Shire of Villaleon
 | |
| Argent, a lion passant purpure, in sinister chief a sun gules within a laurel wreath vert. | |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Founded: | A.S. XLVII |
| Modern location | |
| Walsenberg, CO and surrounding areas | |
Overview
The Shire of Villaleon was a branch of the Kingdom of the Outlands, located in and around Walsenburg, Colorado. It was active from 2011 to 2017 and was formerly part of the territory of Aarquelle.
History
Villaleon was officially recognized as a shire by the Crown of the Outlands on February 18, 2012, under the reign of King Kynan and Queen Gilliana. However, its heraldic elements had already been registered with the College of Arms in September 2011. The group had previously been part of the Shire of Aarquelle before branching off to form an independent shire in the southern part of the kingdom.
The shire was based in Walsenburg, Colorado, and served the surrounding rural communities.
Despite its enthusiasm, Villaleon remained a small group and eventually struggled with officer turnover. In April 2017, at the Baronial Investiture where Aarquelle was elevated from shire to barony, Villaleon formally petitioned to rejoin Aarquelle. A local meeting and vote were held, and the populace agreed to dissolve the shire and integrate back into the barony.
The transition was accepted by Their Royal Majesties Leif III and Ansteys in May 2017, and the group presented gold Sacajawea coins to the new Baron and Baroness of Aarquelle at Rapier Camp 2017 as a token of homage.
All of Villaleon’s physical and financial holdings were transferred to the Barony of Aarquelle along with its populace.
Heraldry
- Name registered: September 2011
- Device: Argent, a lion passant purpure, in sinister chief a sun gules within a laurel wreath vert.
- Populace Badge: (Fieldless) A lion's head erased purpure. (Registered December 2012)
The purple lion of Villaleon symbolized strength, nobility, and distinctiveness, while the sun and laurel wreath emphasized honor and connection to the wider Society.
Legacy
Though short-lived, Villaleon is remembered for its warm community spirit and dedication to the SCA. Its members continue to contribute actively to the Barony of Aarquelle, carrying forward the shire’s energy and identity within the greater baronial structure.