King Arthur's England
Celebrate England's most famous legend. Go on a quest to some of the locations across the country with links to the King Arthur story. Discover King Arthur's England.
England’s Northwest
Alderley Edge, Cheshire, according to a local tradition, in the ground below the great outcrop of sandstone known as the Edge, is home to a cave in which Arthur and his knights lie sleeping. Near Merlin's rock is a mossy area from which water drips into a small stone trough. Above it a bearded, weather-beaten face can be discerned. Under it is written: Drink of this and take thy fill, for the water falls by the wizard's will.
North East England
Much of the King Arthur feature film takes place at Hadrian's Wall (www.hadrians-wall.org/), which was begun at the command of the Emperor Hadrian around AD120 and finally abandoned in AD 383. Much of the wall still survives in Cumbria and Northumberland, in places still 14 feet high. Ruined turrets, milecastles and forts are reminders of its imposing strength over 1,700 years.
Birdoswald, once known as Banna, has been for many years one of the sites associated with Arthur's last battle at Camlann. It has also been suggested as original location of Camelot. The presence, 20 miles further along the wall, of a fort (no longer standing) called Avalanna, has caused speculation that this may have been the original Avalon.
The ruins that crown a hill near Kirkby Stephen (www.kirkby-stephen.com/) are said to have belonged to Uther Pendragon, Arthur's father. The present castle at Pendragon is medieval and belonged to Hugh de Morville, one of the murderers of St Thomas à Becket. However, there are remains of earlier fortifications underneath the present building. A local legend tells how Uther tried to divert the nearby River Eden to fill a moat around the hill.
Those in search of Sir Lancelot, should head to Bamburgh Castle (www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction/Bamburgh/CastleFort/122968/Bamburgh-Castle.htm), a huge medieval fortress located on the sandy coastline of Northumberland. It is believed to be the original site of Sir Lancelot's castle, and in the Dark Ages the site was know as 'Din Guayrdi', which may have suggested its Arthurian identity.
South East England
One of the finest depictions of the Round Table currently hangs in the in the cathedral city of Winchester, England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. A wooden table hanging in the Great Hall dates from the 14th century, when it was probably made at the command of King Edward III. It was later repainted at the order of Henry VIII, who is shown in the guise of Arthur on the current table.
South West
According to tradition, the Holy Grail was brought by Joseph of Arimathea, the uncle of Jesus, to Glastonbury Abbey (www.glastonburyabbey.com/) and Glastonbury Tor (www.glastonburytor.org.uk/), Somerset. He founded the first Christian church on the ancient island of Ynys Witrin, also known as Avalon, and now as Glastonbury. Here also, it is claimed, the body of Arthur was brought for burial and there is a plaque marking the spot where, in 1191, builders working on the restoration of the abbey apparently uncovered his tomb.
Warwick Castle
Bursting to the towers with tales of treachery and torture, passion and power and above all fascinating people, times and events, Warwick Castle is so much more than simply a castle. There’s something for everyone in 2006, with a bumper calendar of events and entertainment to enjoy.
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Tower of London
Prebook your tickets now and get fast track entry to the Tower of London PLUS pay less than you would on the day. The Tower of London is one of the world's major tourist attractions; today, over 2.5 million visitors a year come to discover its long and eventful history, its buildings, ceremonies and traditions, and to get a glimpse of the world famous Crown Jewels.
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