by Brian Edward Rise
Northern monk who lived in the first half of the sixth century. He is the author of De Excidio Britanniae (“On the Ruin of Britain”), usually dated to the 530-40’s. For the most part it is a condemnation of British kings and church leaders of his own time. The prelude, however, is an outline of British “history” from the first century onward. His goal is not history but rather a list of the misdeeds of his own people that led to the invasion by the Saxons.
by Brian Edward Rise
Northern British bard, mentioned in the Historia Brittonum (one of several). Most likely lived in the sixth- early seventh century. His most renowned work is the Gododdin, a string of laments for the nobles killed at the battle of Catraeth, the culmination of a doomed expedition against the Angles around 600. He claimed to have been with the troops and was spared only because of his fine songs. Though elaborated over time and by scribal addition, the authentic passages are some of the most valuable specimens of Old Welsh poetry that illustrates the style of composition in which Arthurian legend began to take form. The work contains an allusion to Arthur, that if not the result of embellishment, is the earliest know mention of him by name.
Witch's Well 