The Lost Land of King Arthur

r sca s tle P h oto R . IVeébe , B o ]

’ K C L E AND E"EC ROC K ING A RT HUR S AST UTION , TINTAG E L "Fro n tis pi e ce T H E L O S T L A N D OF K I NG A RT H UR

C M I G W T ERS j . U N AL

O n th e o n e h a n d we h a e th e ma n A rth u r o n t h e v , o th er i s a rea te rth u r 3 m ore co o s s a l u e o f wh ich g r A , l ﬁg r , w e h a e so t o s ea b u t a to rs o re s c u e d ro m t h e w rec v , p k , — , f k o f th e elt ic a n th e on . Pxorz ssoa RHY S C P . “ Th ere i s tru th e n o u gh to ma ke h im fa mou s besides ”— th a t wh ich is a u o u s BAc0N . f b l .

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1 WI TH S I "TEEN (I LL US TRA TI ON S

2 L OND ON

CHAPMAN. AND H ALL ,

I 90 9 DA

. 5 AWN

I CHARD CL AY ON S I MI T E D R S , L ,

A T R E T H I L E. A N D B RE D S E L , c . ,

B NGAY S FFOL U , U K FO REWO RD

WIT HIN a s m all are a in th e We st Country may b e found th e principal place s m enti o n e d in th e — written chro nicle s of King Arthur place s with f m s trange l o ng hi s to ri e s and o natural char . In th e s e pages an impres s i o ni s t vi e w is give n of th e m W regi o n o nce called C a elia rd and Ly o nn e s s e . e

e e e o b - s e o m e e e hav v ntur d int y way s ld nt r d , and we tru s t to hav e gath e re d a few details which m a n o t y b e wh o lly with out inte re s t in th e ir place .

s a re m e e o om e Fact ag r ab ut King Arthur , and r anc has s o ove rlaid re ality that h is r ealm s eem s n ow

f - to b e v e ritably a part o fairy land . In this

es e th e o e i s roﬁtle s s s e t r p ct j urn y p , av tha , by

o a s e we a re led to few taking Mal ry a guid , a delightful and half - fo rg otte n l ocaliti e s ou t of th e o o e o om e n ot ee rdinary r ut , fr m which r anc has b n wh o lly dislo dg e d and wh e re traditi o n s urvives i and s s tro ng .

C ON T EN T S

C HA P. OF T HE AN D HI E I . KING S CHRONICL RS

Y E E A ND CA MELI ARD II . OF L ONN SS

O F T H E K ME III . ARTHUR ( ING AND RLIN T HE E NCHANTE R

I V . OF TINTAG EL

V E E - P - K . OF CA RL ON U ON US

‘ OF T H E B E A N D K VI . ROUND TA L ING ’ A RT HUR s BATTL ES

V I I . OF CAME LOT AN D A LMES BURY

’

V . F T EVE A N D H E III O S . KNIGHTON S K I T HOLY GRAIL 1 83

I ME T H E ". OF CA LFORD AND E LAST BATTL 1 94

" T B Y T HE P . OF GLAS ON UR AND ASSING OF ARTHUR LI ST OF I LLU STRATI O N S

’ K A s s e E ec o Roc ing rthur Ca tl and x uti n k ,

' ' Tintag el Fron fzspzece

T h e Roc V e e ky all y , Tintag l

’ e s e e M rlin Cav , Tintag l

’ K n u s s e e i g Arth r Ca tl , Tintag l

T h e E e Roc Bo ssin e o e l phant k , y C v

B s He e arra ad, Tintag l

T h e Roc V e e ky all y , Tintag l

’

S t. o s K e e T e Knight n i v , intag l

’ S t. Knighton s Glen

o of Roc V e a n d on s e M uth ky all y L g I land, Tintag l

’ S t. c e s o e G s ob M i ha l T w r, la t n ury

’ T h e O d e m s I n n G s o b l Pilgri , la t n ury

’ S t. ose s e G s o b b b e J ph Chap l, la t n ury A y W ell s Cathedral

T h e Ab b e G s o b u y Barn, la t n ry

’

Ru s of S t. o se s e G s o b in J ph Chap l, la t n ury T HE LOST LA ND OF KI NG A RT HUR

CHAPTER I

OF T HE KING AND H I s CHR ONICLERS

Wh a t a n e n orm o u s c a m e ra - O b s c u ra m a g n iﬁ e r is Tra d i io n "How a h in o s in th e h u m a n e m o in th e t t g g r w M ry , h u m a n m a in a o n h e n o e o s h i a n d a ll h a ie s I g ti , w l v , w r p , t t l in th e h u m a n e a a re h e e to e n cou a e it —Ca r le H rt, t r r g "y .

N O pre te nce can b e m ade that a com ple te o r e xhaus tive hi s to ry Of King Arthur is give n in thi s and th e fo llo wing chapte r s . Only parts o f h is s tory and parts o f th e s to ry o f h is m o st illu s tri ou s knight s a re wove n into thi s m o s aic o f fact and m m f ﬁcti o n . So e ti es o nly a ew thr eads o f th e rom ance a re to b e discove re d ; at o th e r tim e s m a r e e h any e gath r d into t e fabri c . I have take n th o s e p o rti on s o nly o f th e Arthur

e o s m s s m of ian fabl , built up n a all ub tratu histo ric

s te th e e e os fact , which ui d imm diat purp e in vi ew ; 2 T h e Lost L a n d of Kin g Arth u r th e e e m s s o e e e r st , a hug a , which it w uld hav b n

e to o e h a s e o e e e unpro ﬁtabl intr duc , p rf rc b n

m T h m e h a s ee s m to o itte d . e pri ary Obj ct b n i ply call att enti o n to th e re pute d re li c s o f th e g r e at

e o to m s om e th e o o s o f h r , ark Of ﬂ ating traditi n h is o e to e o f few of th e o e s p w r , and sp ak a l caliti whi c h be ar h is nam e o r a re a s s ociated with h is d ee d s ; and I hav e s trive n to add a little to th e

th m o e m o m e s to living inte re s t in e uld ring nu nt , bru s h away a little o f th e du s t of age s from e xi s t

e e e s to e th e e m s e ing vid nc , lift a littl v il Of y t ry

c e s s s es r s o s th e e whi h dark n , di gui , o hr ud lin a

m e s of th . A we i h im s o nt e king s f nd in hi t ry ,

a s h e is e e s e e o m c e h e is s o and r pr nt d in r an , n oble a ﬁgure that we s h ould dre ad to l os e h im o r m T h th e co njuring inﬂue nce Of h is na e . e pro ud and trium phing R o m an re e le d fo r a tim e unde r ’ T h th e s h ock Of Arthur s h os t s . e Sax o n fe lt h is

m s e om e h is al os t invincibl e p owe r . Chri t nd hail d

e o i e h is m n oble o rde r and r j c d in i p e rial s way .

N ow e e h e e m e h is om a re , wh r rul d and ad kingd , s m e e e s e o e th e s o f e s ub rg d citi , fall n t w rs , wa h wat r , “ th e trac kle s s r e alm of Ly o nn es s e T h e s ea h a s s e o e h is e o th e e e w pt v r t rrit ry , and d p

shado ws o f c e nturi e s have falle n upo n h is d e ed s . His fam e h a s be e n m ade im p e ri s hable by m ighty

e s m m o s e s o h is p n , and any a untain fa tn s h lds Of th e Kin g and h is Chron icl ers 3 nam e and g ive s it fo rth to th e wo rld ; many a t o we ring rock pr e s e rve s h is s to ry ; m any a fro wn ing h e ight pe rpe tuates his d ee ds ; m any a wild

S e to rre nt pro claim s h is name . O by a hundr d contrivance s doe s th e m em o ry of King Arthur e e h e oo s e th e m s o f ndur , and l m , a giant , b hind i t

e o es th e s s e s age s . Six hundr d l caliti in Briti h I l

o e h a s ee o m e c e s o s al n , it b n c put d , h ri h traditi n o f s e is s m King Arthur , and his prai ung by a ulti

e o f o c e s e e e o e e e c tud v i , and in v ry r g i n wh r C lti

S h e e s inﬂu e nce h a s been fe lt . uc an inﬂu nc as thi cann o t pro c ee d wh o lly from th e dry bo n e s of

o o r om th e o e o s om e . ﬁcti n , fr g ld n t y Of r anc

e e s e o e m e s a s L g nd g ath r ab ut a gr at na , ju t ivy c ove rs th e ruin e d co lum n Of Old tim e ; b u t th e wh unde rlying ba s e is th e re . Th o s e o co nte nd that King Arthur n e ve r live d a re o pen to th e charg e o f all o wing th e l e aves o f fable to hide from th e ir e y es th e ruin e d but giant pillar b e n e ath . In th e e arly unwritten hi s to ry Of this island th e

o m s e e th e invading Bryth nic race a t r d inhabitant s , th e o e o r s wh o m m e G id ls Gaul , had a alg a at d with th e e o e e th e o t th e m N lithic rac , and gav c un ry na e

Of Britannia . T o th e m is attribute d th e building Of S to n eh e ng e and th e r o und barrows in which

th e e e e t e . h m th e d ad w r in err d T e Ca brians , 4 T h e Lost La n d o f Kin g Arthur

e s th e e o e a re e W l h , and p pl Of Brittany th ir

s e s e s . S O s ling ui tic d c ndant hardy , talwart , and v enture s om e we re th e Bryth o n s that th ey g radu ally s pre ad th em s e lve s Ove r th e gre ate r part o f

e th e country and p en e trate d far to th e n o rth . Th y offe r e d de te rm in e d d e ﬁan c e to th e R o m an s thre e

e s e o e th s a e ra s e s c enturi b f r e Chri ti n , and ucc s ively re s i s t e d N o r s e m e n and S ax o n s until ﬁ ve

e ce nturi e s of th e Chri s tian e ra had pa s s e d . Driv n

s to th e e s e o o e o e th e ﬁr t w t , th y t k up th ir ab d in es o e o wilds Of Wal , and in C rnwall and D v n , and o nly succum be d at la s t to th e e xte rm inating c a m

a i n of th e S o wh o s th e o s p g ax ns , ﬁr t cut Off Brit n

th e o th e s o e e e e th e Of n rth and uth , and th n d f at d two s o s th e e s e s e divi i n Of rac , ﬁr t at Ch t r and

T h e e e e e o th e n at Bath . crucial battl b tw n Brit n and S ax o n wa s unde r th e le ad e r s hip o f th e la s t o f th e s c e fs th e s o Briti h hi , Arthur Of hi t ry and

om e e th e c o o s e e o f th e r anc , and C rdic vi t ri u l ad r “ ”

s . e s o s s th e c e Pag an C rdic , ailing acr hann l in

h is n e s o r o s s n e th e s e chi l , l ng hip , had la d d at I l

o f o N a ta n leo d m s e Wig ht , f ught King Of Ha p hir ,

’ o m h e m e ﬁ ve e s c m with wh aintain d a y ar a paig n ,

m s e o e th e and , triu phant at la t , and r inf rc d by

o o e s o f h is s o n h is e e s e f ll w r and n ph w , had stab

lis h d th e e s S e x r e a e o e s s e o m . W t , W x Kingd

e e te th e a t o t o But , if d f a d by British M un Bad n , Of th e Kin g an d h is Ch ron icl e rs 5

e e th e s s e th e S ax o n s we re n ot lo ng in r v rsing i u ,

’ i n m h is e e s S tu ffa and C e rd c s s o Cy ric , and n ph w

Wh it ar e to s e e e s e - and g , liv d th ir rival w ll nigh

m Wod e n s b u r s e th e e xte r inate d . At y in Wilt hir rem nants of th e Bri ti s h race j o in e d with th e Angle s in driving th e hat e d S ax on from th e s ove re ignty o f e s s e s to o wa s o e m e W x , but thi , , with ut p r an nt

’ e fo r Ge e s e es e C a dwa lla r sult ; rdi n xt Of d c nt , , re s to re d th e s upre m acy Of h is h o u s e and race .

e c is s to e e e o f C rdi aid hav di d in 534 , a dat so m e impo rtance a s h e lping us to ﬁx th e tru e

r T h e s o o f m h is c o n Arthurian e a . hi t ry any Of

’ e m o es is m o a s e a s s o wn t p rari al st vag u Arthur , but C e rdic s tand s ou t a s a m a n o f n o un ce rtain

s o h e s e e s th e os e Of o u s hi t ry , and rv purp all wing

’ to es th e o f s e t t pr babiliti es o Arthur r pute d care e r .

’ C e rd ic s ec o s o b e m o e e e That r rd h uld r d ﬁnit ,

o e e m e e is d u e to th e h e th ugh xtr ly bri f , fact that

’ wa s a c onque ro r ; that Arthur s re c o rd s h o uld b e

e s e e o e e m e o is d u e to th e l s d ﬁnit , th ugh xtr ly l ng ,

c h e wa s s e h is s o fa t that vanqui h d , and that t ry b e c am e m ix e d with th e fable s Of a ge n e rati o n

n h im th n w which did ot kn o w . In e o e ca s e e have c o ncre te fact s duly pres e rve d ; in th e o th e r we have m e re ly a nam e which ﬁre s th e i m agina

o few e e s th e o e m ti n , and a v nt which in c urs Of ti e

’ a re m e o is agniﬁ e d by ro m ance . All g ry but truth s ’ “ 6 T h e Lost Lan d o f Ki n g Arthur

’ s o th e e s o s we eem e e e had w , and v ry ng d idl , v n th e o o s e - s s e m e s m a e l ly trung nur ry rhy , y hav

e s e a s e h a s o u s m e n inn r igniﬁcanc , Carlyl t ld ;

e e e e e s o s e e m e e s s n v r b li v d in ng that w r aningl ,

“ ’ ” e e s e th i s o l s n and n v r ri k d e r u life o alle go ri e s . R e al hi s to ry and preci o u s lo re a re bo und up in

e s e s e s o s of w e e m s th hrunk n hr ud ith r d yth , and it is s afe to a s s um e that th e nam e that is e n s hrin e d in a f o lk - s o ng is th e nam e of a tran s ce nd e n t e o e m a n e em e m o e h r , a truly gr at d d r than

m m e e o th e e e th e e ] hu an , rg d int pr t rnatural , id a ,

o r th e e . e th s e th e divin And , lik e tud nt at Way s e Of S o we c a n id Inn udbury T wn ,

L ove th e twiligh t th a t s u rrou n d s

T h e o de - a n d o f o ld om a n ce b r r l r ,

h ere m i h wa io s s ee a on W g ty rr r w p l g , a n i ed th e u le m is M g ﬁ by p rp t,

T h e d u s t of ce ntu ries a nd of son g .

H e re it is that

T h e ch on ic es of h a em a ne r l C rl g , ’ Of M e rli n a n d th e M ort d Arth u re ” M i n gle togeth er .

But h ow th e r o m ance o f King Arthur

e h ow m e to b e e h o w at d , it ca writt n ,

e o e e o e h ow om d ev l p d and lab rat d , fr a hi s to ry it cam e to b e inv e s te d with s p ecial Of th e K in g a n d h is Chr on icl e rs 7 cance and to b e im pregnate d with s piritual m e an

s—to e i s e e s s s om e ing xplain this , it n c ary in m e as ure to trac e th e co urs e o f e arly Eng li s h lite ratur e and to m ark th e advance Of th e English

e T h e s o e u s to d im me rac ‘ t ry l ads back ti s and

m e s th e em - m s all b eginning s . It r call s i barbaris

th e s e e s th e e e o s c o n Of fir t c nturi , fi rc c nflict Of e e s th e o m o o f om e th e s t nding trib , d inati n R , la t s e m e e o e s e e o o upr nc unt r b tw e n Brit n and Sax n , and th e m aking o f that race which we be lie ve h f inh e rits t e hardy and h e ro ic qualities o bo th . N O do ubt th e substratum o f fact is ov e rlaid with s e s o s s e e h er up r titi n , and fanta y has r ar d airy ’ e h difice s up o n t e frailes t o f histo ry s fo undati o ns . T h e narrow track l e ading backward to th e tim es

is e e e e e e Of Arthur Oft n und ﬁn d and irr trac abl , and th e trave ller ﬁnd s that un s table bridge s have bee n cas t acro s s th e gulfs which have bro ke n up th e

. e s e o m e e o e s o oo way V ry ld , th r f r , can a tr ng f t

' o b e o e o n e s o e s os e to h ld btain d , and i ft n di p d

T h e abando n th e purs uit o f truth a s h opel es s . t end ency h a s eve r be e n to s train facts to unce rtain co nclu s i o ns in o rde r to ﬁt th e e xige nci e s o f m ro ance . As di s cove rable e rrer e ve r le ad s to ge n e ral

o e e a re n ot os e wh o e d ubt , th r lacking th d ny that H King Arthur e ve r e xiste d . e is declare d to b e 8 T h e Lost La nd of Kin g Arthur

m e s m o e o e . a yth , a typ , a y b l , an all g rical ﬁg ur ’ e o s s o wa s Ev n Caxt n , in printing Mal o ry hi t ry , oblig e d to co nfute th e sceptics by th e m e nti o n of “ h m wa os what e d ee e d una s s ailable fact s . It s m t ” e e e e s h e to o th e e x crabl inﬁd lity , aid , d ubt xist e e of os s ae o r nc J hua , David , Juda Maccab us , Al e xand e r ; all th e wo rld kn ew the re wa s a Juliu s C ae s ar and a H ecto r ; and h e dem ande d to

o s o s th ewe s kn w with ju t indignati n , hall e J and th e h eath e n b e h o n o ure d in th e m em o ry and m agnifi c e n t p rowe s s e o f th e ir w o rthi e s ? Shall th e Fre nch and G e rm an nati on s g lorifie th e ir trium ph s with th e ir G o dfrey and Charle s "Charle m e s we o f s b e s o o s agn ] , and hall thi island p s e s s t e e s d ifli d en ce s tu iditie with incr duliti , , p , and

e to e m e o o r e e s e ingratitud , d ny , ak d ubt , xpr s in s e e h is to r ' th e m m o m m e p ch and y , i rtal na e and fa o f o u r vi c to ri o u s Arth ur ? All th e h o n o ur we can d oe h im is to h o n o ur o ur s e lves in re m embrance o f ” h im .

Having thus m ade it a p o int o f nati o nal prid e and h o n o ur with u s to acce pt and be li e ve in King

o o e e e to c e th e o o s Arthur , Caxt n pr c d d advan pr f o f h is e s e ce e e h is e wa s xi t n , which w r that lif “ e m o e o m e s e h is writt n in any n bl v lu , whil “ s epulture m ight b e s e e n at Gla s tyn gb u rye

s o th e o f s e wa s re "Gla t nbury] , that print his al p

I O T h e Lost La n d - of Kin g Arthur

s of th e ee e . T h e wh o cript thirt nth c ntury e writ r , wa s es e th e e h e e s e s is s os e pr nt at battl d crib , upp d

s o m e to e ee s th e s s o by hav b n Gilda , ﬁr t hi t rian ; h h * T h m o th e r s s a y e wa s t e s o n o f Gilda s . e poe is o f m o s o s e e o a t b cur charact r , and d ubt has actually aris en as to th e particular battl e to whi ch

e e s eo ee c e it r f r , a th ry having b n advan d that it c e lebrate d a di s as te r which be fe ll th e Brito n s at

2 C a ttra eth is s ose to S t o n e h e ng e in 47 . But upp d

e e e - De s ta n o r Da ws ta n e Liddle s d a le hav b n g , , in , at which th e Sax o n s w ere de fe ate d ; and wh e n s uch dive rge nci e s a s th e s e a re po s s ible in regard to o e s o s e s th e e o f l cality , p r n , and dat , valu ’ An e urin s p o em a s hi s to ry m a y e a s ily b e e s ti

T h c e e s u s m at e d . e prin ipal fact which An urin t ll “ is that o f three warri o rs and three s co re and ” ee e e n th e o e o e s o thr hundr d , w ari g g ld n t rqu , nly “ fo ur e s cap e d from th e co nﬂict o f ga s hing

’ e o s o n e e m s e . o e o f os e w ap n , b ing hi lf An th r th

n eu in wa s o n a ou th e ea 00 a n d a s a A r b r b t y r 5 , m o n a rch of a d s wa s o f m u ch e u e i n a n a n God od in b r r p t M , h h i n s in u de d a p a rt o f Cymric S cotla n d . T e Wels Br to cl a ll th e o a n d s i n h e i e i o a n d a s is e n o n L wl t r t rr t ry , , w ll k w , th e n a m es fa milia r in Arth u ria n rom a n ce ca n b e tra ced to S co a n d th e e s o f En a n d a nd a nce a i e a s il tl , W t gl , Fr l k , w l ' ’ h n in n a ion a fterwa rd s b e s h own i n t es e p a ges . A eu r s t a i h o e e is a icu la e l o h eca in i n ie l ty , w v r , p rt rly w l w rt r ll g v w of th e th eory th a t Arth u r wa s S cotch . Of th e King a n d h is Ch ron icl e rs I I wh o e s e om C a ttra eth wa s K n o n o cap d fr y , kn wn “ ” a s th e e s s os e o e for th e e dauntl , wh l v daught r

' h m e o f Uri e n suppli e d t e bard s with a th e e . Uri n

m s e e s e e wa s th e hi lf f ll in thi g r at battl , and it

oe Ll wa rch Hen e is th e p t y (buri d , it said , in

o f Lla n eve r e e wh o o e Church , n ar Bala Lak ) wr t h i Ll a r h H n h i e s e legy . yw c e pas s e d s yo ung r ’ days at King Arthur s Co urt a s a fre e g u e s t and

His e e is e s u m a co un s e lling warri o r . car r w ll m a ris ed eo e o o Wild Wa le s by G rg B rr w in ,

Chapte r LXXI I I . Of th e third and m o s t impo rtant pro ph e t and

es e of o we a re o bard , Tali in , Princ S ng , t ld that h e was th e s o n of Saint Hen wg ; that h e had ' a m iraculo u s birth ; that h e s pake in wo nd e rful ve rs e at h is nativity and s ang riddling tale s ; that h e wa s invite d by King Arthur to h is Co urt at

‘ e e o re s id ed ove r th Ca rl n ; and that , having p e “ o e a s o e - o e h e R und Tabl a g ld n t ngu d knight ,

e m e e o f th s f h b ca chi f e Bard o t e We s t . A cairn

e e s m s th e s e o f h is n ar Ab ry twyth ark it g rave .

T h e s o o f th e o f th e o of h is t ry bard radiant br w ,

o e e e o m e of h is w nd rful d liv ry fr pirat s , and

oem s e e e os e o f o e s h a s p , which xc ll d th all th r ,

s e e o o n e th e o f alway b n a p pular , but sifting Hi truth from ﬁcti o n is n o e a s y tas k . s allusi o n s to Arthur probably have n o s upe ri o r valu e to th e ’ 1 2 T h e Lo st La n d of Kin g Arthur

e c e s o f e Ll wa rch Hen an d we re fe r n An urin and y , a re fo rce d th e re fo re to di s m i s s th em from a c

S o th e t c o . e o c o o unt Sir Walt r c tt , in intr du ti n o n e o f h is o e o m e s em e p tic r anc , justly r ind d his

a e s th e s or S s e e th e s re d r that Bard , cald , w r ﬁr t

s o s o f o s e e o hi t rian all nati n , and that th ir int nti n wa s to re late e ve nts th ey had witn es s ed o r tradi “ ” o s e c e e . h e e ti n that had r a h d th m But , add d , “ as th e p oe tical hi s t o rian im pr oves in th e art o f c o e o m o th e e o f h is nv ying inf r ati n , auth nticity

H is e to narrative invariably d ec lin e s . e te mpt d dilat e and dwe ll up o n e ve nt s that a re inte re s ting to h is m o c o s o s h ow ffe e i aginati n , and , n ci u indi r nt h is e e is to th e e of h is oem h is audi nc nak d truth p , ” s o e o m m S c hi t ry gradually b c e s a ro ance . u h

e e th e e s o s a s e a s s o w r arly hi t rian , w ll bard , up n

os ec o th s wh e r rd s e Engli h c hro ni c le rs re lie d .

e s e o c e s e e s N e n n i u s o f Th chr ni l r w r Gilda and , wh om n o ve ry ce rtain bi o graphical fact s can b e

s o e e o th e e is s to e di c v r d , th ugh latt r aid hav bee n i h a m o nk at Bango r . Gilda s s t e re puted auth o r o f e s e D e Ex c idi o B rita n n ica a tr ati , , blindly

o e e e c s e c pi d by B d , whi h uppli d a hi s to ry o f Britain fro m th e tim e o f th e Incarnati o n to th e

D . ye ar 56 0 A . But darkn es s e n s hro ud s th e h is

o o f o s e c o e e e o t rian , wh untry , par ntag , and p ri d m is s m s e e is s c o e uch ur i d and littl di v rable . T h e Of th e K i n g a n d h is Chro n ic l e rs I 3

o o f C u ltu re in E a rl S c o tla n d e rudite auth r y ,

Dr. o e e es th e e o f th e Mackinn n , b li v that writ r glo om y and pes s im i s tic wo rk o n th e d e s tructi o n

f wa s o m s e o wh o m e o Britain a R ani d Brit n , ig rat d to Brittany to es cape th e pitiles s s ev e rity of th e

o s e e o e th e m o s e o f s . Sax n , and th r f und d na t ry Ruy It h a s eve n b een claim e d that Gilda s wa s a nativ e o f e s e s e e s o o e Clyd dal , and if thi w r an th r link wo uld e xi s t to c o nn ect Arthur him s e lf with Sco t

fo r th e s o wa s s o os e e e land , hi t rian cl ly id ntiﬁ d with th e race and th e cau s e cham pi o n e d by that

’ king that h is s urnam e wa s take n from Arthur s

m o s e o f o s fa u battl Bad n , which , again , is aid by * s om e to have be e n fo ught in th e Lo wland s . Gilda s wa s th e wi s e s t o f th e Brito n s acc o rding to

c . o s h is Al uin , and Dr Mackinn n think that

o e s o b e e e a s e s chr nicl h uld acc pt d auth ntic , in pite f i o ts oc ca s i o nal e rro r s and its undo ubte d bias . T h e st e m charact e r o f th e write r is evince d by h is

e o s n ot o o f o e e s s es of d nunciati n nly Sax n xc , but th e e e s o f h is a e s o s cl rical vic g . In h rt , Gilda

e o s e o e e e e u n c o m was a r lig i u d v t , an aust r and pro m i s ing criti c o f th e d em o rali s ing cu s tom s o f th e m e s e e o f o e s o wh o s a w ti ; a p ci s pr ph t , al , in c o rrupti o n and d eg e n e rati o n th e s ig n s o f com ing

i i n o h i e is th u A B a don n L lithg ws r e rep ted site . h o t a n of in t I 4. T e L s L d K g Ar h ur

de s tructi o n for th e race to which h e b e lo nge d . R oman inﬂu e nce had unde rm in ed th e m o rals o f

' th e p eo pl e and e n e rv ate d public and s ocial life .

h s is n e o f n e e e oom T e s t o ry Gilda s te ll o u r li v d g l , but it s tand s ou t in co ntra s t to o the r narrative s by its rugge d s im plicity and its freed om from th e

m o e om e e e . e e e r r antic l m nts Murd r , sacril g , and im m o rality we re bringing abo ut wh ole s ale de s ola

o th e o c s s a w n o e e o e ti n , and patri ti Gilda futur b f r h is co untry but abs o lute ruin and racial e xtincti o n .

His s o s to a re s e allu i n Arthur canty , incid ntal , and

o e too om m e e e s s m e n n c pli ntary , and th y hav a u d im p o rtance o nly a s ba s e s fo r th e con s truc ti o n o f

o e s s e b ld th eo ri by sub qu ent write r s .

om e s e e th e e e In S r t , n ar e anci nt British s ttl m e o f e o s e o a s S e e nt Br an , is a r cky i l t kn wn t p

o m 00 e e o m e H l , 4 f t high and ab ut a il and a half

m e o i in circu f rence . In thi s d e s late place it s said that Gilda s Ba d on icu s too k re fuge during th e tim e o f o e ee to S o s c nﬂict b tw n Bri ns and ax n , and that h ere h e c om p os e d th e gre ater part of D e E x cidio

a n B ri t n ica . L e land reco rd s that th e h e rm it pre a c h ed e ve ry S unday in a church by th e s ea s o e s s th e o of Peb id ia n e h r , which tand in c untry , in th e tim e o f King T rifu n u s ; an innum e rabl e m im H ultitude h e aring h . e always wi s h e d to b e

s e to t . His o e s a faithful ubj ct King Ar hur br th r , Of th e Kin g a n d h is Chron icle rs I 5

e e e s to h owe ve r , r b ll d again t that king , unwilling

Hu eil o e th e e es wa s s e . e ndure a m a t r (H w l), ld t ,

m os m o s o e wh o a perp e tual warri o r and t fa us ldi r , ” n n ot e e m s e . ee ob eye d o king , v n Arthur hi lf St p

w e es s H o lm a s invad d by pirat , and Gilda was

m He o e c ompe lle d to s ee k an othe r as ylu . ch s

s o e e h e e His e wa s Gla t nbury , and th r di d attitud

T h e oo e p e s s im i s tic in th e e xtre m e . p r r mnant “ o f ou r o h e e s e e e nati n , said , b ing tr ng th n d that

n o to e es o th ey m ig ht ot b e br ught utt r d tructi n ,

m s u n d er' Amb ro s iu s m o es m a n wh o too k ar , a d t , , o f th e om o wa s e o e th e all R an nati n , th n al n in co nfu s i o n o f this tro uble d p e ri o d by chance left

e . His e s wh o fo r e m e e e aliv par nt , , th ir rit , w r

o e th e e ee th e ad rn d with purpl , had b n slain in s m e o s n ow h is o e es e o u r a br il , and pr g ny , in th

s o m e e e e e m th day , alth ugh sha fully d g n rat d fro e

o es s o f e es o s o o e to e w rthin th ir anc t r , pr v k d battl

e o e o th e oo e of God th ir c nqu r rs , and , by g dn ss , o e th s btain d e victo ry . In thi dismal s train did h e e o f m s th e o writ triu ph , and p we r with which h e d e scribe d d e fe at m a y the r e fo re e a s ily b e

e s gu s e d .

T h e s e h a s e e e to th e es o an w r that b n giv n qu ti n , o ft re p e ate d : Why is hi s t o ry s o s il e nt o n King

? s e o n e . i s s s Arthur is a trang It aid that Gilda , on h earing that Arthur had s lain h is broth e r 1 6 T h e Lost La n d o f Kin g Arthur

o e wa s s o e e o e e h e e m e H w l , d ply ff nd d that e d t r in d

th e e o o n t that h r s h uld o b e ce lebrated by h im . “ e e e h e s o th e s ea m e e In r v ng , ca t int any xc lle nt bo o ks which h e had writte n conce rning th e act s o f th e e o f h is o Arthur , and in prais nati n , by r e as o n o f whi c h thing you c a n ﬁnd n o thing o f s o ” ce e e s s e e gre at a prin xpr d in auth ntic writing s .

s m s e s e s o e e o for Gilda hi lf uppli an th r xplanati n , “ h e be wail ed th e los s of nati onal r eco rds whic h

e e e c o s m e th e es o f th e e e m or hav b n n u d in ﬁr n y , have acco m pani e d my e xile d co untrym e n int o ” His o wn s f m di s tant lands . o urce s o info r ati o n we re th os e which h e fo und in Arm o rica and o th e r f h po rti o n s o t e Co ntin e nt . N en n iu s is suppos e d to have co mpile d an othe r c o m pre h e n s ive hi s to ry co m parabl e with that o f — Gildas H is toria B riton u m th e pe ri o d em brace d be ing from th e day s o f Brut e th e Tro jan

D . s o m o e s to th e ye ar 6 8 0 A . But uch d ubt pr vail a to h is o th s o e s e th e e s w rk , that e hi t ry , d pit lat r

e e e s e to s m s e . o dat , has b n a crib d Gilda hi lf B th m a y hav e b ee n f o rg e ri e s o f th e te nth o r e l e venth

F r ﬁ v e o r s ix c e e s th e s o o f ce ntury . o nturi t ry “ ” wa s o - o e wa s e s e e Arthur f lk l r , and pr rv d in

e s o f s o fe w m e s o f s s natch ng , a frag nt which till

e e a s o e o s e xist . Such a l g nd , L ngf ll w say , can o nly

1 8 T h e Lo st La n d of Kin g Arthur

o z o o f s o m e h ri n hi t ry , and ulti at ly be co me s a T h f re ligi o n . e go d s o fable a re th e s hining

m o e s o f e m en m e s o s m nt gr at , E r n aid , and wh e th e r th e Arthur s and Odin s of m yth ology we re

m en o s e a s e e s o r e e s e s e o f w r hipp d d iti , d iti div t d

s o m e n o s o e oe s th e divinity and tran f r d i t hi t ric h r , ' aft e r - ag e s m u s t always have s om e d ifﬁcu lty in

w o is th e deciding . What e kn w that int e rval be tw ee n language and lite rature is crowde d with

s o m o o o e e o f th e had wy yth l gical l r , and littl

light ﬂa s h e d back fro m to - day can illum in e th e

e m s c m e o f om haunt d , y ti , twilight ti phant and

s up e rs titi o n .

Y e t eo e e c o o f o m o G ffr y , Archd a n M n uth , and

f s 1 1 00 aft erwards Bi s h o p o St . A aph ( in giving s hap e and s ub s tance to th e Arthurian

e e s o s n o e e m e to l g nd and traditi n , had b tt r at rial wo rk with than that s uppli e d by th e Briti s h fo lk

s o s th e e e o s o f s N e n n iu s ng , taint d r c rd Gilda and ,

th e s o - c e m o c o e o s o f e and all d Ar ric ll cti n Walt r ,

e o o f o wh o o s e th e Archd ac n Oxf rd , ﬂ uri h d in

e e e e o e e th e o f l v nth c ntury , and c nn ct d Arthur

’ e of e s Brittany with th e Arthur o f S iluria . G fr y

m Ch ro n ic on s iv e H is toria B rito n u m d e fa o u s , di a ted to o e o f o c e s e e c R b rt , Earl Gl u t r , and giv n t h e o th o e th e e 1 1 1 o t w rld in e Latin t ngu in y ar 5, wa s pro fe s s e dly a tran s lati o n o f th e B ru t y B ren Of th e Ki n g a n d h is Chro n icl e rs 1 9 h in ed s o of th e s o f o , a hi t ry King Britain , f und

” ’ e s e s e o s o s in Brittany , b t d crib d in W rd w rth “ phra s e : A Briti s h re co rd l ong co nce ale d in old

m o o e s e e s s rio o c c o n Ar rica , wh s cr t pring G thi

’ ” r r q u e o r e e drank . In reality his im aginati o n had bee n ﬁre d by th e

’ e e ons o f s m s th e bardic c l brati Arthur triu ph , s ongs still s ung vauntingly by an unco nqu e re d

T h e old m o s c o e m e race . nki h hr nicl r anif st ed a m arve llo u s inge nuity in i m parting circu m s ta n tia lity of th e m o s t co nvincing characte r to h is nar

H e e - m e s of e e e ra tive . e co nn ct d place na gr at r put with epo ny m o u s h e roe s ; h e linke d th e truth s of th e Ro m an o ccupati on with th e half - truth s o r fables o f th e Briti s h re s i s tance ; h e wo ve s om e o f th e m o st s triking S criptural facts into th e fabric o f th e rom ance ; h e s o le ave n e d fal s eh ood with re ality

th e m os e wa s to e ec e s ec that i p tur hard d t t , p ially in

a e th e ' e ffect wa s m os m e s an uncritical g , and t i pr th m f s ive upon e ind s o an unre a s o ning ge n e rati o n . His inve nti o n s did n ot e xte nd to incide nts th e s e h e o o om th e o e to h e o t k fr chr nicl s hand , and can nly b e charge d with a fr e e am pliﬁcati o n o f th e t e o s e s m e o f th e e s c rd , and a r adju t nt e v nt which

e s th e had b ee n de s crib d . N otwith tanding all

e es of th e o e o e e craft and d vic chr nicl r , h w v r , is h hi s to ry wa s alm o s t i mm ediately challenged , 2 0

who ll d e en d in u on th e old Brt ton tn les a nd y p g p , , with add ing to th es e m u te-s ta bl e compila tion s . “ ” ' inm o f hl s om or wa s \iViIIia m of

Newb n rg h alo ne in his pt o tes ts a nd dcn unc ia ﬁ on .

G ra l us Ca mb I -iexmis b a a n ble im ﬁc d th a t i d , y p , p

M m a m n a t Ca erletm he sa id wh o oon ld a l wa s tell a lia r , , y

' n o el f L u pm th e ma n s to gu e. m ﬁ sp o S Jd m

’ was gim h m ; he pla ced it in his b os mn ; a nd

“ ” “ ” th e B rito ns b Gooﬁ re A th u r rthu r , y y r (A

’ 3 - s w to b y na me of Ge oﬂrey ). a s h a nd ed

ma s terpiece in nine b ooks from atta i n in g a u s

’ M M M m h s origi m l form an d wh en tm ns h ted a s it ra idl n s in to the An ~ , p y , g b

it cou l b e f ﬂ un a n d I t d m y d m d ed th e pm ple. Of th e Kin g a n d h is Chron icl e rs 2 1

f e - s o o f E e s o f o to o Brut , gr at grand n n a Tr y ,

’ Cadwa llade r s dea th in 688 . T h e ﬁrst tran s lato rs we re Ge o ffrey Ga i s n a r o r

Ga im a r 1 1 th e o l h s o ee , in 54 ( rigina i t ry had b n

l e en w rs e o wh o t n ed publi s hed o n y s v y pr vi usly), ur

i o o m - e e s e a e th e sto ry nt N r an Fr nch v r , and W c ,

i f e s e wh o o a in e th e o o f th e a nat ve o J r y , bt d fav ur

s wa s th e o o f two o No rman king , and auth r l ng — m o m - e th e a ed Bru t o r ro an ce s in N r an Fr nch f m ,

Ges te d es Bre to n s a n d th e l os e m o s , a m t qually fa u

a T h Rom n d e Rou . e fo rme r wo rk was a free

’

et al en e i e in e . s e m ric r d ring , publ sh d H n ry I I r ign ,

' ’ f ﬂ h r n o Geo re s C o ic le i h o me n ew m t e . y , w t s at r

\ e cc o to l th e o wa s Vac , a rding Ha lam hist rian , a “ ro i vers iﬁer wh o h a s l i to in l e e p l ﬁc a c a m du g nc ,

e en to es ee m a s i fa r e l his and v t , hav ng e xc l ed co ntem po raries wi th o ut a n y s upe ri o r advan ta ges f k ” w i f i o n o wledge . It as in emulat o n o h m that se ve ral N o rm an write rs co m po sed me trica l histo ries .

e a e a o l i s li Th n c m L yam n , a Mid and pr e t ving

a o e r h m or e wh o th e at n bl chu c at E ly , Arl y , at clo s e of th e twe lfth ce ntury prod uced th e ﬁrs t o in th l ng poem written e English la ngua ge . He

’ d id n ot g o to Geo ffrey of Mo n m o uth s wo rk

' ’ ire o e an a i mi W d ct , but wr t mpl ﬁ e d i ta tio n of a ce s

’ e io o f th e Ch ron i e La a m n v rs n c l . y o s pa raphrase 2 2 T h e Lo st La n d of Ki n g Ar thur co ntain e d ju s t ove r do uble th e num be r o f lin e s in

’ Wa ce s oe m th e o s o s s e o f p , additi n c n i ting chi ﬂy m e e e e inte rp o late d dra atic s p eech e s . Th r w r

e m c m o S o o m alr ady Cy ri , Ar ric , ax n , and N r an

e e s th e m e e o f s o om e ingr di nt in dl y hi t ry and r anc , and to th e s e Layam o n adde d a s light Te uto nic e em e fo r th e o s o f th e o e es l nt , chans n Tr uv r had c e th e m e of o e m arri d fa Arthur int G r any , and alre ady n ew l eg e nd s with n ew m e an ing s we re

m - ge rm inating fro th e loo s e ly s c atte red s ee d . With Artu s fo r th e c e ntral ﬁgure and with c o urtly

fo r th e e m e es e o s e x chivalry th , th variati n and pan s i o n s o f th e s to ry of th e Briti s h chi e f e x e r c is ed a s p o we rful and e nduring an inﬂu e nce upo n th e p e ople o f France and G e rm any a s th ey had

o e o e to d o o th e e o e o f d n , and c ntinu d , up n p pl

T h oo e s e m s t n o Britain . e g d pri t s e o have had o th e r o bj e ct in writing in g oo d plain S ax o n th e s to ry o f King Arthur than to m ak e wide ly kn own am o ng h is co untrym e n th e n obl e de ed s in which h e e e o h is vid ntly had an ab unding faith . In fact ,

s wa T h h purp o e s pure ly patri o ti c . e o nly guile e e mpl oy e d wa s in supplying th e nam e s o f m any

e o s e s o to th e s ee e p rs n and plac , in additi n p ch s , all o f which circum s tance s s e rve d to m agnify th e

e r m o s e . e o r e s lit ra y i p tur Walt r Map , Map , a

of th e e s e s e o for man W l h March , with a r putati n Of th e Kin g a n d h is Chro n icl e rs 2 3

ee e s s o o o o e e xc ding frankn and h n ur , f ll w d Laya m on and introduce d o th e r and m o re s triking d e

wa s th e e o f tails of p e rm an e nt value . Map fri nd

is e e e to e e e fo r s o m e B ecket , and b li v d hav b n

’ F r h o e o f th e ti m e th e king s c haplain . o t e l v

His s king h is wo rk wa s do n e . Latin atirical

em s s h is e c c e s s is p o di play chi f hara t ri tic , and it a s a wit rath e r than a write r that h e wa s fam o u s

th Y e t wa s s m a n wh o is e at e C o urt . it thi h ld to have co nce ive d th e c harac te r o f th e pure and s e s S ir s s to h im tainl s knight Galahad , a igning

is s o m es ec s th e c e o r e e s what in e r p t hi f , at all v nt th e o e s o s o th e s o f w rthi t , p iti n in Arthurian li t

s . I f S ir s es o s knig ht Galahad , tainl s , chivalr u ,

o e e o f c e th e s o f th e al n capabl a hi ving e Qu t Grail ,

e e th e e o o f e to h im we owe w r cr ati n Walt r Map , that s piritual and re ligi o u s e l em e nt which re ﬁne s

’ e e s s s and nrich King Arthur hi to ry . Map wrot e th e o o f th e s s e e e st ry Grail , a Chri tiani d r nd ring o f e m to h im o we o w th C ltic yth , and pr bably e e m o m e s s e M ort os e o e ving and i pr iv , with th n tabl o utburs ts which rank am o ng th e tre a s ures of o u r

e e . He o e e th e o s to lit ratur , h w v r , had riginal h wo rk up o n . T e Wel s h had take n th e ir le ge nd s to th e o o s e e s em Brittany , tr ubad ur w r inging th , and th e Ge rm an and th e Fre nch chro ni c le rs we re

o at w rk . And th o ugh th e re is n o d o ubt that Map 2 4 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Arthur co ntribut e d in a co n s ide rabl e d egre e to th e

om e s m s b e e o e e s r anc , it u t faithfully r c rd d that qu tion s have ari s e n wh e th e r h e wa s r eally capable o f o h a s e e e to h im d ing all that b n attribut d , and

e e h e th e h e o s o wh th r , if had capacity , w uld al ”

e th e o . S o e s s s i t hav had inclinati n p tl pir tuali y , s uch a s h e is s upp os e d to have infus e d into th e s o is s e o s s e th e e o f t ry , carc ly c n i t nt with charact r th e m a n wh o s e Anac re o ntics a re o ften lacking in * reﬁ n e m en t .

S o b e e s o e e e e h a s far , it will a ily c nc d d , v ry littl b ee n advance d in th e way o f proo f o f th e e xiste nce o f th e s e e o o f th e m Briti h princ and h r , Cy ric “ ” Bello ru m o f th e e o f th e o r Dux , Chi f Siluri

D u m n o n ii th e m e en to th e em o f th e , na giv r nant

Briti s h races drive n we s tward by th e S ax o n s . We can und e rstand Milto n que s ti o ning wh o “ wa s o e e s Arthur , and d ubting wh th r any uch “ e ee o e e e re ign d in Britain . It had b n d ubt d h r ” o o e m a b e o o e s o h e t f r , and y again with g d r a n ,

o e o s th e s o o e s s e wr t , n twith tanding fa cinati n p ss d by Wh a t resou n d s ’ I n f a ble or rom a n ce of Uth er s s on B egirt with Britis h a n d Arm oric k n igh ts .

a e for i n s a n ce th e s on in wh ich h e e es ses th e T k , t , g xpr ish to die h i e d in in in a a e n eu m es t ro w w l r k g t v r , M p ” i n m positu m n ta b er a ori .

2 6 T h e Lost La n d of Kin g Ar thur

e e a s e t e e e Judg d pur ly lit ra ur , and with v ry allowance mad e fo r want o f unifo rm ity in leve l a s we ll a s fo r th e te di o u s n e s s o f numbe rle s s d ig re s

’ s o s o s o m e o m s o f o n e i n , Mal ry r anc nly ad it o o to h im to o wh o es e pini n ; and and Caxt n ( , d pit th e m o f h is o o e s e o es hu ility pr l g u and pil gu , and h is o e s s o s o f s m e e s s o e pr f i n i pl n and ign ranc , wa s a s ch olar and a m aste r o f m iddle - cla s s En g * T e li s h) th e race is unde r a p e rp e tual d ebt . h c o m pile r d oes n o t s e e m to b e Ope n to th e charg e

e e e s h im S ir e S o h e l v ll d again t by Walt r c tt , that “ e e o m o r xhaust d at hazard , and with ut uch art

om o o m th e o s e o s e c binati n , fr vari u Fr nch pr ” fo li o s ; o n th e co ntrary it is e a s y to c o n c eive ” that h e e x e rci s e d that painful indu s try with whi c h h e is cre dite d by th e write r o f th e Pre face

to th e e o o f 1 6 . I n o to s h e diti n 34 additi n thi , s a m e h is Own o th e o t p d individuality up n w rk , and m anife s te d a s ing ular purity o f ta s te by re m oving th e gro s s e r e l e m e nt s which s tain e d m any o f th e

e e e s o s e s e wa s arli r v r i n , and by pr rving all that be s t a s lit e rature and in ke eping with th e ﬁn e s t

f m We o om th e and tru e s t s pirit o ro an c e . kn w fr

f S o mm e s ch o larly inve s tigati on s o Dr . r and Sir

' Wi ia m a on s m e e son a s h e s ed h im ll C xt , i pl p r , tyl s e u ed h a h e u n d e oo th e o a t th e e u es o f lf , rg t t rt k w rk r q t h n d d ivers gentle men of t i s rea lm of En gla . Of th e Kin g a n d h is Chron i cl e rs 2 7

Edm und Strac h ey h ow judici o u s Malo ry wa s in “ ” s om h is e oo s or m a k tran lating fr Fr nch b k , in

in s s o r m e e a . g ab tract , in a nding and nl rging With true in s ight h e c h os e th e m ate rial that wa s o f go o d re p o rt and o f g e nuin e wo rth ; th e dro s s

o m a e e e to h e ca s t a s ide . Mal ry y hav b lo ng d a

o s e m om th e Y rk hir fa ily , judging fr fact that Le land rec o rde d that a Mal o ry p o s s e s s e d a lo rd s in c o e e is n o s hip that unty , but th r light auth o rity fo r be li eving that h e wa s a We l s hm an — “ and a pri es t a s e rvant o f J e s u bo th day and

t h e m s e s . h e wa s oo nigh , as hi lf aid That a g d and earn e s t Chri s tian h is own wo rk pro v e s b eyo nd

es o for h e m e th e e s all qu ti n , i part d all r lig i o u

o to th e o m e h e o e ard ur r anc that c uld , and acc nt u a te d that e le m e nt wh e n it had alre ady b ee n intro duce d .

T h e om e of wa s e e t r anc Arthur nrich d , o u s e

’ o s o s th e o Gibb n w rd , with vari us th ough in c oh e r e n t o rnam e nt s which we re fam iliar to th e e x pe ri e c e th e e o r th e o f h n , l arning , fancy t e twe lfth c e ntury . Eve ry nati o n e nhance d and ado rn e d th e “ o o m e e th e f p pular r anc , until at l ngth light o s e e e s o wa s re - e th m ci nc and r a n kindl d , e talis an wa s o e th e s o c m e e o br k n , vi i nary fabri lt d int air , and by a natural though unju s t rever s e o f public o o th e s e e o f th e e e a e e m e pini n , v rity pr s nt g b ca 2 8 T h e Lost Lan d of Kin g Arthur

e to e s o th e f inclin d qu ti n exi s te nce o Arthur .

