THE Arthurian Centre at?Slaughterbridge has given an insight into the risks of flood damage to an ancient memorial stone marking the supposed death site of the legendary King Arthur.

The centre held an open day on Sunday, May 27 to allow people to find out about the risk of flood damage to the 6th century stone and ways in which to conserve it for years to come.

The inscribed ancient stone, situated beside the River Camel at Slaughterbridge, is at risk due to ongoing flooding and bank erosion. It is recognised as a ‘scheduled ancient monument’ and is thought to mark the site where King Arthur allegedly lost his life in battle.

People can see in photographs from 100 years ago and more recently, that the bank has been undermined and the monument will soon end up in the river where it would suffer serious erosion.

The flood events and bank erosion have been increasingly severe in the past two decades.

Many people visited for the first time, as well as regular visitors who wished to see the flood risks and professional report for themselves.

Visitors were also lucky that ‘Ancient Days and Ways’ brought their living history and archery as well as some archaeologists being on site to explain the 13th century ruins. A great day was had by all!

Feedback from visitors resulted in over 85% being in favour of a long-term solution to the flood risk. This option would see the stone stood, as it originally would have been, high above the flood risk close to its current position.

Many discussions will now take place with various official bodies to solve the issues raised by the report.

The site is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.