Dowager Baroness Grace Guthrie
(Anne Becker)
The real power behind the family, the Dowager Baroness Guthrie controls the family holdings while her son, Ursa, administrates the Marches of Scotland. She is tough and independent, commanding respect from supporting nobles and others through her dominating presence. Her years in France and Scotland have made it possible to create a web of informants from friends and foes alike, and she utilizes this information to further the ends of her son, Ursa. You do not conspire or cross the Baroness Guthrie, if you know what’s good for you.
Anne brings a treasure trove of historical and practical knowledge about the period through her many years of reenacting. Those of you familiar with the Bristol Renaissance Faire will recognize Anne as the Lady Blanche Pary, a role she has played for many years.
(Anne Becker)
The real power behind the family, the Dowager Baroness Guthrie controls the family holdings while her son, Ursa, administrates the Marches of Scotland. She is tough and independent, commanding respect from supporting nobles and others through her dominating presence. Her years in France and Scotland have made it possible to create a web of informants from friends and foes alike, and she utilizes this information to further the ends of her son, Ursa. You do not conspire or cross the Baroness Guthrie, if you know what’s good for you.
Anne brings a treasure trove of historical and practical knowledge about the period through her many years of reenacting. Those of you familiar with the Bristol Renaissance Faire will recognize Anne as the Lady Blanche Pary, a role she has played for many years.
Wilham Burn (William Becker)
A member of one of the most dangerous border clans and one of the few surviving retainers from the court of Alexander Guthrie, 3rd Baron of Guthrie, Wilham has been the personal bodyguard of the (Dowager) Baroness Grace Guthrie for most of that time. When Alexander orchestrated the escape of his pregnant wife and young son, Wilham was the man charged with their protection. He has remained true to his master's last order for more than 20 years.
A member of one of the most dangerous border clans and one of the few surviving retainers from the court of Alexander Guthrie, 3rd Baron of Guthrie, Wilham has been the personal bodyguard of the (Dowager) Baroness Grace Guthrie for most of that time. When Alexander orchestrated the escape of his pregnant wife and young son, Wilham was the man charged with their protection. He has remained true to his master's last order for more than 20 years.
Baron Ursa Alexander Guthrie, 4th Baron of Guthrie (Craig Sheppler)
Sir Alexander Guthrie, 3rd Baron of Guthrie was surrounded by intrigue for his support of King James VI. Just before his assassination in 1513, he arranged to have his pregnant wife and son sent to France. Ursa, and later, his sister, Patricia, spent the first part of Their lives living and being educated in France and later in England. It wasn't until around 1529 that Ursa finally returned to his native Scotland, forged an alliance with neighboring clans, and reclaimed his title as the 4th Baron of Guthrie.
While well bred and educated, the personal tragedies of his life and constant fighting on his borders have left him a grim, pragmatic man.
Like his father before him, Ursa is a strong supporter of King James VI. This has furthered his family's long time feud with rival Clan Gardyne.
Craig has been involved with reenactments for over 15 years. He has worked with numerous venues in the Midwest. When not reenacting, he is an accomplished leather worker, responsible for the majority of the equipment used by clan members. In 2005 he founded The Border Reivers Reenactment Association.
Sir Alexander Guthrie, 3rd Baron of Guthrie was surrounded by intrigue for his support of King James VI. Just before his assassination in 1513, he arranged to have his pregnant wife and son sent to France. Ursa, and later, his sister, Patricia, spent the first part of Their lives living and being educated in France and later in England. It wasn't until around 1529 that Ursa finally returned to his native Scotland, forged an alliance with neighboring clans, and reclaimed his title as the 4th Baron of Guthrie.
While well bred and educated, the personal tragedies of his life and constant fighting on his borders have left him a grim, pragmatic man.
Like his father before him, Ursa is a strong supporter of King James VI. This has furthered his family's long time feud with rival Clan Gardyne.
Craig has been involved with reenactments for over 15 years. He has worked with numerous venues in the Midwest. When not reenacting, he is an accomplished leather worker, responsible for the majority of the equipment used by clan members. In 2005 he founded The Border Reivers Reenactment Association.
Lady Patricia Alexandria Guthrie
(Brenda Smoot)
Patricia is not your normal Noble Lady. Her stealthy excursions began when she was very young, first to various parts of the castle, then beyond into the wider world. Most attribute her unusual behavior to her close relationship with her older brother, Ursa, 4th Baron of Guthrie. Others would point fingers of blame at the Baron’s Ward, Kat. The truth is, the life of a noble lady was never something that appealed to the rebellious young Patricia. Where most women learn to weave and sew, Patricia learned to reive and fight. Her brother, Ursa, encouraged this much to the consternation of their mother, the Dowager Baroness.
Another BRF Alum, Brenda has been reenacting since she was very small. She has been a member of numerous venues at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, working with different performing groups and cast.