’ t s m e s o e m e o That Ar hur na h uld str a lik a cl ud , m a n - e o m o t - e is th e of th e shap d , fr m un ain p ak fault m ediwva l e wh o th e s writ rs , in taking Briti h king fo r e e o o e e s e n o a e e th ir h r , c uld r pr nt g but th ir

wn n f o o o s o s e s s o o s m . , and had c n ci u n anachr ni It cam e natural to th em in s pe aking o f th e s ixth - ce ntury knig ht s to e nd ow th em with th e

e s o f th e e e o ee e attribut thirt nth and f urt nth c ntury ,

’ and to d e s cribe Arthur s Britain m u c h a s th ey would have d e s c ribe d th e Britain o f a H e nry o r

. T h e o f eo f e o f e an Edward Arthur G fr y , Walt r

of o is a s m os s e a s th e Map , and Mal ry i p ibl Arthur

o f e o S e e o . Wagn r , Lytt n , winburn , and T nnys n M o st of th e write rs o n chivalry have e ith e r vi ewe d and tre ate d th e Knight s of th e R o und Table a s

o em o e oe s o r e o et e e e c nt p rary h r , hav alt g h r id alis d

W a re o e to th e o s o e o th e m . e f rc d c nclu i n that G f frey and all th e o th e r m e di aeval chro nicle rs had n o real conce pti o n o f th e characte r o f th e a g e o f which th ey wr o te ; if they disco ve re d real nam e s and r eal p e r s on s th ey transp o rte d th em to an im aginary wo rld and investe d them with fabulo u s

es . e m e e s e e attribut Th y ad r ality it lf unr al , trans

o m e e oe o m f r d h r s int yths , and buri ed histo ry be n eath ro m ance ; th ey had n o p o we r to r ecognise

e m truth ev n wh e n it appe ared to the . Of th e Kin g a n d h is Chr on iclers 2 9

King Arthur wa s a traditi o nal and hi s to ric

C e of e m e s th e m a n of e o hi ftain rud ti , an p ch , a

e s h e ro to b e sung and rem em be red . His lif mu t have bee n a tum ult ; h is s eve nty o dd battl es we re th e f h i ra e e h e e es e eve nts o s e . Wh th r r pr nts a

s e o o r e e o o th e na c nt civilisati n , wh th r , f ll wing

o m s h e s m m e s e R an , i ply aintain d a barbaric pl n d o ur in th e citie s th ey had m ad e or by m e an s o f s om e e e e e e nlight n d laws th y had institut d , is a

“ “ ” m e of e . h e is th e att r disput But gray king ,

th e e m e e o n ot th e e e . I t le ntal h r , advanc d typ is a re markable fact that Engli s h s ch olars have until quit e r ece ntly do n e s o littl e to p opulari s e Arthur

’ o e m m ian lit e rature . Mal ry s v rs i on re ain e d al os t

e s e S o e s s e h is e o inacc sibl until uth y i u d diti n , and th e be s t wo rk of all wa s unde rtak e n fo r u s in latt e r

e e m . o e e . S omm y ars by Dr r , a G r an C nsid ring th e h o ld o n th e im aginati o n which th e r oman ce

o es s e e wa s o to e e th e ob p ss d , littl d n e lucidat s cu rities and to s o lve th e m y s t e ri e s co nce rning n o t o nly th e auth o rs but th e h e roe s th e m s e lve s and th e h a s ee e land to which th y be lo nge d . Much b n o e e we ee we a re e m o e c nj ctur d , but f l that d aling r with phant om s and fanci e s than with re aliti es and Y facts . et what an in s pirati o n King Arthur h a s

ee "His m e h a s e e h is m e o b n na ling r d , m ry has

e e e s e o b n tr a ur d in nati o nal ballad s . P e t s have in 30 T h e L ost La nd of Kin g Ar thur

es o e e o th e s e s o m e e all ag h v r d r und ubj ct , and hav

e o o e s to e e a s alight d up n it , nly p rhap l av it ag ain beyo nd th e ir s co pe . T h e m igh tiest ch ie fs of Britis h s o n g h d n S corn ed n ot s u c lege n s to prolo g .

o S e s e e o o s S o Milt n , p n r , Dryd n , Wart n , C llin , c tt

o e e e e - for and Gray , t g th r with d rid d and half

o e m o e o h is m o s g tt n Black r ; Lytt n , with a biti u e o om e to m e e e e os e ti pic , d d un rit d n gl ct ; R s t ,

m e s s s e o e o o s Ja Ru ll L w ll , and lastly , Arn ld , M rri ,

e e s o — e s e e e th e Swinburn , and T nny n th hav lift d rom ance into th e high e s t and pures t re alm o f

oe e m e e th e s o p try , and hav i pr g nat d t ry with n e w m e a n ings and illum inate d it with rich inte r

r ta ti n p e o .

’ e e th e e e o f s s o All hav f lt inﬂu nc Arthur hi t ry ,

its d im e m e s its u of e e s s e nchant nt , f ry h lpl battl , its m o s e m e e e e s s o f e s al t f inin t nd rn fri nd hip , its

s s o its e o s o fainting pa i n , r ligi u ard urs , all at le ngth vani s hing in de fe at and be ing fo und n o

W h o w th m o e . e e s e e e s o r hav n Arthurian hi t ry ,

e o r o s o s e o m e o s r al fabul u , ar fr arly traditi n and gre w a s e ach chro nicl e r handle d it and c o mbin e d with it th e traditi o n s and th e ﬁcti o n s o f o the r i rac es . It los t n othing by ts tran s fu s i o n into n ew o e s e e th e m o o f t ngu , but was nrich d by i aginati ns th e adapte rs and co mbin e d with th e s to ri es already Of th e Kin g a n d h is Chron ic le rs 31

T h e e o e c urrent in o th e r lands . h r that C ltic bo as tfuln e s s had create d becam e th e repre s e nta tive h e ro o f at le a s t thre e p eo ple s in th es e e arly

m e s th e s o s o f th e o e es s ee ti , and ng Tr uv r p dily W s pre ad h is fam e ove r We s te rn Europe . e ﬁnd Arthur repre s ente d a s th e m a s tef o f a va s t king

om h is o e e e to om e s e d , and p w r xt nding R it lf ; and we ﬁnd h im claim e d a s th e natural h e ro o f n e arly eve ry race which h eard h is prai s e and wa s f i kindl e d to valour by th e e xam ple o h s e xplo it s . Each country s e e m e d be nt up o n s upplying at le a s t

e o f th e e o o n e re pre s e ntativ Tabl R und , and e ag e rly com p e t e d fo r th e p re - e m in e nce and pe r f i n h f its o e T h e o e ct o of t e knight o ch ic . kingd m

o e to h im wa s o m a s th e all tt d with ut li it , and e e s e o e h er s ld r Di ra li w uld put it , fancy b nt iri o f m any - so ften e d hue s ove r a d e lig htful land o f ” ﬁcti o n .

’ o s o s e m is th e L t th ugh King Arthur r al , land o f th e anci e nt Briti s h chie ftain m u s t have be e n

e is m os o s e we e th r al , and it t p sibl that tr ad edu s t which c o v e rs it in j o urn eying fr om Cae rleo n to

o om s o to m e o Glast nbury , fr Gla t nbury Ca lf rd ,

om m e o to e T o e s i fr Ca lf rd Tintag l . th e places s ou r m e pilgri age dire ct d . CHAPTER I I

O F LY ONNE SS E AND C AMELI ARD

I n o de da es o f th e K n ou l y i g Art r , O h ich h a e on s s e e n e h on ou f w t t Br t p k gr t r , l wa h i on u — u A l s s d ed e e . h a r t l f lﬁll of fa ri C ce .

I betoo k m e a m on g th o s e lo fty fa bles a n d ro m a n ces ’ wh ich recou n t i n s o le m n ca n to s th e deeds o f k n igh th ood ou n ded ou r i c o iou s in s a nd om en ce h a d in f by v t r k g , fr h eno n o e a ll h is e n m E en h ese oo s o d r w v r C r t d o . v t b k pr ve to me s o m a n y in citem e n ts to th e love a nd s tea dfa st o e — M on bs rva tion of virtu e il t .

im e u on m a s e com m i ed a s u ch h e T p y w t tt h th t ft , ” Th a t it o f Arth u r he re s ca rce m emory h a th le ft . ra ton D y .

N o m atte r h ow far th e chr o nicle r s o f o ld d e .

h f e part e d from fa c t in t e de tail s o the ir narrativ s , th ey gro up e d th e incid ent s ar o und a ce ntral

e m e e o m o e ﬁgur , a agniﬁcent anci nt h r ; and , r

e s e e th e o . in than that , th y p ciﬁ d actual l cality

s which that h e ro had wo n his r e n own . But ju t a s e e th e e o o u t o f o o o th y magniﬁ d h r all pr p rti n , s o th ey e xte nde d th e area o f h is re alm bey o nd all 32

34 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Arthur thi s id e a may b e disco ve re d in th e wo rks o f th e

oe old n ew. p ts , and

Foe men feet to d u s t h a ve trod

T h e u e - o ed m es s en e s of God bl r b g r ,

’ wa s Llywa rch Hén s allu s i o n to th e s laug hte r o f bard s , evincing h is belie f in th e ir s acre d

t th e m o e charact e r . S ong was o Cy ry at nc

' e o e I Or t o e e ducati n , a v nt na i nal f ling , and a m m o f e T h e b e e o rial gr at e ve nts . e bard rank d s id e th e artisan as o n e of th e pillars of s ocial life .

’ He o on e e e h is o s o e m is had nly th m , c untry h p ,

o e e a s . e r h a s f rtun , and d stiny ; and , M Thi r y

s th e o oe its e x aptly aid , nati n , p tical in turn , t e nded th e bounds of ﬁcti o n by ascribing fantastic “ e t h e o T h e s s f th m aning o t w rds . wi h e o e bards

e e e e e a s om s e e e e t o a s w r r c iv d pr i s , th ir xp c ati ns pro ph eci es ; e v e n th eir s ile nce was mad e expres ’ s e . e n ot o f e iv If th y sang Arthur s d ath , it was a pro o f that Arthur yet live d ; if th e harp e r u n

e s e o e s o e e o th d ign dly s und d m m lanch ly air , e mind s o f his h e are rs spo ntan eo usly linke d with th e e m e o th e m e o f ot e e e vagu l dy na a sp , r nd r d m o urnfully famous by th e los s o f a battle with

th e e s e f fo r ign c onqu e ro r . Thi lif o hope s and e o e o s e m th e e e of th e r c ll cti n gav char s , in y s

e m s to e o o f o - a n d latt r Ca brian , th ir c untry r cks ' Of Lyon n esse a n d C am elia rd 35

m o ss e . How m we e o we e to ra s uch r ally , th n , hi s to ric fact an d h ow m uch to bardic s ong th e

o o f me o o e acc unting Ca l t and Aval n , Tintag l and

Alm e sb u r a s th e m o s e o e s o y , fa u and r d ubtabl p ts

‘o f r o m e s o o A thurian acc plishm nt and ccupati n ,

iﬂi u lt to e e e e wo uld b e d c d cid . Lit rary g nius .

om th e s e e s th e m s e wh o o fr ﬁr t c ntr in in tr l , is b th

om o e s e wh o s e to o c p s r and ing r , timulat s acti n “ ” e o s e e s wh o is m s e oe and r c rd v nt , hi lf d r and “ ” s e e r . But fo r this rich and s u s tain ed Ce ltic inﬂuence ou r e o b e o o ee o b e lit rature w uld p r ind d , w uld

es o t e s s oe t th e l s r man ic , l p ic , and lacking in

o f m s s o s m o e s vitality hu an pa i n , hu an h p and

s o s m s f e e s . For a pirati n , hu an u f ring and d —pair th e do m inant n o te in Ce ltic lite rature and thi s

es to th e e e particularly appli Arthurian l g nd which ,

es e its o s s is s o o f e—is d pit b a t , a t ry failur an

n ﬁ n a le m e o e s e e e th i d e b lanch ly , an xqui it r gr t ; e

oe t m a b e a s e o e e p ry y , Matth w Arn ld said , dr nch d

th e ew o f m th m s in d natural agic , and e ro ance m a b e e e e e y thr ad d with radiant lig hts , but th r always re m ain s th e unde rlying s ombr e n e s s o f t e xture o r th e o ve rhanging clo ud - dark e ning o f

o o s m s o e th e s ce n e . J y u u ic c nclud s in a m in or ke o r is o e e o f y br k n by a sudd n n te o path os .

T h e e s o f ho th e C ltic bards ang war , but t ugh “ 36 T h e Lo st Lan d of. Kin g Arthur h e ro e s always we nt fo rth brave ly to battle it h a s

b een . record ed t e s e . o e s , tha t h y alway f ll Vict ri a re le s s fre qu e ntly celebrate d than de fe ats a re T h m o urn e d . e glo ry of th e Ce lt was vast and tra n s cen d e n t b u t om m s e - m e s wa s , , fr in tr l ti it a fading glo ry; Wo rk a s th e histo ry - we ave rs m igh t with th e g o lde n s huttles of romance th eir

e . m e th e e m s s t ars ingl d with . gl a ing trand , and th e ti s s ue as i t l e ft th e loo m wa s a m e dley o f

o e s o s . e e e s th e br k n light and shad w N ve rth l s , pictures they have le ft u s o f chivalro u s tim e s re main unsurpass e d fo r th e grande ur of th e ir

" co ncepti o n : th ey - r em ain th e m o de l a nd de s pair of

e . all ag s _

T h e e t o of t th e d scrip i n Ar hurian E ngland , ” o s o f th e o e s om o t h e chr nicl r , c p r s with t ‘ L gri e o s o f om e a o th e sugg sti n r anc , but ill cc rds with * we th e R facts . Eve n if grant ound Table and

It is i n teresti n g a n d s om e wh a t a m u s in g to n ote th e a m e n o f h a es a e on a u h o of Wa n d e ri n s i n l t C rl W t rt , t r g S ou th Am eri ca wh o h ou h En a n d a s a e d for n i h , t g t gl ﬁ l k g tly n ed En la n d h a s o n cea sed to a dven tu re h a d d ege era t . g l g b e the a n d of a d e n u es s a d h e . n deed h en ood l v t r , i I , w g is o wn h wi l ﬁ n d Ki n g Arth u r re a ppea rs .to c la im h cr e l

hin s s a n e a e ed h e e . s ce a i n h a h e n t g tr g ly lt r r It , i rt t t w T h e o s in h e reigned h ere a ll wa s h a rm on y a n d j oy . br w g ‘ ' h e d s a ss ed om a e to a e th e s a n s s a n rom th e r p fr v l v l , w i g f

u e e - eem iri o es a n d n m h s i h e a n ne a n d bl b ll t g gr v , y p , w t gl ti r s es in h ei n ea a ided h a i e n h a nd in a n d to th e o t r tly br r , w t h Of Lyonn esse a n d C am eliard 37 th e es Of th e r th e e s t t th e Qu t G ail , fact r main ha tim es we re barbarou s and that th e Brito ns of th e s ixth century had o nly reach ed th e o ute r bo rders T h of civilisati o n . e e xplo its of th e knights th em . s elve s a re indicative o f a prevailing state o f lawle s s n e s s v e rging p e ri lou s ly upo n abs o lute

th e s avage ry . Appalling rites we re practi s e d in

s e o o s th e e e e of m a n ca tl str ngh ld , and lif n ith r n or wa m T h e o a e woman s d ee e d pre ci ous . r m nc rs

’ them s elves d o n ot di s gui s e that th e purp o se a n d

’ th e me th o d s o f th e knights we re li ttl e s upe ri o r to th e purp o s e and m eth o d s of thos e wh om they warred against ; and th e co mm o n practice o f th e “ knights to reward them s e lve s in the ir own way s fo r victo ri es achi e ve d dispo s es at o n c e o f th e o e o e o e e e e s c nt nti n that th ir m tiv s w r uns lﬁ h , o r e c wa s e s t that th ir hivalry pur and di in e res te d . T h e England o f King Arthur was the r e fo re by

m ﬂ owery m ea d s to wea ve ga rla n d s for th e ir l a bkin s . If by ch a n ce s o m e u d e u n ci il e o d a ed to m o es t h em or r v f ll w r l t , a em ed to h o th o n s i n h ei a h h e e wa s s u e to tt pt t r w r t r p t , t r r b e a k n ig h t - erra n t n ot fa r o ff re a d y to ru sh forwa rd in h ei de en ce . B u t a a s i n h ese d e en e a e d a s it is n ot t r f l , t g r t y

S h a l a h a m es s co a e - m a id a n de ou t of th e h i h s o . l r l tt g w r g wa to u c a rim os e or two i n th e n e i h ou in e d y pl k p r g b r g ﬁ l , th e h a u ghty own er stern ly bid s h er retire ; a n d if a pitying s wa in h a s e n to esco h er a c h e is e h a s se zed t rt b k , p r p i by ” - th e gau n t h ou se d og ere h e rea ch h er. 38 T h e L ost La n d of Ki n g Arthur

n o m e e to b e th e e o f e e ans lik id al land p ac ,

e o e oe s m b auty , and c nt nt which p t have i agin e d . N eith e r can we co nce de th e wh o le claim to ’ Arthur s undi s pute d p os s e s s i on o f th e e ntire king

m T h e e e m d o . fr do with which th e chronicle rs

’ s o e o f th e s m o e e o e o p k king un l st d j urn y n rth ,

o e e s o o e e m s uth , ast , and w t , nly pr v s that th y ad e

f m o th e an unwarrantable u s e o nam es . A ng e plac s l oo s ely m e nti on e d o r r efe rre d to at rando m in th e

’ o m e o r e e o s e th e e r anc , p rchanc c nfu d in writ rs

s e s s m e we m s mind with plac within a all ar a , u t

o t o e e o th e e e e c un all th s b y nd S v rn and Tr nt , unl es s we ad opt th e alte rnative th eo ry and acce pt

’ m T o e we th e n orth as Arthur s re al . th s e add

th e e o o o o f es m o e o r e s all larg pr p rti n plac , r l s

e s e e m to e n o fantastically nam d , which hav had

’ f h e e e xiste nce ou t o t e chro nicle rs brain . Wh r

we oo fo r C a rb o n ek fo r th e o f e e shall l k , land P t r

for o o s s e fo r e s fo r saint , J y u I l , Wast Land ,

Lo n a ze for Gooth e for s e for th e s e s o f p , , Ca , Ca tl

e e e Plu e ro a en t Grail , La B al R gard , , J g , and

n t s a o f f Ma g o u s ? o y n thing o a h ost o o the r s . And a re we to b e d e lude d by th e fam iliarity with

e s em s e which J ru al , Tu cany , Egypt , Turk y , and

r a re o e of o e e t e e Hunga y sp k n , int b li ving that h s dis ta n t pla ce s we re r e ally vi s ite d by Arthu r and his knights ? Even if we we re to co ncede all th e Of Lyon n esse an d C a m elia rd 39

’ l ocalitie s m e nti on e d in Malo ry s wo rk we sh o uld b e confro nte d by a n ew difﬁculty in th e M a bin o

i on e e e e s s e e s o f o g , wh r quit a fr h ri t wns and co untri es is m e nti on e d in additi o n to many of th e

h Ma bin o i n th old o n es . But while in t e g o e we s t of o e is os e s e e w th e Eur p alm t xclu iv ly d alt ith ,

s e e m s o o Engli h , Fr nch , and G r an hi t rians w uld i b e co nte nt with n othing le s s than th e be s t part

of th e e m e e . No e e o e e h isph r p tty vi w , h w v r,

f h - o f o m c e m u s t b e take n o t e Arthur land r an .

e e o wa s h is we m s e e e If Ca rl n capital , u t b li v that

a s n t o o f th e m e a n d h e w o u nkn wn n rth o Hu b r ,

o a n d that h e had a cas tle in old Carli s le . Calyd n

e e s o e e Brittany , Ir land and Wal , ackn wl dg d his

T h e Ro m m s e m e t p o we r and felt his sway . an hi lf Arthur face to fac e ; knights carri e d h is fam e to

o s o e—s o th e e s o e e e C n tantin pl arly hi t rians ass v rat ,

s o e o e ere e e e and th y d ubtl ss sinc ly b li v d .

Bu t th e m o re cautiou s s tud e nt will co n ﬁ n e - h is attentio n to a group o f b u t half - a - d oze n place s i n

S o e e o s e o uth Wal s , D v n hir , and C rnwall , and will

’ do ubt th e truth of traditio n e v en wh e n it m ingles

th o m e t f h m Of with e n ncla ure o t e ro ance . Lyo nn es s e wh e lm e d b en e ath th e waves we h a ve O n o kn owledge ; it is a l os t and pe rhap s half f abu

o s e . C a m elia rd o se o e s a e l u r g i on , wh b undari r

e o is s e e t o e fairly w ll kn wn , tr w d wi h d ubtful r lics , 40 Th e Lost La n d of Kin g Arthur a nd e s e e s m e o f s e s o e s pr rv a ultitud trang t ri . These a re all that r e main to u s wh e n we have trave rs ed

’ o s King Arthur s land . Ly nn e s e is re p o rte d to

e ee e o Of e t e e e hav b n a r gi n x r m f rtility , uniting ' th e S I s le s with e h cilly W stern Co rnwall . T e

S e s we e th e o f t hardy ilur r inhabitants this ract , and we re r em arkabl e for their indu s try and piety . N o fe we r than o n e hundre d and fo rty church e s

e s e to th e e th e o s e t tiﬁ d latt r quality , and r ck call d S S m th f eve n to n es ark e s it e o the ir l arge st city . Traditi o n is u ntrustwo rthy a s to any great cata cl s m b ut th e S o o e e e t y , ax n chr nicl d clar d tha ' “ Ly o nnes se wa s d es troy e d by a high tide o n

. ‘ N o vem be r 1 099 T h e assum ptio n is th a t

e eth e s ea n ow ee e e do s o e wh r sw ps with tr m n u f rc ,

’ e n n s a n d th e e s o e a b e tw e La d End Scilli , nc lay

' e o o er s wh ich fOrm ed no fair r gi n , an th Atlanti ,

’ m T h e uni m p o rtant part o f King Arthur s real . etym o l ogy o f th e nam e Scilly is m o re or les s

T h e or h a s ee e e d oubtful . w d b n id ntiﬁ d with

‘ o r S ilu ria th e n o f th e e —4 t Silura , , la d Silur s hat

’ w r r r is o t a es . o su lu s e o S u lu ce , S u h l Mal ry s , ,

e m s e of th e re S orlin u es b e n o t r ini c nt F nch g , if it

' T h m n Scilly m u s t rem ain unide ntiﬁed . e ﬁrst e

o of is th o o f o e e e ti n it in e hist ry La C t Mal Tail , wh e re it is said that Sir Lance lo t and th e dam s e l Ma ledis a n t (afte rward s kn own as Bien pen sa n t)

Of Lyon n esse an d C am eliard 41

' rod e forth a great while until th ey came to th e

f th ou of S u rlu s e t e e t e bo rde r o e c nty , and h r h y

' “ found a fair village with a s tron g b ridg e lik e a

te e e e e s o t i n fo rtres s . A la r r f r nc h ws tha it was a n d ab out Co rnwall that th e knigh ts we re at thi s tim e staying and s eeking adventure s with th e “ king ; and th e riding fo rth a gre at while to th e ” b o rde r of th e country of S u rlu s e wo uld ﬁt i n

' with th e idea that Co rnwall and Sci lly we re n ot

' t e e th e s ea o me o f th e h n divid d by , but f r d part

~ ‘

om of o e s e . wh o is kingd Ly nn s Sir Tristram , e s e o e e t was s o th s ntially a Ly nn ss knigh , ught in e country o f S u rlu s e wh e n h e had vanish e d during

’ th e p e ri o d o f King Mark s tre ache ry ; and the re

s eem s n o o o . es s e d ubt that , th ugh an acc ibl part h of . t e om wa s o s kingd , it a c n ide rable di s tance

e s . s om e o u t . o f h away , and p rhap what t e beate n “ ” Ga la h a lt th t . e e rack Sir , haut princ , was its

e h e . e o e to th e rul r , and was r s rt d by knights ; but “ we a re di s tinctly to ld that th e which country ” wa s w th e of t f ithin lands King Ar hur , and or that re a s o n S ir Ga la h a lt c ould n ot eve n arrange a

’ o s o o s o e e s j u t with ut btaining his v r ign co ns e nt .

Ga la h a lt o a s Again , Sir was kn wn Sir Ga la h a lt ” of th e o s e m s f L ng I l s , which ad it o a fair d e

o ee ot o it ducti n , and s ms n with ut s s igniﬁcance in

s m thi argu ent . 42 T h e Lost Lan d of Ki n g Arthur

T h e e o t e e to . guard d M un , d dicat d St

e o e oo s th e o h e Micha l , v rl k l ng Atlantic wave s , t

e o f e s o s Na m a n wast wat r , and t ward c os and

’ ” Ba o n a s o s m y h ld , and thi Ulti a Thule is thro nged with traditi o n s o f Arthur and h is los t

’ e o . m e o Pe n wa ed o r t rrit ry Gri , cav rn us g , Land s

e o s th e End , with its granit r ck ; Lizard , and

e e th e t to a re to e P nzanc , las wn in England , all s r d with th e s e old m em o ri e s ; and th e wave s ﬂ oo ding th e bay s te ll o f that y ounge r tim e ove r which

e e s s is h o e hangs p rp tual hadow . Thi t e Ly nn sse

’ of e o m h T nnys n s i agining , t e

a nd of old u h e a en o m th e a s s L , p v fr by ” ﬁ re to s in in o th e a s s a a in By , k t by g ,

e e o o s o to th e s ea - e wh r l ng hill ck dip d wn lin , wh e r e th e co ast spreads ou t into s hifting treach e r ou s e e th e e s th e sand , and wh r amid dr ary plain * a f r e S ilure s fo ught th eir b ttles o life and fre d om .

e s e e s o m e s At V llan , Arthur laught r d any Dan that th e m ill n e xt day wa s wo rke d with blood

’ “ s o e o f e Land s End till sh ws its Fi ld Slaught r , and by th e c o a s t Arthur and Mo rdre d m e t during

s ome on n es se is iden i ed i h Léo n n ois in Brit By Ly t ﬁ w t ,

a n b u t a s M . dis h h a s oin e d ou t , th e con t y , r Al Wrig t p t tinu ou s re fe ren ces i n th e rom a n ce to ridin g from Lyon n esse to other p a rts of Cornwa ll s h ows th a t Lyo n n esse m n d a nd Cornwa ll were on th e sa e la . Of Lyon n esse a n d C a m eliard 43

o es e e th e last conﬂict. Ly nn s e may hav includ d

s its om e Armorica a l s o , till rich with inc parabl

' - Fo r traditi o n s and its un s urpa s s e d fo lk s o ng s .

h o e o f o e o nce t e pe pl Brittany , C rnwall , and Wal s , s th e s m e o e s e pe aking practically a t ngu , lavi h d all the ir p oe tic we alth up o n th e Arthurian cycle o f

e e o m e th e t com l g ndary hist ry , clai d knigh s in m on e s m to o e th e o e , and ach till clai s p ss ss m r

’ e s o es t e om e famo u s s hrin e s . M rlin f r t hus b c s a part of Ly onn e ss e ; J oyous Gard (a s we shall pre s en tl s e s b e o tt e y e) can till f und in Bri any , inst ad o f o e o s e of b e N rthumb rland ; and Aval n , in t ad ’ s e o t o e e s ing a pilgrim r s r in S m rs t , is an i land o ff th e o o s ee m om th e Bret n c ast , n di ly fr wild m oo o e o e rland c untry , str wn with d lm ns , and

e o to o of e r aching d wn a sh re silv ry sands . Be “ twee n th e o rang e - c o lo ure d r ocks th e s ea ru s h e s up in dee p blue and brilliant gree n waves of inde m s cribable transpar e ncy . On a brigh t sum e r day th e o s e e is ‘ o n e of s e wh le c n un p akable radiance . D elightful little walks wind r o und th e we s te rn

e e e o e o s o f o e h adland , wh r m r gr up r ck app ar , as we ird and fanta stic a s th e And acro ss th e s tr etch of azure s ea li e s th e dim isle t which

’ Breton lege nd a ﬂi rm s is Kin g Arthur s re sting

e w co e th e e o e of place . Wh n e nsid r Fr nch s urc s

’ N orth - W s t Fra n . Ha e s e ern ce . A . J C . r 44 T h e L ost L an d of Kin g Arth ur th e s to o m e b eof e e a n Ma hi ry c pil d y G fr y , Wac , d p, th e reas o nabl en es s o f be li eving that Avalo n wa s at ﬁrst l ocate d in Brittany b ecom e s a t o nce a p e th e o e is t par nt , and w nd r tha in this and many o th e r ca s e s th e tran s fe re nce o f th e s ce n es to Eng land s h o uld h a Ve bee n s o co m pl e te or that Eng li s h equival ents sh o uld have been s o re adily acce pte d . T h e m o re obscure name s of place s Wo uld d o ubt l e s s b e id entiﬁ e d if th e s earch w e re m o re a s s id u ou s t th e in Brittany than in Bri ain , and if o riginal Breto n n om enclature; we re u s e d a s a

s . s am s e t e ot a t e t a re basi Tri tr , I ul , and Lanc l l as

th e e o e of th e om e s French , and pr vailing t n r anc in which th ey ﬁgure is Fre nch ; we m ust loo k to * Brittany fo r s o m e part of th e scen e ry . At vari o u s tim e s it h a s bee n state d that Sir Lance

’ ’ o o wa s o e O e l o t s J y us Gard n n th r than Alnwick ,

' r l Ba mb orOu h e o m e o e s e g Castl , in N rthu b rland ,

e e om th e e a structur which dat s fr y ar 554, and

I l es t don c con sta nt qu e la ch eva le rie prit n a iss a n ce ” en B e a n e s a s Em e S ou ves tre e t b i a de ou r t g , y il , y r ll t t mie s oém es ch e a e es u es u en s on écl a t ; qu e les pre r p v l r q f r t

c i s en l a n u e ce i u e . Les monu men s le s a di ion s é r t g lt q t , tr t , ’ l es n o m s les i n dica ion s d es u s a n cie ns a u eu s s a ccord , t pl t r e n t p ou r fa ire d e l a Breta gn e la p a trie d e tou t cc m on de

h e a e es u e et ée u e don u s a d le T a sse x et c v l r q f riq t , pl t r , ’ ” l Arios te ti rérent ta nt d e p a rti . Of Lyonn esse an d C a melia rd 45

* m a y have b een . th e s ite o f an e arli e r s tro ngh o ld .

e o e o t o f But why Sir Lanc l t , a Br t n Knigh

’ t o o e e o s a re o e to Ar hur s C urt , wh s xpl it c nﬁn d

’ o e e th e o t e o o o f Ly nn ss , s u h rn p rti n King Arthurs

e o s o e s e o e t rrit ry , h uld hav had his ca tl l cat d in th o t ot b e e e e es s we s o e n r h cann d t rmin d , unl far revi s e o u r o pini ons as to cr e dit (a s s om e have d o n e) th e e xi s te n ce of a Scotch knight of that

m t o f oo to o m e fo r na e . Ins ead l king N rthu b rland

’ e o s s o o e e o to Sir Lanc l t tr ngh ld , _ and nd av uring

e Ba mb orou h a s h is e s e e n ot id ntify g r id nc , why

t to e h is e a n d turn straigh way Franc , nativ l , and

' ‘ e s u ch fa cts a s a re e e to b e o ? T h e acc pt th r , f und chr o nicle of Malory it s e lf says that J oy ous Gard “ ” w e o th e fo r s t of a s ove r s ea . B y nd e Lande r n e au m a y s till b e s e en th e traditi onal s ite o f

h e d e o e s e - h n a C at au la J y u Garde, wit an a ci ent gateway and a Go thic vault of th e twe lfth ce ntury

e r maining . H e re at l e as t we ﬁnd th e name ; th e

e o e t h e s o t a s o Br t n r gards p that which Lance l t , th e e o cla im ed a Br t n knight , s his own ; and th e

' ' Ba mb Orou h a g s e , s a s o es sor u o s wa s th e C tl y Pr f B rr w , “ ' cen re of th e n i dom of Br n eck or e n icia . I n ou n d t K g y , B r f in it th e n g A gles en cou ntered a d etermin ed opp osition a t th e h a n ds o f a i is h ch ie n a me d h h Br t f Art u r . W eth er h e is th e s a m e a s th e h u of S ou h - es e n i a in o r Art r t W t r Br t , wh e h e h t r t e e xploits of o n e h a ve b een tra n s ferred by legen d ” to th e ‘ oth er is s i u n de di , t ll r s pu te . 46 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Arthur sce n e is in that Arm o rica fro m which th e o rigi nal

o s or e e e e oo traditi n s prang , , at l ast , wh r th y t k * e s oo . o to o o arli e t r t In additi n J y us Gard , Brit tany b oasts o f its Tristan Island in th e Bay o f “ o e e m e e th e s t d e s Leo D uarn n z , na d aft r Tri an nai s wh o wa s th e rival o f King Mark . King

too th e o s Mark , in riginal , ignifying

o s e o m e e s e o f h is o e e h r , and s na d b cau p int d ars), h a s own o fo r o to e o his l cality , acc rding Br t n l ege nd h e wa s n ot rule r of Co rnwall but o f P10

’ e e e to th e e s o f marc h , which plac li s a littl a t ” s D o uarn e n ez and co ntain s th e ruins of h i palace .

Re s e m o th e But nan ju tly inquir d , if Ar rica saw of th e e h ow th we birth Arthurian cycl , was it at faile d to ﬁnd th e re any trace s o f th e nativity ? C a melia rd is a tract in s ome res p e cts n ot s o

to eﬁ e or o e o e s s e T h e hard d n l cat as Ly nn . town

’ o f e o e e o is t Br ckn ck , thr e mil s fr m which Ar hur s

ee m to e e o n e of its o e Hill , s s hav mark d b rd rs ,

its n ow s o e e and capital was a undi c v rabl city ,

’ C a ro h a is s o e e . Rit n be li ev s that Arthur s king d om o n ot e ee o e e h e is c uld hav b n c nsid rabl , and di s p os e d to grant h im th e l o rdship o nly ove r

e o o e s s om e o D v n and C rnwall , with p rhap e t rrit ry

A ccordi ng to Vi lle m a rqu é th e n a me o f La n ce lot is a ' ra n s a on of h a o f th e e sh h e o a e wh o exh s th e t l ti t t W l r M l , ibit u es a na o h th e a n ce lo of th e en ch roma n ces f ll t l gy wit L t Fr .

8 T h e ost an of i n t 4 . L L d K g Ar hur

Ce rdic and his son Cym ric for twenty y ears fo und it im p os sible to break through th e fo re s t di s trict s

e s t of th e o o m e h w Av n , which f r d t e o utwo rk o f th e Briti s h fo rce s ; and we m a y alm o st take it fo r grante d that at on e tim e th e wh o le - o f th e w est

’ o wa s o e e om c untry in Arthur s p w r , a lin fr Lid dle s d a le in th e n o rth to th e s o uth e rn e xtrem ity o f

o es e ta kfn m e e s Ly nn s , g in Cu b rland , Wal (and

e S ffo e o s e e o p rhaps ta rdshir and Shr p hir ), D v n and

o o th e o . C rnwall , r ughly marking b undary But his rep orte d e xcur s i o n s n o rth o f th e Tre nt and to th e e ast Co unti es wo uld al s o le ad to th e infe rence that fo r s om e tim e th e tribe ove rran th e m aj o r part of th e o e e we o for th e c untry . H nc can acc unt large numbe r of s catte re d m e m o rials of th e m o n

o in o f th t o s e arch f und all parts e land , h ugh up r s tition m a y have attache d h is nam e to many places whe re h e wa s abs o lute ly unkn own .

’ s S e s o r o o . e a re to Arthur at , Qu its , ab und Th y

in o o e s th e b e fo und b o th N rth and S uth Wal , and nam e s eem s to have be e n give n to any r ock o r co mm anding s ituati o n which in th e p o pular fancy

e s e th e o o e wa s ﬁt to b ear it . In Angl y , in w d d

f L w lia rth s e o f th e o gro unds o l y , a at Ll yd family ,

o o e th e o e C hwf is e a r cking , st n , fam us Ma n , call d

’ ’ e e in Gla m o r an Arthur s Qu oit. C fn Bryn ridg g s e o e e o is o e hir , an imp sing l vati n , cr wn d with a Of Lyon n esse a n d C a m elia rd 4 9 c om e o e e t m e o s s r l ch , t g th r wi h nu r u cairn and

’

m . T h e om e o a s s S o e tu uli cr l ch , kn wn Arthur t n , is a m a s s of m ill s ton e g rit fo urtee n fee t long and s e e ee two c e ee e s s o v n f t in h s d p , and r t up n a m ﬁ nu be r o f uprig ht s uppo rte rs e ach ve fee t high .

the e s s s om e is e In W l h Triad thi cr l ch , which n ar th e n e o o Re n old s ton e to s e tur pik r ad fr m y Swan a , ” is e to a s th e s o e o f S kett allud d big t n y , and it

o e ranks a s o n e o f th e wo nde r s of Wale s . An th r s s o e is to b e o oc s s e e uch t n f und in M ca pari h , H r fo rds h ire th e o m e s s e e e e e , cr l ch in thi ca b ing ight n

e e o e ee o e e ee th ic k f t l ng , nin f t br ad , and tw lv f t ,

e and s uppo rte d o rig inally by e le v n upright pillars . T h e c o l os s al king wa s to have c o l o s sal m o nu

e o e h a s m m ents . Br ckn ckshir s eve ral i p os ing f m e m o rial s o Arthur . Five m ile s s o uth of Bre co n

s e th e e s o f th e m o e ri twin p ak untain rang , and

’ m s th ey a re de s ig nate d Arthur s Chair . A a s ive Briti s h cro m le ch adj o ining th e park of Moc ra s ’ h f C o urt is calle d Arthur s Tabl e . On t e e dg e o Go s s m o o r th e r e is a larg e s to n e up o n which a re m e s s e m s es e m o o e - s i pr d ark r bling f ur h rs h oe s . Traditi o n a s s e rt s that th e s e m ark s we r e m ade by th e h o r s e King Arthur r od e wh e n h e r es ide d at

n h Ca s tl e D eni s and hunte d o t e m oo rs . B e twee n

o e is oe e M ld and D nbig h M l Arthur , an anci nt

s o e e e two t es of t Briti h f rt , d f nd d by di ch gre a 4 50 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Ar thur

A Rh u th n th e d e pth . t y (Ruthin) in vicinity King Arthur is s aid to have b eh eade d his e n emy Hu a il

o e to om e e . T h e e o m (H w l), wh Gildas r f rs r c rd ight b e e e e e e o n o m e xt nd d ind ﬁnit ly , th ugh valid argu nt

f h T h e can b e bas e d upon any o t e facts . indis

’ criminate u s e o f Arthur s nam e o ften sh o ws an e xtravagance of imaginati o n and a reckles s d is re

t e e o gard of what is appropriate . B e w n M ld and

R fo r s t e is e s o e uthin , in anc , Ma n Arthur , a t n which p opular fancy h a s adjudge d to b ear th e h ’ e xact i m pre s s i o n o f th e h oo f o f t e king s s tee d . Th e re is s o m ething like s ub s tantial reas on fo r b e li eving that th e Briti s h h e ro wa s c onn ecte d

o m o e e o e with M n uth , Cardiff , and v n with D v r , and e ith e r th e Arthur o f th e S ilure s o r an o th e r — British chi e f s ee m s to have re ach e d Carli s le that is th e o es n ot o e C a rd oile , if chr nicl did c nfus with

r T h e um e s two C a d u el . C brian Arthur ﬁgur in “ ” c e s T h e e o f Ga wa in e an i nt ballad , Marriag ,

“ ’ T h e Bo th e e e o s and y and Mantl , whil Sc tt

oem o f h is o s e is o f p Arthur and C urt at Carli l ,

o e too e o to e e o e e e c urs , w ll kn wn n d m r than a r f r

th e m e o f e s e wa s o e nce . In ti Ba da Carli l kn wn a s Lu u b a lia e o o e m e g , which nam by c rrupti n b ca

e . T h e s e e s o e o m e Lu l Briti h pr ﬁx Ca r , a t n f rt , ad

th e m e e - e a s s c wa s o na Ca r Lu l , and u h it l ng

o . I t e e e t to a rliol kn wn gradually d g n ra ed in C , Of Lyon n esse a n d C a m eli a rd 51

th e e and ﬁnally becam e Carli s le . That anci nt city sh o uld have be com e co nfus ed with Cae rl e o n is

’ Y et o e o natural and e xplicable . Arthur s c nn cti n with a p o rti o n o f th e n o rth is s trongly insisted

n ow s h e o o n . Wh e re Wigan stand f ught a

e o s e es o e fam ous battle . P ndrag n Ca tl in W tm r land claim s h im a s its fo unde r ; and pas s ing by ea s y s tag es we ﬁnd o urs elve s c onfro nted with a

om o th e s N o rthumbrian Arthur . Fr this p int tran i

' is e m e e s th e low tio n to S cotland its e lf xtre ly a y , land part of that co untry be ing claime d as th e

m r ve ri table C a elia d .

o to n o m e o we m s e e Acc rding an auth rity , u t l av England e ntir e ly and s e arch in th e N o rth alo ne

’ fo r th e s e s n ot o o f s e s it , nly King Arthur battl , but fo r all th e place s co nn e cte d with h is e xplo its

h i o is e o and s resid e nce . Bad n th n f und in Lin lith ows h ire o e th e e e g at B wd n Hill , and gr at battl o f A r e r dd is o e e Li l s a l d y l cat d at Arthur t in dd e d e . T h e S c o tch Me rlin an d th e S co tch Lan c e lo t a re

’ th e s c om o s S o i king pani n , and a c tch Gilda s s th T h e hi s to rian . e re s ting place o f Avalo n is

e o th e c e s o f th e o s th n f und in av rn Eild n Hill , and

th e vo ice to r o u s e h im fr o m h is charm e d sleep

“ ’ will ech o thro ugh th em and p e al pro ud Arthur s m ” A arch from fairyland . s a c uri o u s fact it m a y b e m ention ed that n early all th e h eroe s of th e 52 T h e L ost L a n d of K in g Ar thur

F o ur Anci ent B oo ks o f Wales a re traced to

o m e th e e Sc tland , and ad itt dly in Arthurian leg nd th e Briti s h king wa s conn e cte d with a s n o rth e rn a place as th e Orkn ey s by th e m arriag e of h is o th e o f os e s s i s te r t king th i land s . Of King

th e o e e s Arthur , Sc tch ballad rud ly t ll that wh e n “ h e h e e e s ruled that land rul d it lik a win e . T h e

f wa h f m V s o o th e s t e e s o o e s . t ry king div r i n Ja , wh o m a y hav e kn own that Dru m m elz ia r o n th e Tw ee d co uld bo as t o f a H o ly Th o rn like Gla s ton

’ e e wa s a n s e o n th e bury , that th r Arthur Ov n ’ o e t e e e s s e u l Carr n n ar Falkirk , and tha Guin v r p

e wa s e e S m o e . chr at M igl in trath r Edinburgh , o r e is os e e e s e e a s th e s e Agn t , p itiv ly r pr nt d it

e e th e s t e o f e s s oo th e o wh r Ca l Maid n t d , and li n

’ s hap e d Arthur s Hill is suppo s e d to conﬁrm th e traditi o n that h e re th e king abo d e and m ade h is * m His o m is o e o u t e s e n a e . t b p int d in P rth hir , and all th e m a c hin e ry o f th e rom ance s is claim e d

n o T h e m e s o f a s ofS cotch o rigin a d inv e nti n . na

a re e s o t l ocaliti e s trac d , and by tran p rting Ar hur bo ldly to th e L owland s we acco unt m o re e a s ily fo r h is rapid incursi on s into N o rthumbe rland and o f th e o o o f th e e we o c untry n rth Tr nt , if cann t

“ ’ Arth u r s sea t m a y b e b u t a n a d a pta tion of th e ” a e ic Ard - n a - sa id or th e h ei h of th e a o s . G l , g t rr w Of Lyon n esse an d C a m eli a rd 53

. fo r h is e qually rapi d j ourn e ys to D ove r and

Alm s es bu ry and Winch e te r . Are n ot th e inte rchange ability o f nam e s and th e du plic ati o n o f p e rs o n s and place s susceptible of a

e s m e e a o ? e eo o r C a rd u el v ry i pl xpl nati n Ca rl n , ,

' wa s o s e s e c c s el c nfu d with Carli l , a h in it f a ﬁtting and like ly plac e fo r Arthurian e xplo its; th e h is toria n s we re gri e vo u s ly m i s le d a s to Winch es te r

- and th e part it occupi e d in th e ro mance s ; a nd we kn ow n ow that vari ou s c o ntradicti on s s im ply aros e fro m th e co nfu s i o n in th e mind s of th e

o e s who e e s eem e to e ee e chr nicl r , n v r d hav b n quit c e rtain wh e th e r Cale do nia and Calyd o n we re n ot o n e th e s m e e e m e o wa s o r and a , wh th r Ca l t inland

‘ ’ th e s ea e e o o s wa s few s by , wh th r J y u Gard a day

’ o r fe w m o s o e om o e e a nth j urn y fr C rnwall , wh th r

e o wa s o r e s e Cam l t in England in Wal , wh th e r

’ “ Arthur s own e ca s te ll at Tintage l c ould b e “ e e om o o o r r ach d by riding all night fr L nd n ,

e e o e e wa s o o r wh th r Ly nn ss C rnwall Brittany . A hundre d t o p ographical com pl e xiti e s m ee t u s

e e e we loc k th e s o e o wh r v r , and l c nclu s i o n o f th e matte r is that Ge offrey and h is s ucces s o r s in e x trica b l m e o e s y ix d Sc tch , W l h , and Arm o ric d e tails b oth in regard to th e s torie s and th e l o cal

T h s m n iti e s . e hi to rian s ade o e ffo rt to b e con 54 T h e Lost L a n d of Kin g Arthur

e t t o to e o e o t c to sist n in h e ir allusi ns , r c ncil c n radi ry s e e or to o fo r n e o f tat m nts , acc unt abrupt cha g s

m S - th e sce n e fro th e o uth We s t to e N o rth . Whil

’ th ey e nde avour ed to c o ncentrate Arthur s king d om in S o uth Wale s and Cornwall th ey made o o ee to e ccasi nal sw ps B rwick and Edinburgh , and annihilated th e distance b etwe en D ove r and Car

e e s lisle . T o add to th e confusi o n the re w re nam , e s pecially in th e L owlands of Sco tland and in th e

e o f of th e e t o W st England , e sam d riva i n , and , as

. e e e m o s e is e s to Mr Gl nni has d n trat d , it as a y

o e e o eo o or e disc v r a Cal d nian Caerl n , Aval n , Cam lot as it is to di s cove r any o f them in th e di s trict

a m elia rd T h e o f th e o nce called C . e unrav lling

e e m e o e m o e e e sk in , which b ca m r and r ntangl d as n o e th e om e s n ow o t ew hands d eve l p d r anc , is alm s

’ s own e an im p os s ibility . Arthur nam was

it ee fﬁ e h e change d , and has b n a rm d that is still

o e Arth u riu s o f e c nfus d with Gw nt , and with o th e rs o f like nam e wh o we re di s tinct p e r s o n s . T h e co nclu s i o n o f th e wh ol e matte r m ust b e that nam es in th e ro mance s a re a s o urce o f e rro r and confu s i on ; that diffe rent s ig n iﬁca n ces we re a t ta c h e t e th e o e t em e e d o th m by chr nicl rs h s lv s , and that if th e truth b e eve r e s tablishe d to tally n ew m eanings may b e e xpecte d . Le t m e h e re give o n e in s tance o f pos sibl e c on

56 T h e Lost Lan d of Kin g Arthur

Cam e lo t wa s Winch e s te r at once chan g e s th e m wh o le argu m e nt . Di s regarding thi s i s le ading e xplanati o n we ﬁnd that Arthur wa s o n h is way to m e o o m o n e o f h is o m e o Ca l t fr C urts , and if Ca l t was in S om e rs e t s hire it is m o s t like ly that Cam e l

o o b o n e o f th e e m e f rd w uld e int r diate s tages .

' But th e im po rtance o f th e wh o le conte nti on is thi s : As to lat a s fre qu ently m enti o n e d in co nn e c ti on with th e faire maide Elain e and Sir Lance

’

o s o e s o e e o e is s o e e . l t w rthi t l v pis d , undi c v rabl T h e nam e is unkn o wn o utsid e romance ; and “ though we a re assure d that it is n ow in Engli s h ” e o n o o b e o fo r th e call d Gilf rd , auth rity can f und

s e o . e s es o e as rti n B id , Guildf rd in Surr y was rath e r bey o nd th e bo rde rs o f th e British King d o m e e o c s o e s o s to , v n g ranting c a i nal xcur i n Mid

o s n n dle s e x and Ke nt . But if Guildf rd we re y o y m m e o a s th e e o e ts o u s with Ca lf rd , d rivati n p rmi u s to e e e e s o wa s o e o e th b li v , th n A t lat n n th r an

m e o a d o e e e a re t o e Ca lf rd , n at nc th r ligh and rd r whe re fo rm e rly pre vaile d ob c rity an d co nfu s i o n .

o e o o m e o is o An th r p int w rth nti n that , alth ugh traditi on m arks Cam e lford a s th e actual sce n e o f

m o t e e s th e s o i p rtan v nt in Arthurian hi t ry , and

o o its s o its o m to alth ugh fr m ituati n , pr xi ity Tin

e its s ee s e to b e o e tag l , and t p hill uitabl cr wn d by

’ a baro n s castle such a s Sir B e rnard o f As tolat Of Lyo n n esse a n d C a m elia rd 57

o s s es e we m a s e s m s e it wa s e p s d , y af ly ur i that w ll

to th e e e - o e s e t th e kn own v r j urn ying knight , y actual nam e o f Cam e lfo rd is n eve r m e nti o ne d in

wa s f o - o o th e chro nic l es ; As it o Angl Sax n rigin , this o m i s s i o n would e a s ily b e acco unt e d fo r in th e e e e o s e s o wa s th e t arli st r c rd , whil if A t lat radi tio n a l nam e it is at o nce cle ar h ow it c ould e qually

We b e appli e d to Cam e lford and to Guildfo rd . mus t o f co ur s e re m em be r that wh e re th e c h ron i cle rs th ems e lve s s o ught to e lucidate they too o fte n confus e d ; th e ﬁ n g e r- p o sts th ey s et up have starte d m o e r e o e th e any up n w a y and fruitl ss j urn ys , and guidance o ffe re d with s uch co nﬁde nce turns ou t m os om m o to th m t c nly b e e m o st rando o f gues s e s .

o e e we m a e th e e s If , h w v r , y plac slight t crede nce “ th e o n w in Ast lat , which is o in English calle d ” o a s m c b e f ‘ Gilf rd , u h can s aid or Gilford b e “ Ga folford o r m e o fo r e ing Ca lf rd , as its b ing “ G ld efo rd o r T h y Guildfo rd . e stretch o f low

e e e o n e e s e of th e m e h lying l v l ﬁ lds ith r id Ca l , t e s - e e s th e e th e e e harp p ak d hill in distanc , dark m r s

o th e s th am ng hill , and e angry s ea lashing again s t th e o s s e e o r two r ck vi ibl a mil away , all acco rd

’ th e s e e o f e with typical c n ry King Arthur s r alm , m and ake u s n o t unwilling to be lie ve that fam ou s

o e e to b e o Ast lat was h r f und .

e is o e Wh n all t ld , wh n all th e s earching is 58 T h e L ost L a n d of K in g Arthur

e e it o m - nd d , is f und that s o e half d oze n places only s tand ou t pre - em in e nt fro m th e h ost o f l ocal iti es in th e We s t in e ach o f which o nly a s ingl e s e e d s eems to have ge rm inated ; and th es e half

o e e s e th e s e s of th e e o d z n plac , lik la t citad l h r , re si s t e ve ry e ffo rt and a s s ault o f th e invad e r to

h r iti n di s lodg e t e t a d O s o f Arthur . I have n ot a t te e to e s o o f e s e e s mpt d writ a hi t ry th plac , but o nly to say s om ething o f th e ir a s pect to - day and of th e chi e f eve nt s and anci e nt traditi ons linked N w with th eir nam e s . o and again I m e nti o n facts of late r date fo r th e purp o s e o f sh owing that the s e fam o u s s p o ts have c o ntinu e d to b e th e c entre s o f activity and co nn e cte d with gre at characte rs ; but in th e m ain I co nﬁn e my s e lf to th e lege nd s o f Arthur and to th e epi s o de s o f

T o e m m e chivalry . have att pted o re wo uld hav e e n o t o m o e o e e e o ntail d nly a far r c mpr h nsiv w rk , but th e treatme nt o f th e subj ect in a m o re T h sci e ntiﬁc spirit than is h e re di s play e d . e ob j ect has bee n to d e al rath e r with th e romantic

e th e e for th e ee sid than with t chnical , which d p s ch o lar s hip o f a Rhy s o r a M ulle r alon e can b e

h is e e to em s e o t e qualiﬁcatio n . It n c ssary pr i als that o f th e m o s t con s picuo u s Arthurian localiti e s

n o thing b u t th e bare traditi o n can b e re cord e d . ' Of Lyon n esse a n d C a m elia rd 59

o ' e s is e s e b u t That traditi n liv and ch ri h d , its o rigin is undiscove rabl e : T h e s a p linge rs in th e

es th e oo s a re e c e os . branch , but r t d ta h d and l t

T h e e s e eve e e e e a re e l g nd is pr ad rywh r , but th r n T h e s t th o v e riti es . vi ito r o e Arthurian s ce n e s ﬁnd s n o thing but e ponym ous nam es and s up e r s tition s — ee th e e e e e e e s ind d , vid nc pr s nt l ad him t He o o th e r co nclu s i o n s than thos e h e s ee ks .

o s for s e m m e h e s l o k a Briti h nca p nt , and ﬁnd a

o s t- o h e o o s for e of t p R man ; l k a r lic Ar hur , and h n f is s e ﬁnd s o e o Ant oninus . What pe r iste ntly

to th e s e o o r o e h is ascribed Briti h h r , ass ciat d with

m es is e e e o r is e o e ti , ith r intangibl irr c ncilabl with

s s e s h e is s to e e e xi s ting fact . Ca tl aid hav inhabit d

e e e e s e h is e e e w r built c nturi aft r d ath , and th r can o nly rem ain th e free s pe culati o n that th ey mark th e site o f a fo rm e r structure o f which n o trace

em s of n S r ain and which o reco rd wa s made . p o t s

’ a re e t s e o r h is s e which call d King Ar hur grav , at , o r h is i - o o r h is m e e h e hunt n g g r und , ca p , n ith r n o rh is o e e s o e e e ee band , it ft n happ n , c uld v r hav b n W f e . e oo o r e o s w o n ar l k p rs n , and e ﬁnd a cr wd of phantom s ; we e ag e rly watch fo r de m on s tra

o s we m e we o e to s ee ti n , and ﬁnd yth and fabl ; h p th e e e o f s to we e cl ar pag hi ry , and ﬁnd a pag that

r Re is und eciph e rable o blo tte d with s hadow s . 6 0 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Ar thur

o a re ef e s o s o e e th e c rds fac d , ng and t ry d lud , track

’ to m e e s truth is al o st cl o s ed . Ev rything crumbl

’ to th e o e e e e s o e in dust at t uch , lik Guin v r g ld n

o is n ow e th e e hair , and n thing l ft but pur

m om of ro ance . And s e us may b e conte nt and alm ost glad to have it s o . CHAPTER I II

OF ARTHUR T HE KING AND MERLIN T HE ENCHANTER

No ma e hen ce we d o deri e ou r n a m e tt r w v , ’ All i a n s h a l in o f e i n s a me Br tt y l r g M rl f , i An d won de r a t h s Arts . M li s T h e Birth o er n Act . c . iv. f , III

He by word es co u ld ca ll ou t o f th e s ky o h s u n n e a n d m oo n e a n d m a e h e m h im o e B t , k t b y ; h e a n d to s ea a n d s ea to m a in e l a n d d r T l , y , An d d a rk so m e n igh t h e ek e cou ld tu rn to d a y h a to h is d a for te ro o f h is a m e T t t y , r r f T h e feen d e s d o q u a ke wh en a ny h im to th e m does — n m . n s er a e S pe .

