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Although we have no actual proof that King Arthur ever visited this spot 
history tells us that another king—a descendant of the great chief—was here, 
in a condition little better than that of a hunted fugitive. 
We learn from Webb’s History of the Civil Wars, that in the month of 
September, 1645, King Charles left for the last time the Princely Towers of Raglan 
and its honourable open hearted lord. Bristol had fallen, and the Royal troops 
had been defeated everywhere. The King with a few followers took his melan- 
choly way through Monmouth to Hereford en route for Chester. The Roundhead 
Poyntz with 2,000 horse held Leominster and barred the way. The King 
marched towards Bromyard but returned, for Gerrard’s men at Ludlow were not 
notified in time to aid his progress. The Royal Guards were quarted at Madley. 
The following day Langdale’s horse were brought up out of Wales to quarters 
about Byford, and on the 17th September the rendezvous of the little army was 
appointed at Arthur’s Stone with a view to reach Chester through Radnorshire. 
The King passed the day on what was then a wide stretch of open hill where this 
mysterious monument of unknown ages looks down upon a broad region of fertile 
vale and picturesque woodland. Whether from irresolution or design his advance 
in this direction was stayed, and he slept that night at Holme Lacy. On the 18th 
he advanced to Stoke Edith on his way to Worcester, but finding Poyntz had 
made a night march to intercept him he again changed his direction and passed 
by way of Marden and Wellington to Leominster and Presteigne, and thence to 
Chester in time to witness on Rowton Heath the defeat of his army and the 
extinction of his hopes. 
