Description

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When the Romans left Britain around AD 410 the island had not been fully subjugated. In the Celtic fringes the unconquered native peoples were presented with the opportunity to pillage what remained of Roman Britain. By way of response the Post-Roman Britons did their best to defend themselves from attack, and to preserve what they could of the systems left behind by the Romans. The best way to defend their territory was to create fortifications. While some old Roman forts were maintained, the Post-Roman Britons also created new strongholds, or re-occupied some of the long-abandoned hill-forts first built by their ancestors before the coming of the Romans.

Packed with photographs, diagrams and full color artwork reconstructions, this book provides a unique examination of the design and development of the fortifications during the Age of Arthur, analyzing their day-to-day use and their effectiveness in battle. It closely describes the locations that are linked to the most famous warlord of the Dark Ages, the legendary Arthur - Tintagel, Cadbury and "Camelot". Although these great bastions were to eventually fall, for a few brief decades they succeeded in stemming the tide of invasion and in doing so safeguarding the culture and civilization of Post-Roman Celtic Britain.

About the Author

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Angus Konstam hails from the Orkney Islands, and is the author of over 50 books, 30 of which are published by Osprey. This acclaimed and widely published author has written several books on piracy, including The History of Pirates. His most recent work is a full-length piratical biography: Blackbeard: America's Most Notorious Pirate.  A former naval officer and museum professional, he worked as the Curator of Weapons at the Tower of London and as the Chief Curator of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida. He now works as a full-time author and historian. The author lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Praise For…

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“This books makes the most of a period about which little is conclusively known. It will be of value to those interseted in this era of British history.” —Bolling Smith, The Coast Defense Journal (March 2009)

“The book covers the fortifications of England and Wales during the early period of the English Dark Ages through the Anglo Saxon invasions. The author examines possible abandoned Roman fortifications the Celtic Britons may have used and the more traditional hill top forts with earthen defenses and wooden walls. A more detailed view of South Cadbury is presented since for many years it had been considered the site of legendary King Arthur's Camelot (or at least the real king the legend grew out of). The site of Dinas Emrys in Wales, associated with Merlin and the myth of the underground pool with two dragons is described with the legend. This work also relates the Arthurian legend to many of the sites presented. The author also explains the use of the long dykes thought to be fortifications. For those interested in the period and the legends, this work helps reveal the reality.” —JE Kauffman, SiteO Newsletter (January 2009)

“King Arthur. Few things capture the essence of romance, chivalry, mystery, and our imaginations the way that Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table do. Most wargamers are aware that the origins of Arthur are shrouded in mystery. Perhaps less well known (or at least less well discussed) is the question as to whether Arthur even existed at all. Readers wishing for a quick introduction into both the debate and the archeological evidence that exists during the 'Arthurian' period would do well to pick up a copy of Angus Konstam's British Forts in the age of Arthur.” —Mike Dorn, The Wargamer (January 2009)

“For any person interested in the time period when Britain hung in the balance between Briton and Saxon, this is a must-have book.” —Jeff Grim, Collected Miscellany