The Canton of Ravenhyrst was a local branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), located in southeastern metropolitan Denver, Colorado. Once part of the Barony of Caerthe, it served communities in Aurora, Elizabeth, and surrounding areas. Known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Ravenhyrst actively hosted events and welcomed newcomers until its dissolution (exact date unknown).
Heraldry
The name and heraldry of the Canton were registered with the SCA's College of Arms.
Name
The name Ravenhyrst was registered in April 2008. It combines "raven" with hyrst, an Old English word meaning "a wooded hill" or "copse." Documented period usage of hyrst appears in sources such as *Beowulf* and medieval place names like Crowhurst and the Priory of Hyrst.
Device
Registered in January 2011: Per chevron sable and argent, two ravens migrant respectant argent and a laurel wreath vert. This was a redesign after previous submissions conflicted with the device of the defunct Shire of Elkshire. A Letter of Permission to Conflict from the Crown of Calontir was obtained to resolve the issue.
Badge
Registered in March 2014: Sable, a vol argent within a bordure embattled Or.
Events and Activities
Golden Thimble award
Ravenhyrst was known for several notable events held throughout the 2010s. The last confirmed events occurred in 2018 and 2019.
Ravensfaire
A large festival typically held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock. Ravensfaire featured A&S classes, combat, food, games, and bartering with themed coins. It was held at least through 2018, with plans for 2019 mentioned but unconfirmed.
Winners of Golden Thimble in 2014Festival of Fools
Held at Dove Valley Regional Park in Centennial, this event focused on medieval games and lighthearted contests, including humorous rapier tournaments, joke competitions, and the crowning of the King or Queen of Fools. The last known event took place on October 5, 2019.
Golden Thimble
An arts and sciences competition held from at least 2014 to 2016, the Golden Thimble challenged teams to create full outfits "from the skin out" in twenty hours. The 2019 event was cancelled by the Barony of Caerthe and replaced by a weekend of hands-on A&S workshops hosted at Colorado Fabrics.
Geographic Area
The Canton of Ravenhyrst served the following ZIP codes:
