The meat of ancient kings

Up early wrote, gymed, did hulk legs machine and others. Oddly enjoyed it and feeling less neurotic about the whole thing. Home wrote more, and agreed to do another sustainability interview, gawd help me, this Friday.

First Matie's birthday today, and I will be able to buy her a beer this weekend as there is an invasion of Brighton planned by assorted friends.

Still investigating mentions of Guernsey. I randomly picked Geoffrey of Monmouth's The History of the Kings of Britain which was written between 1129-1151 and dwells in the grey area between myth and history. I bought my copy in 1982 and has lain fairly untroubled on my shelves ever since. Looking at it now it is a fascinating book, complete with King Arthur stories. And, more importantly for my purposes, I quickly found a mention of Guernsey in it.

King Cadwallo having been beaten in battle by Edwin was fleeing to Brittany and in a storm found himself on Guernsey "so filled with grief and anger at the loss of his comrades that he refused to take any food, lying ill instead in his bunk." His faithful young cousin went about on the island in search of game. When none was to be found he cut some meat from his own thigh and kebabed it, which restored Cadwallo back to health in three days. Earlier in the story the King is described as sleeping with his head on Brian's lap. So they were clearly rather close.

Cadwallo may be buried in London at St Martin, Ludgate in the City of London in 677, although most now think he actually died in 682.

Otherwise watched the Barcelona vs Chelsea semifinal first leg, which ended 0-0 after a fine defensive performance from Chelsea. An excellent result for Chelsea who now host the Catalan team at the Bridge.

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