T HE fact that th e nam e Art(h)u s does n ot oc cur in th e Gilda s m anu s cript has led to th e infe re nce that th e king was unkn own to that chro nicle r ; and th e a s sumpti o n that h e is allude d to a s Ursu s (th e B ear) te nds to co nﬁrm th e th eo ry o f th o s e Wh o w o uld a ﬂi rm that h e is n o m o re than a s o lar m m s b e e s oo th f yth . It u t und r t d that e Arthur o

o e a s we n ow o h im wa s e r manc , kn w , a charact r ev e r incr e asing in im portance and prom in ence a s th e hi s t ory wa s re - writte n and elabo rat ed ; a t ﬁrst 6 1 6 2 T h e L ost La n d of Ki n g Arthur

' h e m h e e e e a m in o r a c to i in t dra a , at l ngth b cam th e l eading ﬁgure and th e ce ntre aro und which all

s e e o e T h e t th e o th e r characte r w r gr up d ; Ar hur o f th e hi s to rian N e n n iu s is th e o riginal pe rs o nag e to wh om all th e fam ed attributes hav e bee n a c

e s o c o rde d by subs e que nt writ rs . With much

o o o th e e t o f th e d o ubt and c nfusi n , inv lving id n ity

e it e t e e e o e p e rs o n hims lf , is in vi abl that v n m r d o ubt and co nfusi o n should exi s t wh e n we com e

’ th m o f to d etaile d eve nts . Eve n e na e Arthur s

e r o e m e fath is vari usly giv n , a circu stanc which cau s e d Milto n to qu e sti o n th e v e racity of th e

o e s o th e e o f o f h is wh l hi t ry ; and dat his birth ,

e th e a e h e e o e m e d ath , g at which di d and th r s all r

o e to o e e s s o o . p ints , l ad n thing but ndl c ntradicti n T h e num b e r o f h is battles is vari o usly give n as

twe lve and s e ve nty- s ix ; h e is s aid to have we dd e d n o t o n e but thr e e Guin eve re s (Gwe n h wyva r) ; h is a g e a t d e ath vari e s fro m just o v e r thirty ye ar s to ove r nin ety ; and th e dat e o f th e last battle is

’ 2 or t t m 537 , 54 , King Ar hur s ac ual na e

’ Arthu r s ca ree r h a s been th u s conven ien tly s u mm a rised At th e a g e of ﬁfteen h e s u cceeded h is f ath e r a s K in g o f

Da m n on iu m . He wa s o n in 2 h a d h ee ives of b r 45 , t r w , h o m u i n e e e wa s th e s eco n d a nd wa s e a ed th e w G v r , b tr y by h i d d u i n h is a s ence i n m a d n t r r g b Ar oric . M or red co clu ded ’ a ea u e h h u s ea foe ed ic th e S a on a n d a t l g wit Art r gr t , C r x ; ’ th e a e of n ne a e s e en ea s con in u a wa r th e g i ty , ft r v y r t l , fa mou s kin g wa s defe a ted a t C a m elford in Fu ller

6 4 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Ar thur

If th e Sagas w e re co m pare d with th e Arthurian ro mance s num e ro u s po int s o f r e s e mblance could

b e o . is th e o f th e s o sh wn Olaf Arthur t ry , Gud

th e e e e is th e e e run Guin v r , and Odin M rlin , whil T h e th e city o f Dro n th eim s e rves a s Ca e rl eon . sto ry r eco unting h ow Arthur m agically obtain e d his s wo rd Excalibur ﬁnd s an e xact paralle l in th e

’ to of m o s s s on e e th e s ry Sig und , V l ung ; and v n * e m em o f th e o is n ot fo r th e bl drag n lacking , in

’ sto ry o f th e V o l s ung we le arn that S ig u rd s s e o e th e m e o f m o s e hi ld b r i ag that n t r , and with

s - e m e wa s o e e m eve n uch lik i ag ad rn d h l , and ” - e o m o . m s b e saddl , and c at ar ur But again it u t

’ re m em be r ed that Arthur s kingdom is re p o rted to e e e e to e s e th e hav xt nd d Ic land it lf ; in fact , bo und s o f h is king do m w e re o nly s e t by th e chro nicle r s wh e re th eir own d eﬁnite g e og raphical kn owl e dg e e nd e d . “ We cann o t bring within any li m its o f h is o S e h a s o e s t ry , Sir Edward trach y pr p rly aid ,

th e e e s e e s ee e o e e v nt which h r ucc d ach th r , wh n th e o s o m m o s of e th e L rd and C n England , aft r

o f e . s s s e m e d eath King Uth r at St Alban , a bl d at h e e te s o f o o e th e t gr a t church L nd n , guid d by

s mo e in hi s His tor o th e Ord er o th e C a rter d e A h l , y f f , cla es h a i n a dd i ion to th e d a on in h u a ced r t t , t r g , K g Art r pl

eo e o h is a n n e . th e pictu re o f S t. G rg n b r Of Arthur an d Me rlin 6 5

j o int po licy of th e ma g ician M e rlin and th e

o o f e e e e Chri s tian bish p Cant rbury , and l ct d

Arthur to th e thro n e ; wh en Arthur m ade - Cae r

eo or m e o or o h is e e s l n , Ca l t , b th , h adquart r in a

o e s th e o war against C rnwall , Wal , and N rth , in which h e was victo ri ous by th e h elp o f th e King o f France ; wh e n h e m et th e dem and for tribute by th e R oman Em p e ro r Lucius with a c ounte r claim to th e empire for him s e lf as th e re al re pre

s e n ta tiv of o e e m e e C nstantin , h ld a parlia nt at

o to m e th e e e s s e e s Y rk ak n c ary arrang m nt , cro s s e d th e s e a from Sandwich to Ba rﬂete in

e s m et th e e o e s of th e o s Fland r , unit d f rc R man

S e s e th e e m e o and arac n in Burgundy , sl w p r r in

e e o e e e th e S ow a gr at battl , t g th r with his alli s ,

of S th e of th e o f dan yria , King Egypt , and King

o s e t e o es to th e e e Ethi pia , n th ir b di S nat and P o de s ta o f R o m e as th e o nly tribute h e wo uld

e o o e o e th e m o pay , and th n f ll w d v r untains

o om s to om e e e thr ugh L bardy and Tu cany R , wh r h e wa s o e e m e o th e o e o o e cr wn d p r r by P p , s j urn d

e e m e e e th th r a ti , stablish d all e land s fro m R om e

o e e s e m int Franc , and gav land and r al s unto his

’ s e s a nd s o e e m rvants and knight , r turn d h o e to

e e h e ee s e e o England , wh r s m th nc f rth to have d evo te d hims e lf wh olly to hi s duti e s a s th e h e ad ” o f o o Christian knighth d . 6 6 T h e L o st Lan d of Kin g Arthur

i th e m o s o s o f e th e o s s This s e v ry n tr ity fabl , g r n e s s o f whic h carri e s with it its own c o n d e m n a

o . e s e s o e e a re n ot e o ti n Th fact , h w v r , insist d up n

o o s m s fo r e e by Mal ry , th ugh uch clai Arthur w r m ad e by th e cr e dulo u s and le s s s crupul o u s write rs .

o m e h a s e e em o e e h is e R anc ntir ly r d ll d charact r , and h a s ﬁlle d in all th e gap s in h is life - s to ry in that trium phant m ann e r in which C e ltic g e niu s

i T h e e is m anife s t s ts p owe r . e l g ndary Arthur

h m o e e s o f e mad e to r e ali s e t e s ubli e pr ph ci M rlin , and a s th os e pro ph eci e s wax e d m o re bo ld and arr ogant in th e c o urs e o f ag es th e pro po rti o ns o f

e th e h e ro we re m ag niﬁ e d to s uit th e m . M rlin had ch e ri s h e d th e h op e o f th e co m ing o f a vic to rio u s c hi e f und e r wh o m th e C e lts s h o uld b e

e th e s e Ard e r d d e th e unit d , but laug ht r at y wh n

e s fo u h t ' e a c h o e m os e s o e rival trib g th r , al t d tr y d

s e e e s th e all s uch as pirati on . N ev rth l s pro ph e t fo re to ld th e co ntinuance o f di s c o rd am ong th e

s es th e e of e oe s o m e Briti h trib , until chi f h r f r d a

e e o o n e to th e o h is re f d rati n r turning w rld , and p dicti o n co ncl ud e d with th e haunting w o rd s Like th e dawn h e will ari s e fro m h is my s te ri o u s

e e . e s e r tr at Mr . Stuart Gl nni e call M rlin a bar

o m o o f m a dm a n oe o e barian c p und and p t , pr ph t .

e e s h e wa s m er and bard , but d ni that a ythic p

s o m r H e o oe e o . e e ag a p tic cr ati n was , lik Arthur Of Arthur an d M erlin 67

’ m s e t re —m e ae e s o e hi lf , an ac ual p di val p r nag , and , a th e s e of we e n o e o f s in ca Arthur , hav m ans

e h is o h is o - or th e d te rm ining rigin , nati nality ,

f h i s . a s s o l oc a l e o s wande ring But if , Wil n ” n f o e e s o ob s e rve s in o e o his B rd r Tal , traditi n “ is th e fragm e nt which hi s t ory has l eft o r los t

its o es s oe o o in pr gr , and which p try f ll wing in its

e e a s e e s e e o wake h a s gath r d up tr asur , br ath d up n th e m its inﬂue nce and e m balm e d th em in th e ” m es of m n o e e o we a em o ri e unt all g n rati ns , sh ll e xtract a r es iduum o f truth fr om th e fanciful fabl es o f which M e rlin is th e subj ect .

M rd in m s th e e s e is e y E ry , W l h M rlin , claim d

" a s e of B a s s alle o s e to th e a nativ g , an b cur wn in di s trict which li e s be twee n th e rive r Us k and

m e T h fo r Rhy n y . e chi e f auth ority thi s is Ne n nius ; but acco rding to oth e r s th e birthplace wa s

’ m e th e s o m e e s e e Car arth n , at p t ark d by M rlin tr , r egarding which th e proph e cy run s that whe n th e tree tumble s down Carm arth en will b e o ve r

w we wh elm e d with oe . What kn ow of M e rlin

’ ’ in Malo ry s chr o nicle is that h e wa s King Arthur s

e e e e wh o o o chi f advis r , an nchant r c uld bring ab ut m o e e s to om wa s e e e iracul us v nt , and wh d liv r d th e royal babe up o n a ninth wav e o f th e ocean ;

’ o e wh o o e o h is s o e e e h is a pr ph t f r t ld v r ign s d ath , own e th e e of e e fat , and inﬁd lity Guin v re ; a 68 T h e Lost L a n d of Kin g Arthur

o th e o e of th e Ro e th e warri r , f und r und Tabl , and

e wi s e man wh o kn e w all things . Wal s and Scotland alik e claim a s th eir own thi s m o st s trik ing o f th e characters in th e Arthurian story . Brittany als o h olds to th e beli e f that M e rlin wa s th e m o o o e o f h er o st fam us and p t nt s ns , and that his inﬂu ence is still e x erci s e d ove r that regi o n .

e o th e of Matth w Arn ld , gazing at ruins Carnac , s a w fro m th e h e ights h e clamb e re d th e lon e coast o f s et t e e Brittany , tr ching brigh and wid , w ird th e e e th e o ld and still , in suns t ; and r calling

o h e e s e h ow traditi n , d crib d

It la y b eside th e Atla ntic wave ’ As th ou gh th e wiza rd M erlin s Will

Y et ch a rmed it from h is forest gra ve .

T h o e e e e o r e e Sc tch M rlin , M rlin Sylv st r , M rlin th Me rdw n n of th e o f m e Wild , was y haugh Dru

‘ m elz ia r e o e o e e th e , a d lightful l wland r gi n , wh r little s parkling Pa u s a yl burn bicke r s d own b e tw een th e h e ath e r- clad hills until it m ix e s its

is s to e e n wate r s with th e Twe e d . He aid hav tak to th e w oo ds o f Upp e r Twe eddale in r e m o rs e for th e t o f h is e e o is o e e d e a h n ph w , th ugh it m r lik ly that h e l os t h is r e a s o n afte r th e deci s ive d efe at o f th e Cym ry by th e Chri s tians o f th e sixth

S ir e o e o s th e ce ntury . Walt r Sc tt r c rd that in Of Arthur a n d M e rlin 6 9

S cotich ron ic on to o o e e n o h is , which w rk h w v r

o m o e b e is o o t ric i p rtanc can e ascrib d , as it n t ri o u sl e e t o o of a n in y a pri stly inv n i n , is an acc unt t rview e Ke n ti ern Merdw n n e b twixt St . g and y Wyllt wh e n h e wa s in this di s tract ed and mis e r

e T h s e o e to o e t th e abl s tate . e aint nd eav ur d c nv r

e s e to s for h e wa s e - wor r clu Chri tianity , a natur

e a s h is oe m s s o . o m h is m o e of shipp r , p h w Fr d

’ e h e e La iloke n o n th e t lif was call d , and sain s

o h im to e t o h e c mmanding xplain his si uati n , stated that h e was d o ing penance i mp o s e d upo n h im by a vo ic e from h eave n for causing a bloody

Li e l rwa n ol w He c o n co nﬂict between d and C a o . tinu ed to e th e oo s o f e o fre dw ll in w d Cal d n ,

u en tin o o n th e s e o th e q g a f untain hill , nj ying “ c om pani o nship o f h is s iste r Gwen dydd (T h e Dawn and e ve r m using upon h is e arly love

Hu rmle ia n T h e G e o of o e e fre ( l am), b th wh m w r

o e oe quently m e nti n d in his p ms . His fate was a s o ne h a s ee o e f ingular , and b n c nfus d with that o

f He e e th e M e rlin o Arthur . pr dict d that h e

o e o e oo e t e sh uld p rish at nc by w d , ar h , and wat r ,

' and s o it cam e to pass ; fo r be ing pursu e d and — sto n e d by th e ru s tics o th e rs say by th e h e rd s m e n — of th e Lo rd of Lanark h e fe ll from a ro ck int o th e e ee wa s s e s riv r Tw d , and tran ﬁx d by a harp s take 70 T h e Lost La n d of K in g Arthur

S u de erfossu s a ide ercu s su s et u nd a p , l p p , , ae ia rlinu m er u in ir n e m H c tr Me f t r e ce . S ic u e u i m ers u s u e li n o u e reh en su s q r t , q g q p , m l m ” Et fecit va te per tern a pericu a r veru .

T h e grave o f th e Scotch Me rlin is p o inted ou t

D ru m melz ia r e e is m e e at , wh r it ark d by an ag d

- h f h h tho rn tree . On t e eas t side o t e churchyard t e

Pa u s a l o o to th e ee ro y br k falls in Tw d , and a p ph ecy ran thus Wh e n Twe ed and Pa u s ayl

’ o a t e s e S o s j in M rlin grav , c tland and England hall ” we e o o n e m onarch have . And l arn acc rdingly that on th e day o f th e co ronati o n o f Jam e s VI th e Twee d o ve rﬂowe d and j oin ed th e Pa u s a yl at th e

’ T h e e t o f e pr oph et s grav e . pr dic i ns o this M rlin co ntinued for many centuri es to impre s s th e

o h e eem to e e o Sc tch , and s s hav had a r putati n e f m h eo e qua l to that o Th o as t e Rhym e r . G ffr y o f M o nm o uth was th e ﬁrs t to introduce a M e rlin

o th e o m e e e int Arthurian r anc , and wh th r that

e for o o e Merdw n n W llt o r M rlin had a pr t typ y y ,

et e t e e e e o f e s wh h r h r was in r ality a M rlin Wal ,

e m r ains an op e n qu e s ti on . All that can b e said d eﬁnite ly is that sim ilar d eeds a re a s cribed to

o t e o e m b th , hat ach ccupi s a si ilar place am ong his

o em o e t t e s c nt p rari s , tha h ir rhap odical proph eci e s

t e o f th e m e te e par ak sa charac r , and that th ir mys teriou s Bu d eaths have p o ints in common . t it is

Of Arth ur a n d M e rlin 7 1 co nt ende d that th e vo tes o f Vo rtig ern and o f

m o s th e o m o s e Aurelius A br siu , c pani n and advi r

o o f wa s M rdin o f Uth er Pe ndrag n and Arthur , y

m s wh o oo e om s E ry , t k his nam fr Dinas Emry in

f e os e wa s th e e th e . Vale o Wat rs , wh haunt rugg d

o f o o wh o e o of h e ights Sn wd n , and kn w n thing th e M e rlin C a ledo n iu s wh o wand e re d abo ut th e

s o f Dru mm elz ia r wh o wa s e s e heath ery hill , pr nt

th e e of Ard er dd n wh o at battl y i 573, and lam e nte d in wild s ongs th e de fe at o f th e pagan s and th e shatte ring re ve rs e to th e Cym ric cau s e .

es e oe m s e th e o e s o f s Th p , which b wail f rtun thi

o e e s ee m to e o e unf rtunat rac , hav f und th ir way

o th e m o s e oo s o f al e s s int fa u Anci nt B k W , thu

e e to o e th e two e s t nding furth r c nfus M rlin , and res ulting in th e old chro nicle r s a s cribing th e act s

’ o f both to th e Myrdin Em ry s o f King Arthur s

’ T h e e o e s s o Ve itch s oem o n co urt . lat Pr f r p Merlin contains s o m e s p ecim en s o f Me rdwyn n

’ W llt s e s e e o e y v r , and s ts f rth his faith in natur , tinged a little a s it we re by th e Chri s tianity of th e

e ra .

T h e M e rlin of King Arthur wa s r epute d to b e a

e of m e o o e e nativ Car arth n am ng th r plac s , and at

’ thre e m il es di s tance from th e t own m a y b e s e e n

’ ” e s e o n e of th e o M rlin Cav , traditi nal place s of

’ h is m m e e ysterious ento bm nt . M rlin s birth 7 2 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Ar thur

f o rm e d th e subj ect o f o n e o f th e ap ocryphal play s

o f S hakes peare : th e w e ird m agician and wo rke r

o f e nchantm e nt wo uld hav e b ee n wo rthy o f th e

’ th om e s h e ma s t e rs own de picti o n . In e r anc

m e m e a we h e e s co s with yst ry and , and d part with “ M n s a e wa s mys t e ry and s ham e . e y that M rlin ” e o e o f e s Uwa in e th e b g tt n a d vil , aid Sir ; and “ ” m N im u é e o n o m h e wa s s o e aid (Vivi n) wh as tt d ,

e e o f h im o e e e gr w w ary , and fain w uld hav b n “ e e e o f h im for s h e wa s o f h im d liv r d , afraid

’ ” wo n becaus e h e wa s a d evil s s o n . In that

d ro u s l m o f 1 6 6 2 T h e o f Mer y rich dra a , Birth ” th e o o is e th e lin , p pular traditi n tak n up that

- w - n T h e arch m agician a s th e s on o f th e arch ﬁe d .

‘ s o od e s e s Vo rti e r o e t ry intr uc Aur liu and g (V rtig rn),

th e two s o f e e o King Britain ; Ut(h) r P ndrag n ,

th e o e o f e ° O s toriu s th e o br th r Aur lius , Sax n

e i g e n ral ; and o th e r hi s t o r c charact e rs of th e e ra . T h e chi e f p o int o f th e plo t is th e s earch for and

’ e o o f e s e m e id ntiﬁcati n M rlin fath r ; and , that att r

’ s e e th e m s e s o f ttl d , dra ati t tr at M e rlin s supe r

h is o e e natural skill , pr ph ci s , and his aid of Vor tige r in building th e ca s tle which h os tile ﬁ en d s bro ke do wn by night as fa s t a s it was built by

e day . M rlin is r epres e nted as bo rn with th e h ea rd o f old ma n le to an , ab talk and walk , and

wi thin a few h ours of h is birth explaini n g to h is ’ Of Arthur a n d M erli n 73

m othe r that h e reads a boo k to s ound th e de pth

f s of e o o e e . o art , l arning , wisd m , kn wl dg

ca n b e b u t a a m a n a t es I h lf b t , And th a t is y ou r m orta lity ; th e rest ’ T is n ot m ea n or im e I n m e is s pirit . t t

h a i es h is o h a n d i nes s . No m ea s T t g v t gr wt b g , y y r ” S h a ll b e m ore stra nge th a n yet my birth a pp ea rs .

He o e e o t t ec o s e s h is e pr ph si s f r hwi h , r g ni fath r , th e e e e oo of mira cu D vil , at a g lanc , giv s pr f his l ous p owe rs in m any way s ; and procee ding to

’ V rti e r s o t f e s th e t e o g c ur ba ﬂ na iv magicians , and s h oavs th e king why h is castle cann ot b e built by

e s o o f th e o s o r a n drag n in c nﬂict. He foretell s that th e victo ry o f th e white drago n m e an s th e ultimate vict o ry of th e Sax on s th e whi te

o o wh o n ow o e e e h rr r , knit t g th r , hav driven and

t ou e e m o shu y up in th s wild untain s , and that th e king wh o wo n his thron e by bloodsh e d m u s t

e to e e . T h e e o is e e yi ld it Princ Ut r pr dicti n v riﬁ d , ’ and afte r Vo rtig e r s d eath M e rlin is s e nt for to “ e xp o und th e ﬁ e ry o racl e in th e form o f a ’ o e drag n s h ad ,

From ou t wh os e mou th T wo a min g a es of ﬁ re s e ch ea s a n d es ﬂ l k tr t t w t , And from th e body of th e sta r S m l even s a ler bla zin g s trea ms directly poin t ” O n h is a f i h ed n m t fr g t ki gdo .

T h e o te t es te o e p r n caus rr r , until M rlin , a s inte r 74 T h e Lost L an d of Ki n g Arthur

ete e o f o o th e e o f pr r , t lls rev luti ns , ris and fall

’ o s th e es s s e nati n , and chang in Britain tat which

s s h a s ee t e o s it signiﬁ e . Aur eliu b n reach r u ly slain a es e th e o s e e is t Winch t r by Sax n , and Princ Ut r

T h e s s e to b e his av e nge r . pa ag in which M e rlin re late s what is to co m e is o n e of s ingular dignity “ and im pres s ive n es s . S e ve n ray s a re s p eaking ” th e e o is to h e ralds to e island . Ut r P ndrag n T have a s o n and a daughte r . h e latte r will b e Qu ee n o f Ire land while of th e s o n thu s Fate and M e rlin te lls

All a fter tim es s h a ll ﬁ ll th eir ch ron icles i h a m e of h is en o n h ose a i e s o d W t f r w , w w rl k w r S h a a s s h ou h e i e a n ce a n d e m a n ll p t r g f rt l Fr G r y , Nor sh a h is con u e in oo b e o ced to s a n d ll q r g f t f r t , ’ T ill Rom e s im peria l wea lth h a th crown ed h is fa m e With mon a rch of th e west ; from wh ose seve n h ills i h con u es a nd con i u o n s W t q t , tr b t ry ki g He a c e u n s to e n a e th e i on ou n d s b k r t r l rg Br t b , His h era ldry a dorn ed with fh irteen crown s . He to th e o d sh a a dd a n o h e o h w rl ll t r w rt y , An d a s a oa d s on e for h is o es s d a , I t , pr w r w h i A tra in of m a rtia l lovers to s cou rt . ’ It sh a ll b e th en th e b est of k n igh tho od s h on ou r in ch es e to ﬁ ll h is ca s e h a At W t r tl ll , An d a t h is Roya l ta ble s it a n d fea st I n a i e o d e s a ll h ei a ms ou n d h u ed w rl k r r , t r r r rl ” As if th ey m ea n t to circu mscrib e th e world .

e m s th e e This is a n oble passag , and su up l ad

’ o e te ing p o ints in King Arthur s hist ry , as r la d in Of Arth ur a n d M erlin 75

h a b lia u x a t th e s m e e e es ev i t e F , and a tim s rv as d enc e of th e p owe r of divinati o n and e l oquence o f

“

T h m - f h e ob v i Me rlin . e atte r o t e pro ph cy was o u s l t e om o th e m t o y ak n fr Mal ry , but dra atis intr

d u ce d o n e s e o h is to . e trang variati n in s ry M rlin , indignant that h is d em o niac fath e r s h o uld s trive to his o e e m s e s harm m th r , us s his art and agic p ll to e os e th e e o — a n e s e s e ncl D vil in a r ck id a ugg t d ,

’ n w o o Me o n e . e o e d ubt , by rlin s fat Furth rm r , ﬁnding him s e lf calle d to aid P e ndrago n against th e o s e o h is o e to Sax n , M rlin c nducts m th r a place

’ o f e em e c e e s o e te s h e r r tir nt all d M rlin B w r , and ll that wh e n s h e di es h e will e rect a m o num e nt

Up on th e verd a nt pla in s of S a lis bu ry (No king sh a ll h a ve s o h igh a se pu l ch re) i h e n du ou s s on es h a i h a n a rt W t p l t t t I w ll g by , h e e n ei h e ime n or m o a sh a b e u sed W r t r l rt r ll , d a r e n i m a to th e m em o A k g ry , h n u m h m For n on e sh a ll h a ve t e power to ber t e .

H e re we b eco m e acquainted with th e s u pers ti ti o n that th e m egali thic wo nd e r s of S t on e he nge

’ e e e s o s t th e m s te w r M rlin w rkman hip , and tha y w i ’ ri on s s tructure a s h s m oth e r s t omb . An oth e r idea was that it wa s th e burial place of Uth e r

e o o e . T h e m s o P ndrag n and C nstantin dra a , far

e te to e o e o e fol as it r la s M rlin and V rtig rn , cl s ly

' o th o t o o l ws e p pular tradi i n , th ugh the re a re 76 T h e Lost Lan d of Kin g Arthur s e ve ral variati o ns o f th e s tory of th e ca stle which

e its e i t b e co uld n ot b e ﬁnish d , and sit , as m gh

te th e e of o t to e xp ec d , is subj ct many c n radic ry

T h e e o e of th e d eclarati ons . all g rical m aning

e T o th e e o f o o story is quite cl ar . h ights Sn wd n ,

e led o e o e t e it is said , M rlin King V rtig rn , wh s cas l

fo r m co uld n ot b e built eddles o me go blin s . T h e wizard led th e m onarch to a vast cave and sh ow ed

two o te red o n him drag ns , whi and , in furi us co ”

ﬂi t. e t o t e e h e h e ob c D s r y h s , said , and t g

o t e e e o lins wh m h y rul will c as e to t rm ent yo u . Vo rtige rn slew th e drag ons of Hate and C o n * s ira c t e wa s om e e . p y , and his cas l c pl t d

. en n ie h in s th e s ce n e is in a n a on s i e to Mr Gl t k C r rv h r , th e s ou h of S n o don o e oo in th e o e end of n t w , v rl k g l w r Lly y

in a s . e e is in a s Em s a s in u a so a ed oc D H r D ry , g l r i l t r k , c o h ed o n a ll s ides i h ood con a i n in on th e su m m i l t w t w , t g t s om e in m n f a u i din d e nd m fa t re a i s o b l g fe ed by ra p a rts . It wa s o f th is pla ce Dra yton wrote

An d ro m th e to o f i h so i a nd on d ou s s ee f p Br t , h gh w r t p h e e n a s Em ris s ood sh o ed h ere th e s e en s W r Di t , w w rp t ou f ght , T h e Wh ite th a t tore th e Red ; from when ce th e prophet wrou ght ’ T h e Briton s s a d d eca y th en sh ortly to e n su e .

O n th e s ou h of a n a on B a i s N a n Gwrth er n th e t C r rv y t y , Hol o o f o i e n a e ci i ou s a i n e th e s ea s a id l w V rt g r , pr p t r v by , to b e th e a s re s in - a ce of th e u s u e h e n h e ﬂed to l t t g pl rp r , w es ca pe th e ra ge of h is s u bj ects o n ﬁ n d ing th em s elves betra y ed to th e S a xon s .

78 T h e Lost La n d of Kin g Arth ur

T h e T vi ow to u s th e o y is kn n as T wy , and

D n v wr D n evo r y e o is y Park .

h e e th e se e in h om on h e s a r wi M rl , w il w t , t y , T y- T o m a e h is on n e low u nde n ea th e ou n d k w r th gr , I n a d ee de l e fa r om e of d a p v fr vi w y , h a of n o i in i h h e m i h b e ou n d T t l v g w g t g t f , Wh e n s o h e cou n s elled with h is s prights a rou nd .

Oth e rs s ay that th e guil e ful dam s e l l ed h e r d oting o e to o o e e o th e m l v r Sn wd n , and th r put f rth char of w ove n paces and o f waving hands until h e lay

k om e m es e a s de ad In a h o llow o a . S ti an ldritch cry bre aks upo n th e e a r of th e climbe r as h e n e ars th e sum m it o f Sn owdo n : i t i s M e rlin lam e nting th e s e t o f h is e o e oo e h im ubtl y fals l v , which d m d to p e rp e tual shame .

e e th e m e e e e is Th r Is Car arth n cav , and th r a

’ ” e r s e o m es om e eo o M lin Grav f ur il fr Ca rl n , b th

’ - of which a re s h own as M e rlin s re sting place .

' But anci e nt bards told a n oth e r s trang e tale o f ” the e of th e bo o e o e fat y with ut a fath r , wh s blood had o nce b e e n s o ught to s prinkle up o n th e

’ e m e for th e s o f Vo rti e rn s e c nt brick g castl e . Th y d eclar e d that th e e nchante r wa s s e nt o u t to s ea

e e of s s o m e e s in a v ss l gla , acc pani d by nin bard , or o e e e e s s e n or e pr ph ts , and n ith r v l cr w was h e a rd o f — is n o t again which surprising . But ‘

h o e es h er o e s to th e Ma bi Lady C arl tt Gu t , in n t

’ n o i on b o s o s th e s e f g , ldly tran p rt c n e o Me rlin s Of Arth ur a n d M e rlin 79

f Bréc élia n d e B t d oom to th e F o res t o , in ri tany , On e o f th e favo ure d haunt s o f r o mance and th e

V os e o e e s . e to delight o f th e Tr uv r ivi n , wh arti

ﬁ e h m e is to e een th e c s e succu b d , said hav b

e of On e s o wh o e a n ece daught r Vava ur , marri d i o f th e s o f e e e e Duch s Burgundy , and r c iv d as

' f Bri n wa s e d owry half th e F o r es t o og e . It wh n Me rlin and Vivi en we re g o ing thro ugh Brécéli ande hand in hand that th ey fo und a bu s h of

o e s e e e re s e white th o rn lade n with ﬂ w r ; th r th y t d ,

e v and th e magician fe ll a s lee p . Th n Vi i e n , having be en taught th e art o f e nchantm ent by

e o e m e e m e h e r M rlin , r s and ad a ring nin ti s with wimple ro und th e bus h ; and wh en th e wizard wo k e it s eem e d to h im that h e wa s e nclos e d in — th e strong es t towe r ev e r m ade a towe r with out

s o h e o e wall and with ut chains , which al n had

o th f kn wn e s ecre t o m aking . Fr om thi s e nm esh m e e o e e e e e h e nt M rlin c uld n v r scap , and , pl ad as

o th e m e o n w uld , da s l w uld ot re l e as e h im : Bu t it is writte n that s h e o fte n r egr e tte d what sh e

o e o n ot o for s h e had d n and c uld und , had th o ught th e s h e h er o n thing had taught c uld ot b e true .

o e e ee m s to b e e This , h w v r , s an int rp o lati on . Sir

e o th e o es w Gawain , trav lling thr ugh f r t , s a a

” ’ of s m o e a n kind k , d h e ard M e rlin s wail in o e e s h im o u t o f th e g v ic addr s ing o bs curity . T h e wo nde rs o f th e Fo re s t o f Bréc élia n de w e re 80 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Arthur

sufﬁci ently b eli eve d in o f old time that we ﬁnd th e chro nicl er Wace actually j o urn eying to th e

’ s o to th o p t ﬁnd e fairy f untain and M e rlin s t om b . Anothe r variati on o f th e sto ry is that M e rlin made

e e th e o e o f Arv a n te s hims lf a s pulchre in F r st , that

e e e to e e e o e Vivi n p rsuad d him nt r it , and th n cl s d th e lid in such m anne r that th er eafte r it c ould

e e b e e e . e o n v r Op n d Matth w Arn ld , sparing and

e t ee o e e Mer r ticen in sp ch , as is his w nt , d scrib s

’ te e o e s e m lin s fa with subdu d f rc and ubtl char ,

th e to th e m o o f es o e e putting s ry in uth d lat Is ult ,

wh o told h er childre n o f th e fairy - haunte d land

th e ot e e of e o th e away h r sid Brittany , b y nd

e t e e th e o e s ea o f h a hs , dg d by l n ly ; and

T h e d ee o es a des o f oce - lia n d p f r t gl Br , T ou h h ose een ou s th e o den su n s n e c ee s hr g w gr b gh g l hi r p , ” - e Wh ere M erli n by th e en ch a n ted th orn tr e s leep s .

Ve ry cunningly and mystically has th e poet to ld

’ of Vivi e n s guil e as sh e wav ed a wimple o ve r th e

’ b los s Om d o - e e th ee o th rn tr and e sl ping d tard , ” e of o until within a littl pl ot magic gr und , a

s e e e m e o e dai i d circl , M rlin was ad pris n r till

th e m e t . e m t o o Re e judg n day C ltic y h l gy , nan t lls

o m ore t t e us , is n thing han a ranspar nt naturalism , th e o e o f t e for e e th e m e s s o l v na ur h rs lf , vivid i pr i n o f h er o e th e o o ee magic , acc mpani d by s rr wful f l ing that man kn ows . Wh e n face to face with h er h e e e e t t h e e h e r o m , b li v s ha h ars c m un e with Of Ar th ur an d M erlin 8 1

T h e h im co nce rning h is o rig in and d es tiny . ” f m o s s e e h e co n legend o M e rlin irr r thi f ling ,

S o f th e oo h e tinu es . e duce d by a fairy w ds ,

’ e s ﬂi es with h er and b ecom es a s avag . Arthur m es s e ng e rs com e up o n h im a s h e is s inging by a

h e is le to o th e fo untain ; d back ag ain c urt , but

h im He e s to h is charm carri es away . r turn ” o e s s m e for e e . f r st , and thi ti v r ” e d e B roc elin d e e s m e S o u La fo r t , writ E il

s e s - e o ve tr , in that fa cinating and half path tic w rk ,

L es D ern i ers B re o n s s e o e s ée le t , tr uv itu dans

m d C o rc o re t o s s e m e d e Ploe r com un e e , arr ndi nt m a l e s e le ré le s m s . Elle t c b e dan s r o an d e la

’ ’ e s u l a n tabl e ro nde . C t la q e o n r e nco ntre l fo

a r n to n Va s a n r r a m e ta in e d e B a , lo l s e to u , l to b

n s u m e s e o e d e Merli . On ait q e cc ag ici n tr uv e o e s e e o e il e s t e e le s nc r dan c tt f r t , r t nu par

’ ’ e nchante m ents d e Vivian e a l o mbre d un bo i s

’ n s d a u b épi e . Vivian e avait e s ay é s u r M e rlin le ’ m e e e d e - m em e s char qu ll avait appris lui , san

’ cro ire qu il p ut Opére r ; e ll e s e d es e s pera quand

’ e ll e vit qui c e lui qu elle ado rait étai t a jam ai s ” e o s em i p rdu p ur e lle . Thi s tat e nt s n ot c o n

m e th e s om e i s o o s e ﬁr d in Engli h r anc , and pp d who lly to th e s e nti m e nt o f th e s to ry a s co nce ive d “ e s o o by T nny n and th e r m o de rn write rs . On a s s ure qu e M e s s ire Ga u v a in (Gawain) e t que lqu e s Ch evali e rs d e la table ro nde ch erc h eren t parto ut 6 8 2 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Ar thur

’ Ga u va in s e l e n te n dit m e n . M e rlin , ais vain ul ” Bro c e lin d e m s n e le o . dan s la fo ret d e , ai put v ir

o f B roc elin d e o r B réc élia n d e is T h e di s trict , , rich

e s o m e s a n d m e s e o in antiquiti , d l n nhir b ing f und t og e th e r with o th e r r e lic s of e arly tim e s and th e

‘ f h a e T o to m yste ri o u s wo rk e r s o t e s to n e g . add th e sce nic attracti o n s o f th e lo cality th e re a re

e e s th e em s o f m o e s ruin d castl , r ain achic lat d wall ,

e C e e s m anci nt hat aux , and church dating back any

e es . is e e e e o e ro c nturi It ﬁtting that h r , th r f r , m ance s h o uld m aintain o n e of its s tro ngh old s and that traditi on s o f th e m aste r - m ag ician s h o uld ling e r . Th e re is ye t o n e o th e r leg e nd which s h o uld b e

e es e s th e m a s e e n ot e d . It r pr nt agician p rp tually r o am ing abo ut th e wood o f Calydo n lam e nting th e l o s s o f th e Chi e ftain s in th e battle o f Ard erydd ; while ye t an o th e r te ll s of a g lass h o u s e built fo r h im s e s h is o m o th e in Bard y I land by c pani n ,

e m o s e of o o s Gl a , in which h u sixty d r and s ixty

o s h e s e t e s s wa s e e wind w tudi d h tar , and att nd d by o n e hundre d and tw e nty bard s to write down h is

e proph eci s . N eve r was s uch a c onfu s i o n o f tra d itio n s e s e e e e s o m e and fanci , n v r w r any d luding

’ will - o - th e - wi s p s to l ead a s tray wh os oeve r wo uld

’ s e to e s e th e o f e s s triv inv tigat truth M rlin to ry .

That s to ry with its abundance o f sugges ti o n m ake s u s think o f th e apt wo rds o f J o hn Addington Of Arthur a n d M e rlin 83

wh o s th e e m o o f e e S ym ond s , aid that xa inati n th s mys t e rio us narrative s wa s like opening a s ealed

e s e s jar o f prec i o u s win e . Its frag ranc pr ad

th e e o f th e o th e abro ad thro ugh all palac s ul , and n oble vintage upo n be ing taste d co urs e s thro ugh th e bl oo d a n d brain with th e mature d e lixir of ” - On e ee som e s c o n s to re d u p s umm e r s . n ds uch s o lati o n a s thi s for th e ve xati o n o f ﬁnding s ee m ing ly in extricable co nfusi o n .

h e wa s - o e Warri o r th o ugh , and all p w rful by

i s e s e et re a s o n o f h s up rnatural gift , M rlin is y r e pr e s e nte d a s be ing a p e ace - m ak e r and as paying alleg iance to a m aste r He e nde d th e gre at

e ee th e e e e e battle b tw n Arthur and l v n kings , wh n

h s es e oo to th e e o s t e h o r w nt in bl d up f tl ck , and o u t o f three - s co re th ou s and m e n but ﬁftee n th o u

s s and w e re l e ft alive . Of thi s anguinary battle o f Bed ra in e e e o to h is g , M rlin gav an acc unt m s e s e o r e s o e to o m a t r Blai , Bl y , j urn ying N rthu b e rland s p ecially to d o s o and to g et th e ma s t e r

’ to write down th e r eco rd ; all Arthur s battle s did

’ e o e om e s e o m Blais chr nicl fr M rlin r p rt s . Atte pt s have bee n m ade to id entify Blai s e (th e Wo lf) with

S t. o o f o e . T h e m o e m Lupus , Bish p Tr y s r i pr e s s ive part which Me rlin play s in th e Arthurian

m is a s o e e o m e dra a pr ph t and n cr anc r . His sud d en o m o h is s s e s h is o e c ings and g ings , di gui , s l mn

ote e t o s e e warning s , his p nt int rven i n , all th s com 84 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Arthur bine to s trength en th e id ea o f un e quall e d inﬂu ence

f e om He e s om and o aw s e pe rs onality . ﬁgur pr i n e n tl th e o of l e e y in st ry Sir Balin Savag , and it was his hand which wrot e th e ﬁtting m e m orial

h w e wa s o f t e t o n oble bro th ers . M rlin it again

wh o o e e th e . to wh o c uns ll d king marry , and

o eve e to o o o a m lia rd br ught Guin r L nd n fr m C e , darkly pre dicting at th e s ame tim e that thr ough

h e m m t qu ee n Arthur sh ould co e to his d oo . e o o to b e o th e An anci nt C rnish s ng , f und in o e e e to o riginal dial ct , but in r ality a Br n incantati n which h a s c om e d own to u s fro m th e far age s o u t o f th e e of m o o e e s e s Me r abundanc Ar ric l r , d crib lin th e Divin e r atte nded by a black d o g and s earching at e arly day for

T h e red e of th e m a in e se e n gg r rp t , h By th e s ea s ide in th e h ollow of t e ston e .

Ask e d - whith e r h e is g o ing h e resp onds

I a m goi n g to s eek in th e v a lley es s a n d th e o den a s s T h e green watercr g l gr ,

An d th e to a n c of th e oa k p br h , in I n th e wood by th e s ide of th e fou nta .

A warning vo ice bids h im turn back and n o t to

e o e e . T h e e th e s e e k th e fo rbidd n kn wl dg cr ss ,

s th e oa k th e re d e o f g o lde n gras , branch , and g g " th e m arin e s e rp e nt a re n ot fo r h im . Me rlin ” " e th e o e M e rlin cri s v ic ,

CHAPTER IV

OF TINTAG E L

There is a pla ce with i n T h e in din S e vern e sea w g ,

On m ids o f oc a ou h os e oote r k , b t w f T h e t des u n ee in a y t r , k p g pl y ,

o e - o ed ca s e h e e A t w r y t pp tl r , ide b la ze th o e a ll W v r , ' ’ Wh ich Corin eu s a n cie nt b roode ”— i n a l . a m d en T ta gel C a stle c l C .

’ ou sees d a o n a l s i ed s h o e Th t rk C r w l r ft r , ’ Old h u s s em a n d u ed ee Art r t r gg k p , h e e h e e ou d il o s d a sh a n d oa T r , w r pr b l w r r, His h a u gh ty tu rret gu a rd s th e d eep .

An d m a on d of sa e in rk y bir bl w g, T a on s a n d ea a ll red ith ood l b k w bl , T h e s pirit of th e lo n g- lost k in g m m ’ Pa ssed in th a t s h a pe fro C a la n s ﬂ ood . R H wk r . S . a e .

