Much has been written on King Arthur, there are many theories as to who he was, contemporary historians of course think he was mythical but most people think he is real and he certainly was.
There is a history that has been overlooked even by alternative historians which not only mentions King Arthur so often and in such detail that he could hardly have been made up. It also explains a great deal about the politics of the time that although Arthur was the son of the British king, Uther Pendragon, he was also illegitimate which was to cause enormous problems.
These are the Scottish Chronicles, they are the early histories of the Scots and Picts and are totally separate and independent from the histories of the Ancient Britons (roughly speaking modern England, Wales and Cornwall, and also Scotland up until about 300BC when the Scots invaded followed by the Picts) so cannot have been copied from them. Matters relating to proto-England occur infrequently, usually only when they are fighting each other, so if Arthur was real but kept himself in England and Wales he might not turn up in the Chronicles at all. I was expecting perhaps one or two mentions of him but not this…
(note, this has been taken
from Holinshed's
Scottish Chronicles and has been partially changed to modern rather than
Tudor English to make it easier to read)
After the death of Aurelius Ambrose, his brother Uter was made king of Britain
[‘England’],
and falling in love with the wife
of Gothlois duke of Cornwall, he did not only force her to lie with him; but
also to the end he might enjoy her the more freely, he ceased not to pursue
her husband to rid him out of the way, whom at length he took within a castle
into the which he was fled, & forthwith caused him to be executed, surmising
matter against him, for that he had forsaken one of the captains called Nathaliod,
in battle against the Saxons. By the wife of this Gothlois, Uter had issue
the great Arthur, and because he had no legitimate son, he appointed that
Arthur should succeed him in government of the realm. Herewith Loth the Pictish
king [the Picts
were a separate kingdom to the Scots but were joined in a commonwealth]
was not a little moved, disdaining
that Arthur being a bastard, and begot of another man’s wife in adultery,
should be preferred before his sons the rightful heirs of the British kingdom:
and therefore by ambassadors he did what he could to dissuade Uter from making
any such ordinance. But when he saw that he could not remove him from his
opinion, he thought best to content himself with silence, till the time served
better for his purpose…
…In the midst of
this trouble Uter King of the Britains departed this world, poisoned (as some
have written) by drinking water taken out of a fountain which the Saxons had
envenomed. He died in the year after the birth of our Saviour 521, and in
the eighteenth of his own reign. After his decease, Loth king of the Picts
sent his ambassadors unto the lords, and other the states of the British dominions,
requiring them, according to the accustomed laws and ancient ordinances of
the realm, to receive him as king, since he had married the sister and heir
of the two brethren Aurelius Ambrose, and Uter, their two last kings, being
as then both deceased, without leaving behind them any lawful issue, by reason
whereof their estate was fallen unto him, to enjoy the same during his life,
having married (as is said) their own natural and lawful born sister, and
after the decease of him and his wife the said sister, then it ought by course
of the laws of all realms and countries to descend unto such issue as he had
begot of her, which was Mordred and Gawan (two sons, the one named Mordred,
and the other Valuan, or Gawan, as some do call him).
The Britains disdainfully using the Pictish ambassadors that came with this
message, The Britains refuse to receive either Loth or any of his sons to
reign over them refused not only to come under subjection of Loth, but also
denied that his sons begot of his lawful wife, the sister of Aurelius and
Uter, should have any rule or government amongst them, as those that were
no Britains born, but strangers unto them, being both born and brought up
in a foreign country. Those ambassadors then having their answer, and being
sent home with reproach, the Britains contrary to the laws of all nations,
proclaimed Arthur, being a bastard born, king of their realm, and forthwith
assembling their powers under his leading, marched on against the Saxons,
in purpose to abate some part of their strength, before the Picts (which was
doubted would shortly come to pass) should join with them.
