ENGLAND:
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
ST. RUMBOLD'S WELL, BUCKINGHAM
St. Rumbold's Well is the last remaining link between Buckingham and the veneration of the infant Saint Rumbold, often portrayed as a cherub.
St Rumbold, the grandson of King Penda of Mercia, was born able to speak and profess that he was a Christian and instruct that he be baptised, and also give a sermon.
Being born near King's Sutton, a stone with a hollow was found in a nearby field to use as a font, though none could lift it, Rumbold told those in attendance to try again and the stone lifted without weight.
Rumbold, foretold his own death, three days after his birth or within the year of his birth, and where he wanted to be buried, in Buckingham.
Buckingham became the centre of his veneration, with his grave, shrine and well. Sadly, when the old church was taken down, the grave and shrine were not transferred to the new church - so today all that is left is the well.
St. Rumbold's Well is the last remaining link between Buckingham and the veneration of the infant Saint Rumbold, often portrayed as a cherub.
St Rumbold, the grandson of King Penda of Mercia, was born able to speak and profess that he was a Christian and instruct that he be baptised, and also give a sermon.
Being born near King's Sutton, a stone with a hollow was found in a nearby field to use as a font, though none could lift it, Rumbold told those in attendance to try again and the stone lifted without weight.
Rumbold, foretold his own death, three days after his birth or within the year of his birth, and where he wanted to be buried, in Buckingham.
Buckingham became the centre of his veneration, with his grave, shrine and well. Sadly, when the old church was taken down, the grave and shrine were not transferred to the new church - so today all that is left is the well.
CORNWALL
THE CORNISH ATLANTIS - LYONESSE
Between Land's End and the Scilly Isles is said to lie the submerged kingdom of Lyonesse, inundated in one night of storms.
A sole survivor rode ahead of the onrushing waves to make it to the higher ground at Land's End, his horse shedding a shoe as he raced.
The kingdom had been ruled by the father of Tristan, of Tristan and Iseult fame, and all that remains of its capital, are the rocks of the Seven Stones reef now out at sea. Numerous villages and their churches were said to be lost, and on a calm day the bells of the submerged churches can still be heard.
As well as the Tristan & Iseult link to Arthurian Legend, Alfred, Lord Tennyson located Arthur's final battle against Mordred in the kingdom of Lyonesse. Still today the remains of bronze villages lay off the coast of the Scilly Isles.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF KING ARTHUR
Tintagel Castle birthplace of King Arthur and in the caves below Merlin the magician lived and tutored the young Arthur.
THE CORNISH PIXIES OF ST. ALLEN
A boy from the village of St. Allen just north of Truro is said to have recounted meeting the Cornish Piskies / Pixies.
The boy wandered off to collect flowers in a small valley, lost the villagers couldn't find him for three days. When he was found, he wasn't aware that days had passed, unharmed he spoke of how he had followed a singing bird into the forest, where night fell and he thought he saw stars all around him.
The boy then realised that the shining lights around him were the piskies, who led him down to a cave full of riches, gave him honey and sang him to sleep. On waking the boy was back in the valley.
LYONESSE, SCILLY ISLES
Between Land's End and the Scilly Isles is said to lie the submerged kingdom of Lyonesse, inundated in one night of storms.
A sole survivor rode ahead of the onrushing waves to make it to the higher ground at Land's End, his horse shedding a shoe as he raced.
The kingdom had been ruled by the father of Tristan, of Tristan and Iseult fame, and all that remains of its capital, are the rocks of the Seven Stones reef now out at sea.
Numerous villages and their churches were said to be lost, and on a calm day the bells of the submerged churches can still be heard.
As well as the Tristan & Iseult link to Arthurian Legend, Alfred, Lord Tennyson located Arthur's final battle against Mordred in the kingdom of Lyonesse.
Still today the remains of bronze villages lay off the coast of the Scilly Isles. The Isles of Scilly were likely a single large isle until 400-500AD when the central plain became inundated.
This inundation of the isle may have been the origin for the Lyonesse legends.
Between Land's End and the Scilly Isles is said to lie the submerged kingdom of Lyonesse, inundated in one night of storms.
A sole survivor rode ahead of the onrushing waves to make it to the higher ground at Land's End, his horse shedding a shoe as he raced.
The kingdom had been ruled by the father of Tristan, of Tristan and Iseult fame, and all that remains of its capital, are the rocks of the Seven Stones reef now out at sea. Numerous villages and their churches were said to be lost, and on a calm day the bells of the submerged churches can still be heard.
As well as the Tristan & Iseult link to Arthurian Legend, Alfred, Lord Tennyson located Arthur's final battle against Mordred in the kingdom of Lyonesse. Still today the remains of bronze villages lay off the coast of the Scilly Isles.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF KING ARTHUR
Tintagel Castle birthplace of King Arthur and in the caves below Merlin the magician lived and tutored the young Arthur.
THE CORNISH PIXIES OF ST. ALLEN
A boy from the village of St. Allen just north of Truro is said to have recounted meeting the Cornish Piskies / Pixies.
The boy wandered off to collect flowers in a small valley, lost the villagers couldn't find him for three days. When he was found, he wasn't aware that days had passed, unharmed he spoke of how he had followed a singing bird into the forest, where night fell and he thought he saw stars all around him.
The boy then realised that the shining lights around him were the piskies, who led him down to a cave full of riches, gave him honey and sang him to sleep. On waking the boy was back in the valley.
LYONESSE, SCILLY ISLES
Between Land's End and the Scilly Isles is said to lie the submerged kingdom of Lyonesse, inundated in one night of storms.
A sole survivor rode ahead of the onrushing waves to make it to the higher ground at Land's End, his horse shedding a shoe as he raced.
The kingdom had been ruled by the father of Tristan, of Tristan and Iseult fame, and all that remains of its capital, are the rocks of the Seven Stones reef now out at sea.
Numerous villages and their churches were said to be lost, and on a calm day the bells of the submerged churches can still be heard.
As well as the Tristan & Iseult link to Arthurian Legend, Alfred, Lord Tennyson located Arthur's final battle against Mordred in the kingdom of Lyonesse.
Still today the remains of bronze villages lay off the coast of the Scilly Isles. The Isles of Scilly were likely a single large isle until 400-500AD when the central plain became inundated.
This inundation of the isle may have been the origin for the Lyonesse legends.
CUMBRIA
FAIRY STEPS, BEETHAM
Fairy Steps between two sheer faces of limestone, if you can ascend or descend the steps without touching the sides the fairies will grant you your wish.
The fairies can be seen by those who possess the second sight using the steps.
KING ARTHUR'S ROUND TABLE, PENRITH
Was a neolithic henge with a central round platform in Cumbria King Arthur's Round Table or Jousting Arena as recorded by John Leland in 1538. John Leland says that he heard locals near Penrith claim it to be, or also possibly Arthur's Castle. Could around 150 knights have met here summoned by their King?
Mayburgh Henge is around 400 metres to the west, with its singular central standing stone, where in earlier centuries had stood four stones ringed by a bank, possibly with stones at the entrance.
THE HORN OF EGREMONT CASTLE
Two knightly brothers ride of to war, whereupon the elder brother is captured, and the younger brother returns to raise a ransom to buy his brother's freedom.
Alas, the younger brother returns and decides to take no action, save taking the place of the older brother at the castle.
Held captive in a far off foreign land the older brother wins the love of his captor's daughter. Through this love the older brother is released to return home to England and to Egremont.
Returning to the castle he, grabs the horn hung at the castle which can only be blown by the one true heir, and blows it to announce his return to his castle and his lands.
Fairy Steps between two sheer faces of limestone, if you can ascend or descend the steps without touching the sides the fairies will grant you your wish.
The fairies can be seen by those who possess the second sight using the steps.
KING ARTHUR'S ROUND TABLE, PENRITH
Was a neolithic henge with a central round platform in Cumbria King Arthur's Round Table or Jousting Arena as recorded by John Leland in 1538. John Leland says that he heard locals near Penrith claim it to be, or also possibly Arthur's Castle. Could around 150 knights have met here summoned by their King?
Mayburgh Henge is around 400 metres to the west, with its singular central standing stone, where in earlier centuries had stood four stones ringed by a bank, possibly with stones at the entrance.
THE HORN OF EGREMONT CASTLE
Two knightly brothers ride of to war, whereupon the elder brother is captured, and the younger brother returns to raise a ransom to buy his brother's freedom.
Alas, the younger brother returns and decides to take no action, save taking the place of the older brother at the castle.
Held captive in a far off foreign land the older brother wins the love of his captor's daughter. Through this love the older brother is released to return home to England and to Egremont.
