Revel Grove, Oxfordshire, England

Unique among most festivals, including renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a story line and progresses each year forward in the timeline of Henry VIII, through all his reign and all six of his wives. This season is set in the year 1537.

The king is married to his  third wife, Jane Seymour. The royal couple and select courtiers are visiting Revel Grove to enjoy the Harvest Festival. In honor of the royal visit the Revel Grove Dance Company will perform a lively dance, the Tourdion. The name of the dance is taken from the French verb tordre, which means 'to twist'. And it isn't only the dancers who will be twisting! All in Court must bend and twist to stay in the King's favor. Even his recent bride Jane. She makes a tactical error by pleading for mercy for the participants of the Pilgrimage of Grace rebellion. Henry coldly reminds her of the fate of her predecessor when she meddled in his affairs. Jane must quickly find a way to get back in the king's good graces!

In the village, Sir Richard Mondes has been made Master of The Worshipful Company of Woolmen. This prestigious position means he must devote much of his time to business in London. When Mondes' term of office expired, prosperous farmer and business man Matthew McGregor became mayor of Revel Grove. McGregor will do his duty, but actually had enjoyed being the one to shout AT the mayor at village meetings. Now he's the one who gets all of the complaints! Fortunately he is ably assisted by his wife, Mayoress Beatrice Appleton McGregor, and not so ably but charmingly assisted by his sweet sister-in-law Millie.

Excitement abounds for the McGregor household as they host their first Harvest Festival and royal visit. One item they weren't prepared for - the arrival of Baron Templeton of Tiddington and his entourage. Baron Templeton says he is a newly created Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, created by royal appointment in this time of unrest and rebellion. He is in charge of militia readiness. And also to collect the taxes for the King. Baron Templeton tells the Mayor he owes over 350 pounds to the coffer. If he doesn't produce the money by end of day - he will be arrested and his goods confiscated. The Mayor is understandably alarmed! Justice of the Peace Reginald Waldegrave is understandably suspicious of this Baron. Millie is just understandably confused. But all will be resolved by end of day.

The royal and village Intrigue is just one aspect of the Maryland Renaissance Festival, set in the Village of Revel Grove, where visitors can find all manner of amusement, feasting and shops galore.  More than 200 performers fill ten stages and taverns as well as the streets of the village with continuous entertainment.  A three thousand seat jousting arena host authentic combat joust thrice daily as well as other large exhibitions.  More than 140 merchants fill their shops with their predominately handcrafted wares by the artisan in the shop, as well as various demonstrating shops creating treasures before your eyes.  Forty-two food and beverage emporiums and five taverns create a feast throughout the village to sate your appetite and quench your thirst.

Time travel to fun at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Huzzah!