Therefore having procured aid of the Armorike Britains forth of France, they
fought with their enemies within ten miles of London at the first, where the
Saxons being at two several times vanquished, were constrained not only to
pay tribute, but also to receive magistrates to govern them by the said Arthur’s
appointment, with other grievous articles of agreement, to the great rejoicing
of the Britains, for these so lucky beginnings in the first exploits of their
late elected king. Afterwards was London easily won by the Britains, wherein
Arthur remaining for a season, took advice with his nobles how to proceed
in his wars against the rest of the Saxons. Finally having prepared a mighty
army, he determined to go against those which inhabited beyond Humber northwards,
with whom (as he had certain knowledge) the Picts were joined: for Loth coming
to agreement with Colgerme, concluded a league with him, whereby they were
bound to aid one another against the Britains, as common enemies and adversaries
to them both.
The Britains at their coming into Yorkshire pitched their camp not far off
from their enemies, who were already joined together and encamped abroad in
the field. The next day after, knowledge being had that they should have battle,
Arthur appointed Howell leader of the Armorike Britains to encounter with
the battle of the Picts, and he himself to match with the Saxons. Thus they
met together on both parts very fiercely, and a sore battle was fought there
between them, so that for a good space it was doubtful whether part should
have the advantage of the day, but at length the Picts were put to flight,
which advanced the Britains to the gain of the whole field. For the Saxons,
after they perceived how the Picts were discomfited, dreading to abide the
whole brunt by themselves, betook them also to their heels, and made their
race towards York, as fast as their feet might bear them.
Arthur pursuing them thither, besieged the city almost three months together,
but the Saxons defended the walls so stoutly, making often issues forth upon
the Britains, that till hunger began to constrain them, they cared little
for the siege. In the end, when they were determined to have yielded up the
city, they had knowledge, how there was an huge army of Picts and Saxons newly
assembled, and ready to come forward to their succours; also that king Occa
(escaping from the battle wherein he had received the overthrow at Arthur’s
hands, and fleeing afterward into Germany) was now returned with a new power,
and arrived within the mouth of Humber. Which news caused them to defer all
communication, in hope that if they might abide the siege but for a small
time, the Britains should shortly be compassed in on each side, and oppressed
on the sudden.
Arthur heard of the coming of their succours in like manner, and judging it
no wisdom to tarry the coming of his so powerful enemies, considering what
a number of diseased and sick persons he had already in his host, by reason
of their lying abroad in the field, raised his siege, and withdrew himself
so speedily as was possible with his whole army into Wales, where he appointed
the Armorike Britains to sojourn for that winter, with other of the meaner
sort of his own soldiers: whilst he took the residue of his chosen bands,
and went to London, there to provide that no rebellion should be raised among
the Saxons of Kent, or other of the countries near about. In the beginning
of the next spring, he gathered his host together again, and with the same
went forth against Colgerme and Occa, who being issued forth of Northumberland,
were entered into the British confines, spoiling and wasting the country with
their accustomed cruelty.
Whereupon encountering them twice in battle, he obtained the victory, and
then besieging York, at length he entered into that city, by means of a Britain,
who dwelling amongst the Saxons there, in the night season conveyed a sortie
of Britains into the city, the which breaking open the gates in the dead of
the night, did let in all the whole host. Where Arthur would not suffer his
men to make any great murder of the enemies, which were content to yield themselves,
but used them very gently, thereby to win more praise amongst all those that
heard of his worthy victories. The Britains having thus conquered the city
of York, many feats of arms were daily practised between them and the Saxons,
which held possession still of the country thereabouts. But the Britains lying
in that city all the summer and winter following, at length began to take
their ease, namely in the depth of winter, and therewith gave themselves to
banqueting, drinking, play, and other kinds of voluptuous pleasures, so that
it seemed they trusted more to their passed victories, than to their present
force, not fearing such dangers as was like to follow.
