Heretic Emperor: The
Lost History of King Arthur
Copyright © V M Pickin 2005
Synopsis
Book 3 - The Sources
Chapter
10 - Geoffrey of Monmouth
Chapter
11 - Bede
Chapter
12 - Nennius
Chapter
13 - Gildas
Chapter 11 - Bede
Follows Geoffrey’s analysis of the Father of English History, endorsed by the Reformers as the most reputable of historians. Starting with Cadwalla of the Gewissae, demonstrates that Geoffrey’s readers were directed to see the flaws and omissions in Bede’s history. Shows that Bede is making a case for the English as rightful rulers of the Island, as against the heretical British. Argues that Bede’s decision to exclude the entire sixth century, from Badon to the Roman mission, from his account suggests that whatever happened in that period, Arthur’s period, was contrary to his case. Concludes that Geoffrey’s readers, looking for Arthur’s continental Empire in Bede, would have found only a gap. But they would not have drawn the same conclusions from the existence of that gap as today’s Dark Age historians.