My upcoming book, THE EIGHTH DAY, has a tie to Arthurian legends – with, I hope, a unique spin on them – so I wanted to do research for the series while I was in Wales. During my visit, I found out that South Wales may truly be the origin of King Arthur, although not in the way I expected.
King Arthur would have lived in either the late 5th or early 6th centuries, if he was a real person. He was called “King of the Britons” – which meant he was ruler of an area that combined today’s Wales and England after the Romans left and during the time of the Anglo-Saxon invasion. In spite of fierce resistance, the Anglo-Saxons eventually overran the Britons. The land they conquered became known as England, and they called the original inhabitants “Welsh,” meaning foreigner. (Figures!) Some of the Britons fled and settled in a place that came to be known as Brittany (now part of France). Their descendants returned to England centuries later as part of the Norman invasion in 1066.
Our Welsh tour guide, Paul, took us first to Caerleon, the site of a Roman legionary fortress. This was one of the northernmost outposts of the Roman Empire, one made more palatable to the occupants by the building of an opulent Bath and an Amphitheater on the premises. The connection with Arthur stems from legends that he built Camelot near the ruins of this Roman fortress, or that he used some of the abandoned structures, including the amphitheater, for his own purposes. Geoffrey of Monmouth, the most prominent chronicler of Arthurian legend, specifically mentions “The City of Legions” in connection with Arthur. It’s also been suggested that the “Round Table” was no table at all, but actually this Roman amphitheater.
Ogmore Castle
Of course, there is no proof of this.
Paul also took us to the ruins of Ogmore Castle. This was a Norman fortress and well beyond Arthur’s time. However, some historians believe that Arthur’s final battle – the one in which he was mortally wounded by Mordred – took place on the plain near Ogmore. The wounded Arthur was then transported by boat on Ogmore River toward the sea, where either he died and was buried in a cave or was placed under a sleep spell to wait until his country needs him again.
Of course, there is no proof of any of this, either.
Ogmore River and adjacent plain
We also visited Cardiff Castle. During the 12thcentury, this castle was home to Robert of Gloucester, illegitimate son of King Henry I. A frequent visitor to this castle was Geoffrey of Monmouth, the cleric who wrote several histories of Britain. Robert was one of Geoffrey’s sponsors and helped him rise to great heights in the church. Geoffrey, meanwhile, wrote histories that pleased Robert … including tales of King Arthur which glorified the Britons who defended the land 500 years earlier (and were coincidentally ancestors of the Normans). Geoffrey’s book catapulted King Arthur, King of the Britons, to world-wide fame. Writers contemporary with Geoffrey and those who came after used his book as the historical reference for their own, while Geoffrey claimed that his own historical reference came from a mysterious, nameless, lost book that was given to him but has never been seen since.
The Keep, a fortress inside the fortress walls of Cardiff Castle
Sadly, there seems to be plenty proof of that part!
Our tour guide, Paul, recommended I read The Camelot Inquisition by John F. Wake. I promptly purchased it on Kindle and read it during my stay in Wales. Wake is a retired police officer who researched the historical existence of Arthur using the standard of a policeman gathering evidence to present before a court. It was very interesting reading, especially while I was visiting some of the sites mentioned.
Next week, I’ll share the details of what I learned, especially what, if any, reliable historical references can be found to Arthur prior to Geoffrey of Monmouth.
You got the history geek in me salivating. I’ve got one story that takes place right around the Norman invasion of 1066, and man do I need to dive into the research. If you stumble across any great reads focusing on that era, give me a shout, eh?
Oh, and I nominated you for an award today on my blog. Yay!
Fascinating! I’m kind of obsessed with Arthur and Gwynavere and Camelot. We love watching “Merlin” as a family. Love that you went to Wales, love that you’re doing Arthur research for a book! Looking forward to next post.
How interesting! I always love snooping through ruins. The stories are amazing – especially those ones without proof. Can’t wait to read your next post 🙂
Ogmore Castle just looks like a place where magic might happen. So beautiful! I would love to visit one day. Another top spot I’d love to visit is Glastonbury, after reading the Mists of Avalon!
Those castles are gorgeous. It must be an awesome feeling to be walking on such historic grounds, and boyohboy did you ever luck out with that guide. Even recommending a book for you! Super!
My class on Arthurian Legends was one of my favorites in college. Thanks for posting this awesome supplement! I love all things Arthur! Hope you enjoyed your trip!
What a fascinating topic! And can I just say . . . SO COOL you got to do research IN WALES!!! Can’t wait to read the book, and your spin on the Arthur legend. 🙂
Gorgeous pictures! It looks like you were blessed with beautiful weather on your vacation.
I’m fascinated by all things Arthurian. Can’t wait to see your take on the legend! 🙂
Cardiff Castle (along with Dunluce Castle in Ireland) are on my bucket list 🙂
What an amazing, cool visit!
I’d love to go there some day!
You got the history geek in me salivating. I’ve got one story that takes place right around the Norman invasion of 1066, and man do I need to dive into the research. If you stumble across any great reads focusing on that era, give me a shout, eh?
Oh, and I nominated you for an award today on my blog. Yay!
Fascinating! I’m kind of obsessed with Arthur and Gwynavere and Camelot. We love watching “Merlin” as a family. Love that you went to Wales, love that you’re doing Arthur research for a book! Looking forward to next post.
How interesting! I always love snooping through ruins. The stories are amazing – especially those ones without proof. Can’t wait to read your next post 🙂
Ogmore Castle just looks like a place where magic might happen. So beautiful! I would love to visit one day. Another top spot I’d love to visit is Glastonbury, after reading the Mists of Avalon!
That’s so cool. It’s fascinating to try and piece together history. I’m so jealous that you got to go there 🙂
Those castles are gorgeous. It must be an awesome feeling to be walking on such historic grounds, and boyohboy did you ever luck out with that guide. Even recommending a book for you! Super!
What an awesome trip. I need to write a book in a cool location so I can go visit:) Beautiful pictures!
I’m looking forward to finding out what you discovered.
What gorgeous country.
I am so jealous!! I really want to go to England for research too. 🙂
My class on Arthurian Legends was one of my favorites in college. Thanks for posting this awesome supplement! I love all things Arthur! Hope you enjoyed your trip!
Awesome photos and history! I had no idea Arthur hailed from Wales. Lawhead’s recent Robin Hood trilogy also has the hero originating there.
What a fascinating topic! And can I just say . . . SO COOL you got to do research IN WALES!!! Can’t wait to read the book, and your spin on the Arthur legend. 🙂
Hi Dianne – wonderful photos – and how great you had a historian as a guide … and that you found out about John Wake and his book …
… I’m looking forward to where your research took you – as having Cornish connections there are plenty of links to Tintagel …
Fascinating to read about … so pleased you had a good time too – Hilary