noble who was involved in the Succession conflict between King Stephen and Empress Matilda.This time period is heavily involved in the intrigues of the post Norman Conquest period and the conflicts between Norman and Saxon.
The Earl of DunbarThe Earl of Dunbar draws his inspiration from Patrick II, Earl of Dunbar, an Anglo-Scottish noble who lived from 1185 to 1249. The Earl uses an earlier Coat of Arms that precedes the Scottish Wars for Independence.
Bouchard de Marly, Lord of MarlyThe Lord of Marly draws his inspiration from Bouchard, a French knight and crusader and the grandson of Mathieu I, baron of Montmorency. He lived from the 1180's to 1226 and was heavily involved in the Albigensian Crusade.
The current Lord of Marly does not have an Earl he gives fealty to and thus answers directly to the administration of HIGHMASS.
The Knights of St. LazarusThe Knights of St. Lazarus recreate the military order, established originally as a hospitaller order for lepers in the 1130's. It was canonically recognized as a full military order in 1255 but it is believed that they were conducting military operations much earlier than that date. The Leper Knights as established as part of HIGHMASS recreate the period of the early 13th century with full kit and horse.
Contact Us
To contact us directly, email us and we will get back to you as soon as time allows. Thanks for your interest!
Thank You
The Lord Bless You and Keep You