W th e o - e e m o e CORN ALL , h rn shap d land , far r v d o th e e e t e s o f o e s s s fr m gr at c n r pr gr and indu try , th e o f t o f s e te eo e wh o land gian s , a para p pl until * th e last ce n tury s p o ke its own languag e ; th e

I n h T h e C orn ish la ngu a ge wa s s poke n u n til 1 768 . t a t y ea r D a in es B a rri n gto n m et th e old ﬁ sh - wife D olly Pe n 86 Of Ti n ta gel 87

of o e s s s of c e s d ol land h ly w ll and aint , hut cir l , m e s e o o s m e m o s o f e e m e n , and arthw rk f rt , rial xtr antiquity ; th e land o f m any s to n e cro s s e s i n d ic a t in g th e e arly inﬂu enc e o f Christianity ; th e land

’ o f s o- e s o s s oo s c call d g iant qu it , chairs , p n , pun h

o s m o s s om e m es th e o o f m b wl , and und , ti w rk pri i

e m a n s om e m es th e o of s e tiv , ti w rk fanta tic Natur

- thi s is th e land in which r om ance ling e rs and

s e o e th e o in which up rstiti n thriv s , land up n which s e em s to r e s t un m oving th e s had ow o f th e pa s t .

e o s s e th e old o is n ot d e Old n cust m urviv , fashi n

e om . T h e es s th e m th e part d fr quaintn , si plicity ,

e e th e of o e a e m a b e qui tud , charm a byg n g y o et o th e e f und y in that part which Tayl r , wat r

oe e s e th e c om le a te re lea te p t , d crib d as p and p

om e o f e o e for s s H Abundanc , n t d high churli h hill , ” e o e o e and affabl c urt u s P o ple . A to ur through th e land which r omance has m e ou t for h er own e e th ark d , and wh r e fo rds ,

es s o a re e bridg , hill , and r cks call d afte r Arthur o r s s o e o - h is a ciat d by traditi n with e xplo its ,

trea th h ose n a m e h a s ecom e m em o a e a s h a of th e , w b r bl t t a e n h l st p rson to s pe a k C or ish . T e la st serm on i n C o rn ish wa s rea ch ed in 1 6 8 in a n d ewed n a c h u h T h p 7 L k C rc . e s la cken ing of th e S a xon a dv a n ce a t th e Ta m a r e n a bled th e o n is h to ese e h ei on u e close l a l ied to h a of C r pr rv t r t g , y l t t a es a n d i a n a n d d esc i ed a s n a u h En l h W l Br tt y , r b g ty g ys s e in th e ei n of th e i h r g e g th H e n ry . 88 T h e Lost La n d of Kin g Arthur becom e s e a s i e r e ve ry ye ar by th e d evelopm e nt of r l s e o th e e s ai way , littl kn wn in wild r part until a

m s b e s o o u c on de cade o r s o a g o . It u t rr wf lly

e s s e t th e to e e s e its f d tha visit Tintag l , d pit charm ,

c o n r es ults in a ce rtain am o unt o f di s illu s i o n . It

s n o e o e b e e tain r lic , n thing that can v rily imagin d

e o f th e old old m e e th e o e o f a r lic , , ti s wh n ﬂ w r

A n e s o th e o chivalry rul ed . s o walk d wn s litary s tree t and glance s ar o und h e s e es that Tintag el is

e e s e e ce its an antiqu , pictur qu littl pla with quaint — os - o fﬁce o f o e e e e th e oo p t y r batt r d by tim , r f

e th e s o e o s o e — fall n , and t n w rk di j int d with its s e o e s its e o tunt d c ttag , typical villag sh p and

os e its o e c o n th e f s . h t lry , and l n ly chur h cli f Tin

e a s is is e is n ot tag l , it , uniqu , but it Arthurian unl es s we g o dire ct to th o s e part s wh e re Nature

T h n is n ot and n eve r h a s b ee n m ol e s ted . e Pe

o h e th e e o e s th e e s targ n ig hts , gr at g rg , w ird bay

es th e o - e e s th e m o s and cav , r ck str wn vall y , i p ing — wat e rfall s from th e s e m a y b e co n s truct ed th e sce nery fo r th e dram a o f th e warlike king and h is

T h e e o f e adve nturo u s knight s . hug bank arth e os o o s e its e m o f ncl ing an bl ng pac , with r nant

- s o e o e . B re a va rd ﬁ tl t n lining f und n ar St , is y ’ S c all e d King Arthur s Hall . uch re lics a s a re fo und in and n e ar Tintag e l a re p o ste ri o r to King

’ s e ra . e e is S o os s to b e ee Arthur Th r a ax n cr s n ,

9 0 T h e Lo st Lan d of Kin g Arthur

to e e allegiance of th e knights began d clin , and

e e o o e s s e e e wh r f lly , want nn s , and ham s rv d as om en s of com ing di s aste r and o f th e i mp e nding

T h e sh ock to th e re alm which Arthur had m ade .

o f m e hi s to ry o f Tintag e l begin s in a tal e sha ,

’ th o ugh King Uth er s d ece it of Igrain e app ears to have b ee n r egard e d le ss as di s h o n o ur to hims e lf

’ than a s a sign o f h is own and Me rlin s strategy * m e t e o e es . e o e and v n ur s m n s Uth r , having c pass d th e e o f o o n o e fﬁ d ath G rl is , had furth r di culty in

e s e to e o e h is e e p r uading Igrain b c m wif , and th ir s o n wa s wh o h is e e e Arthur , at birth was d liv r d “ ” to o o o f e liv el h o od o b e Sir Ect r , a l rd fair y , t

o s e on e of own m T h e n uri h d as his fa ily . d eath of Uth e r whil e his s on wa s yet an infant l eft th e

e o o e o t o e to o e succ ssi n in s m d ub , and in rd r pr v

’ Arthur s right to th e crown th e fam iliar d evice

’ T h e o o n cu iou s i i em m R n f ll wi g r l ttle t fro . Hu t s volu m e ou h n ot to b e os s i h of sh a o fe a con ec u e g t l t g t I ll f r j t r , ou ch i n th e n a me of in a e h ich i n ot s a is t g T t g l , w I w ll y ri h b u t o n o a e . Ti n i s th e s a m e a s Din in a s g t ly pr b bl , D , a nd Dix eth decei so h a T in dixel u n ed for ea s ie ro , t ; t t , t r r p

n u n c ia tion to n a e Du n d a el e tc . s i n i es a s e o f Ti t g l , g , , g ﬁ C tl ecei h ich n a me mi h b e a i en to it om th e D t, w g t ptly g v fr fa m ou s deceit pra ctised h ere by Uth e r P en dra gon by th e h elp ’ ” o f e in s n h a n m eor e o s a s : in a M rl e c t ent . G g B rrow y T t el d oe s n ot m e a n th e a s e of u i e b u t th e h ou se in th e g C tl G l , i o f th e i a e m a dm a de sc i i e Wild Wa les g ll h ll , t r ir bly r pt v ( , a c p . Of Tin ta g el 9 1

wa s adopte d of drawing a swo rd fr om a sto n e .

f h o e n ow T h e s ce n e o t e c nt st in which Arthur ,

e o c e s to b e oo o a s sum e d by th chr ni l r a g dly y uth ,

’ i s s o n oo is e d e and S r Ect or t k part , vagu ly “ s cribe d a s be ing th e c hurchyard o f th e gre ate s t church in Lo ndo n and it is n e edle s s to s a y that o nly Arthur pr ove d e qual to th e fe at of pull ing th e s wo rd fro m th e m arbl e and th e s tee l anvil

T h e e e s o f o o n th e in which it s too d . l tt r g ld “ s wo rd de clare d that wh o s o pu lle th o u t thi s s o o f s s o e a n vile is ri h twise w rd thi t n and , g king ” o e o f S ir o b rn England , and Ect r and Sir Kay ,

’ h is e e e s o n os e - o e e e d f at d and Arthur s f t r br th r , w r

“ th e ﬁrs t to kn ee l to Arthur as th e ir lord wh e n th ey

i o h s a w Excalibur in h s hand . B ef re t e l ords and c om m o n s Arthur ag ain prove d h is right and

o th e e s of e e os th e r yalty at f a t P nt c t , and with h elp of M e rlin h e procee de d imm e diat ely to e s tab

’ s h is o m Uth e r s li h kingd , which , during illn e s s and “ ” e e s oo e eo a r ie aft r his d ath , had t d in g r at j p d .

o o s th e o f e ee h e G rl i , husband Igrain , had b n t

os s e o of two e e T era b l o r p ss r castl s , Tintag l and y (

D a m a lioc k m a b e e to e e ), which y judg d hav b e n

n o e e o o n e o e T e ra b l at gr at distanc fr m an th r . y

e e o e s is untrac abl , th ugh it has b en sugge t ed that while Tintage l Castle was s o le ly up o n th e penin

s e s o th e s a sula (Barra H ad) which jut int e , 9 2 T h e Lost L a n d of K in g Arthur

T era byl was th e castle up o n th e mainland . This

o e th eory is unt e nable . It is o nly in c mparativ ly e t th e e of th e b e r ece nt tim s , wi h wid ning chasm

h th e t twe e n t e p eninsula and mainland , tha a divi s i o n of any imp o rtance can b e n otice d ; and it is safe to assum e that the re was n eve r m o re th an

n T h e th e o s wa s o e castle at Tintag e l . e r nt in r ck

e e e th e e e e s spann d by a hug bridg , as cr n llat d wall n ow r e aching to th e e dge on e ith e r sid e and in a

e dir ect lin e with e ach oth e r plainly atte st . T ra

th e e e e e m s e e byl , in which Duk ntr nch d hi lf wh n

e e o o h is s h im Uth r P ndrag n br ught h osts again t ,

e e e e was vid ntly furth r inland than Tintag l , and “ th e te s t o e to b e t n lat r , di inctly av w d e mile s

e e wa s s e e e th e e e for h nc , l ct d as r fug Igrain e .

e m s o om m e o Uth r , arching uthward fr Ca l t , re ach ed T era b yl ﬁrst and laid s i ege to it ; to re ach Igrain e at Tintage l h e had still to ride s o m e d is “ T h e e o f T in ta il h h tance . Duk g e spi e d ow t e

o e om th e s e e of T e rra b il e e king r d fr i g , and , th r

o e h e e o u t o f th e s e f r , that night issu d ca tl at a — “ pos tern e (T era byl wa s n ote d for its m any issue s and pa s te rn e s o u t for to have d is

’

e e th e os . s o o h tr ss d king s h t And , thr ug his o wn s e th e e m e o r e e th e i su , Duk hi s lf was slain v r ” m h f in a il e of e king ca e at t e ca s tle o T t g . G fr y of o o T e ra b l s e m Dimilioc M nm uth calls y ca t llu ,

94 T h e Lost La n d of Kin g A rthur to avail th e m s e lve s o f all th e advantage s it

e we s e o f t e o ffe re d . But wh n ﬁr t r ad Tin ag l Ca s tl e apart fro m th e ro m ances we ﬁnd it in th e o o o f s e s o o f R ccupati n Engli h princ , n tably ichard ,

o f o o e s e o th e o f Earl C rnwall , th rwi kn wn as King th e o m s wh o 1 2 e o e e e R an , in 45 g av n bl nt rtain m e to h is e e e o f e e nt n ph w , Princ Wal s , th n carry ing o n a d e sp e rate war fo r free d om against th e T h Engli s h king . e u s e of Tintag el a s a pri s o n fro m which e scape was alm ost i mp o s s ible wa s r ecogni s e d fr om e arly tim e s until th e r eign o f

z e a t e ra e to Eli ab th , which it b gan fall into decay ; and it wa s within th e l on e li e st and m o s t exp o s ed

o o o f th e s o o m p rti n i land that J hn N rtha pto n ,

o o o f o o wh o s e h is L rd May r L nd n , had abu d o ﬂi ce wa s mm e fo r e o e o f , i ur d lif by rd r Richard

m w m - . s e oo s o e n o os s o e e I I A culptur d r t n , c v r d

e e o m m o e th e - s to e o f and ill gibl , c nly call d altar n

’ s e is e e e e to b e King Arthur Chap l , b li v d in r ality

’ o m e t o f o o m o s own a m nu n J hn N rtha pt n carving , wro ught to pa s s away th e dre ary day s in h is

e o n ow m th e e o f h is o m . dung n , and arking plac t b

’ What is kn own as King Arthur s Chape l is a s paci ous c hambe r ﬁ fty - fo ur fe e t lo ng and twe lve

h f is e ee e t e o e o e e . f t wid , utlin which bar ly trac abl It is s o s e to e e e e S upp d hav b e n d dicat d to aint Ulian e .

’ “ I n Lela nd s tim e Tintage l Ca s tle wa s s o re Of Ti n ta gel 9 5

- n e e e wa s we th e r b ete n an y ruin , and wh th r it

ev e r th e str ongh o ld of Arthur history d oes n ot

m T h e m e wa s o m e Du n d a il de te r in e na f r rly g ,

h m e e o e s e o m e aning t e i pr g nabl f rtr s , and G f

frey o f M o n m o uth did n o t e xag ge rate wh e n h e

o f : i s s e o th e s ea o n wr ot e it It ituat d up n , and

o e e e is o n e eve ry s ide surr und d by it , and th r but

e o o s o ntrance int it , and that thr ug h a traight r ck , which three m e n s hall b e able to de fe nd against ” th e o e o f th e om . e e s s e wh l kingd L land , l int r

e s ted th e m e es e th e e e in att r , t tiﬁ d that cast ll

e e m a rve lu s o o e forte res hath b n a str ng and n tabl ,

and a large thin g e . With o ut th e i s le ren n ith

a lo n l e - o e e s e y a gat h us , a wall , and a fal bray

I n s r m dyg ed and walled . thi isle e a yn e old

es th e es t of th e s m e th e o wall , and in part a , g r und

b e in o e rem a n ith . a e e m b a tele d y g l w r , y wall , and

m en a b ve s a w th ere n os e o e o f re n y y a p t rn d r y . T h e chronicle r and antiquary Care w s uppli e s

e e e e o f th e s e of th e s furth r vid nc tr ng th tructure . ” T h e c m en t h e s s e e h y , ay , wh r with t e s to n es

e e e s e th e e w r laid , r ist th fr tting fu ri e of th e

e e e e th e o e e e e w ath r b tt r than st n s th ms lv s , a fact which is s tro ng ly c o m m e nte d o n al s o by o e wh o o N rd n , th ug ht that n e ith e r tim e n or fo rce ” o f s o e e o n e om th e o e hand c uld s v r fr th r . Half ” th e s o t es building , c n inu Carew , were rai s e d 96 T h e Lost Lan d of Ki n g Arthur o n th e c ontin ent (th e m ainland) and th e o th e r

o n s o e o e e halfe an i land , c ntinu d t g th r by a draw

e n ow o e th e d own fa l n e s te e e bridg , but div rc d by p

e e o s c liffe s o n th e furth e r s ide . Th r is a c n ensu s o f o o a s to s e m e pini n thi drawbridg , Ca d n and o th e r trustwo rthy hi s t o rian s all c onﬁrm ing th e

e o to its e s e e s e o e r p rt as xi t nc , and thi furth r pr v s

n t w * that th e re w e re o t o ca s tle s at Tintage l . T h e gig antic i mpre s s i o n o f a foo t is p o inte d o u t to cr e dulou s pilgrim s ; it is th e print l eft by King

’ Arthur s f oo t wh e n h e stro de acr o s s th e chasm i backward s . Thi s s a s m uch to b e r e li e d up o n a s th e fact that th e ba s in s w o rn by th e wind s

’ and wave s in th e rocks w e r e King Arthur s cup s

e s z z o f th e e ts and sauc r , and that a di y dip h igh

h ' i is u r o ve r t e s e a co n s titute d h s chair . It s

It is d ifﬁ c u lt to u n d e rs ta n d h ow a write r like th e

a i cou d e e h a e a e n in o h is e o . I n la te Mrs . Cr k l v r v f ll t t rr r h er Un sen ti m en ta l J ou rn ey th rou gh Corn wa ll s h e m a k es e very e ffort to prov e th a t th e bu ildi n g on th e m a in la n d wa s th e ca s e of T e ra b l a nd s h e i n s is s h a h e e e e a n d tl y , t t t t r w r ( a re two ca s es a t i n a e . O n e s i s i n th e sea a nd th e ) tl T t g l t , o h e is u on th e o os i e h ei h s of th e m a in a n d i h t r p pp t g t l , w t r s a T h s seem s to comm u n ica tion by a n a r ow ca u ew y . i ’ con m th e e en d h ow I ra in e s h u s a nd s h u h im s e a n d ﬁr l g , g b t lf h is i e in two ca s es h e ein s a in i n th e o n e a n d s h e w f tl , b g l , ” th h is m a rri ed to th e vi ctoriou s kin g Uth er i n e ot er . It obviou s th a t th e writer o f these lin es wa s u n a cqu a inted i w th M a lory .

Of Tin tag el 97 prising that th e im m e ns e and a we - in s p i ring cave rn s have e scape d th e fat e o f b e ing calle d

’ A - Y et e s e c o n King rthur s drinking bowl s . all th c eits have th e ir value a s proo f of th e d ee p - ro o t e d

’ be li e f in th e king s m ight a s a m On a rc h and h is T h i s tupendo us s tature a s a man . e h e r o s rapidly pass ing into th e myth wh e n s uch attribute s a re h im a s cribe d to . Tintage l m ust have be e n eve n m o r e i m pre s s ive

s e e fe w e e s a o is to - a c n a c nturi g than it day ,

On m o e d e spite its wild s ubli m ity in ruin . e r wit n e s s o f old tim e m a y b e call e d fo rth to g ive h is evid ence of what it wa s befo re th e wall s had be e n w so buffe te d and bro ught s o lo . “ s ta tel m e e e e is No r A ye and i pr g nabl s at ,

’ e e m o n ow e e o e d n s t sti ny , r nt and rugg d by f rc of tim e and temp e s t s ; h e r ruin e s tes tifye h er

e o th e e e eo u e pristin w rth , vi w wh r f , and d oh e o o f h e r s o e o s rvati n ituati n , shap , and c nditi o n

e s m a m o e m in all part , y v com is e rati o n that such a s ta te lye pil e s h o uld p e rish for want of h o n o ur

e e e e . e o e d abl pr s nc Natur hath f rtiﬁ d , and art yd o e b e a u tiﬁ e s s o e a nc it , in uch rt s it l eave th unt o

s a e o e m thi g w nd r and i itati o n . Tintage l is to b e

e e e e o ou r m visit d rath r than d scrib d , th ugh o s t luxuriant p oets have painte d it with lavi s h rich

e s s of o n w rds , and artists have d epicte d s ome o f 7 9 8 T h e Lost Lan d o f Kin g Arthur

its natural be auti e s in th e m o st radiant of colo urs . From m any a ro cky ve rg e can b e s ee n th e dark

’ e s o f t o t e e e on r mnant Ar hur s f r r ss , inacc ssibl all s ide s but o n e ; fro m th e d ee p bas e th e oc ean s e s o u t o o o pr ad with ut b und , surging and b iling and casting up ste am - like fo untain s o f hi s s ing

few e e o f fo am . Only a arch s and rud ﬂight s

e s m o e - oo o o e st ps , ur unt d by a frail l king w d n

o o n ow em s om e e d r , r ain , with fall n walls which im p erfe ctly o utlin e th e s hape of what we r e once

e f s paci o u s r oyal chambe rs . On a carp t o turf

e th e s m m o ee e wand r all untain sh p , and pick th ir way abo ut th e narr o w pr ecipito u s path s which h f h f T h wind aro und t e jagge d s ide s o t e cli fs . e

o o s a re th e em e e f rtiﬁcati n in ruin , and battl nt d walls which e nco mpass e d th e ma s s ive s te eps a re n ow n o thing but di s co nn ecte d strips o ve r which th e curi o us trav e ll e r l oo k s into th e angry wat e r s

e T grinding and r egurgitating far b low . h e n oble bridg e which o nc e s tre tch e d acro s s th e yawning chasm dividing th e two pro m o nto ri es must alon e b e m e o its e o n s e i agin d , th ugh b g innings e ach id m a y b e trace d by th e lin e o f low st on e arch es

e to a t th e e e . r aching , and s pping abruptly , dg

“ ’ T h e hill s that ﬁr s t s ee bare d th e m o rning s ” “ e s t th e e s th e br a , h ight e sun last y arns to ” o m th e e t e a re fr w s , as Swinburn has sung ,

1 0 0 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Ar thur which beats its way upward and da s h e s h e adlong o ve r th e barri e rs of wo od and sto n e ; and th e gre at s m o ke - co l o ure d waves beyo nd r e ar th e m s e lv es

e o e s o o th e s s h avily , t ppl , and cra h d wn int aby

m e e o o . e o e e with thund r us r aring On th y c , n ar r

e e o e o e o s e s and n ar r , l ud r and l ud r , th hard , ri ing ,

m s s o o e s o f e cli bing , di lving b di incalculabl s e s e e e o o e e e tr ngth , da hing th ms lv s furi usly v r v ry o e s e e s s os th e s bstacl , w ping with a hi acr s tract o f s o e th e t o s and , and blit rating all r ck which can b e t o ils o m e ly climb e d wh e n th e wat e r s re tre at .

e e s e s e a e s e B n ath thi raging , batt ring li a fabl d

om its e s o e s d ain with all fair citi and t w r , and e e e of o s e e o e e s s v ry watch r th stup nd us , m rcil bil l ows can r eali s e the ir p ote ntiality to te ar away th e land and drag it into th e unsee n d e e p s . Sto rm a t Tintag e l o r T reb a rwith is both r ev e lati o n and c o nvicti o n : it is a manifes tati o n o f re m o r s e l e ss

e s e s t o o f e e e s o o n s , a sugg i n irr parabl ruin , d lati n ,

e is to m th e and l os s . Easy ind ed it i ag in e that tr each e ro us and cru e l wave s driving rapaci o usly landward have alr eady had th e ir victo ry and a re s e s ee to e e e o e avag ly king xt nd th ir c nqu st , and “ that he reabo u t lie th e s a d s ea - s o unding wa s tes of Lyo nn e s s e . No o n e has d e s cribe d thi s wildly be autiful se a

e e e s m e with gr at r charm and r ali than Swinburn , Of Tin ta gel I o 1

oo s ee th e wh o has watched it in all m ds , n it in

s o f m ee e s e e blu en e s cal , s n it striv and hiv r lik ’ Spre ad wings o f angels blown by th e sun s ” ' s e e it e th e e e bre ath , n wh n glad xhilarat d s wimme r feels

’ T h e s h a rp sweet mi n u te s kis s ’ ’ i en of th e a e s li for a ea h s s a ce cu led G v w v p , br t p r ” An d u e a s a t th e d a ime of th e o d p r yt w rl ,

- s ee n it again wh e n th e e as t wind m ade th e

th e s o e ou t o f its wate r thrill , and ft light w nt all

e th e e e e e o o e . fac , and gr n hard n d int ir n blu A

m m e o to e s T re walk fro Ca lf rd Tintag l , pas ing

a rwith o n o e to o s e b , and fr m Tintag l B sca tl , pa s s ing Bos s in ey and many a s m alle r cove o n th e

e e s th e m o o e o f way , r v al st w nd rful and alluring

e s ea - e s m o s all chang ful pictur s , and display t

h m e vividly t e arv l and magic of th e rugg e d co as t . T h e towering rocks hav e be e n wrought by tim e and carve d by wind and wave into g r otes que m e s o e th e s e o s e s s e s i ag , br k n at ba int unl cav , wo rn at th e h e ight s int o s harp and gleam ing

es e e o e e pinnacl , fr tt d and cut , r und d and crack d , s e e c s o th e m s s s m und r d and a t d wn , a ive block ad e

e th e o o f th e e em e s s o th e v ritably sp rt l nt , that beh o lde r may e asily beli eve him se lf in th e re al m o f e th e s o nchantment . All unding sh ore s o f

e os s a re e e — T h m Bud and B l g nd haunt ed . e arine r 1 0 2 T h e Lo st La n d of Kin g Arthur

. h ears th e chim e and toll of th e l ost bells of Bot tre aux wh e n h e come s within sight of th e sile nt ” e m o th e tow e r , which stands whit and gri up n

T h e of e o e th e h eadland . wail lur d v yag rs and d espairing lam ent of th e s muggle rs wh o bro ught th em with fals e lights to their d oo m a re li s te n ed to a we o n s o m t e e a re s o s in t r y nights , and h r vi i n o f goo d ship s that we nt d own am ong th e r ocks in th e trag ic de s pe rate day s o f which s o ~ m any

T h o f th o g hastly tal e s a re told . e last e C rnish

e e s fo r o e h e wr ck r , wh m , wh n lay dying , a ship with red s ail s cam e in a tre m e ndou s s e a and b o re h im e oom a s o o n shri king away , l s an appariti n th e e s th e e s o f to e e dark st night , and cri rm nt d

s m e th e t. e ﬂow spirit ingl with blas M rlin , with

e is to e th e o e ing b ard , said pac sh r , and Arthur and h is knights to r evi s it th e scen e s o f th eir e x it T h f th plo s . e spirit o e king h ove rs abo ut s ea

th e o of th e m o t s e o and land in f rm al s acr d ch ugh , r eve re nced and pres erve d by th e inhabitants that

m n they ay ot unwittingly injure th e ir h e r o . Furth e r n o rth at Bud e Have n th e lo ng Atlantic

e e s o e e e is n o m o e im br ak r r ll , and p rhaps th r r po sing s p ectacle than th e co il of waves com ing

- - in up on th e far e xtending and r ock s trewn sands .

T h e t o e o s ee to e undula i ns , mil s l ng , m ris and curl far - ou t a t s ea a t sh o rt regular di s tance s fr om each

Of Ti n tagel 1 0 3

s o m s e e oth e r , and ma s up n a s th y br ak with

- T h e thun d e r s o und and cataract up o n th e s h o re . m os t brilliant of s un s e ts g l ow in th e p e rfect s u m m er we athe r wh e n day die s Slowly ove r th e s e “ - es - m e s e far rolling , w tward s iling s a , and th y

T h e o e is l eave th e night still radiant . wh l land s wee t and bright with ﬂ owe r s : o n o n e s ide li e s th e g litte ring s urf lacing its e lf in white fo am

e s o n th e o e s e es th e abo ut th e bould r , and th r id ris circl e of hills toppe d by th e m as s y bro wn sum m its

om e m e s th e o f Row T or and Brown Willy . S ti de s e rte d quarri e s give a s p ectral loo k to th e land s c e a n d e th e s e s e s ap , wh n rain patt r and dark n th e pil e s of r ough s late th e aspect is we ird and

m v o f s e g loo y inde e d . But gi e n a day sun hin wh e n th e s ea is a s parkling e m e rald o r th e de ep e s t o f e e th e is e o r o s o e e blu s , wh n sky cl ar nly ft n d

o s of s - o e th e with diaphan us ring cirru cl ud , wh n m o s s gliste n s o n th e ro ck s and th e e xpans e o f m e o is e of ee e th e ad wland a vivid carp t gr n , wh n winding hilly lan e s ﬂanke d by tall h e dg e s a re

e s o e s s th e whit and had wl , and little tinkling

e s a re s e e s t e s runl t ilv r gl am , and h n thi tract of ’ Arth ur s Co rnwall is alm ost th e land of fae ri e which poets have sung . What m o re ﬁtting than that th e g rave of Tri s t m e t o e ee t e ra and Is ul sh uld hav b n at Tin ag l , 1 0 4 T h e Lost Land of Ki n g Arthur wh e r e th e s ea th ey l ove d cam e with its strong

e n ow and awful tid s , and

Sweeps a bove their co fﬁ ned bo nes I n th e wrecked ch a hcel by th e shivered sh rin e

T h e e e s e a s em e e d p guard th and ngirds th m , and n o m a n s hall say wh e re th e l overs lie in th eir last w ee . ed th e t o on e e Sl p King Mark buri in grav ,

e o e o e - e th e and plant d v r it a r s bush and vin , branch es o f which s o inte rm ingled that they b e

m e s e e . o e T en ca in parabl Arn ld , Swinburn , and n ys o n have b es t t old th e wh o le s tory in ou r lan

is n o g uag e in m ode rn time s . But it sligh t ta s k to trace th e lite rary history and d eve lopm ent o f

m s th e b e autiful th em e . A G e r an minn e ange r o f th e t e e Gotfrit of t s is th e w lfth c ntury , S ra burg ,

s to om th e o e e o ﬁr t wh r manc is ascrib d , th ugh Scott and o th e rs have claim e d fo r Tho mas of Erc ildou n e (Th om as th e Rhym e r) th e b est poetic

e o o o n e o of is e . v rsi n , nly c py which xtant A

e e - e m s o s thirt nth c ntury anu cript , which c ntain a

e m e e o of th e om e ee Fr nch trical v rsi n r anc , has b n n ote d by Lo ckhart as citing th e authority o f Th om as th e Rhym e r for th e s to ry of Tri s tra m

’ and I s e ult ; but Th omas s v e rs i o n wa s to tally

f h e e f o s di fe ren t from t e pros e romance s . Gr at f rt have b een m ade at on e tim e and an o th e r to prove th e o to b e of e e st ry English , Fr nch , and G rman

1 0 6 T h e Lost La n d of Kin g Arthur can be e asily co mpreh e nde d by th os e wh o have s e e t e o m th e o th e s e s n Tin ag l in st r , wind r aring , a

s e m s o f e ee ﬂa hing whit , a blinding i t rain b tw n k th T h th e h e avy s y and e we lte ring wave s . e

e o f th e e e m e th e e e m e e o f th e rag l nts , v h nc war

e th e s th e e o th s e ring tid , da h and r c il at e ca tl

e e o e e th e m s o bas , hav nly th ir parall l in hu an pas i n

too o for e t e to t t which was str ng lif i s lf wi hs and , wh en d es e rte d Is e ult saw be fo re h er th e co rps e

- o f h er o e . m te om l v r Tristra , ill fa d fr birth , was

oo e to die e e . He o e d m d by tr ach ry was w und d , and l earnt that h e co uld o nly b e h eale d by th e m o f th e om h e o e o f h e r wh o agic art w an l v d , had h i H f cure d m before . e s ent or Is e ult to cr o s s th e s e a o e to s e h im om m e th e in rd r av , and c and d me s s enge r to h o ist a whit e s ail if s h e c o ns e nte d

wa s o n h er . T h e e s wa s o s e and way whit ail h i t d ,

th e o e e th e e e e but th r Is ult , faithful but n gl ct d

e o n ot e e o s wif , c uld r sist saying what j al u y — h m prompte d that t e s ail was black . Sir Tristra

’ o om im m e diately e xpir e d . Mal ry s r ance d eclares

' that th e knight m et his d eath a t th e hand s o f King

wh o e h im a s h e o e Mark , Sl w sat harping af r h is e I s ou d e e lady La B al e , with a tr nchant glaiv , for wh os e de ath was much b e wailing of eve ry

’ ” knight that ev e r we re in King Arthur s days . T h e li terary histo ry and th e variati ons o f th e Of T in ta gel 1 07

e xtr em e ly anci ent and s upr em ely s o rrowful sto ry can o nly b e ad equate ly treate d in s uch a vo lum e

a o of . Los s eth wh o . h a s e as that M , giv n an cc unt

’ o f twe nty - four m anu s cript s co ntaining Tri s tram s

s o o f s ix o th e e o hi t ry , w rks in Fr nch Nati nal

’ o f o r s e s o of on e n Library , Mal y v r i n , and Italia ,

w s o n e e s o o r t o Dani h , and G rman tran lati n

om e e th e o riginal r e ndering . S e hav attribut d auth o rs hip to Co rm ac of Ire land in th e third c e ntury ; o th e rs beli eve th e We l s h bards ﬁrst sang h e fo r e trov' éres it ; t e French claim d it th ir , but i have n ow admitte d ts British o rigin . Y et it is

“ h w e o s rem arkabl e o Fr nch , C rnish , and Iri h

s o e s e e th e o m e h ow th e hi t ri int rmingl in r anc , and

m e em e o o e e s s o agic l nt ccasi nally nt r , p iling it as

s o e a - e T h hi t ry but nriching it as l gend . e st ory is o n e o f such path os that th e pre dominating in ﬂu en ce of th e Celt in s ugge s ting and s haping it m b e ust instantly e r cogni s ed . But s o m an y have

o e o n th e e e e e — o e r w rk d th m , arly and lat n n pe — hap s with s uch s up e rb e ffect as Wagn e r that th e primitive concepti on is a pt to b e forgo tte n o r ign o red ; it h a s bee n o ve rlaid with d etails

e e o l s m e s e g ath r d fr m many and , and e b lli h d by th e oe e o f m T h p tic fanci s any race s . e story h a s

e om e o e Be rou l s of o s b c Eur p an ; , Chri tian Tr ye ,

om o f Ro e th e o e o Th as Brittany , b rt n rth rn m nk , 1 0 8 T h e Lost Lan d of Kin g Ar thur

Eilh a rd of Ob e r e Gottfri h g , d and t e oth e r e arly

e s th e o e m s e — G rman , Pr v ncal in tr ls all th e s e have alte r e d and add ed to th e tal e of th e knight wh o e th e s e a - m o s te th e Morh sl w n r , ou t , saved th e o s e s om s m e e C rni h maid n fr ha and d ath , was

o e o s o e o e e w und d by a p i n d arr w , h al d by Is e ult th e e o of o B autiful , and b th wh m , drinking of a

’ m agic l ove - p oti o n inte nde d fo r I s eult s d estin e d

s e e e e e th e o hu band , aft rwards xp ri nc d all j ys and pangs o f an unhall owe d l ove which Dante him s e lf co uld n ot re frain from celebrating and co ndo n

. T h e o o s s o o r ing st ry ab und in my tic symb lism , ,

e m o ee o it rath r , that sy b lism has b n f und in ; and th e in evitabl e Sun - g od m yth has bee n pe rce ive d i in ts details .

e t e th e te its es t Tintag l , a pic ur in wa rs , is at b

e th s k e o e o e o e it th e wh n e y b c m s a r s ab v , and s u n dipping into a go ld en bath l e ave s a track T h gl eam ing like p earl acro ss th e sh oaling s e a . e wav es as th ey ri s e and fall. make e m e rald and

e e s om e o f e purpl lin in m nts magic chang , and — th e ir cre s ts o f foam sparkle j ewe l like with a th thousand instantan eo us ligh ts . Th en all e

ee o o o th e s u n e rippling gr n gr ws r yal g ld as , lik

’ e e o t on th e e s e e . a spl ndid bubbl , ﬂ a s wat r dg R ound th e po inted brown rocks a re fringe s o f white fo am e ve r wid ening and contracting ; th e

1 1 0 T h e Lo st L an d of Kin g Arthur

We o e th e s o e n d a s e w uld fain hav t ry , it b gan ,

e e e with Arthur and Guin v r , King Mark , Mage

e m e . e o o f M rlin , and Tristra and Is ult Ev ry r ll th e e e s o e om th e br ak r is a v ic fr past , and e ve ry crumbling cham be r a chapte r in that hi s t o ry

o th e e oe s e s Y which nly tru p t tran crib . e t e ve n whil e s uch th o ug hts a re f o rcing th em s e lve s up o n th e m ind o f th e be h o ld e r o f a typical Augu s t s u n s et o e e th e en d of th e b e v r Tintag l , day will n e ar .

T h e a rc o f th e s u n e o th e s e a - e blaz s up n lin , an e e o f e r m e ﬂe ec o f s dg ﬁ y car in , and a y train cirru

S o clo ud cri m s o n s with th e la s t ray s . l wly and yet p e rce ptibly th e light di e s away and l e ave s th e h e aving s e a mystically du s k and th e wo rld full m f s . oo o e h o s had ow Darkn e ss l s v r Tintag e l . T e o e s oo a s e m v rhanging crag l k if th y ight crack ,

e o ff e o o th e o e br ak , and thund r d wn int p n m T h e o ee o uth e d s ea be l ow . black ch ugh wh ls

o th e s—th e o f th e ab ut ruin Spirit Arthur , say

eo e e th e s e e o f h is o . p pl , r visiting c n gl ry

s th e o f s e s th e e Arcturu , star Arthur , gli t n in blu

’ s k o e th e e e y right v r castl h ight , and Arthur s — Harp s hap e s its elf m o re dimly furth e r e ast fo r th e co n s t e llati ons th em s e lve s w e re nam e d afte r th e

T h e e a t e t puissant king . tid is its h igh and has ﬂ ooded th e little s tony be ach to which a s tee p path l eads ; th e cave s a re full ; o n th e h orizo n th e

1 1 2 T h e L ost Lan d of Kin g Arthur

e o e th e o th vall ys cl s d in by shad wy hills , and e th crags dashe d by e tumultu ous s ea . Y ou may wande r at will fo r mile s in any dire cti o n still keeping in sight th e sturdy granite church s tand ing e xp o s e d on th e high e st bit o f th e c oas t ; you will h e ar n o s ound b u t th e whimp e ring cry of th e gull s ; and you will b e free to re construct h e re in

t o th e e e of t imagina i n vanish d r alm King Ar hur ,

e th e o s o f th e old e o e I s c a ru s whil w rd pri st , J s ph o f e e o e Ex t r , ring in y ur ars

From th is bles t pla ce immorta l Arth u r s pru ng h ose on d ou s deeds sh a l b e for e e s u n W w r l v r g,

S ee m u s ic to th e ea r s ee h o n e to th e on u e . w t , w t y t g T h e on n ce h a ea s th e u s a l a u s e ly pri t t h r j t pp , ’ ea es a e er s h a b e a n d es h a e e wa s . Gr t t th t ll , b t t t v r CHAPTER V

OF CAERLEON - U P ON - US K

a e leon n o w s e i n i h s a e l s le C r , t p w t t t y ty , No feeble ph ra se m a y s erve to se t th ee forth ; T h a m ou s o n wa s s o e of m a n a m le y f t w p k y y , h ou h a s een ea t h o u h n o w b u t i le o h T t b gr , t g l tt w rt T h n o e ou n d s h a h rea ch t e on d h e m a ll y bl b t b y t , ’ I n h ee h a h ee n i n h u s o den h a l t t K g rt r g l l , b A — h ee h e ise a n d o h ies d id e ose . OId oe t I n t t w w rt r p P .

S lo s e s th e s u m m e s u n w t r , S o a l th e m is s a n d c los i n d roo th e o e s l w f l t , , g, p ﬂ w r , a in i n th e o a m in dies th e es er e l F t gl g v p b l , — m n e o n d o d e a d u l . ton An d dre a la d s le ps r u g l n C r e Ly t .

h e n h u s in cou e a n W Art r ﬁr t rt b g , And wa s a o ed i n ppr v K g , o ce of a m es ea victore s a n n e By f r r gr t y w , ” — h m i . r i u s An d con qu est o e d d brin g P e cy Rel q e .

“ ‘ O LD Ca e rleo n - upo n - Us k is th e e nchant e d

f th e m e m I s capital o king d o call d R o an c e . t

om es o f et e o its o e e s its d fr t d g ld , c untl ss pinnacl ,

e e e s its o e o s e its s v nty church , g rg u palac , and g iant t owe r

om wh ose h i h c es th e sa Fr g r t , y y, Me n s a w th e ood h i s of S om e s e g ly ll r t , An d h i e s a i s i n on th e e o w s ea w t l ﬂy g y ll , 1 1 3 1 1 4 T h e Lost L a n d o f Kin g Arthur by th e wonde r - wo rking a rt of poets and old - tim e

s e e for u s to - o chr o nicle r hav a r ality day , th ugh

th e they may n ev e r have be e n vi s ible . But city

- o f th e H e ro King is a city s ee n through a v e il . T h e glitte ring s pires s h ow thro ugh th e m i s t s o f tim e ; in a half - s hadow we di s ce rn th e lo fty

e s m th e eo e o s turr t , and ark lanc lat wind w with th e ir s hining diam ond - pan e s ; a dr e amy bright “ n es s re v e al s th e gilde d roofs and th e magic ca s e m e nt s wh e re Guin ev e re and h er m aid ens s t oo d

e th o e s and watch d e t urn ying knight , and glanced

T h e th eir l ove s and h o p e s up o n th e c ombatants .

m e o f o e s th e s e e na Arthur c njur up c n , and fancy

. r e le a s e s th e city from its s p e ll o f s lumb e r and ruin and fa s hi o n s it again in s ple ndour . It is s aid that thi s city o f L egi on s wa s o nce th e rival o f

o m h - R e in grand eur . Wh e n t e all co nqu e ring

e o m s h e o king had subdu d thirty kingd , c uld ﬁnd n o m o r e s uitabl e place than Ca e rle o n fo r h o ld ing a m agniﬁcent co urt to place th e crown up o n

e to th e his h ad , and invite king s and duke s unde r

e t o to th e m his subj c i n e c re o ny . Wh e n h e had

o e es s to th e e c mmunicat d his d ign familiar fri nds , h e pitch ed up o n Cae rleon as a prope r place for h is

o s e for e s e e purp ; , b id s its gr at w ea lth abo ve th e o e e s o m th r citi , its situati n was o s t plea s ant and

ﬁ t fo r s o e s o e m Fo r gr at a l nity. o n on e s id e it

1 1 6 T h e L ost L a n d of Ki n g Ar thur in th e ir t e n s o f th o usands made a ll ' im a gin a b le ” f m s d em onstrati ons o j oy . Th e n tran s p o rting u ic w s e o th e c e s th e s e e s a play d , b th in chur h and tr t

wa s s o e th e s all day , and b autiful that knig ht

e n o f h m h kn w t which o t e any orc estra s to prefe r . Afte r th e s ervice th e king and qu ee n re tire d to “ e e e e s fo r th e o s ob th ir s parat palac , Brit n still

e e th e e t o o f o m e n s rv d anci n cust m Tr y , by which ” o e e to e e e e e s and w m n us d c l brat th ir f stival apart.

O n e o o o em e c o e e m e th usand y ung n bl n l th d in r in , s e rv e d th e banqu e t at th e king 5 table ; and in th e

’ e s e m e e s e o s e s s e qu en palac innu rabl rvit r , dr d with

of o m e s e o m e e o fﬁ e s . a vari ety rna nt , p rf r d th ir c

T h e ts e e e e t e knigh , in b st appar l , w r in full a t nd

e th e e s e e e for e e n anc , and ladi , c l brat d th ir wit ,

c ou ra ed em e o e . N o s s g th in th ir t urn ys man , ay

’ e o o o f om s o e h e G ffrey , was w rthy a w an l v until had give n proo f o f h is valo ur in three s e parate “ battl e s ; thu s wa s th e valo ur o f th e m en an

’ o e m e fo r th e om e s th e e nc urag nt w n s cha tity , and

’ ” lov e of th e wo m e n a spur to th e s o ldi e rs brav e ry . T h e victo rs in th e j o u s t s at Cae rleon that day

e e s o th e we re re ward d by Arthur in p r n , and capital wa s a blaze o f s ple ndour and a scen e o f * s un e quall e d e xplo it .

S i c es e o i n a a e ic o ess a nd a ci of th e l h t r , r gi lly C lt f rtr , ty size o f Lon do n is a s o e o ed to h a e ee n th e s cen e of , l r p rt v b Of C a e rl eon - up o n - Usk 1 1 7

We g e t furth e r picture s o f Cae rleon fro m o the r o f th e e s o Gir l arly hi t rians . a d u s C a m b rie n s is t e co rd ed in th e twe lfth ce ntury that at cae rleo n m t b e ee m e s e of its o m e igh s n any v tig s f r r glory , “ m e e es o e e e i m ns palac rnam nt d with gild d roofs ,

o of om m e e o e o f in imitati n R an agniﬁc nc , a t w r

o o s e e o f e e pr digi u siz , and r lics t mpl s . Thre e

’ e e s e o e ae s o e c nturi b f r C sar invasi n , B lin Mawr

’ laid th e city s foundati o ns ; and in th e sixth c entury

’ ’ C m ri s d a on om th e Roma n s h o d y r g , fr l , ’ ’ S ea d i h a m in o er C a rdu el s d om pr w t c l w g es of gold .

In th e Mabin ogi on we als o g e t a casual

’ g lim p s e of King Arthur s royal stat e at Cae rle on Arthur wa s ac cu s tom e d to h o ld his co urt at

’ n th e f Arth u r s coron a tio a t a ge o ﬁfteen by Du b ritiu s . M od ern exca v a tion s ha ve prov ed th e impo rta nce of th e city a s a ea cen e of i e a n d i ndu s in Rom a n a n d i is h gr t tr l f try , Br t im es i h i ts o u m a silica a n d o s of s h o s a n d t , w t F r , B , r w p ’ h ou ses ; a n d if th e C a lleva Attre ba tu m were rea lly Arth u r s c o n in a ce its n ess a nd o for s o im osin a n r w g pl , ﬁt w rth p g e n i u d l h ou h S lch es e is n ot d i ec ev t ca nn ot b e d s p te . A t g i t r r tly ’ e e ed to in th e Rom a n ces h u s Ha m sh i e con n ec r f rr , Art r p r ion s a re n u me ou s . h e cen e in i n ch es e h e e h is t r T y tr W t r , w r

ed ecesso a nd os e - a h e m osiu s u e ia n u s died i n pr r f t r f t r , A br A r l , th w a t S i ch es e a so h a th e ch ie m en e yea r 508 . It a s l t r l t t f ’ o f th e provi n ces m et a fter Uth er P en dra gon s d e a th a n d e i ion ed Du b ritiu s ch ish o of a e eon to con sec a e p t t , Ar b p C rl , r t h h n Art u r t e su ccesso r to th e dea d ki g . 1 1 8 T h e Lo st L a n d of Ki n g Arthur

- - e e h e e s e e Ca e rl e o n up o n Us k . And th r h ld it v n

ﬁ o o East e r s and ve Chri s tma s e s . And nce up n a

Fo r tim e h e h eld h is c ourt the re at Whits untide . Ca e rl eo n was th e place m o s t e a sy o f ac ce s s in

h is o o s o s e a . t e e d mini n , b th by and land And h r

s e e e o e d wh o e e we r e as mbl d nin cr wn kings , w r

e s e s e e s o s . his tributari , and lik wi arl and bar n Fo r th ey we re h is invite d gue sts at all th e high

e s e s s e e e e e e e f stival , unl th y w r pr v nt d by any gr at

e h wa s e eo o hindrance . And wh n e at Ca rl n h ld

h is o ee e s e e s e t ing c urt , thirt n church w r apart ” Bu th s e e th e o f for m a s s . t e c n at c o r nati o n o Arthur was n eve r e xce ll e d ; and if G e o ffrey of

o m o o b e e e e s c o e a s M n uth c uld b li v d , u h a n bl s e mb l o f e e ro y , such a display magniﬁc nc , such p dig a lity of sp ort and h o s pitality we re n eve r b efo re o r afte rward s ee n in Britain ; and th e histo rian

’ add s that at that tim e King Arthur s co untry had

e a t s t of e arriv d uch a pi ch grand ur , that in

e o f e s o e abundanc rich , luxury , rnam nts , and p o lite n e s s o f inhabitan ts it far surpass e d all othe r co untri e s . But what is Ca e rl eo n n ow ? Late o n an August

e oo e th e s k h aft rn n , wh n y was stricke n with t e

s s o o o f e e e ﬁr t had wy pall r v ning , a whit , sandy , d e s e rted lan e led m e past a few scatte re d h o u s e s

t th e and a small church o rive rside . T h e tide wa s

1 2 0 T h e Lost L a n d of Kin g Ar thu r

T h e e s e and gre ate r conque sts . W l h bards hav s ung h ow

He ﬁrst orda i n ed th e c ircled boa rd T h e k n ights wh os e m a rtia l d eeds fa r- f a m ed tha t T a ble ou n d R ,

h ich u es in h ei o es h ich m os in a m s e no n ed W tr t t r l v , w t r r w , T h e a s h ich on u h e d h a O de h e e o : l w w l g p l t t r r , t y r p rt ’ Th e e n ecos s re a r d a t a e eon i n h er ou r P t t p p C rl C t , ’ T h a t Ta ble s a n cien t s e a t .

While we wand e r abo ut th e gree n hillo cks which co mpos e that my s te ri o us circl e ou r m ind s can fe e l th e inspirati o n o f th e s cen e and sp o rt

h f h on with t e phanto m s o t e unreal wo rld . It is s uch o cca s io n s that we f e e l th e to uch of o th e r

m e s m t h f ti s and ee o h e ar t e e ch o o v o ice s still e d . T h e ﬂam e of romance kindle s a tho usand image s ;

h e e e es its e a half t pr s nt fad away , and in plac p

e s h a s s e o r e e ee . T h e p ar what , vani h d has n v r b n o o e o o f th e e oo th e l ng pr c ssi n d ad tr ps by , and

t e of o e e e . e e o e e e al byg n days is r call d H r , nc , w r

’ th e s ound s o f tum ult ; th e king s pavili o n was “ s e t th e o e wa s le t . e e e , and t urn y cry Th n w r

e th e e o f th e ee th e to h ard clatt r st ds , rush arms , th e o f o s e th e t f clang sw rd and p ar , shat e ring o haube rk and s hi e ld ; th e n thro ug h th e stree ts re s o und e d th e trum pe t - call to arm s and th e pro clam ati o n o f th e king ; the n gath e red and dis pe rs ed th e n obl e o rde r of knigh ts and th e ﬂ o we r — - Of C a e rl eon up on Usk I 2 I o f c s e o o o e e or hivalry , tting f rth up n n bl qu sts returning to re late th e ir de e d s to Arthur and to lay th e ir s po ils at th e fee t o f Guin eve re . Along

es e e s o e e o S ir S ir th lan r d Sir Lanc l t and Galahad ,

e . e e m e s o Gawain , and Sir Kay H r ca king fr m

o s o e to d o o e to . n rth , uth , and w st h mag Arthur l l ere , ’ Amon g th e myria d - room d ’ And m a n y - corridor d perple xities ’ O h u s a a ce f Art r p l , th e dram a o f pain and s ham e was acte d by th e

’ ee s e e s m a n n o t qu n and Arthur gr at t knight , a ’ e s e . e e e e th e b ee b u rn s aft r Arthur h art H r , wh r

th e o e e o and m th alights , w r knightly j usts and s o c e s s : S e e e s e e tubb rn ont t t l grappl d with t l , and th e hard gro und tr em bl e d unde r th e sh ock

of m o e o . e e e e th e s unt d warri rs H r , wh r gra s gro ws l ong and th e dai sy and primros e brighte n o u t m o th e e e e e m e m e n m a ng gr n , w r ail d and irth ful maide ns ; h e re they fe asted and sang and d edi

th e c a te d th eir day s to love and chivalry . But wind roves ove r th e ope n plain ; and scarce ly a

o e o e o r e o e h a s st n , a t tt ring arch , a fall n t w r , ’ e scaped th e ico n o cla s m o f tim e s re m o r s e le s s

T h e m s s e s e e th e hand . a iv wall which d ﬁ d s i ege of th e all - c onque ring R om an have be e n

o o th e e e s e e thr wn d wn , and r gal palac which n v r 1 2 2 T h e L ost Lan d o f K in g Arthur yi e lded to th e pagan have sunk and disapp e are d

th . e e e in e du s t . Th ir v ry foundati on s cann o t b

e . e e th e s m e trac d But b n ath ruin sl eep s ro anc , and in th e p e rvading sile nce is cl os e d th e la s t

o . o f e T h e s ng anci nt chivalry . e du s t of th e h e ro s is s e e catt r d , and

T h e a ttribu tes o f those h igh d a y s ” on i n m in - Now ly l ve i strel la y s .

E ve rything is past but th e name s of m en and — plac es nam e s that we have and ide als that we

’ m e . o s m e o e ak A f rd with Arthur na , a st n as s ocia ted h is ee s e e h is em e s with d d , a city wh r t pl w e re re ar ed " Tranquilly ﬂ ows th e rive r and wash es th e unfre qu ente d banks ; and Ca e rleo n

o - Us k e e h a s ee e up n , lik a wav th a t b n sp nt and

e o th e o e h a s e e o th e e e di s up n sh r , bb d int qui tud

o f e e m e h a s ee o s . Y e t to h im tid l ss ti and b n l t , wh o oes o e e e g with p n mind and simpl faith , Ca r

e o is e e n ow o e m e l n v n a w nd rland , and frag nts o f its marv e llou s sto ry a re scatte re d o n th e r oad

e th e e o o th e sid , in undulating m ad ws , and al ng

f th e e e we banks o e wid e brown rive r . Ev rywh r ﬁnd r emnants of a re markable past ; and th ough th e city has dwindle d to a hamlet and is s equ e st e re d

o o ee m e th e from th e busy t iling w rld , it s s lik city of fable which sl ept until th e promis e d prince cam e and rele as ed it from th e fetters of e n ch a n te

e e o o n e b e e e . m ent . S o may Ca rl n day awak n d

1 2 4 T h e L ost L a nd of Kin g Arth ur — cro wd ed with m e m o rials of antiqui ty te ss e lat e d

e e o o e s s o s pav m nts , R man st n and in cripti n , baths ,

t s s e Ro o o al ar , culptur , man lamps (f und in a r ad

es e o e o m e t e cutting), glass v s ls , br nz rna n s , harn ss

e e o s s o e o f th e buckl s , k ys , c in , and t n facings

m h o roo s in t e Castle Villa . M st curi ous and

e o f e o o o valuabl all , p rhaps , is a b undary st n e sh w ing that th e s ea - wall s we re th e w o rk of th e third

e o t c ntury R mans and made by h e ir s oldie ry . But

o i ina a ss . T o a e son u n a ccu s omed to su c a id e r g l p p r t h br g , th e ra ttlin g n ois e wh en ever a n y weigh t is goi n g o ver n a l m h T h e a cco n tu ra ly occa sion s s o e a ppre en s ion s . u ts o f th e tid e ri s ing so high a s to cover th e bridge a re erron e ou s ; it n ever h a s been k n own yet ; b u t th a t a ssertion h a s given rise to th e idea of th e bridge b ei n g p u rpose ly loose to n i u a h m n preve t ts b ei n g ca rri ed awa y in s ch c ses . T e a a zi g ﬂ ood s to wh ich th e river is s u bj ect wou ld ren der it n ot s u r ” s in ii a cciden s d id h a en . T en n son wh o o a n ed pri g t pp y , bt i om th e en iu s lo ci o h i n s i a on a n d en li h tm e n t e e s fr g b t p r ti g , r f r i n Gera in t a n d En id to th e ra pidity of th e tu rn of th e tid a l wa ters of th e Usk

S ca rce lon ger time

h a n a t a e eon th e u - ided Usk T C rl f ll t , e o e th e ime to a sea a d a a n B f r t f ll w r g i , P a u ses .

M od e n a e eon h o e e h its common a ce a il r C rl , w v r , wit pl r “ ” wa s a o n its o e s sh ou n C a r—ion its n ew y t ti , p rt r ti g l , d e its s o o m a n c u ch a nd its s ee of s m a bri g , p ilt N r h r , tr t ll d e in - h ou ses is i e a t s to d s a o n th e m w ll g , l k ly ﬁr t i pp i t pilgri , wh o on ly by s ea rch in g a n d wa itin g ca n h ope to ﬁ n d th e ’ lin ks with th e city s h istoric p a s t . Of caerl eon - up on - Usk I 2 5 th e s ea h a s recede d from Ca e rleon and is n ow

wo m es e o h a s quite t il away , and N wp rt ari s e n

h s f e - h wh e re once t e hips o Ca rl eo n s aile d . All t e R om an te m pl e s which King Arthur found in th e

‘ city h e is s a id to have co nve rte d into Christian

e s S t . Du b ric th e m o m o s o f th e church , , st fa u

e s s of e o e th e e ccl sia tic antiquity , b ing app int d

s o . th e ot e th e s o archbi h p On h r hand , archbi h pric

to om 1 8 2 to e e is said date fr , and hav last d until

2 1 th e em e s is 5 . But r arkabl and igniﬁcant fact that while r e lics in abundance o f th e e arly R om an s

b e o o e e e e e o f th e can f und , n thing has b n pr s rv d

s o r S o m es n ot e late r Briti h ax n ti , and a trac can b e di s co ve re d o f th e s urpas s ing glo ry o f th e

Arthurian capital . Traditi o n ave rs that for fo ur hundre d y e ar s be fo re th e Chri s tian e ra Cae rl eo n was a royal re s id e n c e and th e burial place o f

s o s e s Briti s h king ; but traditi n di p n e s with proo fs .

