Arthur of the Red Robe Read online

  At this point, Wilko interjected: “You mean the lady who was married to Ida, the first listed king of the Anglian kingdom of Bernicia? He seems to have reigned from 547 to 559 although some scholars think it might have been a bit later.”

  "Yes, that’s the one. Well, it seems that she was related to Arthur or Ennian (Gwynyfawr’s dad). It’s a bit unclear at the moment but the name Bearnoch is mentioned as either a daughter or granddaughter of one of them. Of course it could be a different person, but this is very unlikely as in those days most names were usually unique, being descriptive of an individual. So, she was descended either from Arthur or from Gwynyfawr’s father.

  “In which case, the implication is that somehow, by a truce or family arrangement, only a few tens of years after ‘Arthur’ and his family had ruled, either his granddaughter or Ennian’s, married Ida. This could mean that the entire Bernician royal family, and subsequently the Northumbrian royal family was descended from Arthur or from his wife’s family!”

  At this point Gerry said: “This sounds exciting and mindboggling, but we shouldn’t get carried away with it. I think we need to draw a line under the work and stick to what we have uncovered and are certain of about Arthur. The story of Bearnoch could be the next stage—a sequel to our work, if you like.”

  “Gerry is absolutely right,” said Wilko. “We have uncovered the truth behind our greatest, so called, legendary figure, a name that is known throughout the world. Until Gerry and Kenneth stumbled on to those jars, most people thought it was simply that—legend. Now we know that Arthur existed and that he was leader of the Votadini. We know about his life and family. Let’s have another drink!”

  Gerry stood up and raised his glass: “To King Arthur, no longer a ghostly figure of mythology, but a true Briton of History!”

  “King Arthur!”