It is thought of some, that about the same time, Arthur first instituted,
that the feast of Christmas should be kept with such excess of meats and drinks,
in all kinds of inordinate banqueting and revel for the space of thirteen
days together, according to the custom used still through both the realms
of England and Scotland even unto this day, resembling the feasts which the
gentiles used to keep in the honour of their drunken god Bacchus, called in
Latin Bacchanalia: wherein all kinds of beastly lust and sensual voluptuousness
was put in use. But whence so ever, or by whom so ever this insatiable gourmandise
came up amongst us, surely a great abuse it is, to see the people at such
a solemn feast, where they ought to be occupied in thanks giving to almighty
God, for the sending down of his only begotten son amongst us, to give themselves
in manner wholly to gluttony, and excessive filling of their bellies, with
such manner of lewd and wanton pastimes, as though they should rather celebrate
the same feasts of Bacchanalia, and those other which the gentiles also kept,
called Floralia, and Priapalia, than the remembrance of Christ’s nativity,
who abhorred all manner of such excess.
But now to my purpose. When the next summer was once come, Arthur led forth
his Britains against their enemies, but by reason of such ease and pleasure
as they had taken whilst they sojourned in York, being now come into the field,
they were able to abide no pains, so that no good was done of certain years
after, till finally Arthur joined in league with Loth king of the Picts. The
conditions of which league were these. That Arthur during his natural life
should reign as king of the Britains, and after his decease, the kingdom to
remain unto Mordred and his issue, if he chanced to have any. That the Picts
should aid the Britains against the Saxons, and have all such land as might
be recovered of them beyond Humber. Also the league which was between them
and the Scots, they should duly observe. Mordred should marry the daughter
of Gawolan a noble man amongst the Britains and of highest authority next
unto Arthur himself: the children of this marriage to be brought up with their
grandfather in Britain, till they came to years of discretion. Gawan the brother
of the foresaid Mordred, should serve King Arthur, and receive at his hands
large entertainment, and great possessions to maintain therewith his estate.
Other articles there were comprised in this league, according as was thought
requisite for the maintenance of stable friendship betwixt these kings and
their nations. So that Arthur having concluded this league, and still being
desirous to purge the whole isle of all miscreants and enemies of the Christian
faith, he sent unto the Scottish and Pictish kings, requiring them on the
behalf of that duty which they ought unto the advancement of Christ’s
religion, to assemble their powers, and to meet him at Tynemouth, whither
he would repair to join with them, at such day as they would appoint, from
thence to march forth against the Saxons.
Loth king of the Picts, and Conranus king of the Scotsmen, failed not in this
so necessary an enterprise, but agreeable to Arthur’s request, within
few days after they came forward, and joining with the Britains, forth they
went against the Saxons, whom they understood to be already in camp, under
the conduct of their king Occa, in purpose to stop their passage. When both
the armies were approached near together, they prepared to the battle, and
first Colgerme duke of Northumberland mounting upon a light gelding, rode
almost even hard to the face of the Picts, where they stood in their order
of battle right stoutly, and there uttering many reproachful words unto Loth,
and other of his nobles, for breach of their promised friendship to him and
his Saxons, declared that he trusted shortly to see just punishment light
upon them for this falsehood and untruths sake, in thus joining with their
former enemies against their most trusty friends and steadfast allies.
The Pictish king not greatly moved herewith, commanded his standards to advance
forward, and the Saxons likewise hasted apace towards them, so that the one
being come within danger of shot of the other, the Picts let fly their arrows
very freshly. Arthur in the mean time having set his people in array, exhorted
them to fight manfully: and so soon as he perceived that the fray was begun
by the Picts, he in semblable wise commanded the Britains to give the onset,
so that immediately there ensued a sore conflict, the Scots being in the right
wing, & slaying Cheldrike one of the chiefest captains amongst the Saxons,
quickly discomfited that wing with the which they were first matched. Colgerme
with his Saxons encountering (as is said) with the Picts, placed in the left
wing, rushed in amongst his enemies upon an earnest desire to be revenged
of his adversary king Loth) with such violence, that at their first encounter
he overthrew the same Loth: but immediately thereupon two Pictish horsemen
running at Colgerme sideling wise, bare him quite through.