’ King Arthur s ninth gre at battle against th e

S o s oo e e eo h e re ax n t k plac at Ca rl n , and had p viou s ly e nco unte r e d th e m at th e m o st celebrate d

’ o f th e o o t e e . T h e e e city s utp s s , Ca rw nt latt r plac has a hi s to ry little infe ri o r to that of Ca e rl eon it s e h a s s o m to o e lf , and tr ng clai s c nsid rati o n bo th as a R om an s ettlem e nt and a s a r e pute d Arthurian

- s o o . is s e to tr ngh ld It uninviting in a p ct day , but th e fragm e nt s of s tate ly piles and th e in n u m e r 1 2 6 T h e L ost La n d of Ki n g Ar thur

able c o in s and m e dals that have been une arth ed

s o e e attes t it fo rm e r c n s equ e nce . Ca rw nt is s e o n th e or o ituat d Via Julia , military r ad , and L e land bo re witn e s s to th e m any e vide nce s o f its

e t m o e its s s e anci n i p rtanc , with ma iv walls and

i s e e fﬁ m e gate s . It v n a r d that Cae rwe nt wa s

o th e o f th e S es e riginally capital ilur , but that aft r

s it e e e e o n e eo ward was a d p nd nc Ca rl n , with which it com m unicate d by a subte rran e an pas

T h e s sage . e ntrance to tha t pa s ag e wa s fro m a

e e th e m f lan which still r tains na e o Art hur . S o m e ﬁfty y e ars a g o a s trange r w e nt to Ca e r

eo o h is e o r s l n , and with ut giving nam tating his

e o o h is o e th e m s rrand , t k up ab d at Hanbury Ar , f h h m T on e o t e o ld e s t h os te lri e s in t e kingd o . h e

r e - o s e Hanbury A ms is a whit , quaintly built h u ,

th e Us k o s o o o facing , and riginally t d at a p int in th e ro ad co mmanding thre e appro ach e s to th e

h e f m e h a s e n ew city . But t e chang o ti giv n a e t e to e eo e e s n ow n ranc Ca rl n , and trav ll r will ﬁnd l w th e Hanbury Arm s o n th e r em o t e side . Its o

o e o s th e s o e o o f u n br w d wind w , with t n mulli ns

s ‘ es s th e s e o o e u ual thickn , and quar h d d drip s o e s o e e th e o e es o t n ab v , indicat that h us dat fr m

T o s th e f o urt ee nth o r ﬁft ee nth ce ntury . thi place th e s e m e h is h is e t e trang r ad way , adv n b ing

m h i o o al o s t unn otice d and s purp s e unkn wn . A l ocal chronicl er wro t e Qui e t and un obtrusive to

1 2 8 T h e L ost La n d o f Kin g Arthur

a re th os e s emi - des criptive refere nce s in Gera in t

n d E n id B a lin a n d B a la n e e of a , and in , n ith r which c o uld have b een s o writte n had n ot th e poet

o vi s ite d th e sp t .

T h e e e o o f n ot o f e is d e Ca rl n fancy , r ality , scribe d a t much gre ate r l e ngth and with m uch

e s o o n high e r charm by Lytto n . If T nny n was c t ent with a s wee ping r efe re nce to th e palace and its m e s o o o b e s e cha b r , Lytt n c uld nly atisﬁ d with a d etail ed acco unt o f th e Hig h Co uncil Hall in

’ wa s s e t th e s o o e ou which king iv ry thr n , and ar nd “ which gath e re d th e D e athl e s s Twe lve o f th e ” e o th e s o f th e o e . H r ic King , Knight R und Tabl He t e lls h ow th e drag o n o f th e Cym ri s pre ad

’ ’ m o e r C a rd u el s o e o f o with cal wing d m s g ld ,

h ow th e e s e e e th e and city lay in a val , h lt r d by

o e s c m e th e e o s dark f r st whi h antl d nvir ning hill , whil e h is picture o f th e daily c u s to m s o f th e peopl e o f th e city wa s reve al e d in th e w o rd s

’ S om e plie d in l u sty ra ce th e glis t n i ng oa r ; S om e n oi seless s n a red th e s ilver- s ca led prey ; S om e wrea th ed th e d a n ce a lon g th e level s h ore ; h h ” An d e a ch wa s h a ppy in is c ose n wa y.

a h f T h e Bu t this w s pure ly t e city o visi o n . fain t light which hist ory throws up o n th e dark p e ri o d of th e British occupati o n shows us that Cae rleo n wa s continually given o ve r to warfare o f th e e I s s t wild st characte r . t is as ociat e d al o in h e - - Of C a e rl e on up on Usk 1 2 9 .

’ Fa b lia u x with th e darkes t e ve nt in Arthur s — p e rs o nal hi s to ry a n e ve nt in which M o rdre d

a m e ventually acte d s N e e s i s . We r e all th e r omances written which have Ca er eo a s e o o f s e e th e o l n th ir backgr und c n ry , l ng s o e s of th e - e e t ri ill fate d br thr n Balin and Balan , o f e o f m e s G raint and Enid , any a knightly qu t e e of m e e and adv ntur , and any a gr at und rtaking “ ” h e s o f o e e o b v t e fair b g inn e r a n bl r tim , w uld

- e e . T h e s o hav e to b e re lat d an w half hi t ric , half

s o e o f D u b ritiu s th e o of fabulou s hi t ri s archbish p ,

es th e e o f s of T a lh a ira n th e Tali in chi f bard , , — — fathe r o f p oe try all m e n o f Ca e rleon wo uld like

s e e to b e e o e th e om e e wi hav r c unt d , but c pl t narra tives m s b e s o th e c o es th e s u t ught in hr nicl , triad ,

Y m o f h and th e Mabin ogi o n . et s o e t e du s t

e es th e o e - om e om und r which li g ld n d d city , and s e o f th e s e e s ee s s om e ruin b n ath which l p lain r anc , m ingle with th e dust and ruin s o f hi s to ry ; and a little o f that hi s tory m a y b e deciph e re d still in th e s S ilu ru m of th e om s e r I ca R an , wh re C a a cta cu s e h is o e e th e a e e h h ld c urt , wh r Pr t r d po site d t e e e e e s e wa s e ou t th agl s , wh r ju tic d alt in e nam e of

aes e e S o s o m et n C ar , wh r ax n and Brit ns in o e of

e s t e e s e e h th ir la d adly struggl , and wh r t e drago n of th e m e e e Cymry ulti at ly pr vail d , and Arthur P e ndrago n ro s e and had h is nam e s et high on

th e e s o f e all hills a nd in th igns h aven . . 9 CHAPTE R VI

’ 0 1? T HE ROUND TAB LE AND k wo ARTHUR S B ATTLE S

Ah n s e s " h e n th e a e Rou n d , Mi tr l w T bl ’ ose i h a ll its a io s c ro wn d Ar , w t w rr r , Th ere wa s a th em e for b a rd s to s ou n d ” — o t I n tri u m ph to th e ir stri ng " S c t.

n i h o f r h u o in o u t h is A K g t A t r, w rk g will ”

d m z son . T o c le a n s e th e worl . Te y

u een ea s a nd m o e ere s ed F ll fift y r , r , w p ; ’ a ou h n e w ea h s to u s E ch br g t wr t Arth r h ea d . e e lood e ds i h o ou h Tw lv b y fi l , w t gl ry f g t , T h e S a xon s to s u bj ection brou gh t ; R th on th e mi h ia n s a in y , g ty g t l h is ood a n d e ie ed e a n e By g br , r l v Br t g T h e c is h Gilla m ore in h Pi t fig t , ’ An d Rom a n u ciu s own d h is mi h L , g t ; ’ An d wide were th rou gh th e world re n own d — T h e o es of h is a e Rou n d . S cott gl ri T bl .

LOVERS o f th e Arthurian l ege nd m ig ht fee l a s e n s e o f di s appo intm e nt if th ey we re to ld that

e e o e o King Arthur n v r f und d a R und Table , and

o o n s wa s e that all traditi n that ubj ect b lie d . But th e cl os es t s tud en ts of th e a nci ent sto ry a re com 1 30

1 32 T h e L ost L an d of Kin g Ar thur

f em e h is ee s o o f that to ld o Charl agn and p r , th ugh th e fo re m os t sch o lars n ow a s s ure u s that th e two

n ' n T h id e as we re s eparate a d dis ti ct. e o utstand

e m s o e e t th e e e s t h is ing . fact r ain , h w v r , tha arli to ri es o f Arthur a re silent o n th e s ubj ect which is s o i mpre s s iv e and m e m o rable a feature o f th e

wa e e s o e . e e th e e s e lat r hi t ri s Wh nc id a d riv d , and h ow it cam e to b e im po rte d into this narra

o o e te of its e s s o f e ti n , n n can ll ; but ﬁtn charact r i i th e re s n o qu es ti on . It s in th o ro ugh k e eping

th e s o s e s o e with Arthurian t ry , uppli an appr priat

s o o f h is c e m e o s e n illu trati n chara t r and th d , and fo rce s th e l e ading d octrin e o f knightly fe llowship and th e unity o f th e chivalro u s band wh ose prim " ary o bj e ct wa s d ee ds o f w o r s hip . It is ab s olutely im p os s ibl e to r econcile th e m any

’ co nﬂicting acco unt s o f h ow King Arthur s Ro und

On e e o Tabl e wa s obtain ed . r p rt is that it was m ad e by Me rlin fo r Uth e r Pe ndrago n ; that Uth e r gave it to King Le od eg ra u n ce o f C a m elia rd ; and that Leod eg ra u n ce gave it a s a wedding gift to

h e m e h is e e Arthur whe n arri d daught r , Guin ve re . Mal o ry co nﬁrm e d thi s in his B ook of th e Ro u n d

n Th re u es ts e h e e s e T a ble a d th e e Q , wh n put th —“ wo rds into th e m o uth o f th e king I lo ve Guin e

’ e e th e e Leod e ra u n ce of th e v r , King s daught r , g ,

o f C a m elia rd o e o s e land , which h ld th in his h u Of th e R o u n d Ta bl e 1 33

o e o h e o f m th e Table R und , that y t ld had y ” h e . Leode ra u n ce e e fath e r , Uth r And g , wh n “ f h o e e m e s : He h eard o t e pr j ct d arriag , aid hath

e o h e e e e o e s s e lands n ugh , n d th n n ; but I hall nd h im s e s e h im m m o e for a gift that hall pl a uch r ,

s h im th e o th e c I hall g ive Table R und , whi h

m e e is Uth e r P e ndrago n gave ; and , wh n it full c o m e e e e is e s pl t , th r a hundr d knight and ﬁfty ;

a s for e o o s e m and a hundr d g d knight , I hav y s e for s o m e e e s lf , but I lack ﬁfty , any hav b n lain ” e e e th e e in my day s . King Arthur r c iv d Tabl ” o th e s R und and e hundr d knight , which , “ h e e s e m e m o e e said , pl a r than right gr at ” wi s h es . In th e B o o k of S ir Ga la h a d we ﬁnd that King Arthur wo uld wit h ow m any had taken th e qu e s t o f th e S a n c rea l to o e m h e e g , and acc unt th pray d them all . Th en fo und th ey by tale an hundre d

e s o f th e and ﬁfty , and all w re knight R o und

Table . But obvi o u s ly this Ro und Table which s e ate d a hundre d and ﬁfty knight s and le ft a s e fo r th e o wa s n o t th e s e pac H ly Grail , p cial

R o und Table for King Arthur and th e favo ure d twe lve knights o f h is s e l e cti o n ; th ough it m a y h have b ee n t e R ound Table whi c h in th e B o o k of “ S ir P erciva le we a re to ld M e rlin m ade in to ke n o f th e ro undne ss of th e wo rld : for by th e R ound 1 T h e o st an of in t 34. L L d K g Ar hur

e is th o s F Tabl e w rld igniﬁ e d by right . o r all th e

o s e e es o o th e w rld , Chri tian and h ath n , r rt unt

o e e a re o e to b e o f R und Tabl , and wh n th ey ch s n th e e o s o f th e Ro e e f ll w hip und Tabl , th y think

e m m o e e s e m o e o th r bl s d , and r in w rship , than if ” S s h e th ey had go tten half th e w orld . o aid t

e e f h Y t Qu n o t e Wa s te Land s to Sir P e rcival e . e in r egard to this gr eat in s tituti o n th e re e xi s t s th e o e e o f its s o o e o b ld r id a a tr n mical d rivati n , and co nside ring to what e xte nt a s tro logy h a s e nte r ed into th e Arthurian s to ry th e th eory that th e R ound Tabl e was sugge ste d by th e m ovem e nt r o und th e — “ P o le of th e Gr eat B e ar th e s e ven cl ear stars of ’ — Arthur s Tabl e R ound m ust n ot b e o ve rl oo ke d . Each a g e o f chivalry has h a d ' some such in s titu

o th e o e o e to e s ti n , and R und Tabl c ntinu d xi t in thi s c ountry until th e tim e o f th e Third Edward . Y et th e actual e ra r e m ain s unve riﬁ e d

Wh e n ﬁrst th e q u estion ros e ou th e ou ndin of a a e Rou n d Ab t f g T bl , h a wa s to b e for o e o f God a n d men T t , l v ’ And n o e deeds th e o e of a ll th e o ld . bl , ﬂ w r w r

Nor w e re th e rep eate d e ffo rts o f Engli s h m on arch s to k ee p alive th e instituti o n conspicu ou s ly

T h o s o n ot b e s ucce s s ful . e riginal tandard c uld m e th e e e of e e e es aintain d , and t nd ncy th s lat r tim wh en th e r om ances we re b e ing e nrich e d and

1 36 T h e L o st La n d of Kin g Ar thur

o o s e m e T h s t o s m inc ngru u el nt . e lap e o Quix ti wa s e e th e s s o f th e o e s in vitabl , and with la hing f lli o f th e undi s crim inating i m itat o r o f th e knights o f

th e ol s om s s e e s o . chivalry , d cu t pa d away in d ri i n Ce rvantes did w e ll and did evil by h is d e s tructive s e : th e s e th e s e atir in cutting away para it , fal and foo li s h chivalry which had fa s te n e d its e lf upo n th e s e th e e h e s o to th e oo o f wi and tru , cut al r ts th e o o e e s e e to o e o g dly tr e which d rv d fall m r n bly , it m s u s t n o t fall it u s t . R e nan remind tha it was Arthur th e King wh o h a s b ee n ad opte d by all

eo e s wh o m e th e o p pl , but Arthur char d w rld as th e h e ad o f an o rd e r o f e quality in which all s a t

’ th e s m e t e m s o at a abl , and in which a an w rth d ep e nd e d up o n h is val o ur and h is natural gifts . T h e fate o f an unkn own p e nin s ula m att e re d n o — “ thing to th e wo rld what e nchant e d it wa s th e

e o es e o e e e e e e id al c urt pr id d v r by Guin v r , wh r aro und th e m o narchical unity th e ﬂ owe r o f h e r oe s wa s e e o e e e e es a s s e a s gath r d t g th r , wh r ladi , cha t

e e e e o e o to th e th y w r b autiful , l v d acc rding laws o f e e th e m e wa s s s e chivalry , and wh r ti pa d in

s e to s o e s e li t ning t ri , and l arning civility and ” b eautiful m ann e rs . T h e fa s hi o n s et by C e rvante s was followe d in

e m e s o Ho okh a m e e os ro lat r ti by J hn Fr r , wh e p “ j ec te d N a ti o n a l Work c om pri s ing th e m os t in Of th e R ou n d Ta ble 1 37 te res tin g particulars r e lating to King Arthur and

’ h is Ro und Table is a brilliant j eu d es prit ; and

' e m e s wh os e Ya n kee by Mr . Cl n Mark Twain a t th e C ou rt of Kin g Arth u r s carce ly rank s e ithe r

m o h i a ng s witty o r his m em o rable pro ducti o n s . T h e e e m e of m o e e s gr at r nu b r d rn writ r , having n e ith e r th e provo cati o n n o r th e e xcu s e o f C e r

es e s e e e fo r e m e th e o e vant , hav l ct d tr at nt w rthi r * e s e o f e e s o and pur r id chivalry , but th ir id ali ati n

’ e e s oem wa s ca u s i c b u t it h a d a ce a in a u e in Fr r p t , rt v l s h o in th u m n i d m T h e w g e nro a t c s i e of Arth u ria n ti es . ol o in e ses h a n h ich fa r e ss d elica e on es cou d b e f l w g v r , t w l t l ou n d in th e oe m m a b e a e n a s a s ec m en f p , y t k p i

An d ce a i n h e s a for ﬁ n e eh a in rt ly t y y , b v g ’ Kin g Arth u r s C ou rt h a s n e ver h a d its m a tch ; u e oin o f h on ou i h ou id e or a in Tr p t r , w t t pr br v g , S trict etiqu ette for ever on th e wa tch ; — Th ere m a n n ers were re ﬁ n ed a nd p erfect s a vin g S om e m od e n a ces h ich h e cou d n ot ca ch r gr w t y l t , As s i i n h ou h th e ee h a n d d i in s a e s p tt g t r g t t , r v g t g , m i m n e o d is a n A cco pl sh e ts res rve d f r t t a ges .

h e oo ed a m a n en e ou s en e a ion T y l k ly , g r g r t e a d s Sh ou de s e e o s oa d a n d s u a e a n d B r , l r , y br w , br , q r , th ick h ei a ccen s ﬁ rm a n d ou d in con e s a ion T r t l v r t , h ei e es a n d e s u es e a e s h a a nd u ic T r y g t r g r, rp , q k , S h o wed h em re a ed o n o e o oca ion t p p r pr p r pr v t , T o i e th e lie u n oses s a a n d ic g v , p ll , t b , k k ; An d for h a e ea son it i s sa id t t v ry r , Th ey were s o very cou rteou s a n d we ll b red .

h en we com e to con s ide o a i ies a ided s u c u n W r pr b b lit , by h 1 38 T h e L o st L a n d of Kin g Arthur

o e o a s had le d to co nfu s i o n als o . Such s b r hist ry e xi s ts proves conclusively that th e knights o f th e m os t chivalro u s a g e lac ke d th o s e attribute s up o n

s o e s h a s ee to th e o which much str s b n laid , gl ry

f h f n ot o poe try but to t e obscuring o fact . It is

m o e o e e to e o e o within y sc p , h w v r , dw ll l ng r up n

s s e to e o to th e o thi ubj ct , but call att nti n R und Table e ith e r a s its repute d e xi s te nce o r as th e u s e of its nam e may b e regarded as an indicati o n o f

’ th e e e of s m . Bu t e e xt nt King Arthur re al h r ,

e we e th e m o o o o f p rhaps , r ach st d ubtful gr und all . Wh e re ve r we ste p we t o uch a crum bling f oo tway o r ﬁnd o ur s e lves utt e rly l os t in a re gi o n o f T h o s e sup e rstiti o ns . e advance al ng thi illusiv

o e e o e b e o e b u t t track w uld th r f r unpr ﬁtabl , hat it e nabl es us to p e rce ive h ow Arthurian tradi t o e m e e th e h ow e o s th i ns p r at land , t naci u ly e s upp o sititi o us links with h im and h is a g e a re e e h ow th e e s a re ch rish d , and crud t facts

s a in in es a s h ese we m a e en a cce a s u h th e old p r g l t , y v pt tr t folk - song wh ich tells th a t wh en Ki n g Arth u r ru led th e la n d ” h e u ed it i e a s in e . T h e m e ica n o e th e a e r l l k w A r p t , l t ” Eu en e e d i n h is L a of a m e o h a s a so s h o n Mr . g Fi l , y C l t , l w h i a ll th e hu m orou s a s pect of th e Arth u ria n Cou rt . W le h s m a b e e ima e en ou h a n d o id e o o u n i ies t i y l git t g , pr v pp rt t for th e wit of th e a u h o s it is n ot th e a s ec h ic we t r , p t w h e e to con e m a e for a n en h of im e or on e h ich pr f r t pl t y l gt t , w h i n d a s a ny con tin u ou s plea s u re for th e m .

1 40 T h e L o st La n d of Ki n g Ar thur

i h u n em a in s th e ide o f o m e ea s H g h g r , pr f r r y r , ’ Old Arth u r s bo a rd on th e ca p a ciou s rou n d ’ S om e i is h e n h a s s e ch ed th e n a me s ren o wn d Br t p k t , ” I n m a s cu e o h i imm a ee rk s ob r f s ort l p rs . T h e gre at antiquity o f Winch e ste r would make its os s e s s o of s e e e e p i n uch a r lic , if g nuin , quit

T h e o f wa s po s s ibl e . e anci nt capital England

o s e s s e th e o m s wh o e e e th e m s s e p s d by R an , r ct d a iv

s m f t o e wall and t e ple s o which it ju s tly bo as s . S m auth o riti e s de clare that th e ﬁrs t Chri s tian church

e e e e s e o th e e 1 6 was r ct d in Winch t r ab ut y ar 9 ,

’ thr e e ce nturi e s o r m o re b e fo re King Arthur s

m e wa s o e e o em e o f ti , and that it c nv rt d int a t pl

o o r o e th e o s te th e Dag n , W d n , by Sax n la in ﬁfth

o o o f e s e wa s e ce n tury . P rti n Winch t r call d by “ ” th e om s e o r th e o o s R an Gw nt , H ll w , and thi nam e be ing c onfu s e d with th e Gwe nt in Mo n m ou th s h ire probably led to th e tran s fe r e nce o f th e s c e n e s o f th e Arthurian l ege nd to th e fam o u s

s s of e o h a s e e e capital . This cla rr r , as b n alr ady

o e ou t h a s n ot ee e e m e t p int d , b n infr qu ntly with

l o to om e s in o d chro nicle s . It was wing s uch c o nfu s i o n o f ide a s in th e m ind o f King H e nry VI I

h e m e h is s on o e s e s e that na d , b rn in Winch t r Ca tl ,

e th e o f o m e . e s e aft r Arthur r anc Winch t r , in

s n o m e th e . fact , play an part in Arthurian drama

m e o e m e o e It was at ti s c nfus d with Ca l t , and giv n

th e e m o f e as alt rnative na e that place . But th re Of th e R o u n d Ta bl e 1 4 1 is n o s ubs tance in th e claim that th e R o und Table n ow to b e s e e e s e is e n in Winch t r r ally Arthurian .

Ev e n D e foe in h is e ightee nth - ce ntury c hro nicle o f ’ a j o urn ey from Londo n to Land s End talk s c on te mptu ou sly o f th e prete nce to pa s s off; th e r e lic a s a pi e ce o f antiquity to th e tun e of twe lve

e e h e e s o e s hundr d y ars , and thr w ab lut di cre dit up o n th e wh o le story .

e eo - o u - Us k th e s o c o f Ca rl n , hi t ric apital King

’ s e m m s a s we e e e o Arthur r al , clai ( hav r lat d) al s to os s e s s th e o e s s p R und Tabl , but in thi in tan c e th e s o is e to e s e th vi it r tak n a ﬁ ld , till b aring e

m e o f th e o e e na R und Tabl Fi ld , in which a cir c u la r cavity probably m ark s th e s ite o f a R o m an

T h o e e is e e ncam pm ent . e l cal l g nd that be n ath thi s ﬁ eld King Arthur and h is knights s l e ep e n

e th e m m o s to om e o tranc d , and await su n c f rth h f and s ave England from pe ril . On t e top o S o m e s e s o o a s Cadbury Hill , r t , at a p t kn wn Cad

m s e c is o bury Ca p , a va t artiﬁcial circl , whi h d ubt

e s s s o o f o m o is e s e th e l al R an rig in , d ignat d R o und Table ; and abo ut half a m ile fro m P enrith

o e c m e e - s e e in Sc tland a circular intr n h nt , ighty v n

e e m e e is o o th e s m e f t in dia t r , p pularly kn wn by a “ ’ m o m e o s e s e o na e . Sc tt nti n P nrith Tabl R und

' ’ h is B rid a l o T ri erm a in o e o f o s in f , and n L ckhart n o tes e xplains that th e circle within th e ditch is 1 42 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Arthur abo ut o n e hundre d and s ixty paces in circumfe r e e o e o r o e s e o nc , with p nings , appr ach , dir ctly p “ As h po site each oth e r . t e ditch is o n th e inn e r s ide it co uld n ot b e inte nde d for th e purp os e o f

e e e ee e s o o e e d f nc , and it has b n r a nably c nj ctur d that th e e nclo sure wa s d esign e d fo r th e s ole mn e e e o f e t o f th e em x rcis f a s chivalry , and bank

o fo r th o e o f m e nt ar und e c nv nie nce spectato r s . This Sco tch re fe re nce h a s a signiﬁcance o f its own t o e o m e ot , but , s anding al n , and c bat d by h e r

s ot b e e e m e o f e o t claim , it cann d d v ry high imp r ance . Sir Walte r Scott qu ote s th e lin e s o f th e poet David Lindsay

dew a S n a wdo n th towris h ie A , f ir , with y ,

T h ch a e - o a a a n d T a b ll Rou n d y p ll r y ll , p rk , y ,

e m o e s th e e o r . a rtiﬁ c ia l to which r v r lic , natural , N o rth Wale s ; but Angle s e y als o claim s that what o th e rs call a Ro m an cam p o ve rl oo king Redwh a rf “ ” ’ is th e B u rdd o r s o Bay Arthur , Arthur R und ’ e s e o s th e o e Table . L land Itin rary c ntain ann unc m e e t e e th e o ent that n ar D nbigh h r is , in Par ch o f Lla n s a n n en th e e o f o e in Sid a St ny Hill , a

Place wh er th e re b e twe nty - fo ur H o le s o r Place s

o e fo r Me n to e s u m e s e in a R und l sitt in , but l s ,

s o m e e e ou t o f th e e Ro and bigg r , cutt mayn ck by Mann e s Hand ; and th e re Children and Young

1 44 T h e Lost Lan d of Kin g Arthur

s s e e a t th e e S o h is T rier knight at d Tabl ; c tt , in m a in m e o o s ee th e old , nti ns nly ixt n ; and ballad “ o n Arthur s p ecifi e s th e numbe r o f go o d and abl e ” s . T o e e s e s let knight as fifty l av uch d tail , it “ suffi ce to l earn fr om Mal o ry that by th e n obl e fe llo wship o f th e Tabl e R o und wa s King Arthur

o e o r l et e e o fo r th e b rn up us agr with Drayt n ,

' s e o f oe t e t s e ak p tical jus ic , hat Arthur and Charl

’ m agn e s knig ht s we re o f e xactly th e s am e num b e r

’ Wh o e a th e b ow e e n i h s i n u s e i n b r w r k g t Arth r r g ,

T e e h e a n d e e th e n i h s of h a e m a ne . w lv t y , tw lv k g t C rl g

Am o ng th e m any r em arkable traditi o n s co n c e rning th e R o und Table is that which survive s in Wal es that Arthur a s s em ble d h is fo ll owe rs o n th e e s o f th e e o e e o s h ight Br ckn ckshir B ac n , and th e re mad e kn own h is d e sign to e s tabli s h a

t o knighthoo d and o f und a Tabl e R ound . On th e s umm it o f Pe n - y - Van m a y ye t b e s ee n huge sto n e s and rock fragm e nts which th e s upe r s titi o u s

th e o e e s o f th e e to th e r egard as br k n r lic Tabl , re al e xi s te nce o f which far m o re atte nti o n has be en give n than to its allegorical s igniﬁcance .

' e t e m o T h e Ro und Tabl is , in fac , pur ly sy b lical

h e e o e e th e through o ut t e romanc , an id a c nv y d by

f s m e e e . cu s to m ary m e an s o a i pl ﬁgur , a parabl It is illus trative o f th e e quali ty and th e unity o f Of th e R o u n d Ta bl e 145 th e o er o f c o f th e s e es of rd hivalry , and ingl n s purpo s e and ambitio n o f th e Arthurian warri o rs

- e e T h e e u ' o f th e and adv e nture s e k rs . br aking p Table R o und is th e Sig n o f th e falling a way in allegiance o f th e knight s and of th e appro aching

’ e o f m e th e di s int grati n o Arthur s kingdo . Wh n fe llo ws hip o f th e knight s is s tro nge s t and th e

om e m e is om e e th e is th e e c pl nt c pl t , king at h ight Of h is p o we r ; wh e n th e r e a re vacant s e ats at th e

e e e a re o s o f e e e Tabl , th r indicati n a d clin ; wh n only a re m nant o f th e knight s m ee t s o nce m o re at

’ th e m o s th e do is - os narch call , king m half l t ;

’ wh e n th e fe llo ws hip is bro ke n and th e R o und

’ e h a s s e e th e e n d o f s e Tabl di app ar d , Arthur r ign

i s om e h is o e is s e e fo r e e . c , and p w r hatt r d v r “ ” “ We e s s S ir e o s all und r tand , aid Lanc l t , in thi

e a i b e n o w n o e e e s e r lm w ll qui t , but v r trif and

e e n ow th e e o s o f th e o e d bat , f ll w hip R und Tabl is bro ke n ; fo r by th e n oble fe ll o ws hip o f th e

Ro e wa s o e und Tabl King Arthur upb rn , and by th e ir n obl e n es s th e King and all h is re alm was in ” qui e t and in re st . By th e d eftn e s s o f th e chro nicle rs th e sym bo l is m of th e R o und Table becom e s s lig htly inte r m i e th e s m o s m o f th e e s x d with y b li Grail qu t , Sir

ha th e e e wh o o s it th e Gala d , p rf ct knight c uld in

e e e o s e th e o wh o o Si g P ril u , b ing nly knight c uld 1 0 1 46 T h e L o st La n d of Kin g Arthur

b e bl es s ed with th e vi s i o n o f th e H o ly Grail . It wa s th os e alo n e of th e fe llow s hip of th e Ro und

e wh o e e e o th e es th e Tabl nt r d up n qu t , and it was

n e e o th e m a n o f m o s o s wh o o e pur h r , t w r hip ,

T wo e th e o achi eve d that qu es t. s ats in R und

On e e Tabl e we re l eft vacant by M e rlin . was ﬁll d by King Pe llin o re wh e n h e had prov e d his worth i ” s th e e e e o e n e s ; but in Si g P ril us , said M rlin , “ n o m a n s it e e o n e th e re shall th r in but , and if th ere b e any s o hardy to d o it h e shall b e d e

o e h e s it ere e n o str y d , and that shall th Shall hav ” T h e o e o e c wa s e . T h e fe llow . d ubl pr ph y fulﬁll d unwo rthy knight wh o attem pt ed to o ccupy th e s i e ge wa s carri e d away in a ﬂam e that burs t fo rth

’ e o s e o wn te is om e instantan u ly , and M rlin s fa by s a s cribed to h is inadve rte nce in s itting in that

m e o s e e e e . yst ri us chair , trang ly carv n and l tt re d

Bu t for e n e Galahad th re was o such f ar . Lo ng did th e e e e o em fo r e Si g P ril us r ain vacant , whil Arthur and h is knights w e re building up th e king

’ d om e o s on o Lanc l t s was unb rn . Bu t at th e a s s e m bling of th e fe llow s hip o n e Whitsuntid e a h e rmit predicted to th e king that that same y ear

‘ on e sh ould b e born wh o would s it in th e Si ege

e o th e P ril us and win Sangreal . H e nce fo rth th e two e a re o o t id as f und c nstan ly unit ed . At Cam e lot all th e s eats a t th e Table we re fo und n ewly

1 48 T h e Lost La n d of Kin g Ar thur th e virg in knight wh o c ould alo n e draw ou t th e

o o th e s o e wh o e sw rd fr m t n , and o again pr v d

m s e th e e te t e c h e e hi lf gr a s , aft r whi h b gan with

e o s o o r ligi u ard ur his app inted tas k .

’ Galahad s s to ry was a late adde ndum to the

e e it is diﬂi cu lt to s u Arthurian l g nd , and very p

os e h n r Y e h is ro p that e was a hi s to ric ﬁgu e . t p to type is said to hav e e xi s te d in th e pe rs o n of

C a tw th e s e C a d o th e e o o f g wi ( g ), s c nd principal ,

o e e e e h e th e e o Llancarfan C ll g , wh r was succ ss r

' o f th e ren own s o o h is o ed Bi h p Dub is . In y uth

C a tw ee s o e e h e o e th e g had b n a ldi r , lat r j in d

s th e eo e th e a d Chri tian Church , and n phyt had vantage o f r ece iving p e rs o nal in s tructi o n fro m

' ’ th e a ed s e th e o emos e o f g ma t r , f r t divin Arthur s

m e th e s es o G o ti . But ugg ti n that ad g was Gala

is s c e o e to s e o s o s e o had arc ly p n ri u c n id rati n , and

e th e t to e e th e s o o f th e Walt r Map , ﬁrs r lat hi t ry

wa s n t e to e virgin knight , o lik ly hav had any s His o e o uch pro to typ e in his mind . c nc pti n

m n T h e s o s e e s to have b ee n mai ly p oetic . t ry is

o e m e es s e s o e cr wd d with yst ri , up r titi ns , and id al

m e o f h is is s . Galahad is s carc ly human in any

h s o e s e e attribut es , and e is inv t d with marv ls that we may s afe ly s et him d o wn a s an im aginary typ e o r th e m os t s hadowy o f traditi onal ﬁgure s .

s s th e e t a s t om In di cu sing r al Ar hur , distinc fr Of th e R o u n d Ta ble 1 49

f m w to e m th e Arthur o ro ance , e have b ar in ind

h wa s m th e o th e e e s e that e pri arily warri r , r pr nta tive o f a cau s e which n e c es s itate d th e Co nstant

f s h e wa s s di s play o h is powe r in battle . As uch ﬁr t

e e e th e s wa s o th e c l brat d by bard , and it ar und

r m e om wa ri o r and chi e f that th e ro ance gr w . Fr

e s m a m e e h e ec m e e b ing i ply ilitary l ad r , b a a typ o f e o o o e e e e s a n d h r ab ut wh m gath r d many l g nd ,

’ in co urs e o f tim e h e wa s m ade th e ce ntral ﬁgure in all th e s to ri e s of m arve llo u s adve nture curr e nt

e e wa s in th e e arly day s . That th r an Arthur e o o o e e o f eo e s o to l ading a f rl rn h p , chi f a p pl l w

e to s e ee s e b e es yi ld and hard ubdu , n d carc ly qu

tion ed . He is th e o e o th e s riginal h r , la t and gre ate s t o f a co nqu e re d race ; h e is th e giant ﬁg u re s tanding b e hind th e mythical Arthur of

m e h i fable and ro ance . B o rn wh n s land wa s a t tack e d by th e invade r and h is p e ople we re fe aring e o h e o o s m et th e foe f r xtincti n , val r u ly , and o a while ste mm e d th e victo ri ou s curr e nt of th e Sax o n

th e o m m s . e e te s t h e h e and R an ar D f a d at la , c m e wa s e e e of e o— a a , as in vitabl , a typ h r late r — n em - od th e o e Odi , a d i g and in r manc s and s ongs we re ad rath e r o f aim s than accom pli s h

m e s o f es e o f e e s . o e nt , d ir s than d d M r and m o re a s m e s its m o o h im t ti ca t gla ur ab ut , King Ar hur

e m e th e e m o m e o f o s o b ca b di nt a nati nal a pirati n , 1 50 T h e L ost La n d of Ki n g Ar th u r

' and th e vanqui s h e d raca revenged its d e fe at in

s o s o f e e s o s e . f ng d ﬁanc , ng which vaunt d o victo ry

e e m t e to m s and w r a ch d triu phant strain , s ongs which reli e ve d th e th ought o f pr es e nt di s aste r and re call e d o nly th e o lde n trium ph s or prompte d

e m s o f e o e s s dr a futur gl ry . Th e o ngs too k the ir ri s e in proph e ci e s and s prang fo rth into g olden

o m f o S h pr ise o p we r and s ucces s . p ee dily t e ide al

e e th e e oe e oe o e r plac d r al . P t aft r p t , chr nicl r

e o c e e t tes to th e aft r chr ni l r , add d a tribu h e ro ; and ultim ate ly fro m o n e s tro ng m an waging d es pe rate

s o m e oe s th e o f war again t utnu b ring f , Arthur

o m e wa s e o e th e os e o es ts r anc v lv d , Arthur wh c nqu we re an unbr o ke n s e ri e s and wh ose te rrito ry wa s

e th e e limitl ss , Arthur with his invincibl knight

o o th e wh o o e e die wh o h d , Arthur c uld n v r , but ,

’ “ e s o s e th e s e o m in M rlin w rd , lik dawn will ari fr h is m y s t eri o us re tre at T h e le gend s s u pply o n e m o o o e th e o re pro f that a nati n with a v ic , with

o e o f e e is e t p w r utt ranc , invincibl in spiri ; captive

' o e e o m a b e rem a in s u n and c nqu r d th ugh it y , it W s ubdue d and fre e in i mpuls e and th o ught . e can co nce ive h ow b old and d e ﬁant th e s pirit o f th e C ym ri rem ain e d when in th e ey es of th e race h th e d e feate d king. wa s s till vi s ible as t e ma s te r o f s th e s e eo e o all king , and vanqui h d p pl c uld boast that h e wh o fell unde r th e Roman y oke

Of th e R o u n d Ta bl e 1 - 51

’ S we pt th e du st of ru i n d Rom e ‘ o m o ff th e h es h o d o f th e ea m a n d c u sh ed Fr t r l r l , r ” T h e do a ers a n d m a de th e eo e ee . I l t , p pl fr

T o thi s race Ca e rle o n a hd Cam e lo t bec am e

es o f m e o m e e citi agic spl nd ur and agniﬁc nc , and th e co urts and camp s o f A rthur su rpa s s e d in s trength and rich es th e luxuri o u s h om e o f Caes ar .

’ T h e land wa s s tre wn with re lics o f Arthur s p o we r ; th e do wn s and plain s we re th e s ce n es o f h is m o m ento u s victo ri e s ; th e hills we re h is chair s and fo o t s to o l s ; th e o ld e ncampm e nt s we re th e s ce n e s o f fam o us tourn ey s th e dark w ood s s u g ges te d th e s c e n e s o f s trange adve nture s fo r th e

s th e o e s th e e s th e e knig ht ; h ly w ll , riv r , and plac s

e e e wa s es m o e wh r Natur bright t and st b autiful , we re all a s s ociated with le ading e ve nt s and e nte r prise s in th e hi s to ry of th e king and h is n oble th retinue . Particularly did e Cym ri in s i s t up o n th e s ucces sive and o ve rwh e lm ing de fe at s by

of th e o e o Arthur Sax ns , th ir traditi nal and m os t f hated oe . And in th e ir vauntings th ey gave

th e m s e of o e m Arthur a t ry half Eur p , clai e d that th e om m e o e m e h is s s R an E p r r b ca va al , and that

o e th e o e m s e e up n his h ad P p hi lf plac d a cro wn .

Arthur fo ught twe lve gre at battles again s t th e

o s th e e om to Sax n , dat s varying fr 457 Eith e r

T h e n a m es of a nd th e e a din in ciden s in th e e , l g t , tw lve 1 52 T h e L ost La n d of Ki n g A rthur

m es e ee m e o r th o e s e na hav b n ix d , e chr nicl r hav m o o s e e om t o r els e we ms nstr u ly d part d fr fac , u t co n c lud e that th e Briti s h warri o r wa s actually

o f th e e e of e s king g r at r part England , Wal , and

S o fo r h is to e s e e om o c tland , vic ri xt nd fr C rnwall to Lin c o ln , and from Cae rle o n in Wales to th e

o T h e e Sc tch L owland s . e tw lfth and gr ate s t o f “ h is o e wa s o ‘ o e e o n vict ri s at M unt Bad n , wh r in e ” “ o we a re o s e e b ut , t ld , Arthur vanqui h d ight ” “ e o - o n e n o m a n hundr d and f rty , and ove rthrew T h th em but him s elf al o n e . e ide ntity o f Mo unt “ o e e o u r oo o m Bad n , wh r g d Arthur br ke o nce o re ” th e h a s o ee e o f Pagan l ng b n a matt r disput e . It h a s b ee n co nte nde d that Bath wa s n o n e o th e r

o Ba d o n ic u s t th e t than M ns , and tha ac ual battle ﬁ e ld was a sp o t kn own a s Bann e r D o wn ; b u t th e claim has alm o st e ntirely b ee n abando n e d n ow that s o m uch e vidence is fo rthcom ing in fav our

s e em to e ee e o f an o th e r s ite . Bath s hav b n ﬁx d upo n a s a likely plac e n ot o nly o n acco unt of its ve ritable antiquity and its e arly o ccupati o n by th e

om s e s e e e to b e o t o f R an , but b cau it app ar d a s r

o iou s a s a re e n u m e a e d h a ccu a c e n n gl r w r , r t wit r y by T y s o n i n a n cel ot a n d Ela in e th e eci a com in om a nce L , r t l g fr L ’ o s s a n d a i n for its u os e th e oo h a a t th e l t lip , h v g p rp pr f t t ” ’ ose h Ritso n s tim e th ere lived n o grea ter lea der . J p cu ri ou s little vol u m e o n Ki n g Arth u r lik ewis e trea ts th i s c u s u bj e t f lly .

1 54 T h e Lost L a n d of Kin g Arthur

ote for Ba db u r o s e o m e o v y in D r t , but with ut nti n

e e o s T h e Ba d r s ing th ir r as n . b u y in Wilt hire s eem s to m e to b e th e m o re like ly place if for n o o th e r r e a s o n than that King Arthur is o fte n m en tio n ed a s e o o a s trav lling thr ugh that c unty , and

e th e c o f S s o e e e b ing in vi inity ali bury and St n h ng , wh e reas D o rs e t s e e m s to have bee n o utside th e h s ph e r e o f h is vi s its and o p e rati ons . T e Wilt s hire B a db u ry is o nly a few m ile s fro m th e gigantic and m y s te ri ou s m e galithic s tructur e which had actually bee n attribut e d by G eoffr ey of

o m o o e s to e s m o s s o r M n uth and th r Aur liu A br iu ,

O n e o wa s o Arthur . traditi n ran that it a m nu m e nt e r ecte d by th e Brit o ns o n th e s p o t wh e re th e

' mas s acre o f th e B ritis h n obl es t oo k place by o rd e r

f th of s c e w e o H engi s t . But in e light ci en e l arn that Ston e h e nge wa s an antiquity in th e time of th e t o m s e ee a s e C lts , and tha its rigin u t hav b n m uch a m y s t e ry to th e co ntemp o rari e s o f King

i f - o is Arthur a s it s to u s o to day . St n ehe nge n ot e o e th e old o e s re m nti n d by chr nicl r , but , m e to s a e e is o b u t s arkabl y , n ith r Bad n ; Sali bury

i ’ is th e subj ect o f Me rlin s fate ful pro phe cy o f

’

h . Arthur s do om in t e battle with M o rdre d . Mr J o s eph Rit s o n we nt e xhaustive ly into th e s ubj e ct o f o s Ba d on icu s e t t M n , and aft r ci ing all tha was

e o e o f s o s e t e of r c rd d it by Archbi h p U h r , Ma th w

e s m s e s eo f e S ir o e W t in t r , Gilda , G fr y , J hn Pris , Of th e R o u n d Ta bl e 1 55

e s h e s e th e i s s e n e . and m any oth r , till l ft u u c rtain What al on e s ee m s to b e es tabli s h e d is that th e battle wa s a d eci s ive triumph fo r th e Briti s h

s th e S o s e e ag ain t ax n und r C rdic , and that Arthur

e pe rs onally p e rfo rm e d pro dig ie s o f val our . T nny s o n h a s re pre s e nte d h im c harging at th e h e ad o f h i s t o n e o f th e s knight , and s anding high a h ap s lain watching th e ﬂying foe ; and Drayto n h a s s ung

How h e h ims e a t a do n o e h a d a lf B b r t t y, Wh e n a t th e gloriou s gole h is British s ce pter la y ; T wo d a ies togeth er h ow th e b a tte l tron glie tood ’ e n d a o n s worth ie s on wh o a ded h e e in ood P r g , w t r bl , i h i li Th ree h u n dred S a xon s s lew w t h s o wn v a a nt h a n d .

I t is a truly m arve llo us acco unt which is g i ve n

’ of Arthur s valo ro u s co nduct at th e battle o f

o . e e s e h is o e m e Bad n W aring his br a tplat , g ld h l t

th e o e e o h i with drag n d vic up n it , and taking s

‘ s o - h is s ea r Ro n h i S w rd Excalibur , p , and s hie ld

Pridwen h e ece e e , ﬁrst r iv d a bl s s ing fro m th e

Bi s h o p Du b ritiu s and th e n h e ad e d his fo rce a s th e o s wh o e e e th gain t Sax n , r c iv d e attack in a

- m wa e e o o s e s om . T h e s w dg f r ati n , as th ir cu t i su e o f th e t e o e m i ﬁ ba tl l ng r a n ed in doubt . Th e g h t ing wa s o f th e m os t d e s p e rat e characte r o n bo th s es th e c o s e o f h id , and at l day t e Saxo ns had th e a dvantag e . N e xt m o rning th e co nte s t was re s m e o m th m u d , Arthur st r ing e ount and be ing at a

‘ s a e th e o e o o H di dvantag by having l w r p siti n . is 1 56 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Ar thur

e o e m e o e e e t oo s p rs nal xa pl , h w v r , ﬁr d his r p with

h is s o courage . Drawing w rd and utte ring th e h m h nam e of St . Mary e ru s h e d a ong t e e n emy

e t o e s m a n and d alt such s r k that a fell e ach tim e . In all 470 S ax o ns lay dead a s th e r es ult o f that

e o s t th o s t rriﬁc n laugh , and e Brit ns ru hing in at th m om e om e e h e right nt c pl t d t e Sax on ro ut . Thi s was th e e n d o f a l ong campaign which had

e o o e S t f o s e tak n Arthur thr ugh Linc lnshir , a f rd hir ,

om e e . T h e te o f th e t e s and S rs t da ba tl , as is u ual

es ot b e e . e with Arthurian dat , cann ﬁx d It is giv n

ff o c e a s 1 1 a s 1 6 th e by di ere nt chr ni l rs 493, 5 , 5 in

An n a es Ca m b rice a s 2 0 . l , and 5 * I t is surpri s ing that Bado n sh o uld r emain

e e e e th e e s o f s o e o f vagu and und ﬁn d , wh n sit m th e o th e r and l e ss im p o rtan t battles a re in m os t

a r s e W cas e s n ot dubi ous and e e a ily asc rtain e d . e

o for e m e t m o o r e kn w , xa pl , tha Barha D wn , Bar n

o e th e e e of one o f th e s t e o e s d wn , sc n la nc unt r

o e wa s e e th e with M rdr d , n ar Cant rbury ; and fact that th e re abo uts was an Anglo - Sax on cem ete ry

m o to th e or e may e ith e r b e testi ny fact , may hav suggested to th e chro nicle rs th e like lih oo d o f its

s o being an anci e nt battle ﬁ e ld . Mr . Rit n trace d

E i ch o son in th e Aca d e m Mr . . W . B . N l , y a dva n ced a n u m ber o f very s trong a n d lea rn ed a rgu m ents i n favou r o f th e origin a l idea tha t M on s Ba don icu s wa s h B a t .

1 58 T h e L ost L an d of Kin g Arthur

o e th e o o b e m e P p with all r yalty that c uld ad , h e appo rti o n e d th e re alm s am ong h is knight s and

e v s e e to s r ant , and r turn d England , landing at * e e th e ee e om Sandwich , wh r qu n and a larg c pany

' e e to e e e . h is w r waiting r c iv him King Arthur ,

n oo h is e e e o h is k ighth d , und f at d warri rs , and

m o m o e s a re e o e al st iracul us battl , p rhaps m r a t m fo r th e fo r h h e e e p o t than t e hi s to rian . Such

’ e a s L tton s o th om e lin s y acc rd with e r anc , and re ali s e th e aspirati o ns o f th e unsubjugate d tribe and o f th o se wh o sang its fa m e and pro ph e s ied m i ts future triu ph .

’ — ’ Rin s Owa in e s s h o u i n s e a in s h u n d e - c r g t , r g G r t t r y , ’ T h e S a xon s dea th k n ell in a h u n d red wa rs ’ — ' An d C a d or s la u gh of triu m ph th rou gh th e sky Ru s h os s i n b a n de rolls s i a s s h oo n s a s t g w ft ti g t r , ' ’ T r s ta n s h i e ion— a n ce o s c os s o f red y w t l L l t r , ’ ’ n n d a i h h o a d A d T u dor s s ta rd w t t e S a x n s he . ’ An d h i o er a ll its sea ed s en dou ea s gh , l pl r r r T h n u m m o a on i n e ve ge f l e ble f th e Dr g K gs . F u ll on th e S a xon b u rsts th e storm of s pe a rs ; Fa r d o n th e a e th e ch a n h n d in s w v l rgi g w irlwi r g , h e h ou th e a n s its a ed n i h h ood c a e W il t r gh r k b rb k g t l v , ” h it o n All C a rd u el follows wit s r a ri g wa ve .

S a n d ich is m en o n ed se e a l im es in th e o m a n ce w ti v r t r , b u t th e e e en ces a re u n m o a n . n cien a s th e a ce i s r f r i p rt t A t pl , h e e is n o ea so n to con n ec it i h i i u t r r t w t Br t sh occ pa ti on . At th e ime th e eh ron icle s e e en o e e it wa s too t w r writt , h w v r, m o a n a s ea o to e s ca e m en ion i p rt t p rt p t . CHAPTER VI I

OF CAME LOT AND ALMES BURY

i h a o i h e a nd u e s ou n d W t t b r bl t b gl , ’ n o in h u s a e Rou n d U t K g Art r T bl , Ri h a ia n h ea s wot g t v l t rt I , ’ D in i n th s iri s lu s ee r k , y p t ty gl , An d ple dge with f u llest j ollity ” Th es e k n ights o f C a m elot . ch a rd H en i H orn Ri g s t e .

Kin g Arth u r a t C a me lot k ept h is Cou rt Roy a ll i h h is a i e u ee n e a m e Gu in iver th e a W t f r Q , D g y An d m a n o d a on s si i n in h a y b l b r tt g ll , With l a d ie s a ttired i n p u rple a nd p a ll An d h era u lts i h h ewkes h oo in on h i h w t t g g , C ryed La rges se " L a rge sse " Ch ev a liers tres ” — R i u h a rdies l P ercy el q es .

’ od s h o n a m e wa s o n h is on u e G ly t g , — — h in e i n h is h ea u ee n u in e e e . a ton T rt Q G v r P .

