Arthur ~
Dr. Goodrich investigated Arthur’s military career, including the twelve battles that end with Badon Hill and the halt of Saxon advances for twenty years. She places his major fort/home at Carlisle, which is in keeping with the whereabouts of Gwenhwyfar and Lancelot. After 542 AD nothing is heard about Arthur, so she theorizes that this is when he died, after the battle of Camlann.
Mr. Turner gives an explanation as to Arthur’s title and rank, particularly regarding the term, 'Uther Pendragon' who was not Arthur’s father at all. The term 'Uthr' meant 'terrible' (as in awe-inspiring) and 'Pen' meant chief. The Dragon standard was a common one for Roman war leaders. Mr. Turner states that Arthur began his career as a young military officer under the leadership of Cadwy who was in charge of the large fort called Cadwy’s Bury (Cadbury). As Arthur gained experience, he rode with Aurelius, the Regissimus Britanniarum, and helped defeat the Saxons. He was appointed to the highest officer rank of Magister Militum which was the Roman equivalent of 'Uthr Pendragon'. Eventually, he became the Imperator Britanniarum.
In 1191, in an old burial ground south of the Lady Chapel, the monks of Glastonbury Abbey unearthed a dug out oak coffin containing the remains of two skeletons. The one was of a tall man whose skull bore marks of a severe blow; the other was the lighter bones of a woman. A leaden cross was found on top of the grave. The Latin inscription HIC JACET SEPULTUS INCLITUS REX ARTHURIUS CUM WENNEVERIA UXORE SUA SECUNA IN INSULA AVALLONIA translates as, 'Here lies buried the renowned King Arthur with Guinevere, his second wife, in the Isle of Avalon.' (Journey to Avalon by Chris Barber and David Pykitt)
Was it really Arthur who was buried there? Or could it have been Lancelot—resting at last, and for eternity—with Gwenhwyfar?
Cynthia Breeding has written a series of 4 historical romances about the Arthurian legends. Prelude to Camelot is a 2009 release from Highland Press. In addition, a stand-alone book, My Noble Knight, offers a completely different slant on the Arthurian legends. Visit Cynthia at www.CynthiaBreeding.com.
Publisher's note: The author of this article, Cynthia Breeding, retains the copyright to this material. The article has been edited by The Medieval Chronicle's editor in the interest of space. Only additional theories have been removed; no remaining context has been changed or altered.