(Brenda Smoot)
Patricia is not your normal Noble Lady. Her stealthy excursions began when she was very young, first to various parts of the castle, then beyond into the wider world. Most attribute her unusual behavior to her close relationship with her older brother, Ursa, 4th Baron of Guthrie. Others would point fingers of blame at the Baron’s Ward, Kat. The truth is, the life of a noble lady was never something that appealed to the rebellious young Patricia. Where most women learn to weave and sew, Patricia learned to reive and fight. Her brother, Ursa, encouraged this much to the consternation of their mother, the Dowager Baroness.
Another BRF Alum, Brenda has been reenacting since she was very small. She has been a member of numerous venues at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, working with different performing groups and cast.
Kat Guthrie - Maid of Guthrie
(Christine Epstein)
The eldest ward of the Baron of Guthrie, Kat is the daughter of the infamous pirate known only as "Hagus" and his wife, Katryne. Life as a pirate was a dangerous endeavor and it wasn't long before Hagus amassed a rather lengthy list of enemies. Four years later, Katryne - who had been ill for some time - succumbed to consumption and Hagus was left to raise a daughter on his own while contending with a price on his head. As a favor for past assistance, Ursa Guthrie agreed to take the child into his household where she would be protected.
Life in the house of Baron Guthrie was exciting for Kat, being trained by her adopted father in the arts of combat. She finds the constraints of "proper social behavior irritating. She can be opinionated and outspoken, which causes considerable consternation for other "proper" ladies.
Christine has been involved in theater since the age of seven, performed on stage in Annie, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When not active on the stage, she has worked behind the scenes in production. She has been actively involved in historical recreations for over a decade. She recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in education.
(Christine Epstein)
The eldest ward of the Baron of Guthrie, Kat is the daughter of the infamous pirate known only as "Hagus" and his wife, Katryne. Life as a pirate was a dangerous endeavor and it wasn't long before Hagus amassed a rather lengthy list of enemies. Four years later, Katryne - who had been ill for some time - succumbed to consumption and Hagus was left to raise a daughter on his own while contending with a price on his head. As a favor for past assistance, Ursa Guthrie agreed to take the child into his household where she would be protected.
Life in the house of Baron Guthrie was exciting for Kat, being trained by her adopted father in the arts of combat. She finds the constraints of "proper social behavior irritating. She can be opinionated and outspoken, which causes considerable consternation for other "proper" ladies.
Christine has been involved in theater since the age of seven, performed on stage in Annie, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When not active on the stage, she has worked behind the scenes in production. She has been actively involved in historical recreations for over a decade. She recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in education.
Sir Michael Kerr, Land Sergeant for Baron Guthrie
(Mike Dobler, Sr.)
Being sworn into the service of Clan Guthrie was no small sacrifice for The newly knighted Sir Michael. Prior to his entry into the household, he was a carpenter and freeman with a small parcel of land near Ferniehirst, Scotland.
An unexpected encounter with Ursa Guthrie led to a friendship and respect that culminated in him forfeiting his liberty to enter the service of Lord Guthrie.
He passed ownership of his land to his eldest son, Michael the Younger, and became Ursa' personal bodyguard during the eight year war. He was eventually promoted to the rank of Land Sergeant of the Middle March, and more recently, has been Knighted as a Lion of Scotland, responsible for the training of the Guthrie forces. With no formal education beyond learning to read and write, Sir Michael is sometimes frowned upon by the nobility for his brash attitude and uncouth behavior.
Mike began his theater career in 1983, appearing in musicals and plays at local and community theaters. His credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ - Superstar, The Spiral Staircase, Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, Lil Abner, You The Jury, George Washington Slept Here, as well as numerous musical groups focusing on renaissance era music. In 1989 he pursued another passion - fencing - placing 2nd in State for the University of Missouri Foil Fencing Team. He continued his passion for fencing and stage combat, joining the USFA (United States Fencing Association) in 2004 and was assistant head coach for the Crimson Blades Fencing Academy until 2008.
(Mike Dobler, Sr.)
Being sworn into the service of Clan Guthrie was no small sacrifice for The newly knighted Sir Michael. Prior to his entry into the household, he was a carpenter and freeman with a small parcel of land near Ferniehirst, Scotland.
An unexpected encounter with Ursa Guthrie led to a friendship and respect that culminated in him forfeiting his liberty to enter the service of Lord Guthrie.
He passed ownership of his land to his eldest son, Michael the Younger, and became Ursa' personal bodyguard during the eight year war. He was eventually promoted to the rank of Land Sergeant of the Middle March, and more recently, has been Knighted as a Lion of Scotland, responsible for the training of the Guthrie forces. With no formal education beyond learning to read and write, Sir Michael is sometimes frowned upon by the nobility for his brash attitude and uncouth behavior.
Mike began his theater career in 1983, appearing in musicals and plays at local and community theaters. His credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ - Superstar, The Spiral Staircase, Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, Lil Abner, You The Jury, George Washington Slept Here, as well as numerous musical groups focusing on renaissance era music. In 1989 he pursued another passion - fencing - placing 2nd in State for the University of Missouri Foil Fencing Team. He continued his passion for fencing and stage combat, joining the USFA (United States Fencing Association) in 2004 and was assistant head coach for the Crimson Blades Fencing Academy until 2008.