E wh o e s s th e e o e e is m THO S pr qu sti n , wh r any ’ towe r d m e o e e th e o m ou s Ca l t , wh r is r yal nt ri ing

e th e o e th e e e e is th e b twee n f r st and ﬁ ld , wh r

s o f th e m e o e b e ﬂa hing city arv ll us gat , may re fe rre d by th e veraci o u s hi s torian to a village in

e or th e om to Franc , by unr antic antiquary a I S9 1 6 0 T h e Lost Lan d of Ki n g Arthur

m h a ham let in S co tland . Ti e s razed th e real

e e e th e oe e s city , wh r v r it was , and p t can inv t it with charms and e nviro n it with w o nde rs which

T h e s m f h it n eve r p oss e s s ed . i ple l ove r o t e

’ l eg end will b e c o nt ent to ﬁnd King Arthur s

o e th e om o f n fav urit haunt in fair d ain E gland , am id th e s lee py vale s and th e undi s turbe d hill s o f

e s ome s e . th e e s r tful S r t On M ndip , within sight o f o e of oo e e s a l ng rang w d d v rdant hill , many a to we r and s te e ple d otting th e vale which swee p s

os th s z e o f s e e e away until l t in e blui h ha di tanc , h r and th e re a bright h o m e s t e ad twinkling o n th e

e s o r e s th e o e o o e e h ight n tling in b w ry h ll ws , th r

e s e e e e m is a d rt d plac call d Cadbury Ca p . A sto n e wall wind s ro und an ancie nt e ncam pm e nt

m s o s o s th e e and ark its b unds , and ju t acr s Op n land l oo king to wards P orti s h ead lie th e wide ning

T h e s o wat e rs o f th e Bri s tol Channe l . hill ar und Sh o w e v e ry vari e ty o f gre e n as th ey str etch

e e om th e s o e o n e o furth r and furth r fr h r , and w uld think that th e regi o n had b e e n unvi s ited for a

o e s . o b e e th usand y ar And if traditi n tru , this

m e o m e o e e s o was Ca l t , Ca l t wh r King Arthur ught

‘ rep o s e ; Cam e lo t wh e r e S ir Lance lo t brought th e daught e r of King Leod eg ra u n ce of th e land o f “ ” C a m elia rd th e en tile s t e , g and fair st lady ; “ Camelo t wh e re th e king was we dded u nt o dam e

1 6 2 T h e Lost Lan d of Kin g Arth ur

to dwe ll up on his vila n o u s deed and his me rci

e s e s s e th e e t e e e e e l s n , whil at sam im th y w r abl to e xplain his s ubs e qu e nt acts o f co urte sy as th e

re s ult o f th e duty put up o n h im by th e king .

’ Ga wa in e s e e th e s on of Mor was Arthur n ph w ,

le o s e s h im to u s e gan Fay , and Mal ry pr e nt alt rn ately as th e s o ul o f chivalry and th e typ e o f faith

’

e s e . s o ts for e s o e l s n ss Thi acc un T nny n s qu ry , “ Art th o u n o t h e wh om m en call light- of- l ove ?

’ and fo r th e p oe t s ass e rti o n that h is co urte s y had “ ” f Ga wa in e e e a to uch o trait o r in it . is fr qu ntly

e th e s e o f e oo th e o e mad ubj ct r pr f in r manc , th o ugh h e c a m e ou t n obly in th e e n d wh e n h e

o e to b e e e e on e ot fo t v w d r v ng d sinful Lanc l , ugh

o o s e e e e o . Ac him val r u ly , and di d lik a gr at h r

o to th e o e o t b e c rding riginal W lsh st ry , it mus

em e e e Ga wa in e e th e o e r mb r d , was call d G ld n

o e o to o e of e s o T ngu d , wing his p w rs p r uasi n ,

o e e t n n b ing able o resi s t him what h e a s ked . In “ th e Triad s h e i s addre s s e d by Arthur a s Gwal

c h m a i o f e s s e o s , faultl answe rs , and r v lting Tri

m wh o e th e to m tra , dar d king nin e hundre d c o

e e to Ga wa in bats , list n d e and yi e lde d to h is

s o o . T h e o of Ga wa in e o to licitati n t mb , acc rding

of m e o e e th William Mal sbury , was disc v r d in e

e o f th e o e o e o tim William C nqu r r in Wal s , c unty

e o e e e P mbr k , wh r Lady o te Gu e st tell s u s _Charl t e e th r is a district calle d Caste ll Gwalchm ai . Of C a m e l o t a n d Alm esb u ry 1 6 3

’ ’ Ga wa in e s c ourte s y wa s pr o ve rbial in Chauc e r s

m e th e o s m te to h im ti , and e W lsh hist rian i pu — “ gre at s ci e ntiﬁc learning th e re wa s n othing of which h e did n ot kn ow th e e lem e nt s and th e

” ’ m e e e S s e e c e o at rial s s nce . H e nce cott r fe r n t

“ ’ ” h s t e ge ntle Gawain s co urteo us lo re . All thi is inco n s i s te nt with th e l evity and hars hn ess a ttri

e to h im o o h is o but d by Mal ry , th ugh want n be trayal o f Sir P ellea s and h is guilty re lati on s with Etta rd e e xp o s e d h im to th e c harge of infamy and caus e d him to los e g race in th e s ight of th os e chronicle rs wh o had begun to give a s piritual

’ s e to th e e s o f s o to ig niﬁcanc tal Arthur C urt , and ﬁnd in th e recital Opp o rtuniti e s fo r pre aching purity . ’ P e ll eas s h ope l es s love fo r th e s cornful maid en is o n e o f th e s addes t s to ri e s whi c h fo rm part o f th e e s e Arthurian reco rd s . In his d pair at b ing “ ” rej e cte d by th e s ov e re ign lady for whom h e

o e e h e o th e e o f had f ug ht and pr vail d , s ught h lp

S ir Ga wa in e e a re s o And , Sir Knig ht , sith y

’ on a eein i h S ou h e h a Ga wa ine s ch a a c e Lytt , gr g w t t y t t r t r su ﬂered a t th e ca price of th e po ets a nd th a t h e wa s s h a m e ” u ca u m n ia ed s ea s o f f lly l t , p k

ra n Ga wa in e F k , h om mi h for e e i e a a ch i d W rt v r, l k f iry l , ’ ” Lock d from th e ca res of life .

i ia m o ris in Th e Dc mre i Gu m a 'ere ma k e s Ga wa ine W ll M r , f f , th e a ccu s e of th e u een a n d h e is den ou n ced for ea ch e . r q , tr ry 1 64 T h e Lo st La n d of Ki n g Arthur

’ o s o s nigh a c u in unt King Arthur , and a king s o n e e o e e e e m e n o t , th r f r I pray th , b tray , but

e m e fo r m a e e c o m e h e r th e h lp , I y n v r by but by h e lp of s om e goo d knig ht ; fo r s h e is in a s tr ong

s e e e s t s o m e s ca tl h r fa t by , wi hin thi f ur il , and

. o e h i n v r all thi s c o untry s e s lady o f. Ga wa i e

o e to s e e h im e e h e o v w d rv , and d clar d that w uld

’ e to th e e e e s s o s e rid castl , taking with him P ll a h r

m o e h e r h e h e r and ar ur , and t ll that had slain “ o e s o om e to h er l v r and Shall I c within , and

e s d o m e e s n o t th n hall I y tru part , and y hall fail to have h e r l ove But in s t ead o f winning Et

e fo r e e h e wo n h e r fo r m e d e cla r tard P ll as , hi s lf , ing that h e had s lain P e ll ea s and had co m e for h e e ou f h e er love . Th y w nt t o t e ca s tle and dw lt f T h with e ach o th e r or two days in a pavili o n . e

’ rest of th e pitiful s t ory is b es t t o ld in Malo ry s “ o wn o s o n th e th e m o w rd And third day , in rn

e e e s m e h im fo r h e n ot ing arly , Sir P ll a ar d , had s l ept s ith that Sir Ga wa in e d eparte d fro m h im ; for Sir Ga wa in e had pr om i s e d h im by th e faith o f h is bo dy to co me unto him to h is pavili o n by th e

o th e s o f pri ry within pace a day and a night .

e e e s m o e o n h o rs eb a c ke Th n Sir P ll a unt d , and

e to th e o oo o th e e cam pavili n that st d with ut castl . Th e n h e e w e nt to th e third pavili o n and fo und Sir Ga wa in e with his lady Etta rd e ; and

1 6 6 T h e Lost Lan d of K in g Arthur

“ o e o e e o c m , f ur hundr d wint rs , and f ur and ﬁfty b e o m s e e th e s o of ou r o ing acc pli h d , aft r pas i n L rd

es s t th e e o b e n o o e J us Chri t , tha plac sh uld l ng r

. T h e s e o to s to m vacant king wi h d , acc rding cu , to s ee e e e o e o to ea an adv ntur b f r sitting d wn m t , and tidings we re brought h im of a marv ello us

o e o t th e e o st n ﬂ a ing in riv r , and a sw rd sticking h in it . Lancel ot warn e d t e knight s n ot to touch “ th e swo rd : Wh o a s s a yeth for to take that s o e o f h e e e e o w rd , and fail th it , shall r c iv a w und ” Ga wa in e o e b v t o . e e e e s tha sw rd N v rth l s , , b ying th e om m o f th e o o th e o th e c and king , t k sw rd by

e e to m o e Ga wa in e e handl , but fail d v it ; and n xt day vow e d to s et fo rth upo n th e qu es t o f th e th e o o f e e o th e Grail , visi n which had app ar d unt “ ’ ass embly wh e n th ey return ed from Cam e lo t s

His e s . o m inste r . qu t was unavailing Thr ugh

h S ee s o f e o th e s s e o t e tr t Cam l t knight alli d f rth , “ e e wa s e e o f th e oo and th r w ping rich and p r , and

h e e m n ot s e fo r t king re turn d away , and ig ht p ak ” Ga wa in e e ee . wh o e w ping Of all fail d , fail d

T h e o of th e e e e h mos t Signally . m nk abb y wh r e o e e o e e h i e e s s ught r fug c nd mn d s wick dn s , and th e g ood m e n at th e h e rmitage o f wh om h e ask e d

f r e o e h im h is h arbour o charity , r pr ach d with mis ch ievou s of e e e life many wint rs , and st rnly bad

Ga wa in e e ee him d o p enance . If Sir r d m ed his Of C a m e l o t a n d Alm esb u ry 1 67

h m o o f th e e reputati o n a s t e cha pi n injur d king ,

’ it scarce ly s u ﬁi ced to aton e for th e e vil h e wro ught wh e n th e days we re fair at Came lot . In th e P rolog u e by Caxto n we a re told that reco rd o f King Arthur wa s to b e fo und in th e ton n e of m e o th e e e s o e m erva l Ca l t , gr t t n s and y o w rk s of o e th e roii n d e l us e y yr n lying und r g , and

te d ve rs n ow l vin s ee . ryal vau s , which y y g hath n

e s e s s e m e o is n o Th re lic have vani h d , and Ca l t

e e is s e thing but a waste . But th r ju t a chanc that Caxto n had s om e o th er Cam e lo t than S o uth

h is m for h e s e s o f a s Cadbury in ind , p ak it in

e s e th e s o o f th e o f Wal , whil in t ry burial Balin

’ and Balan by M e rlin we read that Balin s s wo rd wa s m e s o e s a s put in arbl t n , tanding uprig ht

e a s m s o e th e s o e o e a lwa es gr at a il t n , and t n h v d y

o e th e te m e a re s s o ab v wa r , and did any y , and by adve nture it s wam d own e th e s tream e to th e c itie o f m e o is s Ca l t , that in Engli h ,

s o is e s Thi s co nfu i n a ily e xplain e d . Putting a s id e th e -fact that th e re is little coh e re nce o r co n s i s t e th e eo of th e o m n e we e ncy in g graphy r a c , hav

’ alre ady sugges t e d a re a s o n fo r th e chr o nicle r s

As a m a tter o f h is tory it i s worth n otin g th a t Win ch es e in Ha m sh i e a ssed to th e S a o n s in th e e a t r , p r , p x y r

1 a e h ich ime C a rdic h e d it. in h u wa s h en 5 5, ft r w t l K g Art r t on wen - h ee ea s o ld a n d cou d n ot h a e e en ded h i ly t ty t r y r , l v xt s e i o a s fa a s Ha m sh ire t rr t ry r p . 1 6 8 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Arth ur

Mo n s tat em e nt that Cam elo t wa s Winch e ste r . In m o u th s h ire is e - e e o o f Ca r w nt , a r s rt King Arthur ,

W c e s e wa s o w a s e - w n t and in h t r kn n Ca r y , a sufﬁ ci e ntly cl os e re s e mblance to le ad th e o ld

o e o e e m s e chr nicl rs astray. Obvi usly th r u t hav

e e "m o e o n e m e o we a re to b n r than Ca l t , if

' ee o th e s o s e pay any h d t ituati n , di tanc , and

’ charac te ri s tic s m e n tion e d in Mal o ry s c hapte rs .

Ca e r - we nt has a histo ry dating bac k to th e ﬁfth

e e oo o r o e e wa s o e c ntury , wh n a sch l c ll g f und d

e e Y n r en o f th e s c e th r by y Gw t , king di tri t call d

’ e th e s o f Vo rtim e r s e Gw nt , and hu band daught r ,

' Ma r n e - e wa fo u h o n f h d u . At Ca r w nt s g t e o t e la s t Bri ti s h battle s with th e S ax o ns just as th ey

h e we r e r e aching t e gat s o f Ca e rle o n its e lf . T h e

o is s e o n th e o r m o t wn ituat d Via Julia , ilitary r ad , m e s Fro n tiu s th e e 8 0 e ad by Juliu in y ar , and trac s

m h e o f o f it r e ain e d at t e b ginning last centu ry . “ L eland sp e aks o f its four gre at gate s which yet ” e e s s 1 80 2 o e app ar , and an nthu ia tic pilgrim in wr t

t th e l e es e e e u n in v itin ' a n d tha p ac , d pit its pr s nt g “ es o e e es er e e e t e t o t t d lat asp ct , d v d v ry a t n i n ha can b e be s towe d by th e antiquarian o r l over o f th os e s ci te s m em o rable fo r having bee n th e s ce n e s

f e e e e o m . o o magniﬁc nc , g nius , and h r is R man gre atn e ss h a s a t this place s h o ne with a Spl e nd o ur ” littl e infe ri o r to any oth e r part of th e kingd om .

By s o me Ca e r - wen t is supp o s ed to hav e been th e

1 7 0 T h e L ost La nd of Kin g Arthur

T h e e e s es tre ad once breath ed . S v rn parkl in “ h e wa s o th e e o f t e distanc , and pr bably riv r ” “ h e e e s et th e e o o r Cam elot , w r M rlin p r n

o m o e e e s m o e h is t bst n , and wh r Sir Tri tra app int d m i m e e ting with Pa la d es .

N e s o o f e ot its o o d cripti n Cam l , with c urts and to eo e o b e o e e u we rs , its knights and p pl , c uld m r ’ s s H o of th e trancing than Te nny o n . e t ld mighty

t e its m o hall buil by M rlin , with mystic sy b ls in s culpture and statuary ; and h e said that it was “ " re ach ed by th e sacre d m o unt

An d a ll th e dim ic ci oo oo , r h ty , r f by r f , o e a e o e s i e s i e T w r ft r t w r , p r by p r ,

- o e a nd a den a n a nd u sh in oo . By gr v g r l w , r g br k

’ s e ee o e o Arthur s tatu had b n m uld d with a cr wn , “ and pe ake d wings p o inting to th e N o rth e rn

t e es e o tte S ar , and this r pr ntati n again calls a n ti o n to th e a s tro n om ical s igniﬁcance o f th e hist o ry

f th o e m e e s e e s o e king wh s na is pr rv d in Arcturu , th t of t t e o e is s et e s ar ﬁrs magni ud , ab v which “ ’ o . Arthur s chair , Ursa Maj r Th e re may n ot b e much to warrant th e vari ous t o o f e ot e e e ot raditi ns Cam l , and th r r mains n hing

to e em . S o o r v rify th uth Cadbury , Cadbu ry

e t e e e a s n ow u h Camp , sil n and d s rt d it is ,

wa s do ubte dly has a curi o us histo ry . It anci ently

o C a m a lla t C a mellek kn wn as e and , and was early Of C a m el ot a n d Alm esb u ry 1 7 1 as s ociated with King Arthur ; it was a hill - fo rt o f t s e o e of r o th e e ae hat trang , str ng rac wa ri rs , B lg , wh o ove rran th e s outh e rn co unti e s and we re dis lo dge d fro m th e ir strongh o lds with th e greatest

s m wa s a s th e d iﬂi cu lty by th e Ro man s . Thi ca p rallying - po int in th e British an d Chris tian d om ini on

of Gla d erh a f or o e s e . om e e o e , S m r t S hav supp s d it was th e C a thb rig io n wh e re Arthur ro ute d th e

S o s e e s o e m e ax n in a gr at battl , and link d his na

e indiss olubly with th e l ocality . L land in his " Itin e ra ry d escribe d it as s om etim e a fam ous

o or t e o e o e or b ill o e t wn cas l , up n a v ry t rr , w nd r

e n s tren th en ed o f e o e e fully g natur and J hn S ld n ,

his o es to th e P ol olbion o f o e ﬁ in n t y Drayt n , d “ n itely des cribe d it as a h ill o f a m ile com pass at th e to o e es e p , f ur tr nch ncircling it , and twixt every o n e o f th em an earth e n wall ; th e content s o f o t e e s of it , within ab ut w nty acr , full ruins and ” re lics o f old buildings . It has yielde d vari ou s

e e o s Ro o anci nt w ap n , man c ins , a silve r h o rs e

s oe e s of . h , and articl camp e quipage T h e fo ur

o e t e e t e th e t o c nc n ric d p di ch s and rampar s , f rty

ﬁ ve e e b e e th e f t apart , can still trac d , and camp s ee m s to have b ee n o riginally c onn ecte d with an e xte n s ive intrenchme nt on th e Opp o s ite s um m it o f th e - t hill to th e n o rth w est . Fro m i s po siti on Cad bury m ust have b ee n an importa nt ' sta tion corn 1 7 2 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Arthur m anding th e m ilitary road which ran from B owe r Walls o n th e Avo n to th e n e ighb o uring h e ights — of Cle v e do n th e little to wn which g ave birth to

e m os e e s o e Arthur H nry Halla , wh anc tral ab d ,

e e o o s e e e th e ﬁ r- e es c Cl v d n C urt , is h lt r d by tr whi h

’ a re s ee n gro up e d in glo om from Cadbury s he ight .

e e o s o e o e e fo r m e a s At Cl v d n al dw lt C l ridg a ti , s e e o f h is oe m s e e e o o f v ral p , writt n in c l brati n

th s o s e es fo r e e e m u s . e urr unding c n , will v r r ind Fro m Cadbury can b e di s ce rn e d th e pretty village o f o e e is e s e th e m em o o f Wringt n , wh r ch ri h d ry “ h R v Le eve s wh o s o e fo r t e e . W , fa hi n d Auld

m o is e to R obin Gray a ﬁtting e l dy . It asy p e rce ive that th e p os s es s o r o f a s tro ngh o ld o n Cadbury wo uld b e able to h o ld in s ubj e cti o n th e e e s th e m e o f th e e e s ntir di trict , and na plac app ar to be ar witn e s s that a d ec i s ive battle o nce rage d

e e fo r c a d is th e o s C m ria n o th r , C rni h and y w rd f r r f r o e b u or o o . battl , and y hill br w

is r o wh o is co m But it Arthur , and Arthu nly , m m ra t m - m e o ed at Cadbury Ca p to day . Th e re a y b e s ee h is o e th e o s e n R und Tabl , and l cal up r s titio n runs that within t h e charm e d c ircle th e king m a y b e s ee n s itting with h is knig ht s behind T h m i barre d go lde n gate s . e g re at intre nch e nt s ’ call e d th e site o f King Arthur s Palace ; in th e

’ ﬁ eld b e lo w is King Arthur s Hunting Cau s eway ;

1 74 T h e L ost Lan d of Kin g Arth ur

T o Cam e lo t th e knights s e nt the ir pris o n e rs to d o h om a g e to King Arthur and co nfes s h is gre at

’

e . T h e of S t. e e s o e e n ss church St ph n , ft n call d th e s e th e e e e th e Min t r , was plac wh r king and

’ his followe rs as s em ble d to h ear th e Archbi s h op s

e s o t e e te s es th e o bl s ing up n h ir n rpri , and in adj in ing grounds th e principal m e n s lain in battle we re

T h e e e s wh o buri ed with all h o n o ur . tw lv king “ fe ll in war with King Lot we re buri e d in th e

’ of n e e m e ot th e church Sai t St ph n s , in Ca l , and re mnant of knights and of o the r we re buri e d in ”

e o s o o n e o f th e rec ord s ru n s . a gr at r ck , . By

’ th e s e o f La n c e o r s om e e id t b , mad by M rlin , Tri s tram and Lance lot e nco unte re d e ach o th e r and ” o t to e e o e e o f ugh g th r unkn wn , and ith r w unde d o e o e o e th e oo ou t o th r w nd rly s r , that bl d ran up n ” th e s e o e e e e gra s ; th n , disc v ring that th y w r

e e e e e o e e fri nds , th y yi ld d up th ir sw rds , ith r ” e o e e m e o e to kiss d th r an hundr d ti s , and r d back

e o . e th e o e of m e to Cam l t Elain , m th r Galahad , ca

e o e u t e o to e Cam l t richly attir d , and p Lanc l t sham , and it was at Cam e lo t that th e last sad sce n e s in

T h es for th e i r tragic drama we re e nacte d . e qu t th e S a nc rea l e e e g b gan th r , and King Arthur , full of o e o oo e e o f h is s f r b dings , t k a last r vi w knight and caus ed the m to as s e mble for a last to urna

’ “ e o me nt in Camelo t s m e adows , that aft r y ur ' Of C a m elo t an d Alm esb u ry 1 75

m e n m a e of it t t oo de ath y sp ak , ha such g d

T h e knights we re wh o lly togeth e r s uch a day . quee n and h er ladi es beh eld th e n oble g ath e ring

om h e r o e s a w S ir th e e e fr t w r , and Galahad , p rf ct

e th e e s o f wh o m e s knight , br ak sp ar all ca again t

e t of e S i e o him sav hat his fath r , r Lanc l t , and

e e t that o f his com p e e r S ir P e rcivale . Wh n n x we e o f m e o is e e t th e os r ad Ca l t , Arthur r gr t ing l s o f half h is n ob le co m pany ; and wh e n th e wo rs t

o m to s s th e s o e e th e had c e pa , and king di c v r d

o o e to e o e e e wr ng d n him by Lanc l t and Guin v r , it was o f lon e ly Cam e lo t h e th ought with te nd e re st

e e . e s o h a s e e o s e r gr t T nny n s iz d up n thi id a , and put into th e m outh o f th e king th e m o urnful s o liloquy a s h e mus e s o n his faithl es s wife

How s a d it were to liv e An d s it on ce m o e i h i n th e one h a r w t l ly ll , ‘ An d m iss th e on ed n u m e of m n i h s w t b r y k g t ,

An d i n th y bowers o f C a m elot o r o f Usk T h s h a do w s i ou d lide om oom to oom y t ll w l g fr r r , An d I s h ou ld e v erm ore b e ve xed with th ee I n h a n gin g ro be or va ca nt orn a men t ” O h o s l o o fa e ch o in o n h e s r g t y f t ll g t ta ir.

Thi s wa s wh en th e tim e was c om e that Arthur — s h ould s ee Cam e lo t n o m o re wh e n h e had go ne fo rth ~ to h is s la t ﬁght , and Guin eve re had take n ’ th e s m e e s e Alm es b r nun habit and im ur d h r lf in u y . 1 76 T h e Lo st L a n d of Kin g Arthur

R e nan has v e ry ﬁn e ly re m ark e d that in Ce lti c lite rature wo m an is m o re tende rly and d e licate ly p o rtraye d than in th e writings and s on g s o f any “ o e e . o e is m s e of ih th r rac L v a y t ry , a kind ” o o e s e s s o t xicati n , a madn s , a giddin , and w man i s sup e rbly id e ali s e d until S h e s ee m s in ou r ey e s

e e e - s o r e e e c an th r al , radiant , half piritual v n ang li “ T h o m e a re e m cre ature . e r anc s d wy with fe inin e

e m e th e o e o o f th e s nti nt , and chivalric c nc pti n

’ he ro in e is s o pure and be autiful that Pe rcivale s ’ “ s e o r e s e e s a s s o o f si t r , G raint wif , app ar a rt vagu e vi s i on inte rm e diate b e twee n m a n and th e ” e e s e e sup e rnatural w o rld . Ev n faithl s Guin ev r

h e n ot s o e e a re n ot h er s e is s rar ly b autiful , p ll

e s o s t o e h e r and witch ry r ng , that , whil hating

we e s e to o h e r o em o sin , h itat j in in c nd nati n , and have n o h e a rt to appr ove s uch pa s s i o nate de nuncia ti o n a s wa s s p o ke n by th e king in h is h our of gl oo m ? T h e visi o n of Guin eve re ﬂa s h e s up o n u s as s h e was wh e n Lance lo t led h e r from C a m e lia rd ’ to th e s o m e o e s h e e king c urt at Ca l t , wh n w nt a - h e r e e s h e wa s Maying with maid ns , and wh n th e cyn os ure o f all ey e s am o ng th e s p ectato rs o f

Com p a re G u inevere or I se u lt with th ose S ca n di n a vi a n u es u d u n a n d C h rim h ild e a n d ou i l a o h a f ri G r , y w l v w t t om a n s u ch a s c h i a con ce ed h er a n dea o f s ee w v lry iv , i l w t n e s s a n d o e i n ess set u a s th e s u eme e n d o f i e is a l v l p pr l f , —R n a n i e . cre a tion i n rea lity Celt c.

1 78 T h e L ost L an d of Kin g Arthur

~ What ingredi e nt o f hi s to ric fact th e r e m a y b e

h Am re sb ri of th e o s in th e reco rd that t e b y g Sax n , “ ” and th e Ca e r E m ry s of th e Mabin ogi on was

’ h e e s e e th e t o e d e t e qu n r tr at , fai hful al n must

m n ot too e o s cid e . All that i partial and cr dul u hi s to rian s can d o is to pron ounce th e place a s n ot

e n ot m os e n ot u n ﬁttin a s h e r unlik ly , i p sibl , and g abo de and a s th e s ce n e of h e r la s t acts o f r estitu

A m u s ti o n and re p entance . l e sb ry is a Briti h e o f o e th e s o o of Am arthwo rk f rty acr s , tr ngh ld

os s e s B rita n n ia ru m o f om br iu Aur lianu , Dux , R an

e e th e m o o f th e o lin ag , but cha pi n Brit ns against

h e s o t e S ax o n h o rde . R ligi o us a s ciatio ns both e e to s e e arly and lat cling thi anci nt plac , and lo ng afte r Guin e v e re wa s du s t a B e ne dictin e

o s e o e e e o e m na t ry , f und d by Qu n Elfrida , c ntinu d th e r eligi o us traditi o n s of th e e arli e r e ra ; and th e fact that Alm e sb u ry wa s th e cu s tom ary r etreat o f royal ladi e s wh o wi s h ed to withdraw from th e wo rld co nﬁrm s th e characte r o f th e place a s d e

’ i e e h e r p cted in Malo ry s chro nicl e . Guin ve r gave

(6 s e to m e o m o th e lf up la ntati n a ng nuns , and n eve r cre ature co uld m ake h er m e rry Sir Lance

’ lo t s vi s it o nly stre ng th e n ed h e r res o luti o n to m e m e s for th e o m e h im ak a nd past , and pr pt d al s o

to e e to o e e e o eo . s k , lat , p rf cti n in right us living Whil e in a h e rm itage hi m s e lf th e re came to him Of C am el o t an d Alm esb u ry 1 79

’ th e s o of th e e e s en d h er vi i n qu n , and taking

o s to o h e e o m e for th e c rp e Glast nbury , p rf r d it

s es e e e e m s e o e to e . la t rit , and th n d liv r d hi lf v r d ath

His es - e wa s o o s h is r ting plac J y u Gard , which , in g ri e f h e had cal le d D o l o ro u s Gard ; th e qu e e n wa s

’ h e r s s s e th s - laid by hu band id in e i land valley .

e e e f e o But at Llanilt rn , n ar Cardi f , a hug qu in s to n e m a y b e s ee n with an alm os t und eciph e rable

H ic a c e t o o e e s s f , and p pular traditi n d clar that thi

’ “ is e e e s m o m o Guin v r nu e nt . Thr ugh thi s knight ” a n d m e s th e e e e S ir e o , aid qu n , wh n Lanc l t and “ s h e m e t th e Alm e sb u r o e th e s in y c nv nt , all war

e e o th e e o f th e m os o e w r wr ught , and d ath t n bl knights o f th e wo rld : fo r thro ugh ou r love that we have l o ve d t og e th e r is m y m o s t n oble lo rd s e e o e o e S ir c e o lain ; th r f r , wit th u w ll , Lan l t , I

’ a m in s uc h a plight to g e t my s o ul s h e alth ; and

’ et s o o s e e m y I tru t , thr ug h G d g rac , that aft r y de ath fo r to have th e s ig ht of th e ble s s e d face o f

e s th e e f J su Chri t , and at dr adful day o doo m to s it o n h is right s ide : fo r a s s inful cre ature s a s ” e e wa s a r s s v r I e aint in h eav e n . Wh en n e xt th e fals e ly tru e knig ht s a w th e queen h e wa s ’ “ in h is m o nk s habit and s h e wa s wrapp e d in s e e o s o f e s o m th e to to th e to e ar d cl th r in , fr p , in ” o e on o o h e o o thirty f ld ; th n , f t , f ll we d h e r to “ h e r o m e h e r e h er o t b , r calling b auty , b unty , and 1 80 T h e Lost Lan d of K in g Arthur

T h e is s h er n oble n e s s . e n ext sc n e at J oy ou

s e S ir e o s m a s h e e s Gard it lf , with Lanc l t iling li

e e to e o h im d ad , and a hundr d rch s burning ab ut ; while S ir Ect o r d e Mari s d e live rs th e n obles t o f

e to th e o es th e es e tribut s c urtli t knight , tru t fri nd , th e ee e s m a n th e s e es fo e th e e s m k t , t rn t , and tru t ” o o f m a n e e o e o m l v e r a sinful that v r l v d w an . . om m e o to Alm e s b u r is o e Fr Ca l t y a far j urn y , and that j o urn ey m arks th e two e xtrem e s o f Arthurian hi s to ry from th e happi es t to th e s a d

e o th e e o f o e th e e e d st , fr m h ight p w r and pl nitud o f p eace to th e ﬁnal de s o lati o n and unavailing

T h e c o e s m e o r egr e t . e bridg whi h c nn ct Ca l t with Alm e s b u ry is m ade up o f th e gr e ates t achi eve

’ h e es e e s o f ment s and t e d ep t trag di Arthur s re ign .

I t e o f s e es e its e is a bridg a c nt and d c nt , high st point marke d by th e pui s s ance o f th e Table

’ Round and Galahad s achi e vem ent o f th e que s t of th e its o e o th e Grail , l w st part dipping int ete rnal gloo m which fo llo we d th e las t battle in — th e w es t a g loo m fr om which th e Briton s we re

m oo de stin e d n e v e r to e e rge . That g l m falls ove r

Alm es b u r m e o is s e th t e . y , but Ca l t till l f in lig ht

e e wa s e e b e s N v r , and n v r can , uch a fairyland

“ ’ ” - a s m towe r d m e o . I ts es any Ca l t crystal dyk , its o e s ee its e e e its Sl p tr t , w ird whit gat , and ’ s e e s o m e a re oet s pir s and turr t with ut nu b r , a p

1 82 T he L ost Lan d of Kin g Arthur

o e c wa s m i n t with that l v whi h h e r d oo . It s o well to inquire m o re d ee ply and m o re clo s ely into

’ th e o f e o b u t to ee th e oe s past Cam l t , h d p t warning N eve r s eek to b eh old h e h s m s ra n in h i W re t e cry ta l strea t e C ty of G old .

’ B ette r to peo ple it with th e phant om s o f Arthur s Co urt than to discover that th e cave m e n o f th e “ e s m e T h eo e M ndip ad it an ab ode . e p pl can

e e o e e e t ll n thing th r , but that th y hav hard say ” Artu r m e s o e tO ' C a m a lot o e that e uch r rt d , wr t

’

e s fﬁ e s . m e o is e L land , and that u c Ca l t pur ly

e is o to e m e o id al , and it e n ugh ﬁnd a r al Ca l t

’ which faintly r ecalls th e place which Arthur s S e ulogist s d eem e d ﬁtting for h is Co urt . uch

es n o e e n o e n d citi , which had b ginning , hav , and

m e s a s o o e a s e Ca lot will la t l ng , and pr v ind

s tru c tible a s r s e . , Fai yland it lf

T h e th ru s h e s s a n g in th e lo n e g a rd e n th e re in f a m s a o u a i ion fa i Cla n g g o r b t p v l r, ’ d i h th e n h s a u h s h e e a s e n o Mixe w t k ig t l g t r , I w ll k w, Ro d e a n c e o th e in o f a ll th e a n d L l t, k g b , A n d s c o w n Ga wa in e i e th e n i h in d a li g , l k g t y, An d h a n d s o m e a e h h h is e a h i e h a n d G r t , wit g r t w t ' ’ C u rl d o u n d th e h e m - c e s e re h e o in d th e f a . r l r t, j r y CHAPTER VI I I

’ K K E E AND T HE LY O F S T . NIGHTON S I V HO GRAIL — T h e wa r- worn ch a m pion qu its th e world to h ide His th in a u tu m n a l lock s wh ere m on k s a bide ” Word s worth . I n cloi stered priva c y .

i h e ca m e ose h of Arim a th H t r J p y, Wh o ou h i h h im th e o a e h e s a br g t w t H ly Gr yl (t y y), And prea ch t th e tru th b u t s in ce it grea tly did d eca y . n s r S pe e .

B e o e o th e A OUT a mil fr m Tintag l , al ng hilly

e to os s e s th e o e ro ad l ading B ca tl , and pa sing w nd r ful little Bos s in ey co ve with its e le phant - s hap e d

o e e m e s r ck , th r is a s all rapid str am which wind through th e R ocky Valley and fall s like a to rre n t

low e o th e s ea . T h e o e at tid int R cky Vall y , with

ee e o e its o n w its thr hug b uld rs , narr w walk o le ading to th e side of th e str eam and n ow m o unt

o e e o e e th e o ing far ab v it , and nding nly wh r ir n c ee o e th e o e of o n e o f liffs b tle ab v r ugh st bays , is th e m o st sublim e sp ectacle s that Nature has to

h e e di s play in that e nchante d regi on . T sc n e ry is a m ixture of dark and fro wning h e ights standing 1 83 1 84 T h e Lost L an d o f Kin g Arth ur

ou t e o s s es o f ee with pr cipit u id , and gr n and

e e o s m s s e s e e g ntl undulati n , a id t which parkl v r

o th e s o s i and an n tinkling inu u broo kle t . But it s n o t s o m th e e e s e its o uch vall y , d pit manif ld

m s a s th e e s e c h a s s e char , littl tr am , whi h a p cial

s f h e o int e re t or t e pilg rim . By d vi u s way s its co urs e m a y b e trace d back thro ugh a rushy c hann e l which li e s d e ep and alm o s t hidde n b e twe e n two s ets of w e ll - w oo de d hills until s udde nly th e trav e lle r h e ars th e s o und o f a s harp s pla s hing

m s ee T h n fro an un n cataract . e walk ow leads

' upward to a s m all gate ; pa s s ing thro ugh th e ope ning we d e sce nd o nce m o re a s teep embank

- m ent and ﬁnd o ur s e lves at th e wate r e dge . It is

e e es e e s o s th e s a haunt d , s qu t r d p t , hut in by hill ,

s s o s the on e s o th e o o f ov e rca t by had w , und s und

’

s is . o s th e l e aping stre am . Thi St Knight n

e e o e e e s e e s o f o a we Ki v , nc r gard d with a p ci h ly

o e e e e m o s e in C rnwall and b li v d , lik t natural w lls “ ” or s to b e e th e e o e o basin , und r sp cial pr t cti n

T h e s e s o and inﬂu e nce o f a s aint . up r titi n is an o l o n e s o ou t o th e e e d , and l wly dying , th ugh b li f

s e s s e s in h oly we ll , fairy w ll , and wi hing w ll is o n e o f th e m os t pl e a s ing and l e as t harm ful o f all

e wa s o f o e re anci e nt fanci e s . Ev ry spring y r garde d m o re o r le s s as a m iracl e ; eve ry t o rr e nt had its tute lary ge niu s .

’ n i ton s i eve 1 8 Of St . K gh K 5

Th e Ki eve is a natural b owl into which th e

ﬂashing c a s cade plunges from th e ro cks above . T h e wate r h a s w o rn its way thro ug h a narr ow r o cky crevice and dr op s through a natural bridge

m T h e thickly o ve rgro wn with fe rn and os s .

e e e e es th e o e th e e dark Ki v r c iv t rr nt , and wat r s e ou t e th e s b ed pr ads again and dimpl s in hallow , g liding sm oo thly and alm o st s ile ntly thro ugh th e

N w e we c c luxurio us plantati o n . o and th n at h its

e m m o th e s o e m e o r gl a a ng lu h f liag , and a il m o re be y o nd m a y b e s ee n th e d ee p blue o f th e

o s e a into which it p ours its tiny tribute . B e l w th e e e o f th e e e is s th e s t e m dg Ki v a ﬂat lab , and r a is bro ke n a s it Shoots down ; o n on e Side is a bulging black r ock whi c h l o o k s darke r by c o n

h T h s tra s t with t e s hining wate r s . e tre e fo rm a s cree n thro ugh which th e lig ht pass e s m o r e

m s e - e i di ly , and thi s cluded half hidd n s p o t s pe r c e ive d to b e a ﬁtting scen e for th e stori e s it h a s

s in pire d .

T h e Ki eve as a place for co mple t e re tire m e nt

o m es o s e s th e o n e w uld , with any disadvantag , p s s s tro ng and d es irable advantage o f b e ing difﬁ cult to di s cove r with out th os e writte n in s tructi o n s a s to th e winding path which a re n ow place d in th e

’

s o s . For m r m e e vi it r hands , lying a ile o o r b

o th e e e b e o o e y nd b at n track , it can f und nly aft r 1 86 T h e L ost L a n d of Kin g Arthur a c o nfu s ing j o u rn e y thro ugh th e thick bru s h

e s o f th e e o e u e c o e and w e d vall y , v r r d ly nstruct d

e s s ee e e m e bridg , up t p and Slipp ry mbank nts , and ﬁnally thro ugh th e doo rway which is ke pt clos e d and l o cke d ag ain s t all co m e rs s ave th o s e wh o have be gun th e s e arch fr om th e right and l eg al ro ad .

’ If we w e re to adh e re stri c tly to Mal o ry s narra tive we s h ould s a y that th e qu e s t fo r t h e H o ly

e m e o . o o o e e Grail b g an at Ca l t L cal traditi n , h w v r , is e to e o e e o privil ge d d part fr m writt n r c rds , and it happ en s that in thi s case th e s cen e is trans

’ fe rre d to thi s s po t n e ar King Arthur s birthplace .

We a r s t e e th e e a ke d o be li v that knights , stand

t o e e s th e e e e oo ing wi h b w d h ad in Ki v , und rt k

f th e s s e o f th e s e th e s earch o r e H o ly V l La t Supp r ,

e o f Arim a th a a to th e bro ught by J os ph this land ,

e e o wa s Cup that had be n hidd n and l st , and d es tin e d to b e di s cov e re d o nly by th e pure and

T h s on th e d e p e rfe ct knight . e king , tanding bri g

o e th o e e h is e e e o f rock ab v e t rr nt , watch d r v r nt fo llowe rs in th e s tre am b elo w laving the ir bro ws

its e s s e to th e o f th e in wat r , li t ning music fall ,

o f th e s o o f th e s e e and , full in pirati n c n , making

o em o e e e th eir s l n v ws , and with a ﬁrm d sir aft r righte o u s n es s s e tting fo rth up o n th e qu e s t .

o e e w e Lance lo t and B rs , P rc val and Galahad , h n in th e wild woo d s far di s tant o r am o ng th e ruin e d

1 88 T h e Lost Lan d o f K in g Arthur

to e or o o e way , and trac it backward nward inv lv s

e T h e an e qually long and to rtu o u s j o urn y .

m o m o f th e e e th e e pri ary f r l g nd , actual b ginning

f th o e e e m s s e o e Grail r manc cycl , r ain a my t ry

T h o e oem s and s ee m ingly undi s cove rable . e ld st p o n th e s e os e o f C h ris tien d e o e s ubj ct , th Tr y and

o e d e o o e e ou e o m o e R b rt B rr n , w r f nd d up n a d l ,

o r m o e s o e e . d ls , ab lut ly untrac d That it was a

m e o m o f n o o pri itive C ltic traditi n ad its d ubt , but wh en Walte r Map inco rp o rate d th e l e ge nd into th e Arthurian sto ry in th e thirtee nth c entury the re

e e e m e o s fo r w r Latin , G r an , and Fr nch riginal

m o n e e e s o o f th e h i to wo rk up o n . In chi f v r i n narrative Pe rceval is th e suprem e ﬁgure ; in th e o e e e o e th r Galahad , P rc val , and B rs all achi ve a m e e of s es s th e m e e th e asur ucc , ﬁrst na d b ing , abs olut e victo r and th e o the rs be ing admitte d to

m T h s e m e th e partial triu ph . e Chri tian le nt in

e is s m o t o o th e cycl di tinct al st hr ugh ut , and many — v e r s i o n s have o n e p o int in co mm o n th e sanctity o f th e its o e o th o o r Grail , c nn cti n with e Savi ur ,

o th e a n d its o m ira u with J hn Baptist , c ntinue d c o s o e o ee om s l u p w r pr c ding fr thi c o nn e cti o n . But th e C e ltic o riginals would b e free fro m trace s o f m Christian s y boli s m . In Malo ry we ﬁnd th e

o e s e th e o s s e s s o of Pe e s H ly V s l in p i n King ll a ,

o to o e . e th e a n d S ir nig h c usin J s ph Wh n king , ’ n i ton s ieve 1 8 Of St. K gh K 9

Lancelo t w e nt to tak e th e ir re pas t a dove ente red

h o o f th e s e s h e o e h e r t e wind w ca tl , and b r in bill a little c en s e r o f go ld from which pr oce e ded a s avo ur a s if all th e s pice ry o f th e wo rld had bee n

T h e e wa s o e oo the r e . tabl f rthwith ﬁll d with g d m e s s m e o f th e th e at and drink by ans Grail , ” es m a n a s rich t thing that any hath living , King

e e th e wa s P e lle as d eclared . Wh th r Grail a chalice which re ce ive d th e bloo d o f th e cruciﬁ e d

o e e a s o e s e ﬁ m e wa s th e L rd ; wh th r , th r hav af r d , it di s h o n which th e head o f J o hn th e Bapti s t had lain ; o r wh e the r it wa s a m iraculo u s s to n e which fe ll fro m th e c rown o f th e revo lting ange l s m ade fo r e th e e e its e e m es Lucif r , b li f in r ality in arly ti m s e ee s c e e e u t hav b n in r and in radicable . It was s aid to have s u s tain e d J o s eph during an i m pri s o n m e o f o - two e th e s e m nt f rty y ars ; ﬁ h r an king ,

e e s ee e n o oo wa s i P ll a , n d d f d while it in h s k eep

’ “ s i ing . Thi s s et fo rth in Wolfram s Parz ival

’ ’ h a e e o n e s is h es d id comm a n d W t r w , ” h o h T a t f u nd e rea dy to h is h a n d .

o vo n s e to om o e W lfram E ch nbach , wh b th G rmans

s o we s o m o o e o o f and Engli h uch , f und a c ll cti n

o e e s h e r e o e badly j in d fabl which tu n d int an pic , m aking Parzival (P e rceval) th e h e ro and th e Grail

e th e e qu st c ntral incide nt . Wo lfram kn e w n o

of o s e o f thing J ph Arimath aea ; but Mr . Alfre d 1 9 0 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Arthur

Nutt has p oint ed ou t that th e J os e ph fo rm o f th e Grail s to ry and th e P e rceval f o rm m a y r eally f o rm o n e o o e o r th e o n e m a b rganic wh l , part y e an

e - th e explanat ory aft r th ought . Wh eth e r Chri s tian e em e wa s e e e c o o r l nt inﬂu nc d by C lti traditi n , whe th e r th e Chri s tian l ege nd wa s s up e rim p o s ed

o th é e s s is th e s t e o up n C ltic ba i , ub l p int which few o s a i h care t y s de cide d . T e sugge sti o n has bee n thrown o u t that th e Grail lege nd m a y e ve n b e o f e o of e J wish rigin , and that in singing th ir “ H oly City whos e wall s s h o uld b e calle d salva

“ ’ o o s e e s s e os e s o e s ti n , wh g at prai , and wh t n ” s o b e o o s e s e h h uld laid in fair c l ur , th y uppli d t e g e rm fro m which in m e di aeval ages th e Grail m T h yth s prang . e Grail was an article o f s tro ng b elie f with th e Te mplars wh o wo r s hipp e d th e h e ad o f o th e e o e to e J hn Baptist , which was r p rt d hav

e th e o e to e e b e n found in f urth c ntury , hav k pt an

o o o s o e to Empe r r fr m dying at C n tantin pl , and have provide d n o uri s hm e nt for all wh o we re T h f h e ngage d up on re ligi o u s cru s ade s . e ide a o t e H o ly City s ee ms again to recall th e a s pirati o n of th e e th e S s of om e m a T mplars , and arra r anc y

m . t have b ee n n o n e o th e r than J e ru s ale . Mr Nut h a s bee n able to adduce C e ltic paralle l s for all th e

h e o e o f th e le ading incide nts in t r manc Grail , while th e many inconsi s te nci e s in th e ve rsi ons

1 9 2 T h e Lost Lan d of Kin g Ar thur knight s that e ve r we r e in h is day s but sin is s o fo ul in h im that h e m a y n ot achi e ve s uch h o ly

h e o e f de eds . T e d v t d knight s m ight s p e ak o

’ e o o e e s s o e s h is e Lanc l t s n bl n and c urt y , b auty

e e e s th e e s wa s n ot for h im . and g ntl n s , but qu t th His e xpiati on was s ev e re . Of e hundred and — “ ﬁfty knights th e faire st fe llow s hip and th e tru est of knighth oo d that e ve r we re s e e n toge th e r — in any r ealm o f th e wo rld wh o m King Arthur

e o e to s e e for th e o o n e r luctantly all w d k Grail , nly , th e o e e th e s e o f virg in Galahad , c uld nt r Ca tl

e s e e th e s o e s o e th e Maid n and d liv r pri n r , c uld h ar

o e of e s o e e h is m o v ic s ang l f r t lling triu ph , c uld ﬁnd th e o b e o e the o Grail , and c uld cr wn d in h ly city h ’ o f s t e e . wa s s Sarra , Spiritual plac It in thi city that J os eph had b ee n s ucco ure d ; it wa s h e re

’ that Perceva l s si s te r was e ntom be d ; it was h e re by ge n e ral a s s ent that th e pure Galahad wa s p ro

° c la m ed wa s e e th e _ king ; and it h r that Grail re m ain e d And wh e n h e wa s c om e for to be h o ld th e h let e o th e e o f e land , e mak ab ut tabl silv r a

e of o o f e o s to e s o e e ch st g ld and pr ci u s n , that c v r d th e h oly ves s e l ; and e ve ry day in th e m o rning th e three fe llo ws (Pe rce val and B ors with Gala

o om e o e s a e d e had) w uld c e b f r it , and y th ir

” ’ h e n s a w m a n vo ti ons . At t e y ar s e d Galahad a kn e e ling be fo re th e Grail ; h e wa s in th e liken ess W bber B os ca s t/e P h oto R . e , l

’ ’ ‘ N i HT O N s L E S l . k c G N

T a c 1 2 "o f e p. 9

CHAPTER IX

OF CAMELFORD AND T HE LAST BATTL E

’ ’ ’ O er o n a l s c f s th e em e s roa r d C r w l li f t p t , ’ High th e s crea m in g s ea - m ew soa r d ; ’ O n Ti n ta ge l s topm ost tower D a rk som e fell th e sh eeti n g sh ower ; Rou n d th e rou gh C a s tle s h rilly s u n g T h e h i in a s a n d i d u n w rl g bl t, w l ly ﬂ g ’ O n ea ch ta ll ra m p a rt s th u n derin g Side T h e s u rges of th e tu mblin g tid e Whe n Arth u r ra n ged h is red cro s s ra n k s ’ ” n n iou C m n m O co s c s a la s cri so n b a n k s . H RTON T h e Gra ve Kin Arth u r o . W A , f g O n T rin itye M on da y e in th e m orn e Th is s ore b a tta yle wa s d oom ed to b e ’ Wh ere m a n y a k n ight cry d Well - a - wa ye

Ala ck e it wa s th e mo e ittie . , r p

erc Reli u es P y q .