In the mean time, Loth by means of his strong habergeon escaping without hurt,
was relieved by such as stood about him, and restored again to his company:
but Colgerme being dead before he could be recovered from amongst the throng
of his enemies, his men were so discomforted therewith, that straightaways
thereupon they fell to running away. The main battle of the Saxons being thus
left bare on both sides, began to give back, which Arthur perceiving, the
more earnestly pressed forth upon them, so that in the end Occa being constrained
to flee, and receiving a sore wound, had much ado to be conveyed away by some
of his horsemen, the Britains pursued so fiercely upon him. At length being
brought unto the sea side, he got vessels, and escaped over into Germany.
This victory being thus achieved, constrained the Saxons to yield unto king
Arthur, simply submitting themselves unto his mercy, who of his clemency was
contented to pardon them of life and goods, upon condition they would become
Christians, and from thenceforth never after to make any wars upon their neighbours
the Britains, Scots, or Picts. But if they would not agree hereunto, then
leaving their goods, armour, and weapon behind them, they should avoid the
land, and that within 18 days next ensuing.
Many of the Saxons that could get passage, sailed over into Germany. Others
feigning themselves to become Christians, remained in the land, looking one
day for better hap & fortune. Diverse that were not able by means of poverty
to get away within the time appointed, and yet refusing to be christened,
were put to death, according to the proclamation set forth for the same purpose,
so that in comparison very few amongst them received the Christian faith sincerely,
and with a true meaning mind. Things being thus quieted in Northumberland,
Arthur took order for the repairing of churches abroad in the country, which
the Arthur caused churches to be repaired. Saxons had overthrown or defaced;
& namely in the city of York he bestowed great cost, where the cruel infidels
had done much hurt upon churches, and other religious houses.
In the year following, Arthur had news how the Saxons which held the Isle
of Wight, joining with the Kentish Saxons, had done great displeasures unto
the Britains, on that side of the Thames, killing & slaying an huge number
of them with great cruelty, wherewith being sore moved, he drew towards London
with his army, purposing utterly to destroy all the east & south Saxons,
since otherwise he could not provide for the surety of his subjects, being
still in danger to be murdered and robbed, so long as any of that wicked generation
of the Saxons remained here amongst them.
By means also of the league, he had with him in this journey ten thousand
Picts, & as many Scots: Eugenius nephew to king Conran by his brother
Congall being general over the Scots, and Mordred the son of king Loth by
his wife Anne, governing the Picts, a lusty young gentleman, very witty and
towardly in all his doings. Furthermore, Arthur understanding what hurt rest
and ease had done amongst his men of war, caused them to keep the field in
all this journey, and passing by London, lodged them a little beside the river
of Thames. But he himself with some of his nobles, entered into the city,
causing supplications to be made unto almighty God three days together, for
good success to follow against the Saxons. On the fourth day hearing divine
service celebrated by the bishop of London, and causing a sermon to be made
in the market place, he committed himself and his whole army unto the tuition
of Christ, and his mother the virgin, whose image instead of a badge he bare
on his shield continually from that day forward, as diverse heretofore have
written. After this, issuing forth of the city, he willed all his men to be
of good comfort, as they that fought in a just quarrel against Pagans, and
enemies of the faith. Mordred and his father in law Gawolane passed on before
the battles with five thousand horsemen, and being come within five miles
of the Saxons, who likewise were assembled in camp, there came from them unto
Arthur ambassadors, requiring him to stay his journey, for they were ready
(if they might have liberty so to do) to depart out of the land with their
goods and substance, without further molesting the Britains, either by one
means or other.
Arthur would neither consent hereunto, nor yet grant a truce for three days,
for the which they made earnest suite, but bade them depart for that time,
only assuring them that he would not come passing two miles forwards for that
day, so that if they thought good, they might return to him in the morning,
and have answer what the chiefest governors of his host thought touching their
request, by whom he would have the matter more thoroughly debated. In the
mean time, whilst the Britains were busied with hearing of these ambassadors,
and taking advise what was best to do touching their demand, the Saxons marched
forth with all speed, and coming upon Mordred and Gawolan at unawares, they
gave the The Saxons coming upon Mordred and Gawolan put them with their people
to the worse, onset freshly upon them, and that very much to the disadvantage
of the Britains and Picts, who notwithstanding, through the earnest exhortation
of their captains, received their enemies very fiercely, in doing that which
was possible for so small a number to do, howbeit in the end oppressed with
multitude, they were forced to flee, and so did, not resting till they came
in sight of the whole army. In which flight, Mordred and Gawolan by help of
their soldiers, being mounted upon their horses, escaped without hurt, though
they lost no small number of their company, as well in the fight as in the
chase.
