Talk: The Quest for the Historical King Arthur

The existence of an historical Arthur has been one of the great battlegrounds of historical debate ever since the Victorian period. This talk will review the evidence and also the changing interpretations and public images of it over the past half century in particular. It asks why, for example, most academic historians and archaeologists were inclined to believe in Arthur's historical reality around 1970, but generally refused to do so around 1990. It also weighs up the actual evidence for it.

Ronald Hutton is a Professor of History at the University of Bristol who specialises in Early Modern Britain, British folklore, pre-Christian religion and Contemporary Paganism. He has written 14 books and frequently appeared on British TV and radio. He held a fellowship at Magdalen College, Oxford, and is a Commissioner of English Heritage.

The talk starts at 7pm. Seating is unreserved. Doors and bar open 6.30pm. Free parking. If you need a specific parking space (eg. wheelchair accessible) or any accessible seating for the talk, please complete the relevant section at the time of booking.

The talk is also live-streamed on Zoom. Book online at Ticketsource and choose the Zoom ticket option.

Early bird discount for all tickets booked 2 weeks or more in advance. Tickets on the door £9.50 (availability cannot be guaranteed).

For further details about Winterbourne Medieval Barn see www.winterbournebarn.org.uk

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