Overview

The first ever book to provide a substantiated geographical setting for the Arthurian legacy, debunking accepted theories about Dark Age Britain Avalon is Britain's very own Atlantis - a mystical kingdom rich in myth and lore. Legends tell how the body of King Arthur was taken to Avalon, where he would wait till his nation's hour of need -The truth is that Avalon was a very real place with a turbulent history of its own. In The Keys to Avalon, the authors use neglected ancient sources, geographical clues and modern maps to take us to the heart of this realm. They uncover a remarkable landscape steeped in evidence of a bygone age. En route, they debunk the claims of other places to the name of Avalon, and literally redraw the map of Dark Age Britain, forcing us to re-examine all of our theories about this era. Ultimately, they reveal the kernel of historical truth at the heart of the Arthurian legend and unlock the borders of a lost land.

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9781844132232

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Reviews

Steve Blake and Scott Lloyd argue not only that Arthur existed, but also that the supposed locations of Camelot and Arthur's birth and last battle are radically different from those handed down from the Middle Ages. The source of our current stories of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is the work of Geoffrey of Monmouth, published in the 12th century. Much of the information that Geoffrey included appears to have been introduced at the request of Geoffrey's patron, the Earl of Gloucester. Tintagel, therefore, which belonged to the earl's brother, was named as Arthur's birthplace. Though there is a Round Table at Winchester, dendrochronology shows that it dates from no earlier than the reign of Edward III, who revived interest in Arthur by instigating the Order of the Round Table. Blake and Lloyd have combed accounts of Arthur dating from the Dark Ages and come up with a radical suggestion as to where the events of the legendary chieftain's life actually took place. They contend that Insula Britannia, the Kingdom of Britain, was, in fact, entirely situated in what we now know as Wales and the Welsh Marches. Evidence from ancient chronicles shows that the London referred to in mediaeval accounts of Arthur was in fact Ludlow, York was Wroxeter and Caerleon was Chester. The sword in the stone was situated at Machynlleth. Whether or not the reader agrees with the theory, the book is extremely detailed and well argued, providing evidence for the locations and identities of many events and characters in the Arthurian legends, such as Merlin and Morgan le Fay. Many maps are provided, so it is possible for the reader to visit and examine the places. This fascinating and enjoyable book would provide the basis for an intriguing trip to Wales. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Between them Steve Blake and Scott Lloyd have devoted decades of research to the subjects of the Holy Grail, Arthur and Ancient Britain. The authors are co-founders of the Centre for Arthurian Studies at the North East Wales Institute, affiliate of the University of Wales, and enjoy strong links with the 'Camelot' research project at Rochester University in America. They advise and promote the world's leading Arthurian Collection housed in Flintshire Library HQ, and are currently working with the Welsh Academic Press on a leading series of Welsh Arthurian source material.

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