Merchant Adventurer Quest
The Merchant Adventure Quest is based upon ideals associated with the Guild of
Merchant Adventures from the 16th century England and guides the exploration of
Elizabethan knowledge and skills.
The Shield of the Merchant Adventurers
Quest depicts the journey taken to learn
the skills and social graces to work, live,
and play during Elizabethan England.
The three waved white lines on a field of
blue depict the journey undertaken at the
Virginia Renaissance Faire. The
Mariners Compass Rose represents the
knowledge and physical skills required
for your position in the Great Chain of
Being. The Tudor Rose represents the
knowledge of the social skills and
customs of Elizabethan society. The
roses are displayed on fields of the bold
colors favored in Elizabeth’s time.
The Quest is divided into 3 focus areas with activities grouped by age.
The Young Royals identify activities suitable for the youngest visitors. The Young
Royals section of the Quest consists of the Young Royals (2-5 years), Visiting Knight
(grades K-2) and Visiting Princess (grades K-2).
The Gentlewoman’s Quest focuses on the knowledge and skills required for ladies in the
Court of Elizabeth. The Gentlewoman’s Quest consists Knight’s Daughter (grades 1-5),
Maid of Honor (grades 4-8), Lady in Waiting (grades 7-12), and Lady of the Bed
Chamber (adult).
The Apprentice Quest focuses on the knowledge and skills required to enter and advance
in the Guild of Merchant Adventures. The Apprentice Quest consists of the Apprentice
(grades 1-5), Senior Apprentice (grades 4-8), Journeyman (grades 7-12), and Master
Merchant Adventurer (adult).
Royal for the Day (Ages 2-5)
The youngest visitors to Staffordshire can sample the activities available throughout the
shire presented in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s visit. Once they have completed 5
activities, return to the Militia encampment to receive a token to show that they have
earned the right to be known as a Princess or Prince for their visit.
Suitable for boys and girls ages 2 – 5 years
Complete any 5 activities. Must include some activities from at least 2 different
areas:
Poppets Pasttymes
 Dress up in the Elizabethan clothes – Upon request
 Play with the Laundress’ bubbles – Upon request
 Play a circle game – Upon request
 Water the plants – Upon request
 Play a musical instrument – Upon request
 Explore the Elizabethan toys – Upon request
 Attend Etiquette Lessons – Scheduled show
 Get Knighted – Scheduled show
Militia
 Try on armor – Upon request
 Hold a pike – Upon request
 Participate in the Ship’s Boarding – Scheduled show
Nobles
 Meet the Queen – Upon request
 Learn to reverence – Upon request
 Learn to say hello and good bye – Upon request
Joust Field/Hounds
 Meet the greyhounds and learn their names – Upon request
 Meet the Jouster’s horses and learn their names – Upon request
Reveler’s Grove
 Walk the Shepherd’s Labyrinth – Continuous
 Learn a game – Upon request
 Dance the Maypole – Scheduled show
 Learn to say hello and good bye – Upon request
Princess for the Day (Grades K-2)
A Gentlewomen’s Quest
Young ladies visiting Staffordshire are treated as visiting royalty and sample the activities
available throughout the shire presented in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s visit. Once
you’ve completed the activities you’ve selected, return to the Merchant Adventurers and
receive a certificate of accomplishment from Mistress Anne Gresham.
Education – Try 1 activity
1. Learn your letters and numbers at the “Dame School” – Scheduled show , Poppet’s
OR Write your name and count using a counting cloth – Upon request, Merchant
Adventurers
2. Learn to write a secret message using a substitution cipher – Upon request, Militia
Etiquette – Try 3 activities to learn proper behavior
1. Learn the proper way to greet acquaintances – Upon request
2. Attend Etiquette Training – Scheduled show, Poppet’s
OR Learn how to reverence - Upon request, throughout the shire
3. Get Knighted – Scheduled show, Poppet’s
4. Meet the Queen – Scheduled Audiences or upon request
Household Skills – Try 2 activities necessary to run your own household
1. Learn about food preparation from the militia’s cook – Scheduled show or upon
request, Militia encampment
2. Try your hand at spinning – Upon request, Poppet’s
3. Try your hand at weaving – Upon request, Poppet’s
4. Try a household craft such as leather working or making a doll - Upon request,
Poppet’s
Fashion – Try 1 activity
1. Dress up in the Elizabethan clothes – Upon request, Poppet’s
2. Attend or Participate in Children’s Fashion Show (12 years & younger) - Scheduled
show, Poppet’s
3. Attend a Costume lecture - Scheduled show “What We Wear”
Leisure Activity – Try 2 activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Meet the greyhounds and learn their names – Upon request, Little Green Field
Meet the Jouster’s horses and learn their names – Upon request, Little Green Field
Walk the Shepherd’s Labyrinth – Townsfolk
Play a game – Upon request, Townsfolk, Militia encampment, or Nobles
Dance the Maypole – Scheduled show
Knight for the Day (Grades K-2)
A Merchant Adventurers Quest
Young visitors can learn the skills necessary to be a Knight in the service of Queen
Elizabeth. Once you’ve completed the activities you’ve selected, return to the Merchant
Adventurers and receive a certificate of accomplishment from Mistress Anne Gresham.
Basic Skills - Try 3 activities to learn proper behavior.
3. Learn your letters and numbers at the “Dame School” – Scheduled show , Poppet’s
OR Write your name and count using a counting cloth – Upon request, Merchant
Adventurers
4. Attend Etiquette Training – Scheduled show, Poppet’s
OR Learn how to reverence - Upon request, throughout the shire
5. Get Knighted – Scheduled show, Poppet’s
6. Learn how to say hello or good bye – Upon request, throughout the shire
Military Skills – Try 2 activities to learn the skills necessary to defend yourself.
1. Try the pike drill - Upon request, Militia encampment
2. Use a sword at the Pells Post - Upon request, Militia encampment
3. Try on amour – Upon request, Militia encampment
Naval Skills – Try 2 activities to learn the skills necessary to sail on a ship.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Participate in the Ship’s Boarding – Scheduled show, Merchant Adventurers
Learn to tell speed - Upon request, Merchant Adventurers
Use a heaving line - Upon request, Merchant Adventurers
Learn the difference between a pirate and a privateer - Upon request, Merchant
Adventurers
Leisure Activities – Try 2 activities.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Watch a show – Scheduled show, various stages
Meet the greyhounds and learn their names – Upon request, Little Green Field
Meet the Jouster’s horses and learn their names – Upon request, Little Green Field
Walk the Shepherd’s Labyrinth – Townsfolk
Play a game – Upon request, Townsfolk, Militia encampment, or Nobles