The Saxons ambassadors being not yet departed out of the British camp, were
hereupon stayed till the next morning, and then had answer given them, that
from thenceforth the Britains were not minded to hear any messengers of the
Saxons coming to entreat of peace, since it was manifest enough, they meant
nothing but falsehood, as well appeared in that they had against the law of
arms, whilst their ambassadors were in communication, distressed part of the
British army, and therefore they should assure themselves, to have at Arthur’s
hands nothing but cruelly war to the uttermost of his power, in revenge of
such their great untruths and cloaked dealings. They had scarce received their
answer, but that there came from the Saxons forty other ambassadors, being
men of great authority amongst them, to excuse that which had happened over
night, in laying the fault upon a sort of indiscreet persons, nothing privy
unto that which the governors of the army had done, touching the sending of
their ambassadors, and thereupon had without their advise made that skirmish.
But Arthur judging that there was some new subtle practise in hand, under
pretence of this new ambassage, commanded as well these that came last, as
the other which came first, to be kept in the marshals tent, that in no wise
they should escape, whilst he himself in the second watch of the night departed
out of his camp, with all his power, which he divided into three battles,
and having marched three miles forward, he was upon his enemies before they
understood anything of his coming, insomuch that the Britains had slain and
chased the watch of the Saxons camp, before it was certainly known what the
matter meant. Hereof also insured such a tumult and noise amongst the Saxons,
running up and down, calling and crying one to another, as it happened in
such cases of extreme fear, that the best advised amongst them wist not well
what to do. Whereupon Mordred desirous to revenge his last overthrow, brake
in also upon his enemies very fiercely.
But some of them having gotten them into their armour, stood at their defence
awhile amongst their carts and carriages, and so resisted the Britains on
that side for a season; other of the Saxons having no leisure to arm themselves,
nor to draw into any order of battle, by reason of the sudden impression of
the Britains, brake forth of the camp on the contrary side, & fled so
fast as their feet might bear them. But being pursued by the British horsemen,
and beaten down, a great number of them ran into the next river, and there
were drowned, choosing rather that kind of death, than so cruelly to be murdered
by the adversaries hands: verily the Britains showed no mercy that day, for
so many as came within their danger, died without redemption. And this bloody
battle made an end of such a huge number of Saxons, that it was thought they
should never have recovered again any power able to have indamaged the Britains
in any manner of wise.
Arthur having thus vanquished his enemies, gave licence unto those nobles
which he had detained (as is said) in his camp, being sent unto him as ambassadors,
to depart over into Germany, appointing the residue of such Saxons as were
men of no defence, to remain still in the land, yielding a yearly tribute
unto the Britains, and also with condition that they should become Christians.
The Scotishmen and Picts which had aided the Britains in this journey, sojourned
a while after at London, where Arthur feasted & banqueted them in most
royal wise, showing them all the honour that might be devised, and afterwards
sent them home very princely rewarded with many great gifts and rich presents…
…About this season
should it be also that Arthur did achieve all those worthy victories, which
are ascribed unto him against the Scots, Irishmen, Danes, Norwegians, and
other northern people. Moreover it is written by some authors, that he should
subdue the most part of Germany with the low countries, Brittany, Normandy,
France, and the Romans, with the people of the east: but the credit hereof
rested with the same authors. Only it is certain (as Hector Boetius affirmed)
that Arthur lived in the days of Justinianus the Emperor, about which time
the Goths, Vandals, Burgonions, & Frenchmen did invade sundry parts of
the Roman empire, pitifully wasting and spoiling the same, where yet such
writers as have set forth those wars, make no mention of Arthur at all. Therefore
letting all doubtful things pass, I will proceed with mine author, and declare
what he hath found written in such Scottish chronicles as he followed touching
the British Arthur, which for that it partly varied from the other our common
chronicles, namely Geoffrey of Monmouth, I think it worthy to be noted here,
to the end that every man may judge thereof as to him seemed best.
