Morte D’Arthur
Felix Barker keeps an open mind about speculation on the burial place of King Arthur.
A beguiling theory that King Arthur is buried in a ruined church on a hilltop in South Wales is soon to be put to a crucial test. Excavation of a grave is planned by two men whose researches have led them to the belief that the bones of the sixth-century British King will be found under the rubble-strewn floor.
The maverick amateur historians who are mounting the archaeological dig are Alan Wilson, a retired shipping expert, and Baram Blackett, a businessman. Neither claims professional qualifications, but Mr Wilson studied history at Cardiff University and they have devoted ten years research to the project and written several detailed books formulating their ideas.
If their contention proves correct more credence may have to given to their so-far sceptically received theories. It would mean that the focus of interest in Arthurian legend would shift from Somerset to Glamorgan and from the twelfth century story that King Arthur was buried with Queen Guinevere under the altar of Glastonbury Abbey. Instead of Cadbury Castle being identified with Camelot, Caer-Melyn, near Llanishen four miles north of Cardiff, would have to be considered.
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