Bob Whelan

A tall pointy hat, long grey bread and flowing robes are the trademarks of what most envisage the benevolent and worldly wizard Merlin to have been like. With an eager young Arthur by his side, Merlin has taken on the guise of teacher, advisor and father figure to the young King but history paints the mysterious sorcerer in much murkier colours. Ironically, there is more evidence to support the existence of Merlin than there is for Arthur, but the evidence points to a holy man from demonic parentage or a wild man of the woods rather than a kindly old magician. Using new evidence, historical text and expert analysis this video attempts to separate myth from reality and identify the true origins and life of the most famous of wizards.

Romanticised by Hollywood and embellished by centuries of creative writing, Camelot is the epitome of a fantasy castle. Brave knights such as Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad walk its stony corridors preparing for their next quest, while its loyal citizens go about their daily lives protected by its vast walls and sat in resplendent glory at the head of the Round Table is Arthur, King of Britain. But is there any factual basis for this most famous of fortresses or is it pure legend, a castle built on the idea of chivalry and nothing more? With the help of experts, archive material and new footage, we examine the very latest theories, findings and evidence surrounding Camelot including its possible location, occupants and links to King Arthur. Was Camelot the grand castle of legend, a nomadic court travelling the land to dispense local justice or simply an idealistic code of morals from a forgotten age?