The Shire of Somerset was elevated to Duchy at the Imperial Estates Meeting in November of 2003. How many of you have had a chance to get to know the subjects of this region? Probably more than most, since they are one of the first shires to ever attend an Imperial Estates Meeting in person.

Somerset was created in March of 2002 amid a flurry of paperwork snafus by a man with very grand ideas for the region. In conjunction with the newly reactiviated Slivowitz, they would grow the area of Ohio and Indiana (Slivowitz in the southern half and Somerset in the northern). Mundane considerations overpowered Slivowitz and Adria had to take a back seat. But Somerset grew, both in populace and in enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the grandiose plans of the founding Viceroy led him to seriously mismanage the shire, and he was removed by judicial proceedings last August. The populace was disheartened and discouraged, but still enthusiastic about Adria and willing to rebuild Somerset.

Enter a former knight of Aragon who had relocated to the area and rejoined Adria after a two-year hiatus. Sir Arthur O’Tyne (formerly known as Sir Arthur de Powella) agreed to help lead and organize the shire. The populace are a testament to what wondrous things can be accomplished with dedication, enthusiasm, and a willingness to try again despite their previous problems. While the misunderstandings of the past occasionally crop up, they are always set right and Somerset continues its march to excellence. This little shire has grown in size and stability and is now our newest Duchy.

Somerset has a wonderful mix of archers, artisans and combatants, with excellence in all three areas. They have begun a tradition of having a authentic feast with every event. They have also embraced the electronic world and are very active on the internet, so all of Adria will have the opportunity to meet their populace.

Ministers

Library

• Current charter: Duchy of Somerset, March 2003
• Reference charter: Shire of Somerset, March 2002

Internet Presence

• Duchy web site
• Duchy Calendar

Calendar

• Meetings: TBA
• Fighter Practice: Starting Monday May 12, Walb Union Hall at IPFW Campus in the dining/vending area with a patio from 6 pm to 10 pm.