The Armour Archive

When my husband and I first joined the SCA we did not have any clue what time period we wanted to focus on. We floated around wearing whatever looked "medieval" and put together a rather eclectic encampment. Our second year I spent many hours sewing a 9x18 oval pavilion out of duck canvas. As thrilled as I was to be out of the poly pop up tent, my frustration with our increasing lack of cohesiveness was beginning to drive me crazy. Then in 2008 life happened and we had to take a step back from the SCA. However, during that 2yr break I buckled down did the research, choose a time frame, and learned a lot of fascinating things about history!

Now we're finally able to get back into the game, but this time around I plan on doing it right. Our focus is mid 12th cent. Welsh for my husband, and Norman for me. I've already begun by exchanging our old garb for more historically accurate wool and linen garb. Now it's time to readdress the tent. I love the look of getelds and think that it will fit both our personas well, but my main concern is space. How big of a geteld am I going to need for 2 people and a dog, a full bed, armour, and other necessities? We're both 5'11" so head room is another concern. And I'd really like to be able to change in and out of my dresses.

So how big is your geteld? Do you feel you have enough space? What would you recommend? Pics with furniture inside would be wonderful if you have them.

I've learned so much from the archive already and can't wait to hear your suggestions.

Are you sure a geteld is appropriate for that time period? I did some research a while back on this. I did came across one painting of getelds from the 12th century, but that was apparently a re-drawing of a 9th century image.

Sander Marechal wrote:Are you sure a geteld is appropriate for that time period? I did some research a while back on this. I did came across one painting of getelds from the 12th century, but that was apparently a re-drawing of a 9th century image.

If the Utrecht Psalter is the 9th cent. manuscript you're referring to, than you are correct both the Eadwine Psalter and the Anglo-Catalan Psalter are copies of the former and both feature drawings of getelds. However, I had heard claims that the getelds were used through the 13th cent., but perhaps I should do some further research.

If not a geteld, than what type of tent does your own research suggest?

Yes, I was referring to the Utrecht Psalter, but I could not remember the name. Our reenactment group does 1200-1250. We have settled on a round pavilion with one center pole and without perimeter poles, based on the Macieowski Bible.

If you find any images of 12th and 13th century getelds that are not derivatives of the Utrecht Psalter, I would love to know! Tent research prior to the 14th century seems sketch at best. Only very few images to go on.

So I've done some more research, and came across this site:
http://www.viatores-temporis.de/info/zelte.php
The 4th image down I find particularly interesting because it does not to appear to be a copy of the Utrecht Psalter. Also, in the archives of another list I found a reference to getelds depicted in the frescoes of a 12th century monastery in Germany (Pruefening).

The above mentioned site also depicts several round/bell tents. It looks like I have a decision to make. As I mentioned before, I'm leaning toward the geteld, but my main concern is space. So again can anyone advise me how big of a tent am I going to have to build to fit 2 people, armour, a full bed, and still have room to change in/out of garb?

Thanks,
Sibilla

Mine is about 8-9 feet long, 7 feet wide and 7 feet tall and holds me ( 6'2", 260 lbs) with an inflatable bed and a couple chests with room to spare. I'm pretty sure it could hold two people who have packed light.

I used the following patterning method, sunforger canvas and a friends industrial sewing machine to make it.
http://www.ydalir.co.uk/crafts/tent/pattern.htm

here is another page on geteld construction for reference.
http://www.ask-vikingekampgruppe.dk/fr0012.html


Chris.