London
Malory does not specify Uther's capitol or main city but after the battle of St. Albans, Uther returns to
London for the last days before his
death. When it comes time for Arthur to be crowned, Merlin makes London the site of the miracle which would strengthen
the argument that Malory believed that London was the main city of Uther and that the city played a prominent role in the
first part of Arthur's reign. After Uther's death, the realm stood in jeopardy until Arthur grew of an age to take
his place. Merlin counselled the Archbishop of Canterbury to bring the great nobles together in London at Christmas probably
about 13 or 14 years after Uther's death. In the greatest church of London, either's Paul's or another Malory
can not say, the great nobles are brought. Following matins and the first mass, the sword in the stone is seen in the courtyard.
No noble can draw it forth, so the bishop calls for tournaments to be held, believing that God will provide the answer. On
New Year's, Arthur draws it out and Ector informs the bishop. On the Twelfth Day, he does so before all the great nobles
who reject him and the event is repeated at Candlemas, Easter, and Pentecost, at which time he is crowned by acclamation of
the people. (Malory confuses his own story several times after the initial event, indicating that Arthur pulled the sword forth
at Christmas, but his storyline does not show him doing so before the tournament on New Year's Day.) Arthur invests his
realm naming many of the knights that supported him to prominent positions.
The following year, he moves the court to Carlion for a similar
coronation feast. But each time that Arthur's realm is threatened in those early days of his reign, Arthur always seems to
return to London. However, once Arthur is established, the main capitol moves to Camelot.
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