To the purpose then. After that the Britains were delivered from the terror
of the Saxons, and that with quietness they began to wax wealthy, they repented
them of the league, which they had concluded afore with Loth king of the Picts,
specially for that they could not in any wise be contented to have any stranger
to reign amongst them, and hereupon coming unto Arthur, required of him, since
he himself had no issue to succeed him, that it might please him yet, to name
one of his own nation to govern them after his decease. Arthur not gainsaying
their request, willed them (since their pleasure was such, in no wise to have
a stranger to reign over them) to name one themselves, being descended of
the blood royal, and such a one as in whom they had perceived some towardly
proof of wisdom and valance: and he for his part promised to ratify their
election. The nobles with great rejoicing of the people drawing together to
consult for the choice of such a one, as might be acceptable to all the British
nation, at length agreed upon Constantinus, the son of Cadore duke of Cornwall,
a goodly young gentleman, both for his person and other his worthy qualities
much to be commended. Who being brought by the peers of the realm into the
council chamber, and there presented unto king Arthur, as one most méetest
to succeed him; Arthur accepted their election very gladly, and caused the
same Constantine forthwith to be proclaimed here apparent to the Crown, by
the name of prince of Britain, which notified him to be successor to the king
in government of the realm. Constantine being in such wise preferred, behaved
himself so honourably, and with such a show of gentle demeanour, that he won
him much praise, with an opinion of high worthiness amongst all the British
nation.
In this mean time was Loth the king of the Picts deceased, leaving his name
as a perpetual memory unto his country of Pictland, the which ever since as
a remembrance of his worthiness, has been called Lothian, or Louthian; but
his son Mordred, succeeding him in government of the Pictish kingdom, and
hearing that Constantine was proclaimed heir apparent of Britain, was sore
moved therewith, and immediately sending his ambassadors unto king Arthur,
complained, for that contrary to the honour of his kingly estate, he had broken
the league concluded betwixt him and his father late of famous memory king
Loth, wherein it was agreed amongst other things, that there should none succeed
in the kingdom of Britain, after Arthur’s decease, but the children
begot betwixt King Loth and his wife queen Anne, or such as descended of them;
where contrariwise it was notified unto the Pictish people, that Constantine
the son of Cadore was elected prince, and thereby enabled as heir apparent
to the Crown.
They required him therefore to call himself to remembrance, and not so lightly
to agree unto the flattering persuasions of the Britains, advising him unto
that thing which was merely repugnant to reason, and against both gods laws
and mans, admonishing him withal to observe the league, according to the oath,
which he had solemnly taken upon him, and to move his subjects to do the like,
least for the contrary, they should provoke the wrath of almighty God against
them, who is the just revenger of all such as go about to break leagues and
covenanted pacts. Hereunto answer was made by consent of the nobles of Britain,
that the league which was concluded betwixt Arthur and Loth, endured but for
the life times of them two only, and to cease by either of their deaths: therefore
Arthur had done nothing contrary to any pact or promise made, but according
to the duty of a prince that tendered the weal of his subjects, had provided
them one to succeed him of their own nation, for doubt least the realm after
his decease should fall into the hands of strangers, which in no wise ought
of right to be suffered. Therefore if the Picts loved the governance of their
own estate, it should be good for them to hold themselves contented with their
own bounds, least if they sought for other men’s livings, they might
happily within short time perceive, what does issue oftentimes upon such rash
and unadvised attempts.