Returning to the castle he, grabs the horn hung at the castle which can only be blown by the one true heir, and blows it to announce his return to his castle and his lands.
DERBYSHIRE
WORMHILL - 'DRAGON Hill'
Anglo-Saxon 'Dragon Hill' (Wyrma's Hill) - the hill where the dragon may have been said to have lived can be seen on the road to Miller's Dale, were the coils in the ground surrounding this small hill created by the dragon's tail?
Wormhill's church is dedicated to St. Margaret of Antioch who had links to dragons, was the dedication to protect this Derbyshire village from the dragon?
Anglo-Saxon 'Dragon Hill' (Wyrma's Hill) - the hill where the dragon may have been said to have lived can be seen on the road to Miller's Dale, were the coils in the ground surrounding this small hill created by the dragon's tail?
Wormhill's church is dedicated to St. Margaret of Antioch who had links to dragons, was the dedication to protect this Derbyshire village from the dragon?
DEVON
ST. BONIFACE AND THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE
Crediton, Devon, birthplace of Winfrith who became St. Boniface in c672 AD.
As an Anglo-Saxon monk he was sent to do missionary work in Germany in the Frankish Kingdom - and began the first organised Christianity in Germany, and today is the patron saint of both Germany and the Netherlands.
Legend has it that in Bavaria, Germany St.Boniface saw pagans worshipping around an oak tree on the winter solstice, whereupon he grabbed an axe and cut the oak down - at that moment in the place of the oak grew a fir tree grew. In awe the pagans were converted to Christianity, with the evergreen tree seen as the everlasting love of God.
At the next winter solstice the tree was hung with decorations to worship Christmas.
Crediton, Devon, birthplace of Winfrith who became St. Boniface in c672 AD.
As an Anglo-Saxon monk he was sent to do missionary work in Germany in the Frankish Kingdom - and began the first organised Christianity in Germany, and today is the patron saint of both Germany and the Netherlands.
Legend has it that in Bavaria, Germany St.Boniface saw pagans worshipping around an oak tree on the winter solstice, whereupon he grabbed an axe and cut the oak down - at that moment in the place of the oak grew a fir tree grew. In awe the pagans were converted to Christianity, with the evergreen tree seen as the everlasting love of God.
At the next winter solstice the tree was hung with decorations to worship Christmas.
ESSEX
THE 'ESSEX SERPENT - THE HENHAM DRAGON
Sightings of a dragon at Henham-on-the-Mount were reported in a pamphlet of 1669 - "The Flying Serpent or Strange news out of Essex".
Numerous locals were said to have attested to the sighting and further sightings continued after the pamphlet.
Sightings of a dragon at Henham-on-the-Mount were reported in a pamphlet of 1669 - "The Flying Serpent or Strange news out of Essex".
Numerous locals were said to have attested to the sighting and further sightings continued after the pamphlet.
LINCOLNSHIRE:
GRIM AND HAVELOK FOUND GRIMSBY
Havelok was a Danish prince who as a baby was left in the care of the Regent Godard when his father the King of Denmark died, along with his two sisters.
Godard sought the crown for himself and killed the two princesses, and finds Grim an elderly fisherman and asks him to take Havelok and drown him at sea. Grim and his wife were unable to carry out the command, and sailed from Denmark with the child, landing in England at what would become Grimsby.
The King of England, Athelwold, also dying gave his daughter, Goldeboru, into the care of a regent with his dying wish being that she marry the strongest man in England.
Havelok grows to be a strong fisherman, though Grim suspects his royal birth due to a birthmark and the light that came from the babe's mouth. Havelok leaves Grimsby to find work in Lincoln where he works in a kitchen.
The English regent learning of the size and strength of Havelok, fulfils Athelwold's dying wish allowing Goldeboru to marry Havelok the kitchen-hand, whilst the regent would then take the English throne.
On their wedding night both Goldeboru and Havelok have dreams where they are told of their royal births and that their countries are calling for them to regain their thrones.
Havelok and Goldeboru sail to Denmark and Havelok becomes the King of Denmark, and with the Danish army they are able to return to England to retake the English throne for Goldeboru. Havelok and Goldeboru unite the kingdoms of England and Denmark.
Havelok was a Danish prince who as a baby was left in the care of the Regent Godard when his father the King of Denmark died, along with his two sisters.
Godard sought the crown for himself and killed the two princesses, and finds Grim an elderly fisherman and asks him to take Havelok and drown him at sea. Grim and his wife were unable to carry out the command, and sailed from Denmark with the child, landing in England at what would become Grimsby.
The King of England, Athelwold, also dying gave his daughter, Goldeboru, into the care of a regent with his dying wish being that she marry the strongest man in England.
Havelok grows to be a strong fisherman, though Grim suspects his royal birth due to a birthmark and the light that came from the babe's mouth. Havelok leaves Grimsby to find work in Lincoln where he works in a kitchen.
The English regent learning of the size and strength of Havelok, fulfils Athelwold's dying wish allowing Goldeboru to marry Havelok the kitchen-hand, whilst the regent would then take the English throne.
On their wedding night both Goldeboru and Havelok have dreams where they are told of their royal births and that their countries are calling for them to regain their thrones.
Havelok and Goldeboru sail to Denmark and Havelok becomes the King of Denmark, and with the Danish army they are able to return to England to retake the English throne for Goldeboru. Havelok and Goldeboru unite the kingdoms of England and Denmark.
LONDON
THE RAVENS OF THE TOWER OF LONDON
The Tower of London's ravens must stay at the Tower or else the monarch loses their crown and the kingdom will fall.
This legend is said to date back to Charles II, who either he or his astronomer wanted them removed but on being reminded of the importance of the ravens allowed them to stay whilst the royal observatory was moved to Greenwich.
Though the links with fortresses, and particularly the Tower of London, with ravens goes back further than that to Celtic times. The lead god/king of the Britons was Bran the Blessed, whose name means raven. Bran when fatally wounded instructed that his head be cut off and taken to the White Hill, the site of the Tower of London to be buried, so as to protect Britain from invasion.
Hill forts have been found to have crow, magpie or raven skeletons buried within them seemingly as a way of bringing protection to the fort. A poem that attests to a king who had many of the characteristics of Arthur, though who wasn't Arthur, is said to have fed ravens on the walls of his castle.
The Tower of London's ravens must stay at the Tower or else the monarch loses their crown and the kingdom will fall.
This legend is said to date back to Charles II, who either he or his astronomer wanted them removed but on being reminded of the importance of the ravens allowed them to stay whilst the royal observatory was moved to Greenwich.
Though the links with fortresses, and particularly the Tower of London, with ravens goes back further than that to Celtic times. The lead god/king of the Britons was Bran the Blessed, whose name means raven. Bran when fatally wounded instructed that his head be cut off and taken to the White Hill, the site of the Tower of London to be buried, so as to protect Britain from invasion.
Hill forts have been found to have crow, magpie or raven skeletons buried within them seemingly as a way of bringing protection to the fort. A poem that attests to a king who had many of the characteristics of Arthur, though who wasn't Arthur, is said to have fed ravens on the walls of his castle.
NORFOLK
NORWICH CASTLE & KING GURGUNT
The legendary king, King Gurgunt, and founder of Norwich is said to sleep in the hill on which Norwich Castle is built.
The king lies within the hill in his armour ready for battle, surrounded by his gold and silver treasures. Queen Elizabeth I was told of the legend when she visited the city in 1578.
It is said King Gurgunt had arisen and standing in the crowd attempted to reach out to the Queen, however, a rain shower meant she dashed away.
The legendary king, King Gurgunt, and founder of Norwich is said to sleep in the hill on which Norwich Castle is built.
The king lies within the hill in his armour ready for battle, surrounded by his gold and silver treasures. Queen Elizabeth I was told of the legend when she visited the city in 1578.
It is said King Gurgunt had arisen and standing in the crowd attempted to reach out to the Queen, however, a rain shower meant she dashed away.
NORTHUMBERLAND:
THE DRAGON STONE OF HARBOTTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND:
The Drake Stone, near Harbottle in Northumberland, from the Anglo-Saxon Draag for Dragon, and so the Dragon Stone.
Traditions tell of how it was used by the ancient druids in their ceremonies, and was believed to have supernatural healing powers, so the druids would pass children over the stone to heal them.
The stone is a huge erratic made of sandstone deposited by a glacier in the Ice Age.
The Drake Stone, near Harbottle in Northumberland, from the Anglo-Saxon Draag for Dragon, and so the Dragon Stone.
Traditions tell of how it was used by the ancient druids in their ceremonies, and was believed to have supernatural healing powers, so the druids would pass children over the stone to heal them.
