Revealing King Arthur

Christopher Gidlow examines what archaeology, early documents and the landscape of post-Roman Britain can contribute to the question of King Arthur’s historical identity. The investigation considers Tintagel, the so-called Arthur Stone, Dumnonia and proposed locations for Camelot, while setting the legend against the political fragmentation and conflicts of the fifth and sixth centuries.

The book also assesses the evidence associated with Arthur’s supposed campaigns, including the siege of Badon Hill and the strife of Camlan. Alongside these claims, Gidlow traces how later writers developed Arthur from a possible British ruler or war leader into the enduring figure of Camelot, the Round Table and the returning king.