The stories of King Arthur are just a small part of the wondrous tapestry of tales known as ‘The Matter of Britain’, fabulous tales of early British kings and heroes.

Tonight Simon tells stories centring on the mysterious King Vortigern — one of the early (legendary) British rulers of the Dark Ages, when Roman Britain was falling into chaos and Britain was verging on anarchy. We follow Vortigern’s rise from humble roots through to his mysterious final destiny on a remote mountaintop. Simon Heywood is a gifted storyteller and this evening celebrates his book, in which the tale is re-presented for the spoken word: Ancient Legends Retold: The Legend of Vortigern (History Press 2013). Signed copies will be on sale.