The stone is a huge erratic made of sandstone deposited by a glacier in the Ice Age.
NORTH YORKSHIRE:
SLINGSBY SERPENT, SLINGSBY.
Slingsby, in North Yorkshire, has a tradition of a serpent living in a great hole outside the village, that would prey upon travellers.
In the church is the effigy of the knight Sir William Wyvill who with his dog is said to have killed the serpent, and to have been fatally wounded in the fight.
SEMERWATER - THE YORKSHIRE ATLANTIS
At Semerwater once stood a prosperous city, where an old man came in search of a meal.
The old man called at house after house, and only at the hovel of a very poor couple was he given food and entertained. As the old man left the town he cursed it, save for the poor couple's house, and the waters rose to submerge the city.
"Semerwater rise, Semerwater sink, And swallow the town all save this house, Where they gave me food and drink."
THE FIVE LIGHTS OF THORNABY, THE CRUSADER PLEDGE - THORNABY-ON-TEES
Thornaby's symbol is 'The Five Lights', which were recreated in a local landmark of five gaslights from a single lamppost in the Victorian era and then again in electric form in the 1970s.
The 'Five Lights' come from the legend of Robert de Thormodbi, who on the Crusades in the Middle Ages fought at the Battle of Acre.
Here suffering from wounds gained in the battle, he prayed that he would create a shrine to the Virgin Mary if he survived. Robert survived and returned to England and in the Thornaby's church at that time dedicated to Mary Magdalene he had made a shrine niche created lit by five sanctuary lights.
The church now called St. Peters ad Vicula, St. Peter in Chains, was also the place where the mother of Captain James Cook was christened, Grace Pace.
Slingsby, in North Yorkshire, has a tradition of a serpent living in a great hole outside the village, that would prey upon travellers.
In the church is the effigy of the knight Sir William Wyvill who with his dog is said to have killed the serpent, and to have been fatally wounded in the fight.
SEMERWATER - THE YORKSHIRE ATLANTIS
At Semerwater once stood a prosperous city, where an old man came in search of a meal.
The old man called at house after house, and only at the hovel of a very poor couple was he given food and entertained. As the old man left the town he cursed it, save for the poor couple's house, and the waters rose to submerge the city.
"Semerwater rise, Semerwater sink, And swallow the town all save this house, Where they gave me food and drink."
THE FIVE LIGHTS OF THORNABY, THE CRUSADER PLEDGE - THORNABY-ON-TEES
Thornaby's symbol is 'The Five Lights', which were recreated in a local landmark of five gaslights from a single lamppost in the Victorian era and then again in electric form in the 1970s.
The 'Five Lights' come from the legend of Robert de Thormodbi, who on the Crusades in the Middle Ages fought at the Battle of Acre.
Here suffering from wounds gained in the battle, he prayed that he would create a shrine to the Virgin Mary if he survived. Robert survived and returned to England and in the Thornaby's church at that time dedicated to Mary Magdalene he had made a shrine niche created lit by five sanctuary lights.
The church now called St. Peters ad Vicula, St. Peter in Chains, was also the place where the mother of Captain James Cook was christened, Grace Pace.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Robin Hood and Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle home of the Sheriff of Nottingham is the site where Robin Hood was captured and held prisoner.
Robin Hood kept escaping from the castle with the help of his band of 'Merry Men' often using the tunnels and caves below the castle.
Nottingham Castle home of the Sheriff of Nottingham is the site where Robin Hood was captured and held prisoner.
Robin Hood kept escaping from the castle with the help of his band of 'Merry Men' often using the tunnels and caves below the castle.
OXFORDSHIRE
THE ROLLRIGHT STONES - A VIKING ARMY
The ancient stone circle of the Rollright Stones is said by legend to be a Viking King, his Knights and his men turned to stone under the magic of a Saxon general:
Said the Danish General, If Long Compton I cou’d see Then King of England I shou’d be.
But reply’d the Saxon General, Then rise up Hill & stand fast Stone- For King of England thou’lt be none.
This was the version recorded by Dr. R. Plot in 1705. Though, later versions replace the Saxon general with a Witch. The stones are actually three Neolithic and Bronze age megalith, the area being used for around two millennia for ritual purposes.
The ancient stone circle of the Rollright Stones is said by legend to be a Viking King, his Knights and his men turned to stone under the magic of a Saxon general:
Said the Danish General, If Long Compton I cou’d see Then King of England I shou’d be.
But reply’d the Saxon General, Then rise up Hill & stand fast Stone- For King of England thou’lt be none.
This was the version recorded by Dr. R. Plot in 1705. Though, later versions replace the Saxon general with a Witch. The stones are actually three Neolithic and Bronze age megalith, the area being used for around two millennia for ritual purposes.
SOMERSET
GLASTONBURY - 'THE ISLE OF AVALON'
The magical Isle of Avalon where King Arthur was taken after the Battle of Camlann, where he now lies in the Tor to return as the 'Once and Future King'. Or the final resting place of King Arthur in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey.
ARTHUR, ST. CARANTOC AND THE DRAGON OF CARHAMPTON
Carhampton, Somerset, is linked to King Arthur and St. Carantoc a Welsh Saint and a Dragon.
In his youth King Arthur ruled the lands around Dunster in alliance with King Cado. St. Carantoc crossed the Bristol Channel looking for his portable altar, Arthur had found it, and hid it under leaves.
Meeting St. Carantoc, Arthur said the altar would only be returned if the Saint could deal with the local dragon.
St. Carantoc used his faith and the dragon climbed out of the local swamp and walked up to St. Carantoc as if it was his pet, a changed and tamed beast.
Arthur returned the altar to the Saint and also gave him lands in Carhampton on which to found a monastery.
THE SITE OF KING ARTHUR'S GREATEST VICTORY - THE BATTLE OF MOUNT BADON
Bathampton Down, Bath, is the most probable location for the Battle of Mons Badonicus, Mount Badon, a victory by the Romano-British against the invading Anglo-Saxon, long associated with King Arthur.
The earliest account of the Battle of Mount Badon is in the writing of St. Gildas, where the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons is said to be halted by the Romano-British for a generation.
Though, Gildas gives the victory to a figure called Ambrosius Aurelianus.
Nenius lists Arthur's battles as being 12 in number, with the final one being that of Mount Badon, with Arthur being the one to fell all 960 Saxons that are slaughtered, in one single charge.
The legend is further developed that Arthur wins the victory by carrying the image of the Virgin Mary on his shield for three days and nights, and having prayed to the Virgin Mary prior to lifting the Saxon siege.
Why did St. Gildas leave out Arthur in the earliest record of this battle, and give the glory to Ambrosius Aurelianus? a range of theories have been put forward: From the 12th Century view that Arthur was removed from St. Gildas' writing when he killed Gildas' brother; to the details being so well known of the battle by Gildas' audience that he didn't need to recount them fully, and these include the possibility that Ambrosius Aurelianus was the Roman descended campaign leader for the Romano-British, and his front line cavalry warrior, leading the British forces in battle - the Dux Bellorum, - was the local chieftain / warlord Arthur of the Britons.
KING ARTHUR'S CAMELOT, CADBURY CASTLE, SOUTH CADBURY
Cadbury Castle, in South Cadbury, is an Iron-Age hillfort that was refortified for a brief period between the end of Britain's Roman Occupation and the settlement of the Anglo-Saxons - around the turn of the 5th - 6th Century - making it the most probable location of King Arthur's Camelot.
Leland in 1542 noted that local legend claimed that 'Arthur much resorted there', that Roman finds had been unearthed on the hill-fort and that the locals called it Camallate.
Local legends also tell of ghostly knights travelling through the villages such as the Cadburys and Sutton Montis.
The redevelopment of the hill-fort was by a high-status individual, refortifying a hill-fort on a scale not seen elsewhere at the time.
The name means Cadwy's or Cado's fort, the hill-fort lies at the Northern End of the Cornish / South Western Kingdom Dumnonia stretching from Cornwall's Land's End, through Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
If Arthur was a General or Sub-King under Cadwy was this his Camelot? Was this is base from which he rode out with his mounted warriors to defeat the Anglo-Saxon advance at the Battle of Mount Badon in Bath?
And the local river is the River Cam, was it beneath the hill-fort on the banks of the River Cam that Arthur fought his last battle, Camlann - in a civil-war as the Romano-British King's fought to either uphold or bring down the rise of Arthur and Camelot?
The magical Isle of Avalon where King Arthur was taken after the Battle of Camlann, where he now lies in the Tor to return as the 'Once and Future King'. Or the final resting place of King Arthur in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey.