The Pictish ambassadors returning home with this answer, caused the whole
nation to take such disdain therewith, that immediately they resolved to revenge
their wrongs by open wars; but first they thought good to try if they might
procure the Scottishmen to take part with them, in revenge of such injuries
as they had in like manner lately received at the Britains hands Moreover,
repenting themselves, that they had in times past aided the Britains against
the Saxons, they purpose to try if they might now move the same Saxons eftsoones
to make wars upon the Britains, thereby to be the better able to maintain
their own quarrel against them. First, such ambassadors as were sent from
Mordred unto Eugenius king of the Scots, found him very agreeable unto their
requests, and the sooner, for that such Scottish rebels as fled unto Arthur,
were not only received by him, but also maintained to make roads and incursions
into the Scottish borders.
Arthur having knowledge of the devises of his enemies (the wars being first
proclaimed) he furnished all the sea-coasts with notable numbers of men, to
withstand the landing of the Saxons, if they should fortune to attempt any
invasion. That done, he passed forth with the residue of his people towards
the Scots & Picts, who were already assembled in camp, and were come as
far as the river of Humber, near to the banks whereof they had pitched their
tents, as in a place fatal for the Britains to be vanquished in. Both the
armies being brought here into order of battle, the one in sight of the other,
there were certain bishops of those three nations that took great pains to
ride to and fro betwixt them, to exhort the kings unto peace and concord,
considering what mischief and great bloodshed should issue, if upon wilfulness
they would seek to try that by dint of sword, which they might make an end
of by means of amiable treaty and friendly agreement. Again, they could not
do the thing that might more content the Saxons, common enemies to Christian
religion, than if by their encountering together in battle, they should so
enfeeble their whole powers, whereby the Saxons might have ready means and
occasion offered to execute their greedy desires to conquer the whole Isle.
Mordred and Eugenius were persuaded by this earnest travel of the bishops,
to put their matter in compromise, and to lay away their armour and weapon,
if they might have assurance that the league made with king Loth should in
every point be observed. Arthur likewise at the suite of the same bishops,
would have been contented for his part to have agreed hereunto; but other
of the Britains, namely those that were of kin and alliance unto Constantine
their prince, could The Britains would not consent to have any peace talked
upon. in no wise be persuaded thereunto; but rather with many reproachful
words rebuked the bishops for their untimely suite, seeing the enemies ready
ranged in battle at point to give the onset, so that (as they alleged) it
might be doubted what they meant by their motion, unless they went about to
betray the army, under pretence of a cloaked treaty for an unprofitable agreement.
These or such like words were scarcely ended, when suddenly the noise being
raised on both sides, the battles rushed together right fiercely. The Britains
had the disadvantage of the place, being so encumbered with mires, bogs, and
mosses, that they could not well aid themselves, nor handle their weapons
to any purpose. Yet did the battle continue a long time, to the destruction
of such numbers of men; that the river Humber (near unto the which this field
was fought) was so mingled with blood, that the water thereof being all coloured
red, carried no small number of dead bodies down into the sea. In the middle
of the fight, there was one with loud voice in the British tongue cried out
to the Britains (of purpose prompted thereunto) that Arthur with other of
the nobles on his side were slain, and therefore it were but folly to trust
any longer upon victory, but rather were it wisdom for every man by flight
to provide for his own safety.
This voice wonderfully encouraged the Scotsmen and Picts, but the Britains
were put in such fear therewith, that the most part of them immediately hereupon
fell to running away. Others of them judging this to be but some crafty and
subtle practise of the enemies devised of purpose, as it was in deed, to discomfort
them with, abode by it still: manfully continuing in fight, till they were
beaten down and slain in manner every mother’s son. This victory being
thus hardly got, cost more men’s lives than any other had done of many
years before; for of the Scots and Picts being vanquishers, there died in
that mortal battle above 20000 men, together with Mordred, and a great number
of the nobility of both the nations. Of the Britains and such other as were
with them in aid, there were slain, what in battle and what in chase, at the
point of 30000, among whom was Arthur himself, with Gawan or Galvan (as some
books have) brother unto Mordred, who bare such good will and entire love
unto his lord and master the said Arthur, that he fought that day most earnestly
on his side against his own natural brother the said Mordred. Also there were
killed Caime and Gawolan, with the most part of all the residue of the British
nobility, and many prisoners taken, by reason that Humber kept them in from
fleeing any way forth on the one side, which prisoners also were afterwards
slain, the gentlemen only excepted.
