Welcome to the Shire of Ravenslake

Imagine a meadow ringed with bright pavilions, with pennons flying overhead. Noble lords and ladies watch the center of the meadow, where knights in armor strive with sword and shield. Minstrels play lutes and harps, singing songs of love or battle. In the shadows of one tent, a King and Queen confer soberly with richly-dressed advisors.

A historical romance? No, this is theSociety for Creative Anachronism(SCA). The SCA is an international non-profit educational organization, dedicated to the preservation, research and recreation of the crafts, arts, and experiences of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our “Knowne World” consists of 20 kingdoms. Participants, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes & workshops, and more.

Unlike a Renaissance Faire, the SCA is participatory – no-one is simply a spectator. All the attendees play a part in creating the atmosphere by reenactingwhatever aspects of the Middle Ages and Renaissance interest them the most.

The Shire of Ravenslake is a local group within the SCA serving Lake and McHenry counties of Illinois. In the SCA, Ravenslake is a Shire of theMiddle Kingdomin theMidlands Region.

Please use the menus above to learn more about our events and activities. New to the SCA or interested in having the Shire of Ravenslake perform a medieval demonstration for your community organization? Email our Newcomer Officer. We hope that you will join us!