ARTHUR, ST. CARANTOC AND THE DRAGON OF CARHAMPTON
Carhampton, Somerset, is linked to King Arthur and St. Carantoc a Welsh Saint and a Dragon.
In his youth King Arthur ruled the lands around Dunster in alliance with King Cado. St. Carantoc crossed the Bristol Channel looking for his portable altar, Arthur had found it, and hid it under leaves.
Meeting St. Carantoc, Arthur said the altar would only be returned if the Saint could deal with the local dragon.
St. Carantoc used his faith and the dragon climbed out of the local swamp and walked up to St. Carantoc as if it was his pet, a changed and tamed beast.
Arthur returned the altar to the Saint and also gave him lands in Carhampton on which to found a monastery.
THE SITE OF KING ARTHUR'S GREATEST VICTORY - THE BATTLE OF MOUNT BADON
Bathampton Down, Bath, is the most probable location for the Battle of Mons Badonicus, Mount Badon, a victory by the Romano-British against the invading Anglo-Saxon, long associated with King Arthur.
The earliest account of the Battle of Mount Badon is in the writing of St. Gildas, where the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons is said to be halted by the Romano-British for a generation.
Though, Gildas gives the victory to a figure called Ambrosius Aurelianus.
Nenius lists Arthur's battles as being 12 in number, with the final one being that of Mount Badon, with Arthur being the one to fell all 960 Saxons that are slaughtered, in one single charge.
The legend is further developed that Arthur wins the victory by carrying the image of the Virgin Mary on his shield for three days and nights, and having prayed to the Virgin Mary prior to lifting the Saxon siege.
Why did St. Gildas leave out Arthur in the earliest record of this battle, and give the glory to Ambrosius Aurelianus? a range of theories have been put forward: From the 12th Century view that Arthur was removed from St. Gildas' writing when he killed Gildas' brother; to the details being so well known of the battle by Gildas' audience that he didn't need to recount them fully, and these include the possibility that Ambrosius Aurelianus was the Roman descended campaign leader for the Romano-British, and his front line cavalry warrior, leading the British forces in battle - the Dux Bellorum, - was the local chieftain / warlord Arthur of the Britons.
KING ARTHUR'S CAMELOT, CADBURY CASTLE, SOUTH CADBURY
Cadbury Castle, in South Cadbury, is an Iron-Age hillfort that was refortified for a brief period between the end of Britain's Roman Occupation and the settlement of the Anglo-Saxons - around the turn of the 5th - 6th Century - making it the most probable location of King Arthur's Camelot.
Leland in 1542 noted that local legend claimed that 'Arthur much resorted there', that Roman finds had been unearthed on the hill-fort and that the locals called it Camallate.
Local legends also tell of ghostly knights travelling through the villages such as the Cadburys and Sutton Montis.
The redevelopment of the hill-fort was by a high-status individual, refortifying a hill-fort on a scale not seen elsewhere at the time.
The name means Cadwy's or Cado's fort, the hill-fort lies at the Northern End of the Cornish / South Western Kingdom Dumnonia stretching from Cornwall's Land's End, through Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
If Arthur was a General or Sub-King under Cadwy was this his Camelot? Was this is base from which he rode out with his mounted warriors to defeat the Anglo-Saxon advance at the Battle of Mount Badon in Bath?
And the local river is the River Cam, was it beneath the hill-fort on the banks of the River Cam that Arthur fought his last battle, Camlann - in a civil-war as the Romano-British King's fought to either uphold or bring down the rise of Arthur and Camelot?
SUFFOLK
THE GREEN CHILDREN OF WOOLPIT
Woolpit's name comes from the pits in the village that were used to catch wolves, and in the 12th Century in the pits were found two unknown children, a boy and a girl - who were green! They would only eat raw beans and they couldn't say much about from where they came from except that it was an underground kingdom called St. Martin's Land. The children were looked after in the village and their skin grew pale, the boy succumbed to illness and died and the girl lived on - whether she had children and whether there are still descendants of hers is unknown. The village sign depicts the children and a wolf, and the village church.
Woolpit's name comes from the pits in the village that were used to catch wolves, and in the 12th Century in the pits were found two unknown children, a boy and a girl - who were green! They would only eat raw beans and they couldn't say much about from where they came from except that it was an underground kingdom called St. Martin's Land. The children were looked after in the village and their skin grew pale, the boy succumbed to illness and died and the girl lived on - whether she had children and whether there are still descendants of hers is unknown. The village sign depicts the children and a wolf, and the village church.
WEST SUSSEX
THE GOLDEN CALF AND KING AELLE AT HIGHDOWN HILL
Legend has it that a Golden Calf is buried on Highdown Hill. It has been an Iron Age Hill Fort and later a Saxon Cemetary. Legend also has it that King Aelle the first King of the South Saxons was buried here after his defeat at Mons Badonnicus (Mount Badon) by the legendary king of the Roman-British resistance to the Saxon advance, King Arthur. The hill is the traditional burial-place of the Kings of Sussex.
Legend has it that a Golden Calf is buried on Highdown Hill. It has been an Iron Age Hill Fort and later a Saxon Cemetary. Legend also has it that King Aelle the first King of the South Saxons was buried here after his defeat at Mons Badonnicus (Mount Badon) by the legendary king of the Roman-British resistance to the Saxon advance, King Arthur. The hill is the traditional burial-place of the Kings of Sussex.
WEST YORKSHIRE
WENTBRIDGE, HOME OF ROBIN HOOD
Wentbridge is the only named place in the earliest ballads of Robin Hood. In 'Robin Hood and the Potter', Little John, says 'I met him but at Wentbridge', which is the earliest surviving manuscript.
There is also a possible reference in 'A Gest of Robyn Hode', where a friendly Knight explains to Robin Hood that he 'went at a bridge' where there was wrestling. 'A Gest of Robyn Hode' also mentions a local landmark 'the Saylis' and 'the Sayles', this is an area of high ground that could be used as a look-out, known as the 'Sayles Plantation'.
More evidence comes from an outlaw living in Wentbridge, known as the 'Prince of Thieves', medieval chroniclers knew him as Swein-son-of-Sicga, who robbed the Abbott of Selby, and led a band of outlaws in the Yorkshire forests. At the time in the 11th Century is was the job of the Sheriff of Nottingham and Yorkshire to attempt to bring him to justice. So was it Swein and his band of outlaws that led to the legends of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham (and Yorkshire!).
Wentbridge is the only named place in the earliest ballads of Robin Hood. In 'Robin Hood and the Potter', Little John, says 'I met him but at Wentbridge', which is the earliest surviving manuscript.
There is also a possible reference in 'A Gest of Robyn Hode', where a friendly Knight explains to Robin Hood that he 'went at a bridge' where there was wrestling. 'A Gest of Robyn Hode' also mentions a local landmark 'the Saylis' and 'the Sayles', this is an area of high ground that could be used as a look-out, known as the 'Sayles Plantation'.
More evidence comes from an outlaw living in Wentbridge, known as the 'Prince of Thieves', medieval chroniclers knew him as Swein-son-of-Sicga, who robbed the Abbott of Selby, and led a band of outlaws in the Yorkshire forests. At the time in the 11th Century is was the job of the Sheriff of Nottingham and Yorkshire to attempt to bring him to justice. So was it Swein and his band of outlaws that led to the legends of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham (and Yorkshire!).
WILTSHIRE
STONEHENGE
Stonehenge an ancient ring of standing stones said to have been created, or transported from Ireland, by the magician Merlin from Arthurian legend.
Stonehenge an ancient ring of standing stones said to have been created, or transported from Ireland, by the magician Merlin from Arthurian legend.
SCOTLAND:
ARGYLL:
ISLE OF ISLAY DRAGON - EMERACONART, ISLAY
At Emeraconart a dragon had its lair, and at the hillfort of Dun Guaidhre King Godred of the white hand, set out to slay the dragon.
Godred had fought with the Norwegian King Harald Hardraada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 against the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson prior to the Battle of Hastings. Godred survived and took shelter in the Viking possessions of the Hebrides.
The Emeraconart Dragon was killing the cattle and the locals that had set out to kill it had perished. Godred planned his capture of the dragon meticulously, floating barrels with spikes through them in the sea at Loch Indaal, and having horses placed from Emeraconart to Loch Indaal. Godred travelled from Dun Guaidrhre to the dragon's lair at Emeraconart, entering its cave and throwing a spear at the dragon.
Enraged, the dragon chased Godred, and Godred jumped onto the waiting horse, as the horse tired Godred got on another, the chasing dragon only stopping to devour the tired horses.
