First of all, welcome to my new subscribers! I post on a variety of topics, some book related, some slices of life, some fun things. Have a question? Ask me! And stay tuned because in a week or so I will be doing the promised drawing for the sword bookmark. I will email the winner and will need your mailing address and name (I will not publicly disclose your name or info, but if you wish to send a picture of your win, send it to me!).
The winner will be able to choose a black, red, or green tassel. I will also include a signed bookplate if you didn’t get a signed copy. Watch your email! (You don’t have to do anything as long as you stay subscribed; I will only choose from my subscribers list.) If you don’t have a copy of the book, get one to use with the sword!
The Excalibur Vow takes place in England. Many of the places Wystan traveled are well known. I couldn’t afford to do a writer’s tour, so my research was done via the internet and Google Earth. A lot of interesting history and myths are associated with all these places, most notably the Arthurian legends. There is no definitive proof King Arthur was real; most historians agree that the figure of King Arthur was an amalgam of several historical figures.
The first place one must start is at the alleged birthplace of Arthur, Tintagel: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/. This is the official website with loads of information and pictures.
Image by Atlas Obscura
Another famous place that has hints of Arthur and Guinevere is Glastonbury Tor. It is rumored that back in the day, the land the Tor sits upon was surrounded by water, and was the Isle of Avalon where Arthur was buried following the battle of Camlann. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/glastonbury-tor.
Photo courtesy of Glastonbury Tor Information Center
One of the places rumored to be the hiding place of Excalibur is Stanton Drew; a circle of stones and wood similar to a smaller scale Stonehenge. There are three large standing stones in The Cove, part of Stanton Drew. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stanton-drew-circles-and-cove/
Photo courtesy of stone-circles.org.uk
Each British sovereign must be confirmed by Parliament, the equivalent to our Congress. https://www.parliament.uk/. You can see the thrones for the King and queen in this photo.
Photo courtesy of Parliament UK
And last, Windsor Castle where the monarch resides and uses for official state visits and functions. https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle. Royal weddings and appearances are held there.
Photo courtesy of Windsor Castle
Wystan’s home of Horsefield is fictional, but based on an image of a typical village in the era of Arthur’s legend, around 330 Common Era. Picture a muddy path past small stone and wood buildings. No paved streets, only candles for light, with stray dogs and cats roaming.
There are other historic and legendary sites, but you’ll have to read the book. I can’t give away all the secrets!
Available at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-excalibur-vow-charlotte-e-bennardo/1147415723?ean=9780998499246
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/search?q=The+Excalibur+Vow
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-excalibur-vow/charlotte-e-bennardo/grady-e-earls/9780998499246
Charlotte Bennardo 