EE o e th e e o s ee e s SH R v r bl ak C rnish hill , ﬁft n mil

o es o e s s m e - oo to fr m Launc t n , li a all whit l king wn with a precipi to u s highway alo ng which th e prin — c ipa l h o us es and o n e or two p o o r l oo king public

I is o o t buildings a re range d . t a t wn with u a

e e t o n m e o th e church , and , xc p ark t day , with ut s ign s o f s tirring life and bu s in e s s ; a re m o te and 1 94 C am elfo rd an d th e La st B attle 1 9 5 i s olate d little place which n everth e le s s o nce had its o wn Parliam e nta ry re pres entative and n ot u m “ ﬁ ttin gly c h os e O s s ian Macph e rs o n a s its m em ‘ r s is m e o th e e b c o a ch b e . Thi Ca lf rd , and rid y fro m Launc es to n is n o t uninte re s ting o r unin

T h e es o e s e of th e th e s tructive . d lat a p ct land , p ove rty - s tricke n app e arance of th e few tiny

e s s s e o n th e th e e e s s of th e villag pa d way , barr nn

s th e s es s o f th e o t o s e e to hill , cantn p pula i n , all rv

e e th e s o s e s e o f r v al hi t ry , pa t and pr nt, this po rti o n o f Eng land whe re o nly th e hardi es t o f th e m e o e e s o e e o s . rac c uld liv , and liv what pr cari u ly T h e land its e lf yi e lds little ; th e re a re n o rive r s

o c o o d b e s e th e e o f up n whi h a b at c ul u d , and lin ro ugh hills which fo rm th e s pin e o f th e c o unty

e th e eo e a s s o . e n ow p nt p pl within a pri n Ev n , Cam e lfo rd and half a s co re o f like place s s ee m f h h s hut o u t o t e wo rld . T e s tre am o f life is Slug

s e s a re s c e o th e s o f gi h , luxuri arc ly kn wn , habit th e e s a re m e et th e o m villag r pri itiv , and y C rni s h e n r e tain that rugge d inde p e nde nce fo r whi c h th e y e m hav at all ti e s bee n n o te d . In o ld tim es th e c o unty pro duc e d a race o f h e roes and g iants wh o pre s e rve d th ei r libe rti e s and we re am o ng th e la s t to b e e s o m subdu d by Engli h rule r s . B th o de rn

c e s o e e s f s e e s and an i nt hi t ry , l g nd and act , b ar t ti m o ny to th e co n s tant s truggle which prevailed in 1 96 T h e L o st La n d o f Ki n g Ar thur

” s e n thi part , and had th re be en o giant s in

o e e its C rnwall , n ith r traditi o n s n o r its hi s to ry

o e e a re w uld b what th y . Qu ee n Elizabe th said that tlie furth e r s h e trave lle d west in h e r dom ini o n s th e m o re co nvince d sh e wa s that th e wise m en

m e o h ca fr m t e e a s t . In a s e n s e thi s wa s gro s sly

s for th e o s e o e m a unju t , C rni hm n , th ugh th y y have

eem e e u n c ou th we re n o e s s d a littl , . by m an an

e e e e uncultur d rac , and th ir lit rature prove s h o w e e e e s e o arly th y had th ir think r and th ir s ch lars ,

e s e c o e th ir bard and th ir hr nicl rs . Taciturnity o n th e part o f thi s p eo pl e n e e d n ot b e take n a s a Sign o f unint e llig e n c e ; rath e r is it pro o f to th e

o fo r th e o m s fo r h im c ntrary , C rnish an think s e h e h a s h is own o o s m lf ; pini ns , and turdily ain

s m . e oo e s is s e e tain th e A c rtain al fn s di c rnibl , and thi s is c hara c te ri s tic o f a race which h a s S O

s f its wn m any clai m s to a di tin c t reco rd o o . In th e c e e s o f th e m en o f chara t r , b arin g , and habit to - day m a y b e f o und c o n s id erable co rrob o rati o n o f th e truth which unde rli e s th e myths and lege nd s

o f . m e o is n ow o m m o e antiquity If Ca lf rd c nplac ,

its m e its o m m e its e with ark t , c rcial inn , lin n

’ ’ ’ e s o m o e s ee o e s o s drap r , ir n ng r , and gr ngr c r Sh p , th e r e m a y yet b e fo und within and aro und it much to charm and m uch to kindle th e e nthu s ia s m of

e e a r th e th e l ove r o f r o m anc e . H re and th re e

1 9 8 T h e Lost La n d of Kin g Arthur

s e th e m e o s o n e e th e s which tr tch ad w , catch s ﬁr t .

m s e o f th e s o e e m o e o e g li p hall w littl riv r , r pr p rly

e o o s m s call d a br k , which , all and in igniﬁcant as

is h a s e om e s o o m e e it , b c pr in ntly id ntiﬁ e d with

’ th e o s e es c ncluding c n in King Arthur s hi s t o ry .

s is th e e es its m e to th e o Thi riv r which giv na t wn ,

‘ th e m e o r C a m la n om Cru m h a le Alan Ca l , (fr y , “ m eaning cro o ke d by th e s ide o f which th e i is la s t battle s s aid to have bee n fo ught . It a Shallow stre am and it h a s to ﬁnd its way to th e s e a by a t o rtu o u s c o urs e be twe e n th e hills whi c h e e to th e o s c c th e o h a s n o t xt nd c a t , a fa t whi h p e t

e to t to o for o o e fail d urn acc unt , Drayt n wr t

Let a m e of h er cou s e a nd cu io u s i nd in s oa s C l r r w g b t ,

Her proper cou rs e th a t loosely d oth n e lect g , ’ As a n ic e e s i n ce h e r ri ish h u s ood fr t , v r B t Art r bl , ’ By Mord rcd s m u rth e rou s h a nd wa s m in gled with h e r ” ﬂ ood .

N o o n e c a n oo o th e m e e its l k up n Ca l , and trac rippling c o urs e b e twe e n lo w bank s until it pas s e s

e e th s o e o f S e e b n ath e dark t n arch laught r Bridg ,

m e o r s o s e e is e a il di tant , and f l that it quit

o f its m e . is s c e e s e wo rthy fa It car ly pictur qu , and it n e e de d a ve ry daring and imaginative p oe t “ to s p e ak o f it a s frantic o r to m ake r e fe re nc e ” i its ee e o n e o e to ts ﬂ oo d . At d p st c uld wad C a m e lfo rd a n d th e La st B a ttl e 1 99

o s n o t b e wet o e th e e s acr s it and ab v ankl , but in m os e s e e is n o ee to et wet fo r t plac th r n d g at all , a s ing le s tride wo uld s ufﬁ ce to carry o n e fro m

No r e h e am its bank to bank . do s t e littl e s tr in

‘ co urs e pa s s through that part o f th e land which app e als m os t s tro ngly to th e im aginati o n o f th e

m s s s ' m e e pilgri . It run luggi hly and uddily b n ath th e e - oo e m to o e fo r h avy l king bridg , uch larg it , bearing an alm o s t gro te s que ly te rrible nam e in c o m m em o rati o n o f th e fe arful battle which to o k place th e re about b e twe en King Arthur and h is — e e e e S e e n o t r b lli o u s n e ph w . Wh re laught r Bridg

m e s e s c e th e by any an an anci nt tru tur , by way cros s es th e C a m la n Arthur is s aid to have r ece ive d h is e - o to e e o d ath w und , and hav g iv n a fatal bl w

w o e n - to M o rdre d . If e c uld o nly b li eve o e half that is to ld o f S laughte r Bridge it wo uld b e verit ably o n e of th e m o s t fa s cinating s p o t s in all Eng

a e fo r m s s e s oe s land , M cca pilgri and tud nt , p t

ro m a n c is ts . s " e e and But ala Slaught r Bridg ,

e s e its a we - s m e is th e d pit in piring na , e gr ate s t o f

s o s th e m os s o f oo s th e illu i n , and t triking , pr f that real land o f King Arthur is l o s t o r c hang e d beyo nd r all ecogniti o n . N eve r can w e be li e ve that this mos t in s ipid s cen e in all n o rth Co rnwall wa s th e po rtio n o f Lyo nne s s e wh e re th e ‘ last gre at battle in th e es wa s o e e m et h is td o o m w t f ught , wh r Arthur , 2 0 0 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Arthur

e e th e s e s e o f th e wh r knight p ri h d , and all g reat and n oble c om pany o n e ith e r s id e o nly two knig ht s

’ s urvive d to carry o u t th eir mas te r s la s t b e h e s ts .

th m o s e t h is But e traditi on re ain s . M rdre d had

e o n th e om o e th e h art kingd , and Arthur f r saw

’ “ ’ “ end . e e s s th e o e wa s e e N v r , ay chr nicl r, th r s e en a m o re do le fulle r battle in n o Chri s tian land for t e e wa s s o h r but ru hing and riding , f ining and s t m m o e e s o e riking , and any a gri w rd was th r p k n

e e to o e m . ith r th r , and any a d eadly stro ke But alway King Arthur ro de thr o ug h o ut th e battle o f

S ir o e m m e s e e M rdr d any ti , and did th r rig ht n obly a s a n oble King s h o uld d o ; and at all tim e s h e e n ve r faint e d . And Sir Mo rdre d that day

’ u t h im e e s e fdti h t p in gr at p ril , and thu th y g all

‘ th e l o e e s te th e o e ng day , and n v r tin d till n bl

s e e to th e knight w r laid co ld gro und . And eve r

e o s wa s th y f ught till till it nigh night , and by that ti m e wa s th e re a hundre d th o u s and laid de ad up o n

’ th e o . e s m e s d wn J u rcy , aid King Arthur , wh e r e a re all my n obl e k nig ht s b eco m e ? Ala s

e e I o s ee o e fo r now that v r Sh uld this d l ful day ; , ‘ ’ m n s a m o o m e e d . aid King Arthur , I c e unt in

i Th e n wa s King Arthur aware wh e re Sir Mo rdred l e an ed up o n h is s wo rd am o ng a g r eat h ea p . o f “ ’ N o m m e m e n . w e s e d ad give y p ar , said King

for o e s e th e o Arthur , y nd r I have pi d trait r which

2 0 2 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Arthur m a n o f m y s te ri o us o rig in and o f blig hting in

ﬂu e n ce m o oom o th e m , ving gl ily thr ugh dra a . By ’ s o m e s to b e s o wn s o n c o f s in aid Arthur , a hild

m e o e s s to b e th e o n o f and cri , and by th r aid s

’ Lot s s s e h is e wa ir King and Arthur i t r , lif s m a cu lo u s ly pre s e rve d wh e n th e king o rde re d th e s lay

o f c e o o n - th e o e ing all hildr n b rn May day , in h p o f e m o th e wh o a s e ro r ving infant , M rlin had p “ h e s ied to h im es o o u th e p , shall d tr y y and all knights o f y o ur realm and th e re afte r h e play ed

m h m - e s e e a alignant part in t e dra a . If ill n w w r to b e o e to th e o e o e e e b rn king , M rdr d b r it ; w r

s to b o e o e o e e e tru t e vi lat d , M rdr d vi lat d it ; w r

to b e e e o e wa s th e s knights b tray d , M rdr d py and

’ o m e to e th e s inf r e r . L ft rul land in Arthur

s e e h e s e th e o e e to ab nc , u urp d thr n ; l ft guard

e e e h e e h e r em e to Guin v r , carri d away and att pt d

o e h e r m e o s h e ec m e f rc in arriag ; an utca t , b a

’ ’ Arthur s d eadli e st rival and fulﬁlle d Me rlin s pre

o . I t h e n o t th e o s dicti n was , and racial antag ni t , wh o was d e s tin e d to give th e ﬁnal bl o w to th e

e th e e s a s e . e o Ord r that king had t bli h d T nnys n ,

o o th s e s o o f th e c o e s h a s f ll wing e ug g ti n hr nicl r , s s e o e e o o s e harply co ntra t d M rdr d with Lanc l t , wh e e m h e wa s n o t s o m e s e e o wa s n y , uch b cau Lanc l t s a s e s h i s in e h im th e o o inful , b cau e s gav pp rtunity

’ o f s triking - a blo w again s t Arthur s favourit e

2 0 4 T h e Lost La n d of K in g Arthur

m y . S ir o e o o u t o f e s e ar M rdr d , wr th m a ur ,

s e e to th e o e e e th e s o laid i g T w r , d ﬁ d Archbi h p ,

e s e n e e o s o f and at l ngth , by pr adi g vil r p rt King “ e m e o e to h is s e . s Arthur , dr w uch p pl id Thi de fec ti o n s uppli e d Mal ory with a fi n e opp o rtunity f n th e e o f s m e wh o or m o rali s ing o d faults Engli h n , — “ a re s e ld o m s a tis fi e d fo r th e r e m a y n o thing ” n m e ple a s e u s o t e r . Wh e n King Arthur arriv d o ff o e e o f s s e s D v r with a gr at navy hip , gall y , and c s h e o o e h is o s arrack , f und M rdr d and h t awaiting h im e th e s e o e o o c e . H re fir t nc unt r t k pla , and

o e e o s e e m o e to m M rdr d , b ing w r t d , r v d Barha

o e h e s e e e e . e s e D wn , wh e r again uff r d d f at But th s m s es e s e e a s e e e e e re kir i h , d p rat th y w r , w r but p lim in a rie s to th e re al battle fo r which bo th s id e s

’ M r r o m we re pre paring . o d e d s fo rce wa s drawn fr “ ” o s e o e n o t c e o o m th e th that l v d Lan l t , and fr “ e o e o f o o e S o u th s e x S e p pl L nd n , K nt , , urr y ,

Es ts e x S ou th fo lk N o rth folk , , and and Arthur ,

h is m o e e s s with faithful band , v d w tward pa t

S s h o n to t e s o e . e th ali bury , and h r D spite e warn

’ ing o f Sir Ga wa in e s gh o s t in n o wi s e to d o

’ e to m e m o e battl , but ak a nth s tr aty in o rde r to

o th e e s e e o f e o pr ﬁt by pr nc Lanc l t , King Arthur

o n m s e om e e to e e th f u d hi lf c p ll d ngag in e co ntes t .

‘ A fair an d g e n e r o u s o ffe r had b ee n m a d e to Mo r

’ dre d : C o rnwall and K e nt we re to b e h is d u rin g C a m elfo rd a n d th e La st B a ttl e 2 0 5

’ ’ i s e m e o n th e k s e K ng Arthur lif ti , and ing d ath “ e th e h e wa s to have all Eng land . But wh n

’ e s s o ot tre aty wa s m ade an add r tung a knig ht f , and h is cry o f pain wa s like a clari o n call to ' “ a m o m e th s o s s e th e battle . In nt e w rd ﬂa h d ,

m e e e o th o s s o e tru p ts w r bl wn , e h rn und d ; and at s s e o e e e e e un t M rdr d was d ad , and Arthur had r c iv d * i - h s d e ath wo und . Und eniably th e m o s t pi c ture squ e and r om anti c p o rti on o f th e rive r C a mla n is abo ut half a m ile

f o m S e e o s e away r laug ht r Bridg , t ward Tintag l , wh e re it has wo rn a way be twe e n th e gra s s y hills

e s - e e o os s e - re and li half hidd n far b l w , cr d and cr os s e d s co re s o f tim e s by falle n and in c lining

T h e tre e s . e wate rs h re hurry and c hatte r abo ut

T h e a n cien a a d d is co e ed a n n o a e d a n d to a t b ll , v r , t t , , s i h e e n s u e m e n ed . e c o o s e ex l g t xt t ppl t , by Dr P r y , f ll w v ry ’ a ctly th e s tory of Arth u r s la st d a y s a s give n in th e rom a n ces e xce pt th a t it a s cribes to S ir L u ca n th e a cts u s u a lly credited

) S ir edi e e . No t a d e a i is o m i ed n ot a oi n is t B v r t l tt , p t is d O n th e m o n i n of in i o n da h m se . r g Tr ty M y t e gh ost o f S ir Ga wa i n e is s a id to h a e a e a red to th e kin a n d v pp g _ a n ed h im n o t to h if h e ize d h is li e b u t to a i w r ﬁg t pr f , w t n T h a e h u n til S ir L a n ce lot retu r ed from Fra n ce . e p rl y w i ch o lo ed e een h u a n d o dred is n e d e s c i e d b u t f l w b tw Art r M r xt r b , ’ ’ j u s t a s a m on th s le a gu e h a d b ee n decided u po n th e a dd er s s ting brou gh t a bou t th e woe fu l ch a n ce As eve r wa s i n h e n th o u d n i i C h ris te n tie . W e w n ed k gh t dre w h s sword “ ” th e two h os s imm edia e oin ed b a tta le a n d ou h t t ly j y , f g t u n i on h ee m n e e a i e t l ly t r e w re l ft l v . 2 0 6 T h e Lost La n d o f Kin g Ar thur

h s o e s e o th e t e t n , and ﬁnd th ir way ab ut rank we e d s and unde rgrowth which h e re and th e re im

' om e fﬁ t t pede th e ir j o urn ey . It is with s di culty ha

h is o e e d iﬂi cu lt t e rive r f und at all , and with gr at r y

s wh o e that it is appro ache d . But th o e pe rs eve r

e e th e s a re s ee e s th e will ﬁnd , wh r bank t p t and

e e e e s es t th e oo h rbag and w d thick t , hat br k wa s h e s a hug e e ngrave d s to n e lying ﬂat and half

’ h is e m be dde d in t e e arth . This King Arthur s

e s e e e s o e e grav , a cr t plac , and n ar Tintag l that th e poe t did n o t s train facts gre atly wh e n h e pointe d o u t that

’ No oth er pla ce on Brita i n s s pa ciou s ea rth h Were worth y of h is en d b u t w ere h e h a d h is birth .

m s e to t t o e s o Pilgri ﬁnd th ir way ha l n ly p t , and

es e th e e to e e m a e e r ting n ar hug s n , th y y r ﬂ ct at will upo n th e wo ndro us p os s ibility o f th e re b e

te th e o f s e m ing , af r all , by side thi str a , a tang T h ibl e link with King Arthur . e sto n e lies in

oo e ee two o s ee e a n k b tw n r ck , and thr grac ful and luxuri o u s tre e s watch o ve r it a s if th ey we r e th e m e tam o rph os e d three Quee n s wh o re ce ive d th e w o und e d king in th e m ag ic bo at which g lide d

o is o o m n t to Avalon . All ar und a pr f und cal ; o a s o und but th e o cca s i o nal bu z z o f an in s ect co m e s

om th e o s s e o f th e e o s o e o r fr l ng gra s m ad w ab v , from th e fe rn s and ivy which s pring from th e

2 0 8 T h e Lo st La n d of Kin g Arthur

l ow e e of m o fo r its s o c a pi c as nry upp rt , pla e d it

th e oo of h e r m o e m e s e e s e at f t i pr v nt , wh r it till li s

o n e o f th e o s o f th s in natural gr t e hill . Thi sto n e

o f e th e o is take n n o tice by Mr . Car w in f llowing wo rds For t es tim o ny o f th e la s t battle in which

wa s e th e o ld o s e e o t v iz . Arthur kill d , f lk th r ab u s ( , ro und Cam e lfo rd) Sh o w yo u a s t o ne be aring ’ e o n ow e e to . Arthur s nam , th ugh d part d Atry This in s cripti o n h a s bee n late ly publish e d ; b u t s o inco rrectly that it m a y still b e re cko n ed am o ng “ th e o e s c s . i s s e e s n nd ript It aid th r , that thi s to n e lay at th e v e ry pla c e wh e re Arthur rece ive d ” s o h is m o rtal wound . All thi ab ut King Arthur take s its ri s e fro m th e la s t ﬁ ve le tte rs of thi s

o a re s o m e o to b e Inscripti n , which by th ught

Ma u ri u a s i m a n i Arth u ri om e c e g (q g ), and fr th n o e s e s o n o f wa s th r will hav it , that a Arthur

e e o s o a s e a s buri d h re ; b u t th ugh hi t ry , w ll tradi

o ﬁ m s o s e ti n , af r that Arthur f ught his la t battl , in

h e wa s m o o e e t e which rtally w und d , n ar his plac , ye t that thi s In s c ripti o n re tains anything of h is

m e m s e . T h e e e a re o na is all a i tak l tt rs R man ,

r and a s fo ll o w : C o tin h ic fac i t ﬁliu s m a g a i . By th i h ic e o e to th e h th e h e in b ing j in d , by want

its o s s th e e o f th e th e ing cr link , bad lin writing ,

s o e e o f th e e e s o e di t rt d l aning l tt r , I c nclud , that th e m o num e n t cann ot b e s o anci e nt a s th e ti m e Cam elfo rd a n d th e L ast B a ttl e 2 0 9

s ee m s u e e i s of Arthur . It q it cl ar that what

’ n ow calle d King Arthur s t o mb s to n e wa s o rigin

e e in o s o e e ally call d , wh n p iti n , Slaught r Bridg , a nam e which h a s b een tran s fe rre d to th e m o de rn

th o e o e s e e structure . That e s t n nc rv d actually a s e o m e is s o re o o s a fun ral m nu nt al p tty bvi u , but

T h e en wh o m it com m em o rate s is a my s te ry . grav e d le tte rs be lo ng to an e ra p o s te ri o r to

' ' e e a re a s a relics in d u b it Arthur , and th r , fact , ably o f an e arli e r dat e in th e l o cality .

J Grave s of King Arthur a re s o num e ro u s a s to m ake all claim s m o re o r le s s ridi c ulou s . Eve n

m e o a s e th e e e e o n e Ca lf rd , if f aring that vid nc in c s e m a n ot b e s o e o o es a y tr ng n ugh , pr vid an

e e o s o u t e i s alt rnativ , and p int that n ar at hand

e o o e o o f n Warb l w Barr w , an anci nt f rtiﬁcati n o c o sid e ra b le e e th e c e e o f i s xt nt , in ntr which a large

’ m o und r epute d al s o to b e King Arthur s burying

' o b e e to e c e h plac e . It w uld asy r du t e who le sub j ect t o ab s urdity by s aying that if th e re we re a

o e e e h is m s d ubt that King Arthur v r liv d , nu ero u g rave s c o n c lu s ive ly prove that h e di e d many

‘ ‘ m e s e s e th e o too h e ti , d pit traditi n , , that did n ot

T h e m f d ie at all . ju ble o fooli s hn e s s and co ntra dicti o n s d oe s n ot of c ours e affect t h e real sto ry ; it is - th e re s ultant of p opular S u pers tition S ‘ i a n d

s - o co nfu ing traditi n s . Up o n th e Smalle s t basis o f I 4 2 1 0 T h e Lost La n d o f Kin g Ar thur anci e nt fact s up e rs titi o n re ar s a s tupe ndo us

e e s e m m s to os s e s s e diﬁc , and th any clai p King

’ “ Arthur s g rave ari s e fro m th e e ag e rn e s s of a people to s upp ort th e idea o f th e ir dir ect con n ec tion o e o om e rea di with a l st h r , and fr th ir n es s to attach his nam e to th os e place s which naturally sugge st a p os s ible o r a p oe tic co nn ec

e t o e e e e e s s ti on . That a v ry s r ng and Sinc r b li f xi t

t wa s e e m e o h ow that Ar hur buri d n ar Ca lf rd is , e e n ot to b e e s o e e e is e s v r , qu ti n d , and th r p rhap a b ette r r eas on for co nce ding th e p o int in this

o s e cas e than in all th e o th e rs . All traditi n agr e that th e la s t battle wa s foug ht in th e vicinity and

t to os e a t that it was fa al Arthur , and his burial cl

th m o o f o s o . hand is e s t natural c nclu i ns . Mr

e e t o n th e o f King , an antiquary , d clar d tha bank “ th e C a mla n co uld b e s ee n a falle n m a e n o f th e

e s e ra th e m e f in lat r Briti h , having na o Arthur s e o n its o e s e s s e m s o crib d l w r id , but thi e t have

ee o e e e b n c nj ctur rath r than e s tabli s h e d pro o f . Y e t it is ﬂying in th e face o f th e m os t ch e ri s h e d o f b e li e fs to adm i t that any g rave of Arthur e xists

— ‘ to s a o o f m e o f e m e y n thing a ultitud th . If h

e o th e o f e e h e n ie pass d int land Fa ri , if did ot d

“ ’ on s to om e d o but ly await a call c again , why we e xp e ct to ﬁnd th e place o f h is se pulture ? — why a re tom b s di s co ve re d why a re l ovely s pots

2 1 2 T h e Lost Lan d o f Kin g Arth ur

th e h e m o th e m - o e e black lak , hid it a ng any kn tt d wa terﬂa g s that whi s tle d s tiff and dry abo ut th e “ ” m e . o o e s s arg Auth rity f rg t a dying King , aid Arthur to th e faithle s s knight ; but fo r th e las t

m s s e o e h e t e e e ti e a rting his p w r , hr at ningly bad

to h is s th e e him fulﬁl ta k ; and knight ran , l apt

o th e es e th s e d wn ridg , and thr w e pl ndid brand

o m i - int d wate r .

B u t e re h e di th e s u a ce ose a n a rm pt rf , r o h e d i n h e sa m i e m s c on de u Cl t w it t , y ti , w rf l , ’ And ca u h h im th e h a n d b ra ndi sh d h im g t by ilt , ” h ee ime s a n d d e w h im u nde in th e m e e . T r t , r r r

oe e s s s e e e o P ts , in d cribing thi c n , hav f und it s carc e ly pos s ible to d o o th e r than fo llo w cl os e ly h e o s o f o e e th e e t w rd Mal ry , which r lat incid nt with direc tn es s and ye t with a charm o f picture s qu e n e s s s carce ly to b e s urpa s s e d e xce pt by m uch — e labo rati o n and e labo rati o n wo uld b e o u t o f place

s s e o es o h in uch a ca , and w uld d tr y t e s ubtle e ffect

’ It is i nteresti n g to compa re T e n n y s on s li n es with Lo ng ’ e lo w s i n Th e S a n i s h S tu d en t th e s m a of h ra s f l p , i il rity p i n be in s o m a ed . Vic o i a n th e s u de n o s e es h a g g rk t r , t t, b rv t t ’ it i s in v a in h e th rows u n to oblivion s s ea th e sword "o f love] th a t pi erces h im

For i e E ca i u l k x l b r , i h em med a n d a s h in h i i o W t g ﬂ g lt t will n t s in k . h e e i se s om e o a h a n d h a a s s it T r r fr b l w t t gr p , An d wa v es it in th e a ir : a n d wa ilin g voice s ” Are h ea d a o n th e s h o r l g re . C a m elfo rd a n d th e La st B a ttle 2 1 3

e e of th e of o f th e narrative . Aft r t lling hiding

’ h e e c o f s th e s wo rd by t r lu tant knight , and Arthur indignati o n at h is eva s ive wo rd s and l ong tarry “ in th e c o e s s : e B e e e g , hr nicl r ay Th n Sir div r

e e e to th e s o o o d part d , and w nt w rd , and lig htly t k

e to th e e e a n d e e h e it up , and w nt wat r Sid , th r

o th e e o th e s e h e b und girdl ab ut hilt , and th n

h a o th e e a s h e m threw t e s wo rd s far int wat r ight , and th e r e cam e an a rm and a hand abo ve th e

e m e t s o s oo wat r , and it , and caug ht it , and h k it

e s e e s e thric and brandi h d it , and th n vani h d away ” “ h T h e th e hand with th e s wo rd in t e wate r .

’ o s e o m th e m e e s s e is hand that ar fr r , ay R nan , h f th e oe s is t e h ope o e C ltic he r . It thus that we eo e o e e m o e e e ak p pl , d w r d with i aginati n , r v ng

m n e o e o th e s elve s o th ir c nqu r r s . F ee ling th em s e e to b e o e o lv s str ng inwardly and w ak utwardly , he o e s e e s s n l t y pr t t , th y xult , and uch a trife u o o s ” e m e e s e m f m ing th ir ight r nd r th capable o iracl e s . F o ur m ile s to th e e a s t o f Cam elfo rd is Ro w

T or e e its s e o , f t hig h , harp spin , br ke n and

o e n o o e s th e m e pr j cting in parts , d ubt sugg ting na

' o e s o e o o it p pularly b ar f th R ugh M untain . On th e e is m e e o e e l ft Ra H ad , an th r typical hill , bar

o e e e s tw and br wn , and it is b tw n the e o that Doz m e Po o th e re u tgd s e e o f th ar l , p c n e incide nt with th e s o th e m m a b e ee m w rd and agic hand , y s n di ly 2 1 4 T h e Lost La n d o f Kin g Arthur

- is e e e te o . g litte ring . It a w ird l g nd haun d Sp t T h e trav e ll e r ﬁnd s hi m s e lf s hut in be twe e n th e frowning hills and be s id e a dark tarn o f m o st

h a s ee s th e di s m al a s p e c t . It b n uppo s e d that

e s o f Doz m a re oo e e o e om wat r P l w r nc tidal , and fr

s os o th e m e is e e d os m e this upp iti n na d riv d , aning

o m a ri th e s ea . s ea of e u n a dr p , and In t d b ing

om e o e e th e oo is n ow o fe w fath abl , h w v r , p l nly a

ee ee o its e e e f t d p , th ugh black app aranc c rtainly s ugges ts a gre at d epth . Thi s and all o th e r s upe r s titio n s have pro bably be e n s ugge s te d by its

o om e s o o its s o m o th e g l and d lati n , by ituati n a ng

e es o f s c e e for c dr ari t hill , and by tragi v nts whi h th e r e is s om e hi s to ric fo undati o n and which oc

n h T h f curre d i t e vicinity . e wraith o th e place is o n e e e s t m a n e Tr g agl , an unju t and yrannical o f o e wh o e o o f h is m s s is y r , in xpiati n any in

oo m e to D oz m a re oo e e m h e d d visit P l , wh r a id t te rriﬁc s to rms o n th e hill s and m oo rs during

h i s wint e r s piteou s h o wling can b e di tinctly h eard . His punish m e nt is to e m pty th e poo l with a lim pe t

e m a b e d u e to h is o s th e Sh ll , and it y lab ur that wat e rs have s o c o n s ide rably dim ini s h e d in bul k “ e h s inc t e tim e that th ey we re unfathomable . Bu t Tregeagle l oudly m o urn s becau s e h e co n s ide rs h is s o e e s s o n e a n d e th e o e ta k a h p l , th n Evil P w r co m e s in p e rs o n and pursue s h im ro und and ro und

CHAPTER X

OF GLASTONB UR Y AND T H E PASSING OF ARTHUR

An d s o th ey rowe d fro m th e la n d ; a n d S ir Bed ivere eh e d a ll th e a d m h e n S ir ed e e b l l ies go with h i . T B iv r cr ed Ah m o d h u h a s h a l ecom e of m e n ow i , y L r Art r , w t l b e o om m e a n d ea e m e h e e a on e a m on m n e y g fr , l v r l g i e n em ie s ? m o h h i o s e s a id t e Kin . For o C f rt t y lf , g I w ll g i n o th e a e o f Avilon to h ea l m e of m ie ou s ou n d t l , y gr w v ‘ v ” An d if h ou n e er m ore h e a o f m e a for m s ou . t v r , pr y y l Ma l o ry .

h e h e th e n e e e h e e or n ot W t r Ki g w r t r , Hee n e e k n e we n or e e co ld e v r , v r , For from th a t s a d a n d dire fu l d a y e H ee n eve r m ore wa s seen e on m olde . P r R li u s e cy e q e .

’ 0 h ee imes a ou ed i s e h e e s th e a ce h a , t r t f v r l , w r pl t t m igh t Be with th y s elf com pa red for glory or d eligh t ﬂ Wh ils t Gla s to n b u ry s tood ? ’ ’ N ot ea h u s om n or h o ose h s a e gr t Art r t b , ly J p gr v , o m s a c i e e h a d o e h ei s a cred on es to s a e Fr r l g p w r t r b v , He wh o h a God in m a n to h is s e uch e ou h , t t p l r br g t ,

O h e h ich - for th e a i h e e a m ou s a es r , w f t tw lv f b ttl — u h ra ton . fo g t . D y

A Q UAINT old - w o rld l oo k is up o n th e face of th e ’ “ c o f m e e s s e o f ity any l g nd , King Arthur isl ” e ee e e e - e e e re st . It li s d p in a gr n w ll wat r d vall y , 2 1 6 T h e P a ssi n g of Arthur 2 1 7

its s ee s e th e T o r s and t p udd n hill , , ri ing abruptly to a h e ight of o ve r ﬁ ve hundre d fe e t and c rown e d

o e s e o e s eem s to s e e with a l n ly quar t w r , h lt r and

- ke ep watch up o n th e traditi o nal apple i s land . T h e o rchard lawns a re s ee n eve rywh e re with th e ir d ee p - gre e n carp e t and th e croo ke d bran c he s o f innum e rabl e fruit - lad e n tre e s cas ting gro te s qu e

T h e o e e o th e s hado ws up o n it . wh l y ar r und

e s e s a re m o s e o f o w t rn air bal y , th ug h in pit h ary l eg e nd and p oe tic e ulogy Gla s to nbury h a s fe lt th e e e s o f e s o m s s e ff ct t rriﬁc t r , whirlwind , and arth

I t s o — a s o of m e quakes . s hi t ry hi t ry arv l and

o e e m e fo r m e e s w nd r , in xtricably ing l d any c nturi — with s up e rs titi o n take s u s far back into th e m i s ty pa s t wh e n th e anci e nt Briton s nam e d th e m s o e oo e th e e o f th e ar hland , ft n ﬂ d d by wat r

s o e Y n s w tr n o r s e the Bri t l Chann l , y y y , Ini vitr a ,

s s s e e h a s e e s m s e o n Gla y I land ; ith r , it b n ur i d , ac co unt o f th e gla s te n o r blue - gre e n c o l o ur o f “ ” its s e o r om th e c e o f s urfac , fr abundan gla s * r t b o th e (o w oad) o e f und in vicinity . On th e

G la ston bu ry o ccu pies a form er s ite of Dru idica l wor Sh i a n d o es so Rh s e ie es th e n a me to b e a co u p , Pr f r y b l v rr p ion of th e ri is h o d la s ten a n oa k th e u ids t B t w r g , , Dr cu ltiv a tin g both th e oa k a n d th e a pple a s foster pa ren ts of h e i m G h s a c ed is e oe . les te n a b u r s a s a non a o t r r tl t , y C T yl r, wa s sim a s ila ted by t h e S a xon s to th eir ge ntile form Gles . i n a - u h or Glaes ti n - u h h ich ei n s u osed a t g b r g b r , w b g pp by 2 1 8 T h e Lost L a nd o f Kin g Ar thur o th e r hand Pro fes s o r Fre e m an be li e ve d that Gla s ton b u ry wa s th e abo de and p e rhap s th e pos s es

o of o n e Glaes tin wh o o n s o e si n g , , di c v ring that h is e s e to th e e e e cattl tray d rich pastur s , s ttl d in

th e l o e of s that part , which in natura rd r thing

r h e be cam e Glaes tin g a b u g . That it was v ritably an i s land adm its o f n o d oubt ; th e circuit o f th e wate r c a n s till b e trace d ; and wh e n th e R om ans in turn m ade di s cove ry of th e fruitfuln es s o f th e

o e os e th e e s o f th e te s e a r egi n ncl d by wat r e w s rn ,

e e om e s Ava lo n ia o r s e o f th y d n inat d it In ula , I l “ ” wa s th o s c e e e e s . s e e Appl Thi e f rtunat i l , l brat d in th e anci ent od e of which Cam de n h a s give n . u s “ e s o e e o e s a v r i n , wh r unf rc d fruit and willing ” “ om o s m ee e e th e e s e e n o c f rt t , wh r ﬁ ld r quir

’ b ut o e o e e rustic hand nly Natur s cultivati n , wh r

T h e e e a i n s h co n a n d h e d s a re ou d f rtil pl wit r r pr , An d golden a pples sh i n e i n e very

T h e in ﬂo win g of th e s ea m ade i s land s n ot o nly o f s o o f e e Bec ker Gla t nbury , but Ath ln y , y , and

e e n ot m e e s a o e M ar ; and any c nturi g , wh n a

em e s e th e s e a - wa s o t p t rag d , wall br ke n d own and th e Chann e l wate r s s we pt up th e lo w- lying land mos a s a s T m al t far s Gla to nbury Church . h e s i ple f a l se etymolog y to m ea n th e s h i n in g o r g l a ssy town wa s mis a n s a ed th e e s h a s Y n s - Wid rin th e s a nd tr l t by W l y , I l of a s s Gl .

T h e P a ssin g o f Arthur 2 1 9 re co rd o f thi s e ve nt re ads : T h e bre ach o f th e

- ﬂ d wa s 2 0th s e a oo January , Ag ain in

s o e e e a ’ d elu e 1 703 wa s Gla t nbury thr at n d with g , and th e wate r wa s ﬁ ve fee t d eep in its stree ts ; but a s geo logi s ts a re able to afﬁ rm that th e s ea is r ec e ding fro m th e wes te rn co ast it is unlike ly

z that s uch catas troph e s will r ecur . A little la y s e m th e e m o s e e s th e tr a , Bru , al t ngirdl city , and thus p erm its th e inhabitant s with s ee m ing re a s o n abl e n e s s to re tain fo r Gla s to nbury th e nam e l o ve d

— o m m e h a s b e s t th e I s le o f Avalo n . That R an na

’ bee n full o f dre am y s ugge s tive n es s to th e po e t s

’ m ind ; and th oug h th e p o e t s Avalo n m a y o fte n “ e ee e e th e s e e s hav b n an nchant d city , ba l s fabric ” ° o f s o th e o o f S om e rs et with its a vi i n , Aval n , two ee o m e e o s s its e str ts f r ing a p rf ct cr , Abb y

s its e s s m o s s ec ruin , antiquiti , and its lu br u a p t , is ass uredly n ot unwo rthy o f th e leg ends clu s te r ing ab out it .

e o s s to o e Only by d vi u path can Glas nbury , nc th e re m o te Shrin e fo r d evo ut pilgrim s from all

s o f th e b e ea e fo r is part land , r ch d , it s till s o m e

o u t o f th e o m o what c m n track . But to wande r awhile in th e apple - co untry is de lightful alike to — th e m ind and th e phy s ical s e n s e to drink in its

s s o c o s to e its m ee t to s e a iati n , inhal war , sw air , e th e gle am of white blos s om s and th e crim s on 2 2 0 T h e Lost La n d o f K in g Arthur s o fte ning up o n th e ro und ripe n e d c h ee k s o f th e

e e es e a re th e s o e s o f e o m e p nd nt fruit , th urc nj y nt

h m e f h o s s and t e e le nt s o t e charm . C untle

' e s s e n d fo rth e e m e th e e gard n a rar p rfu , and qui t o f th e wh o le c i ty in th e m id s t o f o rc hard s and stre am s and s h o wing th e re lic s o f b y - go n e s ple n do ur h a s a lulling e ffe ct upo n th e trav e lle r wh o c om e s from th e ro aring to wn and th e bu s y m art . Wh e n th e twin dark t owe rs o f W e ll s Cath e dral a re fading s had o w - like in th e di s tance th e n e w

- - strang e pi c ture o f th e i s land valley is r e ve ale d . Th e re s tre tch th e lo ng l eve l me ado ws o f dee p e m e e e oom s o es o f ree s o s e rald , th r gl a f r t t wh

- twi s t e d branch e s a re brig ht with appl e blos s om s .

T h h T o r o o s s e e o s e hig hill l k t rn and bar , but c y and inviting is th e town be lo w with its r ow s o f

e o s e s m o f te to o irr gular h u , any which da back l ng

s t s e o e o s e o f s o e pa day , whil th rs , c n titut d t n with ’ ’ which th e archite ct s o f D u n s ta n s and o f B ec k e t s

m e o s e em to e m e e to th e ti wr ught , b ar ut tribut fam o us e ra wh e n th e Abbey was in its glo ry and rev e re nd pilgrim s from afar came to bring obla

T o - h ti o n s to that hall o we d s hrin e . day t e vi s ito r “ ﬁnd s a we lco m e at th e Inn e built in 1 475 for th e d evo ut travelle rs wh om th e Abbo t co uld n ot accom m odate within th e wall s Of th e Abbey ; and s o few a re th e change s o f tim e that th e l o fty

2 2 2 T h e Lo st La n d of Kin g Arthur

0 by arch aeo logi s t s le d to th e di s cove ry that a pre hi s to ric lake - village in r em o te tim e s o ccupi e d th e s e o s e e th e e m s o f m it . Excavati n r v ale d r ain hu an habitati o ns and o f s ucce s s ive o ccupati o n by th e s m e e —a e e th e o th e a rac rac which hunt d b ar ,

oe th e ee os e s o e ec o m r buck , and d r , and wh l a

lis h m en t wa s th e m o f o s e e ot p aking c ar , rud p t s e o h a s s e n e ry . But thi p pl e s pa d away and ot

f t s t wa s e ve n a traditi o n o i s e xi ence is e xtant . It

m c e e o o oo at a u h lat r p ri d , th ugh , l king back

th e m e s ee m s th e s ward , ti s far di tant , that ﬁr t l eg e nd o f Gla s to nbury to o k root and ﬂ owe r e d . S o e e is e s e pur , fragrant , and b autiful that tr a ur d bl o s s om that it w o uld s e e m ruthle ss to atte m pt to c th e oo s om th e o to plu k it by r t fr gr und , and c a s t it a s ide a s a w o rthle s s w ee d o f ign o rance

s s s o th m m f and up e r titi on . It bring t u s e e o ry o that tim e wh e n th e S o n o f Man wa s o n e arth ; it is a s e e d blo wn from that land whi c h His pre

two o s e s a o s e nce s anctiﬁ e d . N e arly th u and y ar g th e cruciﬁ e d Na z aren e wa s watch e d by ago ni se d “ im a th ma c o s . o s e o f Ar r wd up o n Calvary J ph , a ” o o m a n s e e th e e o g d and a ju t , b gg d d ad b dy

o h is own e fr m Pilate and buri e d it in gard n , th e r eby incurring th e ﬁ e rce re s e ntm ent o f th e H ﬂ m e s ne e fo r h is e s . e d o J w e fr Pal ti , f aring

e s o e e e e h is e e m e s a t h is lif , and nrag d w r n i ’ ’ ‘ L L R M 1NN GLA S I O N B URY T HE O D E P I G I S ,

"T o fa ce p.

2 2 4 T h e Lo st La n d of Kin g Ar thur m et o s e o s m ob o f th e e e by a b i t r u h ath n , and that ,

’ h is m s f th e e h e e planting pilgri s ta f in arth , kn lt

o to a s h e e th e d wn pray ; and pray d , hard , dry s taff b e gan to bud and give fo rth fragrance and

e m e e e . e s o s e b ca a living tr Th n aid J ph , Our ” God is u s th e e e s e with , and h ath n , tran ﬁx d by

h m c e t e e e o e e . ira l , w r c nvinc d and paciﬁ d S o

s th e e es s e e run arli t Chri tian l g nd in England , and a s a ﬁtting s eque l we le arn that n ot lo ng ’ afte r J os e ph s m i s s i o n had begun th e ﬁr s t Chri s

c e wa s o c c e o f th e tian hap l built , and upi d part site o n which th e m o s t be autiful o f h o ly h o us e s

— e wa s aft e rward s re are d Gla s t onbury Abb y . St .

’ o s e s e m e is o n e o f J ph Chap l , agniﬁc nt in ruin , th o s e hallo we d places in which o n e might spe nd h o urs in s ile nt co nte m plati o n . Thro ugh many ce nturi e s th e l ege nd o f th e H o ly Th o rn h a s bee n

e s e e s o h a s em e s pr rv d , and Gla t nbury r ain d di tin “ g u is h ed by th e fact that th e re th e winte r th o rn h a s blo s s om e d eve ry Chri s tm a s m indful o f ou r

” ’ o or a s o f C a x to n s o e 1 2 0 L rd , , a pupil wr t in 5 to wh e re th e Gl a st o n bu ry g l ided towers Sh i n e a n d rela tes th a t Pre se ntly ’ He ode on idd s i u n i h e re a ch d r g y t ll , t l

a ce o f a e- ee s th e h o n - ee A pl ppl tr , by T r Tr h ’ ” . h e m S o se h in th e a st d a s rea c d . W re fro t. J p p y p

2 2 6 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Ar thur

I is c omm o nplace s o rt s tands in its plac e . t “ e we e to s a h ow m t ee strang , r ad , y uch his tr wa s s o ug ht aft e r by th e cre dulo u s ; and th ough

om m o ee e n o t an unc n walnut , Qu n Ann , King

’ es o f th e o o f th e e m Jam , and many n bility r al , e ve n wh e n th e tim e s of m onki s h s upe rs titi o n had

e s e e e s m s o f m o e fo r s m c a d , gav larg u n y all cut ” w o m th e o . T h e e e h o tings fr riginal walnut tr , e e e e th e o o o u ve r , n v r vi d with H ly Th rn in p p “ ri T h e e c e 1 6 0 e la ty . Ath nian Ora l ( 9 ) wrig gl d i ou t o f th e d ifﬁ c u ltie s a tten din g a b e li e f in th e budding o f th e hawth o rn tre e with characte ri s tic

e s e e m e m os f ing nuity , and uppli d an xa pl that t o

T o u s wo uld gladly i m itate . an inquire r wh o

s e fo r o m o o o th e a k d inf r ati n and an pini n , “ e e e o e too m m Oracl r pli d (n n gra atically), All

t . m e s s o f is o n e tha Mr Ca d n ay it , that if any

b e e eve m e s o f t t e s may b li d in att r his na ur , thi h a s b ee n afﬁ rm e d to h im to b e tru e by s eve ral , cre dible p e rs ons ; it wa s n ot in Gla s t o nbury it s e o ev lf , but in Wirral Park , hard by it ; h w e r ,

s s e o s e e e o r e thi up rstiti u tr , tru fals , was c u t

ow th e s e o m a e t d n in la t r f r ing g , h ough it s eem s th ey did n ot make s uch r oo t and branch wo rk

b u t t o e s em e with it tha s m tumps r ain d , at le ast

om e e o r s ou t o f e e s e s branch s graft it w r av d, and still gro wing in th e sam e country ; th ough wh eth er t 2 2 T h e P assin g of . Ar hur 7

th e o m e o r th e y have th e s am e virtue with f r r , that ’ o e o we o had any m ore than any th r hawth rn , d n t

h o e pre te nd to d e te rm in e any m o r e than t e f r ” T h e e e th e ee m e nti on e d hi s to rian . b li f in tr and th e kn owl e dge of its pe culiar pro p e rti e s we re s o

’ e- s S e e s e s e o n o e wh o wid pread that dl y v r C rn lia , “ bl o o m e d in th e winte r of h e r day s like Gla s to n

s o oo bury Th o rn wa s e a s ily unde r s to o d . Bi h p G d m a n to th e o e e e o m e , writing L rd G n ral Oliv r Cr w ll

1 6 2 s h e c o n o n a tu ra ll c s e in 5 , aid uld ﬁnd au e ith e r in th e s o il o r oth e r circ u m stan c e s fo r th e e x “ ”

r rd in a r c e o f th e e e . s o t a o y haract r tr Thi I kn w , “ th e e e Go d s e e to o s e s s aid pr lat , that ﬁr t app ar d M

’ m e sh o s ro d e in a bra bl bu ; and that Aar n , b ing

e e e e e s e e e dri d and with r d , did budd ; and th w r

’ o s o s His s o s G d acti n , and ﬁr t acti n ; and , truly ,

s o wa s e o e fo r o e s s Gla t nbury a plac n t d h lin , and th e s e o s o o ﬁr t r ligi u f undati n in England , and , in e f e wa s th e s s s o e e e wa s f ct , ﬁr t di lv d ; and th r in , s uch a barbaro u s inhum anity a s Egypt n ev e r h m a e h e ard t e like . It y w ll b e that thi s White

o e e s e to b lo s m Th rn did th n pring up , and b gan s o e o n s m to e es m o to e o Chri t as day , g iv a t ti ny r ligi n , ” o o s e s e o and that it d th ﬂ uri h in p r cuti n , and s o

' I n ﬁ n it m fo rth . e e aning s and s ig n iﬁ c a n c e s could b e e e o m th e e e s xtract d fr l g nd , that fanta tic ca s ke t

’ o f man s a rt and devising which is m ade to en 2 2 8 T h e Lost La nd of Kin g Arthur

h m shrin e t e s all pure pearl of truth . If this we re th e place fo r s e rm o n s it m ight b e po int e d ou t th a t th e vitality o f th e Th o rn is an emblem o f th e vitality o f th e re ligi o n it co m m e m o rate s ; but ou r

is to t e o e o T h e duty rac its c nn cti n with hi s to ry . l ege nd h a s b e e n s o m ewhat alte re d in fo rm in o rd e r to bring it into dire ct a s s ociati o n with th e

f h e s n ew e s f building o t e Abb y . Thi v r i on o th e m iracle is that J os eph o f Arimath ae a wa s c o m m a n d e d to build a church in h o n o ur of th e Virgi n

t th e e e e s s Mary , but ﬁnding tha nativ s w r di tru tful o f h im h is m s s o h e e e e o and i i n pray d , lik Gid n , f r o t h i f o a m iracl e . F r hwith s s ta f began to s h oo t

o e e s os s o m th e e e f rth l av and bl s , and unwith r d

o o o oo . Be a s the s Th rn t k r t that it may , ﬁr t

s s e o f t s e e th e Chri tian built a chap l wi t d ald r , in

f e o m 60 e e o 2 fo rm o a parall l gra , f t l ng and 6 fee t “ o to om e to e s o br ad ( c d tail ), and having a wind w at th e wes t e n d and o n e at th e e as t ; o n ea ch

e e ee o s e th e e s te s ide w r thr wind w , and n ar w rn ” e e s t angle wa s a d oo r e ach s id e . A r pr e nta i o n o f th e ﬁrs t building for Christian wo rship e recte d in this co untry is fo und o n an o ld d ocu m e nt n ow

h s e is to e in t e Briti h Mus um , and it said hav b ee n copi e d from a plate o f bras s which had bee n

T h e e afﬁ xe d to an adj o ining pillar . chap l is vari o u s ly re ferred to in anci e nt reco rd s as

2 30 T h e Lo st L a n d o f Kin g Ar th ur e sp ecially a s th e H o ly Grail is claim e d to b e n ow in s afe k ee ping by m o re than o n e far - di s tant

e fo r th e e o e c is s Abb y As s c nd r li , it aid that o s e St . J ph co nﬁde d th e m e m o rial to h is n e ph e w

s wh o s e e the I aac , al d up blo od in two vial s and s e e e e m om th m cr t d th fr e invading R o an pag an s .

e e m e e h im h e th e s Wh n dang r nac d , hid phial in

e ﬁ - e e h e t e s o th e an anci nt g tr , which h n ca t int

- s ea . e th e e s to th e ﬁ e e Carri d by wav Gaul , g tr wa s ca s t up at th e spot which n ow fo rm s Fecam p harbo ur ; and th e re a few c enturi e s late r it wa s

o th e f und with e two phial s s e cure . F e arle s s Duk Richard o f N o rm andy wa s s o im pres s e d by th e di s c o v e ry that h e built an Abbey in which ﬁtly to e s e th e e o s oo e e n hrin Pr ci u Bl d , and F camp Abb y i bears witn e s s alike to h s faith and his d evo ti on . It wa s upon th e s to ry o f th e Grail that chroni c l e rs s e ize d with avidity afte r B o rr o n had o nce Sh own — its capabiliti e s a sto ry n o w be li ev e d by many to b e m os o o f e o th e S a n c rea l al t wh lly C ltic rig in , g

’

e . be ing n o n e o th e r than Fi onn s h aling cup Mr .

to os e e e o on th e e Nutt , wh xhaustiv w rk subj ct

e e e e h a s e o s ee m e o r f r nc pr vi u ly b n ad , has t ld T h e Holy Gra il is p oi n ted o u t i n p a rticu la r a t G e n oa

a h e d a . I t wa s ou h om ae s a ea i n 1 1 0 1 is a C t r l br g t fr C r , ’ h e a on a d s h of two a lm s d h a nd wa s o n s u x g l i p wi t , l g p os ed to be o f ea e m e a d h ic i t e sem e s in co ou p r l r l , w h r bl l r a n d i i br ll a n cy . T h e P a ssin g of Ar thur 2 31

f o m m e e e o e u s o eve ry f r , rudi ntary and d v l p d ,

e e h a s e e o f in which th e Grail l g nd app ar d , and e ve ry e xplanatio n advance d a s to its me aning .