On the shore of Loch Indaal Godred dismounted, stode into the sea amidst the mass of barrels, and swam to his waiting longship. The dragon lunged towards Godred into the sea, only to be impailed upon the spikes that Godred had set into the floating barrels.
At Emeraconart a dragon had its lair, and at the hillfort of Dun Guaidhre King Godred of the white hand, set out to slay the dragon.
Godred had fought with the Norwegian King Harald Hardraada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 against the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson prior to the Battle of Hastings. Godred survived and took shelter in the Viking possessions of the Hebrides.
The Emeraconart Dragon was killing the cattle and the locals that had set out to kill it had perished. Godred planned his capture of the dragon meticulously, floating barrels with spikes through them in the sea at Loch Indaal, and having horses placed from Emeraconart to Loch Indaal. Godred travelled from Dun Guaidrhre to the dragon's lair at Emeraconart, entering its cave and throwing a spear at the dragon.
Enraged, the dragon chased Godred, and Godred jumped onto the waiting horse, as the horse tired Godred got on another, the chasing dragon only stopping to devour the tired horses.
On the shore of Loch Indaal Godred dismounted, stode into the sea amidst the mass of barrels, and swam to his waiting longship. The dragon lunged towards Godred into the sea, only to be impailed upon the spikes that Godred had set into the floating barrels.
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
HEATHER ALE, MULL OF GALLOWAY
The kingdom of the Southern Picts had managed to brew ale from the local heather at their stonghold on the Mull of Galloway, and passed their secret process down from generation to generation.
The High King of Ulster, Niall, sought the recipe and invaded the Pictish Caledonian Kingdom. In the battles that followed the Picts resisted , though one Druid turned upon his fellow Picts and gave Niall the upper hand in the battles, though he didn't have full knowledge of the Heather Ale.
The forces of the Picts were cut down and then only two survived an old man and his grandson. Niall said he would spare one in return for the recipe.
The old man on seeing the wounds of his grandson to be fatal, agreed and his grandson was thrown into the waves below the cliffs. He then declared that he would only give the recipe to one man, the Druid.
He took the Druid by the hand and marched him to the highest point on the cliffs and threw them both into the see below - and with them went the recipe of the Heather Ale.
The kingdom of the Southern Picts had managed to brew ale from the local heather at their stonghold on the Mull of Galloway, and passed their secret process down from generation to generation.
The High King of Ulster, Niall, sought the recipe and invaded the Pictish Caledonian Kingdom. In the battles that followed the Picts resisted , though one Druid turned upon his fellow Picts and gave Niall the upper hand in the battles, though he didn't have full knowledge of the Heather Ale.
The forces of the Picts were cut down and then only two survived an old man and his grandson. Niall said he would spare one in return for the recipe.
The old man on seeing the wounds of his grandson to be fatal, agreed and his grandson was thrown into the waves below the cliffs. He then declared that he would only give the recipe to one man, the Druid.
He took the Druid by the hand and marched him to the highest point on the cliffs and threw them both into the see below - and with them went the recipe of the Heather Ale.
HIGHLANDS
LOCH NESS, SOUTH WEST OF INVERNESS, HOME OF THR LOCH NESS MONSTER - NESSY
Home of Nessy / Nessie the Loch Ness Monster. A large water creature with numerous sightings in the Loch.
Numerous attempts have been made to try and find Nessy using fleets of boats and radar / sonar.
A lost dinosaur, a floating log, a large sturgeon or a feature of the local water currents?
THE PIPER OF WINDY HA, OLRIG
At Sysa's well in Olrig, in the summer a cowherd called Peter Waters drank and fell asleep, only to be awakened by a young lady, dressed in green, who held some pipes and a bible.
She offered him a future of fortune, either by the book or the pipes; as he looked at the offer he could see that the bible offered the status and fortune of a preacher and the pipes the fortune and popularity of a musician.
Peter chose the pipes, and the condition was that he return to meet the young lady at the well seven years hence.
Peter became a popular, prosperous and famous piper over the next seven years. And kept to his word, returning to Sysa's well seven years on to meet the young lady. Peter was never heard of again,but the muffled sound of his pipes could still be heard from time to time in Olrig.
JOHN O'GROATS
The legend of John o' Groats, John was a dutchman by the name of Jan de Groot who ran a ferry to Orkney.
John built an octagonal house, and the legend says that with eight branches of his family they quarelled over who should sit at the head of the table next to the door. John seeing his family so riven, pledged to end this dispute within the year.
So the next year came and John's clan returned to meet together, and lo, John had built his octagonal house with an octagonal table, with 8 doors, so each of his sons would be at the head of the table by the door - none higher or lower than another!
MERMAIDS, VIKING LONGSHIPS AND GALLEONS IN SANDWOOD BAY
Claims of Mermaid sightings have been made at Sandwood Bay, with Alexander Gunn claiming a sighting of a mermaid basking on a rock in 1900 and never changing his account throughout his life.
The area was also known as a stopping over point for Viking longships on their ocean voyages, with the longships being dragged across the bay into Sandwood Loch. It is claimed that beneath the sands of Sandwood Bay can be found the remains of buried Viking longships.
With Cape Wrath to the North numerous shipwrecks occurred in the area prior to the building of the Cape Wrath lighthouse, Sandwood Bay is also claimed to be the resting place of a Spanish Galleon and all its treasures!
CASTLE ROY, NETHY BRIDGE, TREASURE IN THE WALLS OF SCOTLAND'S OLDEST CASTLE
Treasure is to be found in the walls of Castle Roy, as well as a secret tunnel in the mound to the nearby Old Kirk.
There is a drawback for any budding Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, for in the walls is also to be found the plague!
The castle is possibly the oldest stone castle fortification in Scotland, and home of the rival family to Robert the Bruce, the Comyns.
THE WISHING TREE, ISLE MAREE, LOCH MAREE
On the Isle Maree, in Loch Maree, stands a Wish Tree.
Visitors to the Isle place coins in the tree, to see their wish granted. Coins that fall see the wish not granted.
Even Queen Victoria placed a coin in the tree in 1877 on a visit to the isle. Many trees on the isle have embedded coins hammered into their trunks, and as the weather they discolour into a range of shades of blue-green.
The lake is named after the Saint Mael Rubha, shortened to Maree, who founded a monastery at Applecross, and is said to have had a hermitage on the isle.
The waters of the Loch were believed to be able to cure lunacy.
The area also saw pre-christian rituals of the sacrifice of bulls. The North Shore of the loch adjacent to the isle, is called in gaelic the 'Cliff of the Bull'. This may be to the pre-chrstian deity Mourie.
GLEN COE, HOME OF THE SCOTTISH HERO CLAN
Fingal the Celtic hero is siad to have lived in Glen Coe leading the Feinn warriors of Celtic Mythology.
Fingal defeated the Viking invasion of King Erragon of Sora, and his son Ossian who became a bard was born in Glen Coe.
Ossian's cave is located in the glen. MacPherson published the legends in 1762 in English giving the Fingalian clan of heroes international renown - even Napoleon carried a copy with him!
Home of Nessy / Nessie the Loch Ness Monster. A large water creature with numerous sightings in the Loch.
Numerous attempts have been made to try and find Nessy using fleets of boats and radar / sonar.
A lost dinosaur, a floating log, a large sturgeon or a feature of the local water currents?
THE PIPER OF WINDY HA, OLRIG
At Sysa's well in Olrig, in the summer a cowherd called Peter Waters drank and fell asleep, only to be awakened by a young lady, dressed in green, who held some pipes and a bible.
She offered him a future of fortune, either by the book or the pipes; as he looked at the offer he could see that the bible offered the status and fortune of a preacher and the pipes the fortune and popularity of a musician.
Peter chose the pipes, and the condition was that he return to meet the young lady at the well seven years hence.
Peter became a popular, prosperous and famous piper over the next seven years. And kept to his word, returning to Sysa's well seven years on to meet the young lady. Peter was never heard of again,but the muffled sound of his pipes could still be heard from time to time in Olrig.
JOHN O'GROATS
The legend of John o' Groats, John was a dutchman by the name of Jan de Groot who ran a ferry to Orkney.
John built an octagonal house, and the legend says that with eight branches of his family they quarelled over who should sit at the head of the table next to the door. John seeing his family so riven, pledged to end this dispute within the year.
So the next year came and John's clan returned to meet together, and lo, John had built his octagonal house with an octagonal table, with 8 doors, so each of his sons would be at the head of the table by the door - none higher or lower than another!
