Here are some facts and notes about Arthurian history without giving away any spoilers for The Mystery of St. Arondight's.
The prologue to The Mystery of St. Arondight’s set in England of the sixth century AD, introduces the reader to the legendary King Arthur on the morning of his final battle. This is a different King Arthur, an old battle weary King Arthur, an aged ruler who knows his time draws near. A very different character to that traditionally portrayed in fiction and films, however Arthur himself is not the star of the book, it is his mythology, the stories that grew up around him, the adventures that made him and his knights legendary across the world.
Whether the man himself ever existed is still the subject of hot debate, but irrespective of his existence, the tales of him and his knights have been woven into many a tale of adventure, romance and daring. Once past the Arthurian prologue, The Mystery of St. Arondight’s picks up in a much more modern setting, following modern teenaged archaeologists as they become embroiled in their own Arthurian adventure that will see them travelling to various locations associated with Arthur and unraveling aspects of the legendary stories.
Thanks to the vast scope of Arthurian mythology I had a lot to play with when writing St. Arondight’s. There have been many telling and retellings of the stories and all authors have added to and omitted parts of the story. Sir Thomas Malory’s, ‘Le Morte d’Arthur’ is perhaps the most complete version, but for many readers the text is unapproachable, written as it is in Middle English. An abridged version designed for younger readers by Roger Lancelyn Green is however very accessible. The Mabinogion, centres more on Sir Gawain. Sir Gawain himself is possibly the oldest element to the Arthurian cycle and is likely to have existed as a legend in his own right in Welsh mythology before Arthur was conceived of.
Chrétien de Troyes, is largely credited with the invention of Lancelot, or at least rendering him a major player, but he is more famed for the legend of Tristram and Isolde. Even Tolkein wrote his own version of the Arthurian legend , alongside ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ which in itself is very Arthurian in content. In addition there are a large number of films, the most famous probably being Monty Python’s Holy Grail, although Guy Richie’s latest offering ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’, appears promising. Many works, both fiction and non-fiction, also exist attempting to explain or add context to the mystery that is King Arthur and his knights of the round table.
The prologue to The Mystery of St. Arondight’s set in England of the sixth century AD, introduces the reader to the legendary King Arthur on the morning of his final battle. This is a different King Arthur, an old battle weary King Arthur, an aged ruler who knows his time draws near. A very different character to that traditionally portrayed in fiction and films, however Arthur himself is not the star of the book, it is his mythology, the stories that grew up around him, the adventures that made him and his knights legendary across the world.
Whether the man himself ever existed is still the subject of hot debate, but irrespective of his existence, the tales of him and his knights have been woven into many a tale of adventure, romance and daring. Once past the Arthurian prologue, The Mystery of St. Arondight’s picks up in a much more modern setting, following modern teenaged archaeologists as they become embroiled in their own Arthurian adventure that will see them travelling to various locations associated with Arthur and unraveling aspects of the legendary stories.
Thanks to the vast scope of Arthurian mythology I had a lot to play with when writing St. Arondight’s. There have been many telling and retellings of the stories and all authors have added to and omitted parts of the story. Sir Thomas Malory’s, ‘Le Morte d’Arthur’ is perhaps the most complete version, but for many readers the text is unapproachable, written as it is in Middle English. An abridged version designed for younger readers by Roger Lancelyn Green is however very accessible. The Mabinogion, centres more on Sir Gawain. Sir Gawain himself is possibly the oldest element to the Arthurian cycle and is likely to have existed as a legend in his own right in Welsh mythology before Arthur was conceived of.
Chrétien de Troyes, is largely credited with the invention of Lancelot, or at least rendering him a major player, but he is more famed for the legend of Tristram and Isolde. Even Tolkein wrote his own version of the Arthurian legend , alongside ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ which in itself is very Arthurian in content. In addition there are a large number of films, the most famous probably being Monty Python’s Holy Grail, although Guy Richie’s latest offering ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’, appears promising. Many works, both fiction and non-fiction, also exist attempting to explain or add context to the mystery that is King Arthur and his knights of the round table.
