Hamlet
Overview
A Hamlet is a new, experimental branch designation in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), designed for small or geographically dispersed groups that wish to remain connected to the SCA while reducing the administrative burden of a traditional branch. The Hamlet experiment is being conducted on a case-by-case basis and is scheduled to conclude 31 July 2027, at which time the Society Seneschal will report on its viability as a permanent branch type.
Purpose
Hamlets provide a mechanism for communities to rest, regroup, and rebuild without losing their SCA identity. They are particularly useful for:
- Former groups with declining membership or officer burnout.
- Rural or remote areas too small to sustain a full branch.
- Groups seeking a sustainable way to maintain SCA presence and activities.
Formation
A Hamlet is typically created from the remains of a dissolved SCA branch:
- The original group must be officially dissolved by the SCA Board of Directors.
- Remaining members may petition their Kingdom to establish a Hamlet.
- The Hamlet is assigned to a neighboring Shire or Barony, which acts as the sponsoring branch and oversees the Hamlet.
- Sponsoring branches agree to include the Hamlet in their oversight.
- Any assets or funds from the dissolved group are turned over to the Kingdom or another recognized branch, as Hamlets cannot hold their own funds or property.
Name and Heraldry
- A Hamlet may refer to itself as “The Hamlet of [Former Group Name]”.
- It may continue to use the old group’s registered arms, including those with a laurel wreath.
- No new heraldic submissions are allowed until the Hamlet regains full branch status.
Activities
Hamlets may:
- Host meetings, Arts & Sciences gatherings, or fighter/archery practices (if a warranted marshal is present).
- Hold public demos with a paid SCA member designated as person in charge and approved by the sponsoring branch.
- Participate in the activities of their sponsoring branch.
- Maintain visibility and engagement within the broader SCA.
Example: “The Barony of Stillaround will be holding a fighter practice in the Hamlet of Goneaway.”
Requirements
- At least one paid member to act as liaison with the sponsoring branch and Kingdom.
- Commitment to SCA values and policies.
- No formal officers, reports, or bank accounts are required.
Path to Full Branch Status
Over time, a Hamlet can petition to regain full branch status by following the standard process for incipient branches. This allows communities to grow at a sustainable pace while maintaining SCA identity.
Monitoring the Experiment
The SCA is tracking Hamlets for evaluation purposes through 31 July 2027, including:
- Membership numbers at dissolution and petition.
- Presence of warranted marshals and practice frequency.
- Local activities, classes, and events.
- Participation with the sponsoring branch.
- Growth in membership and engagement.
- Frequency of informal updates or “check-ins.”
In the Outlands
Plattefordham successfully petitioned to become a Hamlet in November 2025 (A.S. 60), becoming the first Hamlet in the Outlands. It reports through Unser Hafen and serves as a model for the ongoing experiment.
References
- Hamlet Experiment
- Outlandish Herald Mini-November 17, 2025