MERMAIDS, VIKING LONGSHIPS AND GALLEONS IN SANDWOOD BAY
Claims of Mermaid sightings have been made at Sandwood Bay, with Alexander Gunn claiming a sighting of a mermaid basking on a rock in 1900 and never changing his account throughout his life.
The area was also known as a stopping over point for Viking longships on their ocean voyages, with the longships being dragged across the bay into Sandwood Loch. It is claimed that beneath the sands of Sandwood Bay can be found the remains of buried Viking longships.
With Cape Wrath to the North numerous shipwrecks occurred in the area prior to the building of the Cape Wrath lighthouse, Sandwood Bay is also claimed to be the resting place of a Spanish Galleon and all its treasures!
CASTLE ROY, NETHY BRIDGE, TREASURE IN THE WALLS OF SCOTLAND'S OLDEST CASTLE
Treasure is to be found in the walls of Castle Roy, as well as a secret tunnel in the mound to the nearby Old Kirk.
There is a drawback for any budding Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, for in the walls is also to be found the plague!
The castle is possibly the oldest stone castle fortification in Scotland, and home of the rival family to Robert the Bruce, the Comyns.
THE WISHING TREE, ISLE MAREE, LOCH MAREE
On the Isle Maree, in Loch Maree, stands a Wish Tree.
Visitors to the Isle place coins in the tree, to see their wish granted. Coins that fall see the wish not granted.
Even Queen Victoria placed a coin in the tree in 1877 on a visit to the isle. Many trees on the isle have embedded coins hammered into their trunks, and as the weather they discolour into a range of shades of blue-green.
The lake is named after the Saint Mael Rubha, shortened to Maree, who founded a monastery at Applecross, and is said to have had a hermitage on the isle.
The waters of the Loch were believed to be able to cure lunacy.
The area also saw pre-christian rituals of the sacrifice of bulls. The North Shore of the loch adjacent to the isle, is called in gaelic the 'Cliff of the Bull'. This may be to the pre-chrstian deity Mourie.
GLEN COE, HOME OF THE SCOTTISH HERO CLAN
Fingal the Celtic hero is siad to have lived in Glen Coe leading the Feinn warriors of Celtic Mythology.
Fingal defeated the Viking invasion of King Erragon of Sora, and his son Ossian who became a bard was born in Glen Coe.
Ossian's cave is located in the glen. MacPherson published the legends in 1762 in English giving the Fingalian clan of heroes international renown - even Napoleon carried a copy with him!
INNER HEBRIDES
THE FAIRY FLAG OF DUNVEGAN CASTLE, ISLE OF SKYE
The chiefs of the Clan MacLeod hold at their castle the legendary Fairy Flag - a now fading, but ancient and precious flag from 'a place far away', and possesses magical powers. I
It is said that the flag was given as a shawl to an infant heir of the MacLeod's after his father had married a princess who was revealed to be a fairy.
The fairy could only remain married for a year and a day. When the princess had returned to the fairy kingdom, she returned when the child was left to cry, and gave the child the intricate and precious shawl.
The child later explained to his father that the shawl would act as a flag, and could be unfurled when the clan were in danger just three times, upon the fourth unfurling it would disappear.
It was unfurled when the MacLeod's were attacked by the MacDonalds, multiplying the Macleod's forces by ten.
It was again unfurled when a plague struck the local cattle, and the cattle were returned to health.
The Clan chief offered the British government the unfurling of the flag on the cliffs of Dover, should the Nazis make an invasion attempt of Britain. Servicemen from the clan MacLeod carried photographs of the flag in World War Two.
The chiefs of the Clan MacLeod hold at their castle the legendary Fairy Flag - a now fading, but ancient and precious flag from 'a place far away', and possesses magical powers. I
It is said that the flag was given as a shawl to an infant heir of the MacLeod's after his father had married a princess who was revealed to be a fairy.
The fairy could only remain married for a year and a day. When the princess had returned to the fairy kingdom, she returned when the child was left to cry, and gave the child the intricate and precious shawl.
The child later explained to his father that the shawl would act as a flag, and could be unfurled when the clan were in danger just three times, upon the fourth unfurling it would disappear.
It was unfurled when the MacLeod's were attacked by the MacDonalds, multiplying the Macleod's forces by ten.
It was again unfurled when a plague struck the local cattle, and the cattle were returned to health.
The Clan chief offered the British government the unfurling of the flag on the cliffs of Dover, should the Nazis make an invasion attempt of Britain. Servicemen from the clan MacLeod carried photographs of the flag in World War Two.
MIDLOTHIAN
TEMPLARS' TREASURE IN TEMPLE VILLAGE
Temple village, just south of the Scottish capital Edinburgh, was the main Knights Templar site in Scotland. The Old Temple Kirk, may stand on the site of a previous Templar church, having been built by the Knights of St. John after the dissolution of the Templars. This may be the site of the real 'Rosslyn' and the Templar treasure for local legend claims that the treasure was moved from Paris to here in Scotland between the 'oak and elm tree'. French legends also suggest the treasure was taken to Scotland in the vicinity of the Firth of Forth.
Temple village, just south of the Scottish capital Edinburgh, was the main Knights Templar site in Scotland. The Old Temple Kirk, may stand on the site of a previous Templar church, having been built by the Knights of St. John after the dissolution of the Templars. This may be the site of the real 'Rosslyn' and the Templar treasure for local legend claims that the treasure was moved from Paris to here in Scotland between the 'oak and elm tree'. French legends also suggest the treasure was taken to Scotland in the vicinity of the Firth of Forth.
MORAY:
THE PICTISH BEAST, MORTLACH PARISH CHURCH, DUFFTOWN
Mortlach Parish Church is the site of two ancient stones, the 'Battle Stone' and the 'Elephant Stone'.
The 'Battle Stone' was placed in the churchyard following the Battle of Mortlach in 1010 AD when Malcolm II defeated a Danish army. The stone has Pictish symbols on one side and Christain symbols on the other. Malcolm faced with the Danes gaining the ascendancy, prayed for divine intevention promising to turn the church into a cathedral. The Scots rallied and Malcolm pulled the Danish leader from his horse. This began a series of victory for the Scots under Malcolm. With the victory, Malcolm believed he had fulfilled his promise by extending the church three spear-lengths.
The second ancient stone, the 'Elephant Stone' was found in 1925 and is now displayed within the Church. It shows two carvings, one of which is what is known as the 'Pictish Beast', which is found amongst many Pictish carvings. It doesn't resemble any known creature, and has been suggested to be possibly an elephant or dolphin, or it may be an amalgam of numerous creatures into one mythical beast. It appears so many times amongst surviving Pictish carvings, that it suggests it was of importance to the Pictish people.
The carving below the Pictish Beast has been suggested to be the symmetrical curved brooch symbol used to represent a dragon. This may indicate that the Pictish Beast is a form of dragon, or possibly a Loch or Lake Dragon / Serpent - along with the seemingly floating upward form and the legs that end not in paws or claws but swirls, that may be indicating fins swirling through the water - could this be a version of a plesiosaur, lake monster as some accounts have given of Loch Monsters, like the Loch Ness Monster?
Mortlach Parish Church is the site of two ancient stones, the 'Battle Stone' and the 'Elephant Stone'.
The 'Battle Stone' was placed in the churchyard following the Battle of Mortlach in 1010 AD when Malcolm II defeated a Danish army. The stone has Pictish symbols on one side and Christain symbols on the other. Malcolm faced with the Danes gaining the ascendancy, prayed for divine intevention promising to turn the church into a cathedral. The Scots rallied and Malcolm pulled the Danish leader from his horse. This began a series of victory for the Scots under Malcolm. With the victory, Malcolm believed he had fulfilled his promise by extending the church three spear-lengths.
The second ancient stone, the 'Elephant Stone' was found in 1925 and is now displayed within the Church. It shows two carvings, one of which is what is known as the 'Pictish Beast', which is found amongst many Pictish carvings. It doesn't resemble any known creature, and has been suggested to be possibly an elephant or dolphin, or it may be an amalgam of numerous creatures into one mythical beast. It appears so many times amongst surviving Pictish carvings, that it suggests it was of importance to the Pictish people.
The carving below the Pictish Beast has been suggested to be the symmetrical curved brooch symbol used to represent a dragon. This may indicate that the Pictish Beast is a form of dragon, or possibly a Loch or Lake Dragon / Serpent - along with the seemingly floating upward form and the legs that end not in paws or claws but swirls, that may be indicating fins swirling through the water - could this be a version of a plesiosaur, lake monster as some accounts have given of Loch Monsters, like the Loch Ness Monster?
OUTER HEBRIDES
THE NUNTON MERMAID, BENBECULA
In the 1830s crofters cutting seaweed near Grimnis spotted a small mermaid just off the shore.