*****
"A thriller with a mix of Lara Croft's
Tomb Raider, Harry Potter and a bit
of Tolkein which will leave you thrilled
and exhausted by the end."
- S. T. Rider via Amazon-
"A thriller with a mix of Lara Croft's
Tomb Raider, Harry Potter and a bit
of Tolkein which will leave you thrilled
and exhausted by the end."
- S. T. Rider via Amazon-
Locations in St. Arondight's
For those of you addicted to King Arthur and his tales, there are many great locations you can visit across the UK. You will struggle to find the Holy Grail, but like the characters in The Mystery of St. Arondight’s you might have a great adventure!
Near Bolventor on Bodmin Moor is Dozmary’s Pool, which has been suggested as the home of the Lady of the Lake and the location from which Arthur received the sword Excalibur, and to which Bedivere later returned it. Readers of The Mystery of St. Arondight’s will note that I chose a very different location.
The Iron Age hillfort of Cadbury Castle located in Somerset within view of Glastonbury Tor has been linked to the legends as the site of Camelot. The archaeology of the initial hillfort pre-dates the legends by a considerable time; however excavations have revealed a substantial timber hall and dense re- occupation during the fifth century, likely to have been governed by a leader of great resource. Could it have been Arthur? Of the hillfort itself only the ramparts remain, shrouded by trees, however it is worth a visit for those wishing to take in Arthurian locations, if for nothing more than the wonderful views.
Caerleon, known to the Romans as Isca was one of the major Roman Legionary fortifications, and was built AD75 to house the second Legion Augusta (LEGIO II AVG). The Legion remained in Caerleon on and off until AD290 when the legion finally moved on and the main buildings of the fortress were demolished. Caerleon’s association with King Arthur comes from one of his battles located by the historian Nennius (AD860) at the City of the Legion. A later historian Geoffrey of Monmouth attributed the City of the Legion to Caerleon; however both York and Chester were home to Roman legions and are equal contenders for the title. Caerleon is later used as Arthur’s battle site by Tennyson, however Malory (at least in the author’s copy) retains the cryptic City of the Legion reference.
Dover Castle features briefly in Malory as the location for the death of Sir Gawain. In the preface of the version published by Caxton it is claimed that Gawain’s skull may be found at Dover Castle. If the skull were ever there it is certainly no longer in residence. An alternate mythology suggests that Gawain was buried on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Glastonbury is one of the most famous locations associated with King Arthur. Within the abbey is a plaque stating that Arthur was once buried there, his remains discovered by the monks shortly before a visit from Edward I. The remains and any inscription that identified the bones as Arthur are long gone, but the legends remain throughout the small town in the names of the pubs, campsites and strange little stores selling crystals and longswords, and in the mystique of Glastonbury Tor; regarded as the Isle of Avalon and home of Merlin.
Winchester is mentioned by name in Malory as the location of Camelot and it is here today that the round table can be seen in the Great Hall. The table was probably crafted in the reign of Edward I of England. Edward was enamoured of the Arthurian tales and is also credited with dedicating Arthur’s Tomb at Glastonbury. The round table was repainted by Henry VIII of England in 1522 for the visit of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Henry VIII himself sits in the centre above the Tudor rose playing the role of Arthur whilst the names of Arthur’s knights are listed around the edge.
The Roman town of Silchester is cited by Geoffrey of Monmouth as the place where Arthur was crowned. The University of Reading have run excavations on the site and finds are housed in Reading museum. At Silchester itself, the circuit of Roman walls can still be seen and the amphitheatre lies in the trees outside the city.