Lady Elizabeth Kerr, Head of Household
(Elizabeth Dobler)
Married to Sir Michael Kerr, Elizabeth is the Head of the Guthrie Household, responsible for the day to day operation of the home. Her many duties include the preparation of food and the maintaining and coordination of the many servants of the house. She also functions as the primary instructor for the daughters of Lord Guthrie.
Elizabeth graduated from Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. She went on to become a radio personality at WRLS in Hayward, Wisconsin, and then with WDEK in Dekalb, Illinois. She left radio in 1997. Elizabeth married Michael Dobler, Sr. in 1999. In 2007 she left the pharmacutical industry in order to focus on raising their children.
(Elizabeth Dobler)
Married to Sir Michael Kerr, Elizabeth is the Head of the Guthrie Household, responsible for the day to day operation of the home. Her many duties include the preparation of food and the maintaining and coordination of the many servants of the house. She also functions as the primary instructor for the daughters of Lord Guthrie.
Elizabeth graduated from Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. She went on to become a radio personality at WRLS in Hayward, Wisconsin, and then with WDEK in Dekalb, Illinois. She left radio in 1997. Elizabeth married Michael Dobler, Sr. in 1999. In 2007 she left the pharmacutical industry in order to focus on raising their children.
Mistress Fiona Armstrong - Apothecary to the Baron
(Kimberly Miller)
As Apothecary to the Baron, Fiona is responsible for maintaining, not only the health of the Baron of Guthrie, but she also tends to the wounds of his men.
She has an extensive knowledge of herbs and healing practices, handed down through her family for many generations.
Her appointment was a part of an arrangement between her husband, Alastor, and the Baron Guthrie, when Alastor agreed to become the cook for the Guthrie Household.
(Kimberly Miller)
As Apothecary to the Baron, Fiona is responsible for maintaining, not only the health of the Baron of Guthrie, but she also tends to the wounds of his men.
She has an extensive knowledge of herbs and healing practices, handed down through her family for many generations.
Her appointment was a part of an arrangement between her husband, Alastor, and the Baron Guthrie, when Alastor agreed to become the cook for the Guthrie Household.
Sir Rathguar Munro - Warchief of Clan Munro
(Anthony Muno)
Rathguar was pressed into service during one of the many "hot trots" that were common in the marches during the 16th century. Because of an underlying alliance between Ursa's Guthrie clan and his own family, Clan Munro, he remained in service to the baron. When the alliance between the two clans failed, Rathguar elected to remain in the service of Baron Guthrie, moving up through the ranks into the Baron's inner circle.
Unfamiliar with most court etiquette, and generally outspoken, his mouth has gotten him into trouble on more than one occasion. Were it not for his skill in the field, his affiliation with Clan Guthrie could have been short lived.
Anthony is a graduate of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, and has worked in various Culinary environments. More recently, he has branched out into the armed security profession. His expertise in the Culinary Arts give him a unique perspective on the nutrition and foods that were prepared during the 16th century, compared to current nutritional practices of today. Additionally, his experience in personal training and security provides the Border Reivers with a unique perspective in how the people of the 16th century may have conditioned themselves for the harsh environments of that period.
(Anthony Muno)
Rathguar was pressed into service during one of the many "hot trots" that were common in the marches during the 16th century. Because of an underlying alliance between Ursa's Guthrie clan and his own family, Clan Munro, he remained in service to the baron. When the alliance between the two clans failed, Rathguar elected to remain in the service of Baron Guthrie, moving up through the ranks into the Baron's inner circle.
Unfamiliar with most court etiquette, and generally outspoken, his mouth has gotten him into trouble on more than one occasion. Were it not for his skill in the field, his affiliation with Clan Guthrie could have been short lived.
Anthony is a graduate of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, and has worked in various Culinary environments. More recently, he has branched out into the armed security profession. His expertise in the Culinary Arts give him a unique perspective on the nutrition and foods that were prepared during the 16th century, compared to current nutritional practices of today. Additionally, his experience in personal training and security provides the Border Reivers with a unique perspective in how the people of the 16th century may have conditioned themselves for the harsh environments of that period.
Master Andrew MacFarlane (Ray Starr)
A trapper by trade and superior tracker and scout, Andrew has spent the last few years solidifying his position as Clan Chief of the MacFarlanes after the death of his father, Duncan, in 1547, at the battle of Pinkie Cleugh. His association with the 4th Baron of Guthrie is a means to this end, since the two clans share political views regarding their support of King James VI.
Ray comes from a family of reenactors, splitting his time between the 16th century and World War II.
A trapper by trade and superior tracker and scout, Andrew has spent the last few years solidifying his position as Clan Chief of the MacFarlanes after the death of his father, Duncan, in 1547, at the battle of Pinkie Cleugh. His association with the 4th Baron of Guthrie is a means to this end, since the two clans share political views regarding their support of King James VI.
Ray comes from a family of reenactors, splitting his time between the 16th century and World War II.