‘ Wh e th e r th e lege nd is ba s e d upo n Chri s tian

o o r o s o r e e can nical uncan nical writing , wh th r it is an anci e nt s aga into which a Chri s tian e lem e nt wa s m o e e e wa s e i p rt d , wh th r it xtant in any de ﬁnite fo rm be fo re th e tim e o f R obe rt d e B or ron o r e e w a s o o f th e e ra to , wh th r it a fabricati n

m es e e e c e a re which any m o nki s h fabl hav b n tra d ,

o s s e o e e p ints which to di cu s in d tail w uld r quir ,

e o m e e o e to em . and hav had , v lu s d v t d th Within — ﬁ fty y e ars (1 1 8 0 1 2 2 5) th e re we re eig ht ve rs i o n s o f th e sto ry in whi c h th e ide a o f th e Grail was e o e we o h ow th e e h a s e e lab rat d , and kn w id a b n d eve lope d and e nrich e d and ideali s ed until o u r “ w m T h e o n ti e . vani s he d Va s e o f H e ave n that

’ ” e e s s o wn e o f oo h ld lik Chri t H art an Hin Bl d , h a s bee n a m arve llo usly fe cund s ee d o f in s pirati o n to o m e r anci s t and p oe t . P rcival and Galahad a re th e e s m o c e o s o f e high t hu an c n pti n purity , and th ir

' qu e st is th e m os t e x a ltin g and e nn obling up on

e oe s s e t o . Y et a s we e which h r can f rth , hav

e s ee th e o s o o alr ady n , c nclu i n cann t b e re s i s te d

th e o its oo s m that st ry had r t in pag ani , and that th e hi s to ry o f th e Grail is n othing but th e hi s to ry o f th e gradual tran s fo rm ati o n o f old Ce ltic fo lk 2 32 T h e Lost L a n d of Kin g Arthur

' tal e s in to a p oe m charg e d with Chri s tian sym b o l “ is m m s s m . s s o m o and y tici Thi tran f r ati n , at

ﬁrs t th e in evitable o utco m e o f its p re - Chri s tian

e e o m e wa s s e e e th e e e o d v l p nt , ha t n d lat r by p rc pti n that it wa s a ﬁtting v e hi c le for ce rtain m o te l and ” h s u e s . o n o t fa t o m t e pirit al id a Aval n , lying fr w es te rn s ea b ey o nd which traditi o n s aid we re th e

s e s o f th e e s s e e th e happy i l bl d d ad , was Cymric e e for th e e s e quival nt C ltic paradi , and thus did

' Gla s to nbury b ec o m e a s s oc ia te d with th e glo rio u s le g e nd s which have m ade it in th e ey es o f th e rom a n c is ts th e m os t sacre d and wo ndr ou s city o f m e arth . S o a y Glas to nbury truly b e s aid to g athe r r o und it all th e n obl e s t m em o ri es alik e o f ” e o th e e e e h th lde r and n w r dw lle rs in t e land . No r i s it s urpri sing that in a place o f S O much r e putati o n m o de rn m arve l s Sh o uld b e re p o rte d to o o r m ccur wo nd e rful di s cove ri es b e ade . An e wa s o th e s o f th e e 1 86 lixir f und in ruin Abb y in 5 , o n e o f e o e o grain which , b ing dr pp d up n an ounce a n d e o f m e o to m e a quart r rcury , was f und trans ut the m e o o e o f rcury int an unc pure go ld . An othe r

o f o e o e o f g rain it , dr pp d up n a pi ce m e tal cut o u t o f m - e th e m e o s e a war ing pan , turn d tal int ilv r , and thi s with th e warming - pan wa s s e nt to Qu ee n “ Eli z ab eth that s h e m ight ﬁt th e pi ece with th e

e e e wa s plac wh r it cut o u t.

2 34 T h e Lost La n d of King Ar thur

h e e wa s a in a h i h Evela k e h a h a d ea a e t r k g th t g t , t t gr t w rr a a i n s th e S a ra s i n s a n d i n e s ecia a ai n s o n e S a a s i n g t , p l g t r , ’ th e h ich wa s K i n Evel a k e s cos i n a i c in a n d a w g , r h k g m i h th e h ich m a ch ed n i h h is a nd a nd h is n a m e g ty , w r g t l , ' e "0m l in wa s ca d T o e e e es . S o u o n a d a h es e two ll l F t , p y t m e t to d oe b a tta ile . h en os e h th e so n o f ose h o f T J p , J p Ara m a th en u n o in Evela ke a nd o d h im h a h e y , w t t K g , t l t t wou ld b e d iscom ﬁ ted a n d s la in e b u t if h e le ft h is b e leeve o f th e ou d la w a nd b eleeve u on th n la And h en h e l p e ew w. t s h e ed h im th e i h b eleeve o f th e Ho ' in th e ich w r g t ly Tr ity , wh h e a eed i h a l h is h a a n d h e h s s h ie d wa s m a d e gr w t rt , t r t i l for n Evela ke in th e n a m e of h im h a d ied u on th e Ki g , t t p c os se ; a n d h en ou h h is ood b eleeve h ee h a d th e r , t thr g g e e f i n o ll m o h en i n Evela ke wa s i n tt r o K g T o e . w K g b O F r th e b a tta ile h e e wa s a cloa th set a ore th e s h e d a n d , t r f i l , wh en h ee wa s in th e gre a tes t perill h ee le t pu t a wa y th e cloa th a n d h e n a n on h is e n em ie s s a w a u e o f a m a n , t ﬁg r u o n th e c os s e h e e h ou h h e e e d s com o ed . p r , w r t r g t y w r i f rt ’ An d s o it befell th a t a m a n of Kin g Evela k e s h a d h is h a n d s m e n o ff a n d e a e h is h a n d i n h is o h e h a n d a nd itt , b r t r , ose h ca led h a m a n u n o h im a n d b a d h im oe i h J p l t t t , g w t good d evotion a n d tou ch th e cros s e ; a n d a s s oon a s th a t m a n h a d ou ch ed th e c os se i h h is a n d it wa s a s o e t r w t h , wh l i a T e n s oone a e h e e e l a re a a s ev er t w s be fore . h ft r t r f l g t m e rva ile h a th e c os s e of th e s h ie d a t one ime a n is h e d , t t r l t v An e wa s a wa y th a t n o m a n wis t wh ere it b ecame . d th re i n Eve la ke a sed a nd for th e m os a a ll th e eo e K g b pti , t p rt p pl of h a c ittie . S o s oo n e a e o s e h ou d de a a n d t t ft r J p w l p rt, Ki n g Evela k e wou ld go with h im wh eth e r h e wou ld go or n o t a n d so o u ne h e ca m e in o h s a n d h ch a t ; by f rt t y t t i l , w i h a im e wa s ca ed ea Britta i n e a n d h e e h e ou n d t t t ll Gr t , t r t y f And so a grea t fe lon p a n im th a t pu t J ose ph i n pris o n . by fortu n e tid in gs ca m e u n to a worth y m a n th a t h igh t Mon d a mes a n d h e e a s s em ed a ll h is eo e for th e ea r , bl p pl , gr t e n o h a h h a d h a d f ose h a n d s o h e ca me in o r wn t t e r o J p ; . t th e a n d of e a Britta i ne a nd d sh e ed th e e o n a n m l Gr t , i rit f l p i T h e P a ssi n g o f Ar thur 2 35

a n d co ns u m ed h im a n d h e e i h d eli e ed os e h ou t of , t r w t v r J p h e u n ed t th e is o n . An d a e th a a ll t e eo e e o pr ft r t, p pl w r t r i h ” C h ristia n fa t .

Ac c o rding to Malo ry it wa s Not lo ng afte r ” “ ” os e wa s e b ed that , that J ph laid in his d ath , “ h is la s t act be ing to m ak e a cr os s e o f h is own e bl o od upo n th e Shi e ld be fo re g iving it to King Eve la ke N o w m a y yee s ee a r em em brance that

o e o u h e s for e e s e e s e e s I l v y , aid , y hall n v r thi s e e e s th in ke o n m e e hi ld but that y hall , and it

e s hall b e a lwa ye s a s fre s h a s it is n o w . And n ev r s hall n o m a n beare thi s s h ie ld e abo ut h is n ecke

h ee e e o th e m e S ir but Shall r p nt it , unt ti that ” h is h Galahad t e g oo d knight be are it . It t e g e n e ral Opini o n that J o s e ph o f Arim a th wa wa s buri e d in th e gro und s urro unding th e church o f h is o o fo r o to o f undati n , a burial gr und c ntain a

o e i th u s and grav e s had be n prepare d in h s tim e . William o f Malm e s bury wro te that t h e re we re pr es e rve d in that c o n s ecrat e d place th e r em ain s o f m s s n o r is e e s e th e any aint , th r any pac in

is e o f s s S building that fr e their a h e . o m uch s o

th e s o e em e ee th e s e s o f that t n pav nt , and ind d id th e s e o e e o is mm e altar it lf , ab v and b l w , cra d with

th e m e o f th e e s . e e o e ultitud r lic Rightly , th r f r ,

is e th e e e s o n e o f s o it call d h av nly anctuary arth , m f h ” larg e a nu be r o s aints it i s t e repo s ito ry . Th e re is n o cle ar r ec o rd o f wh o imm e diat e ly s u c 2 36 T h e Lost Lan d of Ki n g Ar thur

e h is m s wa s e o n ce ed ed J os ph , but ini try carri d * wh o wa s e o f s o by St . Patrick , a nativ Gla t nbury ,

wa s S t. s s . by David , by Gilda , and by Dun tan It

wh o e o m h i o S t . s Patrick , r turning fr lab urs in

e 6 1 o th e Ir land in 4 , f und that church built with

e s m th e m s e o f e wattl fro ar h was in a stat d cay ,

e e s s e e o n T o r e and r ect d a ub tantial diﬁc Hill , d di

wa s e . He c a te d to S t . Mary and St . Micha l

’ s o s s o t o is Gla t nbury ﬁr t abb t , h ugh this fact t o e s o e raditi nary rath r than hi t rical , and his grav wa s n e ar th e altar o f th e o riginal church . An o o e o s e s e o n th e s e rat ry had pr vi u ly xi t d it , having

’ bee n fo unde d a c entury afte r J o s eph s arrival by

P a a n D r via n two s s h u s u u u s . T h e aint , g and

e s e n ow e to e e e s e th Abb y it lf b gan tak d ﬁnit hap , e ey es o f all Chri s tian s be ing drawn to Gla s to nbury

f h e by re a s o n o its s acre d re co rd . In t sixth

’ e s m e wa s o c ntury , in King Arthur ti , it appr ach ing its fuln e s s o f p o we r and n e aring that ze nith o f fam e and s ple ndour which did n ot declin e fo r n early a th o u s and y e ar s .

o to o e s s o e em o Acc rding Pr f r Fr an , Glast nbury

e m e th e e 6 0 1 th e e s o f b ca , in y ar , gr at anctuary

S om e h is o ia n s e h a s i h e e ea s o n d ec a e t r , p r p w t b tt r r , l r th a h e wa s o n i n 0 a t K i a ic u m a on a i e t b r 4 5 lp tr k , D b rt , l ttl own a t th e u n c ion of th e e i n a n d He s t j t L v d Cly e . i a iou s e o ed to h a e died i n a nd 0 so me a cin v r ly r p rt v 493 5 7 , pl g h is a e a t 88 a nd o h e s a t 1 2 0 . g , t r

T h e P a ssin g o f Arth ur 2 37

h e o f Amb re s b u r th e Briti s h in t e plac y , which had

Ho w e h ow wa s e but lat e ly falle n . it g r w , it rul d

e e e s th e h ow ec m e th e by gr at l ad r in church , it b a a e s t h e m o s e th e m o s e of l rg t , t b autiful , t w althy

e s h ow wa s o m s s e h ow all abb y , its fall c pa d , and th s o f its o s e m a n wa s e e la t abb t , an ag d , dragg d t h e - to e a re s o s o t hill p and hang d , hi t ric fact which be lo ng to a date far late r than that with which

We o e e e o we a re c once rn e d . cann t v n dw ll up n

’ S t t c s s o o s o o r o . Pa ri k j urn at Gla t nbury , up n ’ Du n s ta n s re tire m e nt to its clo i s te rs in o rde r to de vo te him s elf to s tudy and m u s i c . H e re it was that h e wre s tle d with th e Evil On e in p e rs o n while labouring at h is fo rg e ; h e re it was that h e ave nly visi o n s we re v o uch s afe d to h im ; h e re it wa s that h e began h is w o rk o f re fo rm ati o n in th e Church and m ade th e Abbey th e ce ntre o f r e ligi ou s in

ﬂ n th u e c e in e kingdo m . Afte r th e lap s e o f ce nturi e s we gaz e o nly up o n th e ruin s o f th e

om em e h w fabric , and fr th l arn o m aj e s tic th e em e its m e m s e ee o m t pl in pri u t hav b n , c pre h end ing a little o f th e truth half re ve ale d and half co n c ea le d in th e Sile nt s to ri e d place s with their s e e s e m s hatt r d wall , th ir cru bling archway , the ir

oo e m e e o unr f d cha b rs , th ir wind ws darke n ed with

e e e trailing w ds , and th ir ﬂ oors o ve rgro wn with

s nd s lank g ras es a m o s . 2 38 T h e L ost La n d of Kin g Ar thur

’ King Arthur s co nn ec ti o n with Gla s to nbu ry c a n n o t b e e e e o m o th e m s d m d wh lly ythical , th ugh y te ri ou sly be autiful narrative which t e ll s o f h is la s t

o s e e m s too o fo r e day s in Aval n p e tical r ality .

e e a re o e e o e s n o t s o e e Th r , h w v r , th r link , g n rally

e o s e o e h im s o s e c e r c gni d , c nn cting with thi c n rat d “ s o wa s n o t o h is s e o f place . Gla t nbury nly i l i ) r e s t ; n o r wa s th e Abb ey kn own o nly to h im a s

e . He m e o r wa s m e fo r h im a Shrin clai d , it clai d , ’ that h e wa s de sce nd e d o n h is m o th e r s s ide from

o s e o f m ae th e e e o e s J ph Ari ath a , g n al gy b ing thu

e : He lia n is th e e e o f o s e e g iv n , n ph w J ph , b gat J o s hua ; J os hua b egat Am inadab ; Am inadab b e gat C a s tello s ; C a s tello s b egat Ma va el ; Ma va e l be La mb ord wh o e e o f om e gat , b gat Ig rna wh Uth r ” th e m o s o e P e ndrago n begat fa u and n bl Arthur .

s o o to its e e Gla t nbury , in additi n c l brity as a

s s o e e o e e m Chri tian anctuary , w uld th r f r hav a clai

’ up o n King Arthur s att e nti o n fo r th e s ake o f h is

e e e e s o o e e s ee s v n rat d anc t r , th ugh th r m littl e rea s o n to do ubt that in his day it was th e cyn osure o f th e ey es o f all wh o claim e d to b e within th e

e o o . o e es on e o f r ligi us f ld Lady Charl tt Gu t , in th e valuable n ote s to h er tran s lati o n o f th e Ma bin o ion s e o to e o o f m g , call att nti n a r c rd Willia

f m o e s h ow m s o o Mal e sbury , which pr v uch Gla t n

’ n s n s i o s bury wa s i King Arthur mind o all occa n .

2 40 T h e Lost La n d of Kin g Arthur

(stro ngly remini s ce nt o f th e la s t war with Mo r

e a s e e o e s e e e dr d , r lat d by Mal ry), r ad lik v ritabl

e e e s d th e s e hi s to ry . Whil ngag d in ub uing avag

s a n d o e h o rdes in Wal e C rnwall , and in b ating

o h e o t th e back th e advancing Sax ns , f und tha Rex Reb ell u s M elvas had s t ole n away h is wife

e e h e r to Y n sw tr n . Guin eve r , and carri d y y y King

e e e o e s et ou t Arthur gath r d a larg f rc , and with his knights to take sum m ary ve nge ance o n th e

s e o m h e o es e e . e ravi h r , wh f rthwith b i g d A w ll kn own antiquary h a s fo und re a s o n to be li e ve

’ “ that Arthur s f o rc e wa s a num be rle s s multi tude ; but at all e ve nts the re is little d o ubt that “ ” s wh o wa s o u n de rlord o M e lva , nly an , w uld

e e have bee n h e avily de f at d had a battle e n s ue d . ’ But co nﬂict wa s avo id e d by th e in terxf en tion of

s th e o wh o om m e e s to Gilda , Abb t , c and d M lva

e e e to h e r o r es to re Guin v r rightful l rd , and the n h s ucce e ded in re co nciling t e two foe s . They bo th e nde d by s we aring fri e nds hip and ﬁde lity to th e

o th e s o to o th e o e Abb t , and fact g far Sh w p t n

tia lit o f a t t e o . y that dignitary his p ri d Thus , by

’ e stabli s hing King Arthur s co nn ecti o n wi th Glas t n b u r we e e th e e oo o f h is o y , incr as lik lih d ch oos ing th e h o ly place at Avalo n fo r his last re sting

He th e e place . kn ew e s hrin w ll and had vi s ite d th e t m l - e i n h h is frui ful , bal y is and vall y w ich T h e P assin g o f Ar thur 2 4 1

’ ances to r s nam e wa s deeply rev e red ; and whe n

o f n o e e e his tim e dre w nigh h e co uld think sw t r , “ or be tte r spot in which to s ee k for p e ace . C n ” s e e s th e to ee S ir fo rt thy lf , aid king w ping “ h e d o e a s B e divere afte r t e last battl , and as w ll

m a i s t fo r m e e is n o s fo r to s th o u e , in tru t tru t in ; fo r I wil int o th e vale o f Avili o n for to be al e m e of my gri evou s wo und ; and if th o u n eve r

e m o o f m e fo r m s o e . h ee r re , pray y ul And with th e thre e m ourn ing quee n s h e pas s e d fr om th e blo o dy ﬁ e ld of C a m la n up th e wate rs o f th e Bristo l Chann e l to th e i s le

h e e a ls n ot h a i or ra i n or a n s no W r f l l , , y w, l ” Nor ever win d blows lo u d y .

e o e e King Arthur , b ing w und d in battl , was bro ught to Glas to nbury to b e h e ale d o f h is wo und s

th e e e s o f e o ld e o by h aling wat r that plac , an r c rd

h i wa run s . But s wo und s too gri e vo u s ; and “ e o e s e h e o d ie th o ugh M rlin pr ph i d that cann t , th e current traditi o n is that whe n h e re ach e d th e ‘ h m s acre d i s le h e cam e unto h is e n d . In t e ti e o f th e e e e th e e o f ﬁrst Plantag n t , wh n fam King

e e s e c wa s e a t s o Arthur was r viv d , ar h mad Gla t n bury fo r th e bo n e s o f th e great Briti s h chie f .

e . wa s e on h is to e H nry I I th n way Ir land , and

e o f E o s e o o f s o H nry l y , th n Abb t Gla t nbury ,

e oo th e te n o o und rt k task , fully in nding , d ubt , 1 6 2 42 T h e L ost La n d of Ki n g Ar thur

e s s e e two s that it s h o uld b e s ucc ful . B e tw n pillar at a d epth o f nine fe e t a sto n e wa s f o und with a

s s s e on its e s e l ead en cro in crib d und r id in Latin , “ e e es e th e o H r li buri d e r n wn e d King Arthur , in th e i s le o f Avalo n and s eve n f ee t l ow e r d own

o fﬁ T h e h is b o dy was f o und in an ake n co n . hi s to rian S elde n give s u s an in s tru c tive re p o rt o f h o w King H e nry wa s induce d to s et abo ut th e strange e nte rpri s e o f di s c ov e ring th e re mains o f

He s u s th e h is King Arthur . t ell that king in “ e xpe diti o n t oward s Ire land was ente rtain e d by th e e s s s o s e e way in Wal with bardi h ng , wh r in h e h eard it afﬁ rm e d that in Glas t o nbury (m ad e

’ alm o s t an i s l e by th e rive r s e m bracem e nt s ) Arthur wa s e e buri d b twixt two pillar s . He th e re fo re

e om m m e to e o f o s e o gav c and nt H nri Bl i , th n Abb t , to m e s e fo r th e o s c wa ak arch c rp , whi h s fo und in

oo e o ﬁ Gira ld s o e e s a w d n c f n ( aith ak n , L land think

e s om e ee o o e e e e ald r), Sixt n f t d p ; but aft r th y had digge d nin e fo o t th ey f o und a s to n e o n wh o s e lo we r s id e wa s ﬁ x t a l e ade n cros s (cr os s e s ﬁ x t up o n th e to mb s of old Chri s tian s w e r e in all place s o r h is m e e th e e e rdina y) with na inscrib d , and l tt r

f h He s ide o it turn e d to t e s to n e . (King Arthur) wa s e o o e s m o m o m e th n h n ur d with a u ptu us nu nt , and aft e rwards th e s cull s o f h im and h is wife Guin ev e re we re take n ou t (to r em ain a s s eparate

2 44 T h e Lost L an d of Ki n g Arthur

e e T h e th e th y fe ll all to p o wd r . e r efe r nce to

e of th e e em s u s o h is d pth grav r ind that St w , in

Ch ro n icle e e s wa s e , d clar that King Arthur buri d sixtee n fee t unde rgro und to preve nt th e Sax o ns o f e to h is o e f ring any indignity c rps , which

God for th e s s of th e o s e Almighty , in Brit n , aft r ” s e m e h e o o e ward p r itt d , disapp intingly c nclud s .

’ Cam d e n s acco unt of th e di s cove ry is in th e s e “ o s : e e of w rd Wh n H nry I I , King England , had

e n e o th e s o s o f th e s s l ar d fr m ng Briti h bard , that

th e m o s o e e o o f th e o s o s e Arthur , t n bl h r Brit n , wh c o e s o o e s e e th e o urag had ft n hatt r d Sax ns , was

e a t Gle s s e n b u r e e e two m s he buri d y b tw n pyra id ,

’ o rd er d s e arc h to b e m ade fo r th e bo dy ; and th ey

’ s e di d s e e e e ee e had carc g g v n f t d p , but th y light

’ up o n a c ro s s d s to n e (cippus) or a ston e in th e back part wh e reo f wa s fa s ten e d a rude le ad en

os s s o m e o . s e e o u t cr , thing br ad Thi b ing pull d ,

e e to e s o o e app ar d hav an in cripti n up n it , and und r

m os e oo ee e os e th e o e s of it , al t nin f t d p , d p it d b n

T h e e e s o o f th e fam o u s Arthur . e l tt rs hav a rt

o e e a re barbaro us and G thic app aranc , and a plain

f th e o f th e a e wa s e vide nce o barbarity g , which

o o f m s n o o n e wa s invo lve d in a fatal s rt i t , that ” fo und to ce le brate th e nam e o f King Arthur . T h e m o s t d e taile d acco unt o f all is giv e n in J o se ph

’ wo on th e Rits o n s s ch o larly rk King Arthur , and T h e Pa ssin g of Arthur 2 45

’ fam ous antiquary s o ut s p o ke n co m m e nts o n th e “ ” r ec o rd s and o th e r lege ndary rh o d o m o ntade s o f th e m onks o f Glast o nbury can b e read with

is s u fﬁ am u s em e nt a s we ll a s with pro ﬁt . It a cie n tly r em arkable fact that n on e o f th e chro nicl e rs

ee e e s e s dis agr in th ir d tail , and Matth w Pari tin c tly declare s that th e lette r s in s cribe d up o n th e “ to m b could in n o wi s e b e read o n acco unt o f to o ” Le m uch barbari s m and de fo rm ity . Antiquary

s e a s to th e o fﬁ m land was c ptical c n , and Willia “ o f Malm e s bury (1 1 43) s aid T h e s e pulchre o f ” wa s e e s e e e s e c on Arthur n v r n ; but , d pit all

tra d ictio n s o th e s o e s ee m s to and d ubts , di c v ry

e ee e e e e e e e hav b n g n rally acc pt d as g nuin , whil fo r m any r e a s o n s it wa s gratifying to th e people

e o o o f that and s ubs e qu en t ag s . Caxt n w uld hav e “ regard e d it a s m o s t e x e crable inﬁd e lity to have

o th had a do ubt up n e s ubj e ct . At Gla s to nbury we indubitably s e e m to g e t n eare r th e r e al Arthur than we a re abl e to d o in any o f th e o th e r lo caliti e s

m e o e eof e th e e o nti n d by G fr y and lat r chr ni c lers .

Wh eth e r h e wa s th e m onarch de s cribe d in th e

ro mance s o r a s e m i - barbaro u s chi e ftain l eading th e o to o o em o Brit ns a ﬁnal , th ugh nly t p rary ,

o s th e o vict ry again t Sax ns , the re re m ain s th e s am e like lih o o d o f h is co nn ecti o n with th e ﬁrs t

e s e h Abb y rai d in t e land . 2 46 T h e Lost La n d of Ki n g Ar th ur

th e o o f we e e On auth rity Gildas , l arn that wh n th e Abbo t brought ab out p eace be twee n Arthur

e s o s m e e and M lva , b th king ad oath n ve r to vi olate th e o e o s th h ly plac , and b th king g ave e Abbo t m f e o o e o e e . uch t rrit ry in t k n th ir gratitud If ,

o e e is to e o c e th e e o f h w v r , it hard r c n il d ath King

’ e s o e is e s Arthur with M rlin pr ph cy , it hard r till to acco unt fo r th e disco ve ry o f h is b o n e s and h is grave in face o f ‘ th e anci e nt triad which declare d h is e to b e o em em e grav unkn wn , and r b ring which Tenny s o n re late d

His gra ve Sh ou ld b e a m y stery o m a ll m en i e h is ir h Fr , l k b t ; whil e th e o lde r p oe t te ll s h ow h e ra yg n e s in

e e . e wa s o e e s s fa ri Th re , h w v r , a ub tantial

’ r ea s o n fo r th e ﬁnding o f King Arthur s tom b by

e o f o s fo r m e th e e e e s H nry Bl i , at that ti r v nu bro ught b v pilgri m s to th e s hrin e we re n o t s u fﬁ

T h o n ci e nt to provid e fund s fo r th e building . e c te s t be twee n We ll s and Gla s to nbury had al s o

e th e s o e of th e o e s o f s t b gun , and di c v ry b n a ain wa s o n e o f th e s ure s t m e th o ds of o btaining an

’ to S o s Ch ro n ic le th e advantage . Acco rding t w , “ b od v wa s fo und n ot e n c l os e d within a t omb o f s o e e ee m e o o e t n , but within a gr at tr ad h ll w lik a

th e e e o o e e tro ugh , which b ing digg d up n and p n d , " e e e th e o es o f th r in w r e found b n Arthur , which

' 2 48 T h e Lost L a n d of Ki n g Ar thur

o o s o e s m e th e m o s to e e r d , c unt r ad by nk s rv a s o e e th e e o s m c in , and v n r liquary c ntaining a all

e e o f o e s o s e to b e o f S t. s s e pi c b n upp d Paulinu , nt

m f h os o r l e ft by St . Augustin e hi s e lf o r t e purp e o f e s tabli shing th e m odiﬁ e d fo rm o f th e B e n e

e e e d o n o t e e u s to th e di tin rul , quit tak back

o th e e o f Sixth c e ntury . Th ugh actual dat King ’ s e is n o t o o h is a e Arthur d ath kn wn , and th ugh g is vari o u s ly give n fr om ju s t ov e r ﬁfty to pa s s ing

e o e e n o o s e s s o f nin ty , and th ug h th r is c n n u

O o a s to th e e o f h is e we e e pini n l ngth r ign , n v r h ea r‘ o f h im at a late r dat e than 6 0 4 ; and u n fo r tu n a tely all th e Gla s t o nbu ry re lic s take u s bac k Y at m o s t to th e t e nth ce ntury . e t e nthu s ias tic Drayto n m ight we ll b e carri e d away with th e th e m e with which Glasto nbury s uppli ed him ; and rem e mb ering th e m arve l s o f its pa s t and th e

o f it s s e h is own h e e Sple ndo ur a p ct in day , ask d “ what place wa s co m parabl e with th e thre e ti m e s fam ou s i s le ?

T o wh om d id s th ou co m m i h a m on u m e n to ee t t t t t k p , ’ ’ h en n ot ea h u s o m n or h o os e h s a e W gr t Art r t b , ly J p gr v Fro m s a crilege h a d p o we r th e ir holy b ones to s a ve ?

i n f h T h e re Thi s s o e o t e in s o lubl e myste ri e s . m ain s o f Arthur and Guin ev e re a re s tate d to have

’ “ had n oble burial by King H e nry s comm and in a

o o f e th e s of e e fair t mb marbl , and cros lead b ar

2 50 T h e L ost Lan d of Kin g Arthur

All that n o w re m ain s in a s s o ciati o n with h is

m e h is s h is o m e e e na , and ﬁnal act , and unc pr h nd d

e is th e e s s s e fat , Abb y , urpa ingly b autiful in ruin , fo und ed in tim e s fade d alm os t from th e rec ollec ti o n s o f a race ; it is its elf half my s te ry and half m m T h s e es o f its c m e s s o nu e nt . e tat li t ha b r till

’

e s th e m e o f . os e e s e b ar na St J ph s Chap l , and it lf

its e e t e its e s e es e with d licat rac ry , xqui it ly d ign d

o s its e s is e e wind w , carv d pillar , lik a fairy tal in

T h e c e o m s to n e . e littl chur h built with wattl s fr th e m arsh becam e th e c hurc h triu m phant and th e

e - m churc h s upre m e ly b autiful in afte r ti e . Wh e n th e s econd H e nry vi s ite d it th e alre ady ve n e rable Abbey wa s a pil e o f architectural wo nde rs and m e e s to th e o s o f o agniﬁc nc , thank lab ur Abb t Har l win u s wa h e wh e e . It s o d s ig n e d and e recte d

t e e em o f e e o eo s tha v ritabl g archit ctur , g rg u ly o m e e s e s s e c rna nt d and ﬁni h d in cla ic grac , whi h s e rve s a s m em o rial to th e ﬁrs t Chri s tian s aint in “ ”

. m o o e s e s s England I aginati n cann t r ali , ay “ o n e o e h ow e m s chr nicl r , grand and b autiful u t

’ th e o s e have be e n e vi w from St . J ph s Chape l thro ugh its lo ng - drawn fre tte d ai s l e s up to th e

its o o e s s m o s th e high altar with f ur c rn r , y b li ing G os p e l to b e Spre ad through th e four quarte rs o f ” T h m e s s em wa th e wo rld . e atc hl t ple s ove r a hundred fee t l onge r than We s tm inste r Abbey ; T h e P a ssin g of Arthur 2 51 and its s pa c i o u s n e s s wa s o nly e qualled by its

o m o e o s o e e to rich es . L fty ulli n d wind w r s n arly

s d im th e vaulting , richly dig ht and ca ting a re lig i o u s lig ht ; and th e pro fu s e de co rati on s o f th e wall s too k th e fo rm o f running patte rn s o f

o e e s of th e s u n s s f liag , whil vivid painting and tar gave co l o ur and anim ati o n to th e co ld s t on e . Littl e w onde r that th e go rge o u s Abbey in all its l o v elin e s s and n oble prop o rti o n s wa s d e em e d a ﬁ t — m n ting re s ting place for king s and s aint s . Clai i g

wa s m os S t. os e a s its o e J ph f und r , it al t in natural s eque nc e that it s h ould m ake claim to b e th e s hrin e o f th e la s t and gre ate s t o f th e Chri s tian

s th e o m eof e o f o m o king , Arthur wh G fr y M n uth —“ had m ad e re n o wn e d th e m os t king and knight o f th e o m os o e o f th e o s f w rld , and t l v d e f ll w hip o

o e s e e e u n bl knight , and by turn th y w r all p ” I wa t h o ld e n . t s o Gla s to nbury that th e Bi s h op ” o f e ﬂe d oo h is oo s Cant rbury , and t k g d , and “ live d in p ove rty and in h oly pray e r s whe n th e

o e o e o u t T war with M rdr d br k . o thi s h e rm it

' m e e e e o ca Sir B div r , and f und him by a to m b “ - n ew e . S ir s S ir e e e t grav n , aid B div r , wha m a n is the re inte rre d that ye pray s o fa s t for? “ ” “ s o n s th e e m wo t n ot e Fair , aid h r it , I v rily ,

eem . s m but by d ing But thi night , at idnight ,

' e e ca m e a m e o f e s h r nu b r ladi , and bro ught hith e r 2 52 T h e L ost L a n d o f Kin g Ar thur

e o e e m e to a d ad c rps , and pray d bury him ; and

o f e e e s e m e h e re th ey fe r d an hundr d tap r , and gav “ ”

e e s . s s S ir e e e an hundr d b sant Ala , aid B div r , “ t wa s m o t e e e tha y l rd King Arthur , tha h r li th buri e d in thi s chapel Th e n Sir B e dive re s o o e e h e o e e h e w n d , and wh n aw k pray d that m ight abide th e re h e nce fo rth and live with fast ing and pray e r s . Far from h ence will I n ev e r “ o h e m th e of m g , said , by y will , but all days y ” life to pray fo r my l o rd Arthur .

‘ s o to - m its s o o Gla t nbury day , a id all ruin , p liati n

e s e e e e o f th e o of its and chang , hint v rywh r gl ry

T h m o f e s o th pa s t . e char it ling r th ugh e e xce l

f s l e nce o it has vani h e d . In its stilln e s s and s eclusi o n it r e tains an old - wo rld air of beauty and o f s im plicity ; time which has ove rthrown s o

m h a s t e o t . o e uch aint d n ugh T w r , wall , and roo f mingl e th e ir grey and bro wn and re d in th e p e ace ful valley which th e s parkling rivule t s wate r and e e a s s e e s T ntwin with ilv r thr ad . h e s h e lte re d gard en s upo n which th e sunligh t fall s luxuri o u s a re o e o s a s e e e e e o n e m b unt u v r th y w r , and ight

' alm ost exp e ct to s e e in th e s hado wy conse crate d places co wle d and h oo de d m o nk s pacing n o i s e es e e e e o - e e m s s l sly , th ir y s int nt up n black l tt r is al , o r uplifte d to be h o ld th e m agic and s ple nd our o f

e T h o h hill and dal . e winding r ad a s felt th e pre s

2 54 T h e Lo st L a n d of K in g Arthur

h o h o rde and uph e ld t e Chri s t . Glast nbury

s oo th e e e o s e to th e s of with t d h ath n , and b a t d la t n eve r having falle n into s acril eg i o u s hand s . It — wa s Chri s tian alway s th e Church o f martyrs like

I n d ra c tu s o f s e , aints like Cuthb rt , Patrick , David ,

s o f i e m and Dun tan , and kings l k Ina , Ed und , and

T h m s s o s oo th e Arthur . e a s ive wall n bly with t d

s s o f m e th e s o f to - a re th e a ault ti , and ruin day

o of th e o o s d u e to es e o w rk ic n cla t , d crati n and n ot c T h e m a r d e ay . r e nant s e path etic in the ir s igniﬁcance ; th e s cen e o f m utilate d be auty is m o e s o urnful bey o nd xpre si n . Y e t th e beauty re m s o it is n o t th e e t o f s ain , th ugh b au y pirituality n h a d e o f t e e e e o f e . A lif , but th r ality d ath s we

z e we a re o a e e e o g a with a byg n e g and g n rati n , and that a g e s eem s to im bu e o u r th o ught and

e m a s ee tinge o u r r e ﬂ ecti o ns . Eve rywh re y be n m e m e o e s s o s a re e ec o e s nt ; all und lik h , faint and

z fa r; all s ight s a re d im with ha e . Gla s to nbury i T h is of o s s fo r re tro s p e cti o n . e air full traditi n ; its hi s to ry d eals with phantom s and its o pening f page is o m yths .

e o s on Wea r a ll oo Tak y ur tand y Hill , and br d Y t awhile up o n th e s urrounding s . ou thrill o think

e o m e s e that h re St . J s e ph ight hav pau d ; that

‘ e e e e e s s o e e e . A . h is h r , wh r li a t n ngrav d with J , ’ with e red pilgrim s staff might have burs t into

2 56 T h e Lost Lan d of Kin g Ar thur

th e n d is to b e m m e . e e e cal , autu nal , subdu d Th r is o n e lo ng quive ring stre tch o f cardinal in th e

e e s e e e th e s k is o e s om e w st , but l wh r y w nd rfully br ,

o e e T h e e yet e xqui s ite ly s ft and p arly cl ar . furth r m o s of th e e s e o m es s e t limit val fa t b c invi ibl , fad

m e e e e o th e ing i p rc ptibly , appar ntly m rging int

e s ky a s it be com e s a pure d eep blue . H re and the re a purple p e ak o f th e range o f hill s running s e award ri s e s s harply and pi e rces th e thin gau zy

T h e e clo ud s which th e wind brings up . whit

o e s e o o e s e e et r ad gl am b l w , wh lly d rt d , y fancy m a y co njure up s p e c tre s gliding at nightfall along

s th e once hallo we d way to th e s hrin e . On thi s ee o e o - ou ee th e t p hill , al n , cl ud high , y f l that s e e m s o e th e s e e il nc is y tical , and w nd r if l ping city with its gh o s t s and traditi o n s is like th e fabled citie s of e nchante rs whi c h ri s e at night with o ut f o und ati o n and di s s o lve like m i s t in th e earli es t f ligh t o m o rning . I N DE "

(Ma in ly of oersons a n d pla ces)

BERYST WYT H re cs n ea r rid e 2 00 : h is d ea th A , li , B g , 1 1 wou n d 2 0 h is om 2 0 , 5 t b, 7 ema n S ree 1 2 in a o n 2 8— Ak t t, 3 9 ; Av l , 3 47 ; A lmesb u r m es ur 1 s u osed re m a in s 2 1 2 y (A b y), 75 pp , 4 , 49 80 Arvi ra us in 2 2 g , K g, 3 n wic s o a t Al k , 44 A t l , 55 m rosius 1 u re us m rosius 1 A b , 5 A li A b , 7 , 74 n eur n h is estimon to a on i io n 1 A i , t y Av l (Av l ), 43, 5 r h u r descri ed 2 1 et 6 se . S ee A t , 9 b q A rd er dd 6 6 1 8 2 la s on ur y , , 7 , G t b y A rn o d a th ew u o ed 0 l , M t , q t , 3 , 80 Ba d b u r Rin s 1 35. y g , 53 RT H U R rtu s rctu ru s a d on on s Bad on icu s A (A , A ); B (M ), 4 , in —h is wid es rea d fa me 1 1 1 2 —6 K g p , 3, 5 , 5 2 S a on o o n en ts o f Ba d e ma u s S ir , 3; x pp , g g , , 77 a n a le orica u re 6 a lin S ir 8 1 2 1 6 4 ; l g l ﬁg , , B , , 4, 9 , 7 2 6 1 a on o n h is d en Ba mb o rou h a stle 7, C xt i g C , 44 tit a rdic ch ron iclers a rh a m o wn 1 6 2 0 y , 9 ; b , B D , 5 , 4 ' —1 8 6 2 eoffre s h s o r a h 1 2 9 , G y i t y B t , 5 ’ o f 1 8 th e e em e n ta h ero a t es Kin rthu r s 2 , ; l l , B t l , g A , 4 , 9 , 2 1 h is dom a i n 6 2 1 2 1 1 th e a s t a t 9 , 33, 49 ; , , 5, 5 ; l — : 1 8 6 6 a mel ford 1 8 200 - 1 2 0 3 . 3 , 39 , 4 59 . 4 C , 9 , , 4 , S cotch refe re n ces 2 6 8 2 08 wi h e l as 2 0 , 5 , , ; t M v , 4 i ir i o d v r h s h 0 ; h s c ro na Be i e e S ir 2 0 n . 2 1 1 2 1 b t , 9 , , 5 , , 3, on 1 1 h is Rou nd a le 2 1 ti , 5 T b , 5 1 0—8 as wa rrior 1 Belen u s 1 2 3 5 ; , 49 ; , 3 a s n a on a h ero 1 0 1 1 a c mo re oe 0 ti l , 5 , 5 Bl k , p t, 3 h is a t e a t a d on 1 6 a ise le s 8 b tl B , 55 ; Bl (B y ), 3 i n ta 1 h is m a rria e orron Ro e r d e 1 88 2 0 I ly , 57 g , B , b t , , 3 a a m t w r 1 60 ; t e ot, 1 e orro eo e u o ed 0 n . C l 59 B , G g , q t , 9

. a ttle a t h seq. b S la ug ter I 7 2 58 I n d e x

o rs Sir ons a n no e B , , C t ti pl , 39 oscas t e 1 0 1 o ma c 10 B l , C r , 7

Bo ss in e 10 1 1 8 ra i Mrs . 6 y, , 3 C k , , 9 Brec n ock 6 1 k , 4 , 49 , 44

Brécélia n d e Bro celia n d Broce a d S t. 6 2 6 ( , D vi , , 3, 3 n d e fores o f 8 1 Da wsta ne 10 li ), t , 79 , , r ta n 6 8 in as Emr s 1 B it y , 43, D y , 7 , ru e ri er 2 1 oua rn en ez 6 B , v , 9 D , 4 r th on s th e Dozma re oo 2 1 1 —1 B y , , 3, 4, 47 P l , 4 Bud e 1o 1 —2 ra on u oted 1 1 , D yt , q , 44, 55, 1 7 1 a d u r a m S omerset D den 0 C b y C p , , ry , 3 1 1 1 60 1 1 —2 D ub ric Dub ri ti us 1 1 1 2 4 , , 7 ( ), 5, 5, a d wa lla C , 5 a erleon d escr ed Du n ch ine C , 39 , 53 ; ib , , 93 1 1 —2 u ns a n 2 6 2 3 9 D t , 3 , 37 a erwen t 1 2 1 2 6 1 6 8 C , 5, , a md en u oted 6 2 Ec or S ir 0 1 80 C , q , 9 , 44 t , , 9 , a m e r e 1 8- Ed n u r h 2 C l , iv r, 9— 9 i b g , 5 a mel ord 10 1 ; d e Ed wa rd in a t a s on C f , 55 7, I , K g, Gl t

scr ed 1 et se . u 2 ib , 94 q b ry , 49 Ca me lia rd 6— E d on il s 1 , 39 , 4 9 il H l , 5 a me o t d escr ed 1 et E mers on u ote d C l , ib , 59 , q , 33

se . Etta rd e 16 q , 4 a ra c a cus 1 2 Evelak e in 2 C t , 9 , K g, 35 C a rb on ek 8 E ca u 2 1 1 , 3 x lib r, a re w h is or a n C , t i , 9 5 ’ a rm a r h e n er in s a e a t reema n ro fesso r u oted C t , M l C v , F , P , q , 8 1 2 1 8 2 6 6 L 7 53, , 3

C a roba ise 6 rere . K . uoted 1 6 , 4 F , J , q , 3 a st e en is C l D , 49 as e - a n - Din a s 1 1 1 Ga isna r 2 1 C tl , — , C a ttra eth a t e of 10 a a h a d 2 1 1 1 8 , b tl , 9 G l , 3, 4 , 45, 4 , a on h is estimo n to 1 8 1 1 2 C xt , t y 7, 9 , 33 rth u 8 2 6 Ga wa i n e 8 1 1 6 1 h is A r, , 9 , , 79 , , e n n 8 ch a ra c e 1 6 1 - 1 66 2 0 C f Bry , 4 t r, 3, , 4 e ts th e a n d h e ir n u en ce Ge o ﬁre o f on mou th C l , , t i ﬂ y M , o n h is or a n d e en d 1 1 2 1 t y l g , 3, 95, 5, 5 2 1 66 1 6 2 1 e ra in 1 2 3, 3 , 35, , 7 , 3, G t, 9 2 0 2 1 o n 2 3 , 3 Gibb , 7 r 8 1 1 d a s th e h s oria n 10 1 2 e d c 4 , , 4 , , , , , C i , 5 53 55 Gil i t ha ice H ill 2 2 l ‘ l 6 l 2 6 C l , 9 3 a s3t 4 le ed on 1 2 Gira ld us Ca mb riensis 2 0 C v , 7 ,

2 6 0 I n d ex

oe rth u S a ra s 1 0 1 2 1 M l A r, 49 r , 9 , 9 , 93 “ o ns Ba d on icu s . S ee Bad on S ci 0 M lly, 4 d — o r re d , 1 2 9 , 2 00 S co S ir a e u o ed 1 2 M 3 tt, W lt r, q t , , orr s ' i lia m 0 2 6 0 6 8 1 1 1 2 M i , W l , 3 , 3 , , 4 , 4 ’ ou n S t. cha e s 2 Sha lott 1 6 1 8 1 M t, Mi l , 4 , 3, M rdin Em s 6 1 S ch es er 1 1 6 n y ry , 7, 7 il t , . S u res th e 2 1 2 6 il , , 4 , 47, N a l n a n t n eod , Ki , 4 S a u h ter rid e 1 2 0 g l g B g , 99 , 5 N enn iu s 1 2 1 6 S nowd n , , o , 7 1 , 76

' ' mu i en 2 N i e S o mme Dr. 2 6 2 (V vi ), 7 , 77 r, , , 9 N ord en on in a e S ou h e 2 , T t g l , 9 7 t y , 9 u t a id 1 1 S ou vestre Em e 8 1 N t, D v , 9 , il , S enser 0 2 p , 3 , 77, 33 Od in 6 S ee o m 1 , 4 t p H l , 4 ’ O a f 6 h s S e en S t. l , 4 t p , Orkn e s 2 a me o 1 60 1 y , 5 C l t, , 74 S on eh en e 1 t g , 3, 75, 54 ’ a tr c S t. 2 6 S tow s C/zrorzir/e 2 1 i , , 3 , 5 P k — — e l eas 1 6 1 88 S tra ch e S irE. uo ted 2 6 P l , 3 5, 9 y , , q , 7, 4 Pe llino re in 1 6 S u rl u se S u rl u ce 0 1 , K g , 4 ( ), 4 , 4 en d ra on a st e 1 S win u rn e u o ed 0 P g C l , 5 b , q t , 3 enrith 1 1 P , 4 P n - - Va n 1 T a lh a ira n 1 2 e y , 44 , 9 e rci a e Pa rzifa l erce a a iesin 1 1 1 2 P v l ( , P v l), T l , 9 , , 9 1 1 86 1 8 T en r n u o ed 1 34 , , 9 B i k , q t , 35 erilo us S ie e 1 6 16 en n so n 0 a t a ereon P , g , 4 , 5 T y , 3 ; C l , P t in t 8 1 2 6—2 8 1 1 6 2 d esc ri e ersa , 3 , 55, ; p tion of a me ot 1 0 o n C l , 7 ; ’ — uo i s rth u r s 8 u in e ere 1 ; th e ra i Q t , A , 4 9 G v , 75 G l l e en d 1 o n o rd red g , 93; M , Ren a n 6 80 2 0 , 4 , , 1 76 3 Ri son o s e h 6 1 1 6 T era b l 1 2 t , j p , 4 , 54 , 5 y , 9 , 9 Roc a e in ta e 1 8 hierr ky V ll y , T g l , 3 T y , 34 Rome 6 1 1 1 h oma s th e Rh mer 10 , 5, 5 , 57 T y , 4 Rou nd a e th e 1 1 h is n a e d escri ed 88 l , , 9 ; i t g l , 53 ; b , T b T ' tor o f 1 0—8 su osed 1 1 1 a ss zm y , 3 5 ; pp p h e la s on u r 2 2 0 oc a ties 1 1 et se . its T or t l li , 4 q ; , G t b y , , s m o sm 1 2 6 2 y b li , 45 3 , 55 i 6 Ro w T or 2 1 r s tra m a n d seu 44 , 4 , , 3 T I lt , 8 10 - 6 I 9 , 3 , 74 “ w d th e 68 6 0 S an c rea l th e . S ee Ho ee , , 9 , 7 g , ly T , G ra il S a nd w ch 1 8 Ur en 1 1 i , 5 i , I n d ex 2 6 1

Usk r e r 6 1 1 1 1 ea r A ll irra l Wora ll , iv , 7, 5, 9 W y (W , ) th er er in 6 i 2 2 U (Ut ), K g , 4, H ll, 3 0 1 2 ed m ore a a ce a t 2 74: 75, $9 . 9 , 3 W , p l , 47 Uwa me S i r 2 e s e 2 2 , , 7 W ll Abb y, 9 i a n a , tt e a t, 1 W g b l ’ s ei ch rofessor 1 illia m o f ew u r h 2 0 V t , p , 7 W N b g , e la n 2 in ch este 1 1 1 1 6 l , 4 W r, 55, 3 , 43, 7, V ' i ien 8 1 1 —1 a ss zm , 77, 79 , 39 4 p V v W or i ern 6 n . 1 6 od e nsb u r a tt e a t V t g , 3 , 7 , 7 y, b l , 5 o fra m von Ez ch enb a ch 1 8 W l , 9 a ce 2 1 80 1 1 W , , , 3 w “ a n er 1 0 Yn s tr n . S ee la s on W g , 7 y y y G t a r on 0 1 u r W t , 3 , 39 b y aste a n d s th e 8 W L , , 3 I C H A RD L AY o ns Lm rrno R C S , , B RE A R T H I L A N D S T EE L , s c . , D

B UNGAY s u rrou c. ,

T HE T OWER OF LONDON

Fo t ess a a ce a n d Pri son r r , P l ,

By CHARLES a . HA RPER

” u h o r o f Ru ra oo s rou n d o nd on T h e s or es A t l N k L , Hi t i ” Roa d s etc . etc . h 0 l us ra o n o f En sh s . gli , , Wit 5 I l t ti

ro wn 8 vo 6 8 . n et . C ,

T h e To we r of Lon d o n oc cu pie s a position in th e his tory of E n gla nd ma rom th e time of u n tch ed b y a n y of th e a n c ien t ca stles o f th e l a n d . F Wil ia m th e Con ue ror th e e r o f o n d on ﬁ u re ort more a n d more l q To w L g d f h c l ose ly a s th e ce n tu ries we n t o n th e story of th e E n glis h Sove re ig ns a n d the En is pe op e a nd it is n o t too mu c to sa t a t th e in tima te stor o f gl h l , h y h y th e o we r is in fa c t th e istor o f E n a nd . I n t is book a n a ccou nt i T , , h y gl h w ll b e ou nd a ike o f th e rc ite c tu re a n d th e i in is to r of th e ace a nd f l A h l v g h y pl , of th e pri so n e rs wh ose b l oo d wa s sh ed u po n Towe r G ree n or To we r Hill.

l W . h e i u tr ti n r i ﬂ r ﬁ n f o r b Mr. T l s a o s a e c h e y f om a e set o ph ot g a ph s y . S Ca mpbe ll .

EM RIALS OF ST PAUL’ S M O .

CAT HEDRAL

By A RCHDEA C ON S I N CLA I R

t m a n l u s ra on s in a c a n d wh e a n d s er o n Wi h y I l t ti bl k it ilv p i t , W ir em 8y o n et o u s e ter. 16 5 . . by L i D y ,

Th is is a n a u th orita tive h is tory o f th e C a th e d ra l from the ea rli est da ys to th e re se n t b th e rc d ea co n o f o nd on an d it i ai m a t i in a p y A h L , w ll g v g ' po pu la r a nd a t the s a me time a n a ccu ra te a ccou n t of th e Ca thed ra l s his to ry

T h e ictures a re a s ecia ea tu re be in of u nu su a bea u t . p p l f , g l y

H P 8c H LT D C M N . A A ALL,