The Mouse Guard was established in 1994, in the first reign of Corin Anderson and Keridwen the Mouse while Lochac was still a Principality, and was retained when we became a Kingdom. The award is given to those amongst those very young subjects that Their Majesties finds have been of help to others and otherwise worthy of recognition.

The token of the award is a pouch or purse, bearing the reversed charge from the device of Her Excellency Mistress Keridwen the Mouse. The blazon of her device  is “Gules crusily botony, a mouse sejant erect to sinister, tail nowed argent“. The tokens for the Mouse Guard bear the mouse charge facing the other way (to dexter) on a plain red field.

Set of purses

The Worshipful Company of Broderers was requested to help provide suitable pouches, so that these may given out in each reign. Since the Company strives for historical accuracy, it is important that the designs of the pouch, the materials and the embroidery style are all historically accurate.

Since the recipients are young, it is equally important that the purses (and embroidery) be sturdy and easy to clean. The drawstring purse was in use by men, women and children throughout our period, so the style is universally applicable.

A downloadable set of instructions is available for use by member of the Company who wish to make these items: Mouse Guard pouch instructions by Rowan Perigrynne.

Mouse Guard pouches are excellent projects for all levels of skill and experience. Many are needed each year – for example, in 2023 there were 22 pouches handed out! Please make sure to put a slip of paper inside with the makers name before passing to the Crown for gifting.

Completed pieces gallery

Here is a gallery of some of the Company’s completed Mouse Guard pouches. if you would like your pouch to be displayed in the completed pieces gallery below you can send a full resolution photo to the Company Guildmaster.

Mouse-Guard-Pouch-Ceara-Shionnach-2024
Two Mouse Guard pouches by Ceara Shionnach, 2024. Embroidered in klosterstich with stem stitch outline (left) and applique with stem stitch and split stitch outlines (right).
Mouse-Guard-Pouch-Ceara-Shionnach-circa-2010
Two Mouse Guard pouches by Ceara Shionnach, circa 2010. Embroidered in chain stitch.
Mouse-Guard-Pouch-Muirghein-ni-Ghrainne-2024
Mouse Guard Pouch by Muirghein ni Ghrainne, 2024. In the style of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Mouse-Guard-Pouch-Shinjo-Takame-Gozen-2024
Mouse Guard pouch by Shinjo Takame Gozen, 2024
Mouse-Guard-Pouch-Ute-von-Tangermunde-2024
Mouse Guard pouch by Ute von Tangermunde, 2024.
Rowan mousegard
Mouse Guard pouch by Rowan Perigrynne