The day next after the battle, the camp of the Britains was rifled, and amongst
other rich spoils there was found queen Guainore Arthur’s wife, with
a great number of other ladies and gentlewomen. The whole spoil of the camp
and field being equally divided by lots betwixt them, the Scots had for their
parts certain faire charets laden with rich stuff and jewels, also horses
and armours, beside sundry noble men, whom they had to their prisoners. Unto
the Picts fell for their portion queen Guainore, with the ladies and gentlewomen,
and divers other of the noble men, besides a great quantity of other rich
prey and booties. These prisoners, which the Picts had, were conveyed into
a castle in Angus, called Dunbarre, a place of great strength in those days,
though at this present there remain nothing but the name with the ruins thereof.
In which castle they were detained under sure ward, during the residue of
their natural lives. In witnesses whereof there be remaining unto this day,
the graves and monuments where many of these captive Britains were buried,
in the fields of a town in that country called Megill, not past 10 miles from
Dundee: but amongst the residue, that of Guainore is most famous.
There go a plain tale over all that country, told for an assured truth, that
if any woman chance to tread upon that grave, they shall remain barren without
bringing forth any issue more than the said Guainore did. But whether this
be true or not, certain it is (as Boetius writes) that there dare no woman
come near that grave, not only eschewing it themselves, but also commanding
their daughters to beware thereof. This bloody battle weakened so much the
forces both of the Scots, Picts, and Britains, that many a day after they
were not able to recover again their former states and dignities…
…But to proceed. Eugenius king of the Scots at his return from the battle,
gave to those that had escaped with life, and acid by him in the chief danger
of the fight, many bounteous & large rewards. The sons and nearest kinsfolk
of such as were slain, he also advanced to sundry preferments of lands &
livings, that they enjoying the same, might be a witnesses in time to come
of the good service of their ancestors, showed in defence of their king and
country, and also of his princely liberality, in rewarding the same upon their
issue and progeny. By which noble benevolence, he won him such love amongst
his people, that afterwards it seemed how he governed the state of his kingdom
more by clemency, than by any rigour of laws. The Britains immediately upon
knowledge had that Arthur was slain, crowned Constantine his successor in
the British kingdom, and for that there should remain none amongst them alive
to make any claim to the same kingdom, other than he with his issue, or such
as he should appoint to succeed him, they cruelly murdered Mordred’s
children, in most pitiful wise running unto their mother’s lap, beseeching
her to save their lives, according to her motherly duty. They were brought
up in Gawolane their father’s grandfather’s house, and being thus
made away, the family and linage of their father the foresaid Mordred was
utterly thereby extinguished.
The Saxons at the same time having advertisement what loss the Britains had
sustained, not only by the death of their most valiant king and chieftain
Arthur, but also for the slaughter of such a multitude of their nation as
died in the battle, they prepare a mighty navy of ships, and pass over the
same into England, where being landed, they easily beat down the Britains,
and drive them with their King Constantine into Wales, so recovering all that
part of the land which Hengist sometimes held, & after his name was afterwards
called England.
There are a number of surprises for instance Mordred is a Pict and not Welsh but then neither was Arthur his mother was Cornish and his father ‘British’. That King Arthur is supposed to have introduced the modern idea of Christmas – overindulgence. Perhaps the most interesting part however is how close the Britons with the help of the Scots and Picts came to sorting out the Saxon problem had there not been the terrible civil war over the successor to Arthur.
Another version of this history is Hector Boethius
For comparison this is the earliest complete (Ancient) British account of the history of Arthur, attributed to the Welsh monk Tysilio who died in 640AD
http://www.annomundi.com/history/chronicle_of_the_early_britons.pdf (page 46 onwards)
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