It evaded capture when men went into the water to catch it, but a disappeared beneath the waves when a boy threw a stone and hit it in the back.
It was found washed up on the shore at Cula Bay near Nunton, several days later. It was buried, though some say at the church with a Christian burial, others say it was buried amongst the dunes.
In the 1990s a stone marker was investigated as a possible marker for the Mermaid's Grave, but it wasn't thought to have been put there as a grave marker.
THE MYSTERY OF THE FLANNAN ISLES LIGHTHOUSE
In 1900 three lighthouse keepers went missing never to be seen again in a Marie-Celeste style mystery.
What happened to the lighthouse keepers has led to numerous theories - particularly as one was meant to remain at the lighthouse if the other two had to venture out.
So from time-slips to alien abduction the legend of the Flannen Isle lighthouse has grown.
The most likely possibility is that which an investigation came up with at the time - in a major storm two of the lighthouse keepers went out to ensure some their equipment was safe (one had already been fined previously for such an event), the third at the light house saw that they were under threat of far greater waves coming towards the isle that could sweep them away, and went to call them back - leading to all three being swept away as the isle became engulfed in a fierce North Atlantic storm.
In the 1830s crofters cutting seaweed near Grimnis spotted a small mermaid just off the shore.
It evaded capture when men went into the water to catch it, but a disappeared beneath the waves when a boy threw a stone and hit it in the back.
It was found washed up on the shore at Cula Bay near Nunton, several days later. It was buried, though some say at the church with a Christian burial, others say it was buried amongst the dunes.
In the 1990s a stone marker was investigated as a possible marker for the Mermaid's Grave, but it wasn't thought to have been put there as a grave marker.
THE MYSTERY OF THE FLANNAN ISLES LIGHTHOUSE
In 1900 three lighthouse keepers went missing never to be seen again in a Marie-Celeste style mystery.
What happened to the lighthouse keepers has led to numerous theories - particularly as one was meant to remain at the lighthouse if the other two had to venture out.
So from time-slips to alien abduction the legend of the Flannen Isle lighthouse has grown.
The most likely possibility is that which an investigation came up with at the time - in a major storm two of the lighthouse keepers went out to ensure some their equipment was safe (one had already been fined previously for such an event), the third at the light house saw that they were under threat of far greater waves coming towards the isle that could sweep them away, and went to call them back - leading to all three being swept away as the isle became engulfed in a fierce North Atlantic storm.
SCOTTISH BORDERS
THE LINTON SERPENT
In the 12th Century the people of Linton were being attacked by a dragon, the Linton Worm, 'Wyrm' being Anglo-Saxon for a dragon or serpent.
A Laird of the Somerville family set out to slay the beast in the Linton bog, and did so by spearing the creature with a lance through its throat. Somerville had noted that the beast would remain still if approached by something too big to eat, with its mouth open.
So he got the local blacksmith to attach a wheel to the end of his lance, upon which Somerville attached peat and set it alight.
He approached the dragon on his horse, so that he was too big to eat, and thrust the flaming lance down the dragon's throat.
The arms of the Somerville included a wyvern - heraldic dragon and a wheel.
The event is recalled in a panel above the door to the church. It was also noted by Walter Scott in his writings.
In the 12th Century the people of Linton were being attacked by a dragon, the Linton Worm, 'Wyrm' being Anglo-Saxon for a dragon or serpent.
A Laird of the Somerville family set out to slay the beast in the Linton bog, and did so by spearing the creature with a lance through its throat. Somerville had noted that the beast would remain still if approached by something too big to eat, with its mouth open.
So he got the local blacksmith to attach a wheel to the end of his lance, upon which Somerville attached peat and set it alight.
He approached the dragon on his horse, so that he was too big to eat, and thrust the flaming lance down the dragon's throat.
The arms of the Somerville included a wyvern - heraldic dragon and a wheel.
The event is recalled in a panel above the door to the church. It was also noted by Walter Scott in his writings.
SHETLAND ISLES
WULVERS
Wulvers are legendary creatures that have the head of a wolf and the body of a human covered in fur.
Wulvers lived across the islands, and were noted for their kindly actions of guiding lost travellers home and leaving fish on the windowsills of poor families. They only caused harm to humans when harmed themselves.
Wulvers fished by the banks of rivers on flat stones known as Wulver Stones. Wulvers are not werewolves as they haven't changed from humans, The ancient Celts believed that they were the link between man and wolf.
TWO GIANTS AND THE MERMAID OF UNST
Two giants one called Herma and Saxa lived at the north of Unst in the Shetland Isles, one at Hernaness and the other at Saxa Vord, and they threw rocks at each other across the Burra Firth.
The two of them fell in love with a mermaid who swam in the seas below their clifftop homes.
The mermaid promised she would marry the first giant to follow her and swim to her home at the North Pole. Both giants marched into the sea to follow the mermaid - and they were never seen again.
MAVIS GRIND - VIKING LONGSHIPS CROSSING LAND FROM SEA TO OCEAN
Mavis Grind is a narrow isthmus just wider than a road that separates the North Sea from the Atlantic ocean - and local legend has it that the Vikings would lift their longships across the isthmus rather than sail the further distance around the island.
Wulvers are legendary creatures that have the head of a wolf and the body of a human covered in fur.
Wulvers lived across the islands, and were noted for their kindly actions of guiding lost travellers home and leaving fish on the windowsills of poor families. They only caused harm to humans when harmed themselves.
Wulvers fished by the banks of rivers on flat stones known as Wulver Stones. Wulvers are not werewolves as they haven't changed from humans, The ancient Celts believed that they were the link between man and wolf.
TWO GIANTS AND THE MERMAID OF UNST
Two giants one called Herma and Saxa lived at the north of Unst in the Shetland Isles, one at Hernaness and the other at Saxa Vord, and they threw rocks at each other across the Burra Firth.
The two of them fell in love with a mermaid who swam in the seas below their clifftop homes.
The mermaid promised she would marry the first giant to follow her and swim to her home at the North Pole. Both giants marched into the sea to follow the mermaid - and they were never seen again.
MAVIS GRIND - VIKING LONGSHIPS CROSSING LAND FROM SEA TO OCEAN
Mavis Grind is a narrow isthmus just wider than a road that separates the North Sea from the Atlantic ocean - and local legend has it that the Vikings would lift their longships across the isthmus rather than sail the further distance around the island.
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE
LOMIE - THE LOCH LOMOND MONSTER
That's right Loch Lomond, north of Glasgow, also has its own legendary loch monster.
Lomie could even be two species of monster! Some sightings describe it as like a plesiosaur, the long necked marine dinosaur. Whilst others describe it as like a giant crocodile.
Sightings include those made in 1968 and 1997, the one in 1997 made by a film crew filming a music video when they saw the crocodile-like creature eating the ducks off the lake.
That's right Loch Lomond, north of Glasgow, also has its own legendary loch monster.
Lomie could even be two species of monster! Some sightings describe it as like a plesiosaur, the long necked marine dinosaur. Whilst others describe it as like a giant crocodile.
Sightings include those made in 1968 and 1997, the one in 1997 made by a film crew filming a music video when they saw the crocodile-like creature eating the ducks off the lake.
WALES:
CEREDIGION
THE WELSH ATLANTIS - CANTRER GWAELOD
The lost lands of Welsh King, Gwyddno Garanhir, lay submerged beneath the waves. The town of Cantre'r Gwaelod had stood below sea level protected by sea walls but a drunken Seithennyn forgot to close them one night and a storm submerged the town as its people fled. See the petrified forest at Ynyslas, as you listen out for the ring of the bells sounding from the lost church.
The lost lands of Welsh King, Gwyddno Garanhir, lay submerged beneath the waves. The town of Cantre'r Gwaelod had stood below sea level protected by sea walls but a drunken Seithennyn forgot to close them one night and a storm submerged the town as its people fled. See the petrified forest at Ynyslas, as you listen out for the ring of the bells sounding from the lost church.
DENBIGHSHIRE
THE HOLY GRAIL & THE CASTLE OF THE CITY OF CROWS
Castell Dinas Bran above Llangollen has been speculated as a location for the Holy Grail, as well as other treasures such as a golden ox buried within the hill beneath the castle ruins.
Norman Knight, Payn Peveril learns of the treasures, when he tries to stay overnight in the castle, after being told that none dares. In the night a storm brews, and the evil giant Gogmagog appears wielding a mace. Payn halts the blows upon his men with his shield and a cross, and manages to use his sword to pierce the giant. In his dying breaths the giant tells how King Bran built the castle to defeat him, but failed, and that in underground vaults lay a multitude of treasures.
