Sir Gawain and the Wallabies

Ralph Elliott

Abstract

This paper relates some of the details of my researches into the identification of places in Gawain Country, and the unexpected links with Australia. It takes the form of a Medieval Mystery in seven short scenes, the locations and dates ranging from John of Gaunt's castle of Tutbury in 1389 to Antarctica and to Swythamley Park in the Staffordshire moorlands. The mystery of the wallabies will, of course, be explained.

Illustrations

1. Map of the Gawain Country

2. Detailed map of the heart of the Gawain country

3. Swythamley Hall, a wintry view from the park

4. Knight's Low, Swythamley Park

5. The Swythamley Cross on Knight's Low looking into Leek Frith

6. The Roaches

7. Castle Cliff Rocks, "knokled knarrez with knorned stonez"

8. Detail of Castle Cliff Rocks

9. Ludchurch, The Green Chapel

10. Further inside The Green Chapel

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Material for Our Medieval Heritage, published by Merton Priory Press ©2002. Web site from the Arts Faculty of the Australian National University.