Tintagel Castle is famed as the place of conception/ birthplace of King Arthur, and is said to be where the Lady of the Lake trapped Merlin within a magical stone, where he remains imprisoned. The location of the castle is spectacular, and although the largest standing wall is a modern reconstruction the scenery and legend steeped atmosphere can really make a visitor feel close to Arthurian legend. The castle itself is of 13th century date and far too late to be associated with the Arthurian period, however, ongoing excavations at Tintagel continue to uncover remains of Dark Age (5th-7th century) date, a period in which Arthur is thought to have lived.
A search of the internet will reveal many more places to visit associated with the legends of King Arthur.
Near Bolventor on Bodmin Moor is Dozmary’s Pool, which has been suggested as the home of the Lady of the Lake and the location from which Arthur received the sword Excalibur, and to which Bedivere later returned it. Readers of The Mystery of St. Arondight’s will note that I chose a very different location.
The Iron Age hillfort of Cadbury Castle located in Somerset within view of Glastonbury Tor has been linked to the legends as the site of Camelot. The archaeology of the initial hillfort pre-dates the legends by a considerable time; however excavations have revealed a substantial timber hall and dense re- occupation during the fifth century, likely to have been governed by a leader of great resource. Could it have been Arthur? Of the hillfort itself only the ramparts remain, shrouded by trees, however it is worth a visit for those wishing to take in Arthurian locations, if for nothing more than the wonderful views.
Caerleon, known to the Romans as Isca was one of the major Roman Legionary fortifications, and was built AD75 to house the second Legion Augusta (LEGIO II AVG). The Legion remained in Caerleon on and off until AD290 when the legion finally moved on and the main buildings of the fortress were demolished. Caerleon’s association with King Arthur comes from one of his battles located by the historian Nennius (AD860) at the City of the Legion. A later historian Geoffrey of Monmouth attributed the City of the Legion to Caerleon; however both York and Chester were home to Roman legions and are equal contenders for the title. Caerleon is later used as Arthur’s battle site by Tennyson, however Malory (at least in the author’s copy) retains the cryptic City of the Legion reference.
Dover Castle features briefly in Malory as the location for the death of Sir Gawain. In the preface of the version published by Caxton it is claimed that Gawain’s skull may be found at Dover Castle. If the skull were ever there it is certainly no longer in residence. An alternate mythology suggests that Gawain was buried on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Glastonbury is one of the most famous locations associated with King Arthur. Within the abbey is a plaque stating that Arthur was once buried there, his remains discovered by the monks shortly before a visit from Edward I. The remains and any inscription that identified the bones as Arthur are long gone, but the legends remain throughout the small town in the names of the pubs, campsites and strange little stores selling crystals and longswords, and in the mystique of Glastonbury Tor; regarded as the Isle of Avalon and home of Merlin.
Winchester is mentioned by name in Malory as the location of Camelot and it is here today that the round table can be seen in the Great Hall. The table was probably crafted in the reign of Edward I of England. Edward was enamoured of the Arthurian tales and is also credited with dedicating Arthur’s Tomb at Glastonbury. The round table was repainted by Henry VIII of England in 1522 for the visit of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Henry VIII himself sits in the centre above the Tudor rose playing the role of Arthur whilst the names of Arthur’s knights are listed around the edge.
The Roman town of Silchester is cited by Geoffrey of Monmouth as the place where Arthur was crowned. The University of Reading have run excavations on the site and finds are housed in Reading museum. At Silchester itself, the circuit of Roman walls can still be seen and the amphitheatre lies in the trees outside the city.
Tintagel Castle is famed as the place of conception/ birthplace of King Arthur, and is said to be where the Lady of the Lake trapped Merlin within a magical stone, where he remains imprisoned. The location of the castle is spectacular, and although the largest standing wall is a modern reconstruction the scenery and legend steeped atmosphere can really make a visitor feel close to Arthurian legend. The castle itself is of 13th century date and far too late to be associated with the Arthurian period, however, ongoing excavations at Tintagel continue to uncover remains of Dark Age (5th-7th century) date, a period in which Arthur is thought to have lived.
A search of the internet will reveal many more places to visit associated with the legends of King Arthur.