Castell Dinas Bran above Llangollen has been speculated as a location for the Holy Grail, as well as other treasures such as a golden ox buried within the hill beneath the castle ruins.
Norman Knight, Payn Peveril learns of the treasures, when he tries to stay overnight in the castle, after being told that none dares. In the night a storm brews, and the evil giant Gogmagog appears wielding a mace. Payn halts the blows upon his men with his shield and a cross, and manages to use his sword to pierce the giant. In his dying breaths the giant tells how King Bran built the castle to defeat him, but failed, and that in underground vaults lay a multitude of treasures.
GWYNEDD
BEDDGELERT
Resting place of Gelert, Prince Llewelyn's faithful hound, who protected the Prince's heir from a fearsome wolf.
The prince on return from a hunt found Gelert covered in blood and the heir nowhere to be seen, and so killed the hound.
As Gelert yelped his last cry a child's cry was heard, and the heir was found unharmed with the body of the wolf nearby.
The prince buried Gelert and never smiled again.
BARDSEY ISLAND - YNYS WITRIN, THE ISLE OF GLASS
Legend has it that Bardsey Island is Ynys Witrin, the fabled Isle of Glass - the Isle of Avalon.
Here lies or lives Merlin in a cave waiting to return when the people of Wales, the Celtic Britons need him most. And, with Merlin, may also lay King Arthur, the 'Once and Future King'.
Its English name means 'Isle of the Bards', and the island is known as the 'Isle of 20,000 Saints', having been a sacred isle used for the burial of the great and good, a centre of the Welsh Christian community, particularly at times of persecution.
The isle is home to the abbey built by St. Cadfan dedicated to St. Mary. Bards called the isle "the road to Heaven, and the gate to Paradise."
Resting place of Gelert, Prince Llewelyn's faithful hound, who protected the Prince's heir from a fearsome wolf.
The prince on return from a hunt found Gelert covered in blood and the heir nowhere to be seen, and so killed the hound.
As Gelert yelped his last cry a child's cry was heard, and the heir was found unharmed with the body of the wolf nearby.
The prince buried Gelert and never smiled again.
BARDSEY ISLAND - YNYS WITRIN, THE ISLE OF GLASS
Legend has it that Bardsey Island is Ynys Witrin, the fabled Isle of Glass - the Isle of Avalon.
Here lies or lives Merlin in a cave waiting to return when the people of Wales, the Celtic Britons need him most. And, with Merlin, may also lay King Arthur, the 'Once and Future King'.
Its English name means 'Isle of the Bards', and the island is known as the 'Isle of 20,000 Saints', having been a sacred isle used for the burial of the great and good, a centre of the Welsh Christian community, particularly at times of persecution.
The isle is home to the abbey built by St. Cadfan dedicated to St. Mary. Bards called the isle "the road to Heaven, and the gate to Paradise."
POWYS
LLANGORSE LAKE - AFANC
15th Century poet Lewys Glyn Cothi wrote that the Afanc lived in what is now Llangorse Lake.
Resembling a crocodile or a giant beaver the Afanc is said to prey upon those that swim in its lake, and its thrashings can kill those around it, and flood kingdoms.
In Arthurian legend either Arthur or Peredur are said to have slain the Afanc.
For Peredur the lake creature was invisible and able to fire poison darts, and only became visible when the Queen of Constantinople, dressed as a maiden, gave him an adder stone to carry into its cave.
15th Century poet Lewys Glyn Cothi wrote that the Afanc lived in what is now Llangorse Lake.
Resembling a crocodile or a giant beaver the Afanc is said to prey upon those that swim in its lake, and its thrashings can kill those around it, and flood kingdoms.
In Arthurian legend either Arthur or Peredur are said to have slain the Afanc.
For Peredur the lake creature was invisible and able to fire poison darts, and only became visible when the Queen of Constantinople, dressed as a maiden, gave him an adder stone to carry into its cave.
WEST GLAMORGAN
KING ARTHUR'S STONE, GOWER PENINSULA
Maen Ceti, King Arthur's Stone, on the Gower peninsula near Swansea. Was this a pebble that Arthur took from his shoe, that whilst whizzing thrugh the air magically expanded before falling on the Cefyn Bryn.
Was its capstone cut with a mighty strike from Arthur's sword, Excalibur? Or was it attacked by St. David who disagreed with its pagan links?
Is the magical knight who appears from beneath the stone in the light of a full moon, and walks from Cefyn Bryn towards the village of Llanrhidian, King Arthur?
These the remaining stonesof a Neolithic burial chamber date back to 2,500 BC.
Maen Ceti, King Arthur's Stone, on the Gower peninsula near Swansea. Was this a pebble that Arthur took from his shoe, that whilst whizzing thrugh the air magically expanded before falling on the Cefyn Bryn.
Was its capstone cut with a mighty strike from Arthur's sword, Excalibur? Or was it attacked by St. David who disagreed with its pagan links?
Is the magical knight who appears from beneath the stone in the light of a full moon, and walks from Cefyn Bryn towards the village of Llanrhidian, King Arthur?
These the remaining stonesof a Neolithic burial chamber date back to 2,500 BC.
NORTHERN IRELAND:
COUNTY ANTRIM
THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY
Around 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns, said to have been made into a causeway by the Irish giant Finn MacCool so that he could fight the Scottish giant Benandonner.
The other end of the causeway is located on the Scottish Isle of Staffa, at Fingal's Cave, with its identical basalt columns.
Around 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns, said to have been made into a causeway by the Irish giant Finn MacCool so that he could fight the Scottish giant Benandonner.
The other end of the causeway is located on the Scottish Isle of Staffa, at Fingal's Cave, with its identical basalt columns.
COUNTY ARMAGH
RING OF GULLION - CU CHULAINN
Here Cu Chulainn hero of the Ulster Cycle, aged 17, single-handedly defended Ulster from the invading army of Cannacht , led by its queen in a bid to seize a prozed stud bull.
The battle continues further south and Cu Chulainn with his battle chariot and battle frenzy ranged across the Muirthemne Plain.
Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland has as its motto 'I gave birth to Cu Chulainn'.
Cu Chulainn is also known of the 'Hound of Ulster' arising from his childhood slaying of a hound in self-defence and then being ready to take its place.
Here Cu Chulainn hero of the Ulster Cycle, aged 17, single-handedly defended Ulster from the invading army of Cannacht , led by its queen in a bid to seize a prozed stud bull.
The battle continues further south and Cu Chulainn with his battle chariot and battle frenzy ranged across the Muirthemne Plain.
Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland has as its motto 'I gave birth to Cu Chulainn'.
Cu Chulainn is also known of the 'Hound of Ulster' arising from his childhood slaying of a hound in self-defence and then being ready to take its place.
COUNTY FERMANAGH
CONN-EDDA & THE GOLDEN APPLES OF LOUGH ERNE
Beneath the waters of Lough Erne lay the kingdom of the Fin Bolg whose King possessed a golden apple bearing crystal tree in his pleasure garden. Conn-Edda was given an obligatory quest to retrieve three golden apples from the tree, a black steed and a hound with supernatural powers from the underwater kingdom. Conn-edda succeeded and planted the apples which gave healing powers to the land and led to the fertility of his own kingdom.
Beneath the waters of Lough Erne lay the kingdom of the Fin Bolg whose King possessed a golden apple bearing crystal tree in his pleasure garden. Conn-Edda was given an obligatory quest to retrieve three golden apples from the tree, a black steed and a hound with supernatural powers from the underwater kingdom. Conn-edda succeeded and planted the apples which gave healing powers to the land and led to the fertility of his own kingdom.
LOUGH NEAGH
THE CREATION OF LOUGH NEAGH AND THE ISLE OF MAN
The warrior Fin McCool was chasing a Scottish giant across Ulster, unable to quite reach him he bent down and scooped out a huge divot and flung it at the disappearing giant.
The throw was of such a range it overtook the giant, and carried on out into the Irish Sea, with a massive splash the Isle of Man was created in the Irish Sea between England and Northern Ireland.
Whilst, the hole in the ground where Fin McCool grabbed the divot of earth quickly filled with water creating Lough Neagh!
The warrior Fin McCool was chasing a Scottish giant across Ulster, unable to quite reach him he bent down and scooped out a huge divot and flung it at the disappearing giant.
The throw was of such a range it overtook the giant, and carried on out into the Irish Sea, with a massive splash the Isle of Man was created in the Irish Sea between England and Northern Ireland.
Whilst, the hole in the ground where Fin McCool grabbed the divot of earth quickly filled with water creating Lough Neagh!