The Land Lassies by Lexi-Nancy Stone
Towards the end of WW1 which was the year 1917 were a group of women who called themself the women’s land army, but they had many nicknames like “the land girls” so this name was used worldwide. Not many people know about the land girls or even what they did so by reading this article I hope you find out more about these amazing women who helped win the war. These ladies did a Varity of jobs in any weather conditions nothing could stop them.
By Autumn of the year 1941, more than 20,000 women joined the WLA. One third of these volunteers lived in east London of larger cities. Because there were so many volunteer’s hostels had to be set up on the farms that they were working at resulting 22,000 of the lad girls living in 700 different hostels.
These women were of course paid for the hard work that they would do but the appreciation wasn’t shown as the women were paid a lot less than the men. The land girls were trained in a lot including in rat catching and later they would go and hunt moles and foxes the work they did was very effective. This topic is a very close one to my family and I as my great nana Nancy stone was one of these amazing women who changed history forever. Whilst my great grandad Denis Stone was of fighting in the war my nana wasn’t just sat at home doing nothing, she was outside getting her hands dirty hunting rats and doing all the farming she could possibly be doing. After this my old nanna (my nickname I had for my great grandparents) became a shorthand typist during WW2 whilst my old grandad was out fighting again. We never really knew much about the life my old nanna had as she had many strokes but what I can tell you is that she was one of the greatest women in the world and she and the other land girls are unsung heroes. So, I hope this article has helped you with finding out a lot more on the land girls and saw that they were also heroes of late WW1 and late WW2.
What are the causes of the Camelot downfall? By Curly Lui
What caused a brilliant country of Britain to shatter like thin glass? Ruled by the chosen king who pulled out the sword from the stone. Proven rightful, selfless, with a pure heart, he was supposed to make Britain propitious, right?
Is Morgan le Fay all to blame for it? What about the disgraceful relationship between Sir Lancelot and Guinevere?
Betrayal of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere
Certainly, the main reason is the illegitimate romance between Sir Lancelot and Guinevere. Nevertheless, it wasn’t considered illegitimate until the legend was Christianised; adultery is forbidden. In fact, in the story written by Chrétien de Troyes, the strongest and most handsome knight, also known as the Knight of the Lake, might even be designed to be superior to Arthur. In a few versions, Arthur is portrayed as a stone-hearted, facts-over-emotion person. So, Guinevere ended up being neglected and lonely. On top of that, Guinevere didn’t love Arthur. It was more of a strategic marriage, plus she had no choice as she was a woman. Considering these points, would you say that their relationship seemed more justified? Probably still not if you are Arthur; he was furious, and Guinevere was soon shackled. Sir Gareth – child of Morgan, who respects the Round Table (especially Sir Lancelot) – was ordered to be a spectator during Guinevere’s execution.
Disillusioned, drowning in deep disappointment, heart as heavy as a headstone…I imagine he felt betrayed by the unlawful act of the “perfect” knight.
Blinded by affection, Lancelot hastened up. Trotting on horseback, ignoring anything and anyone. In his eyes, the queen’s figure appeared uneasy and restless, perhaps troubled by the thoughts of descending to hell. But also a spark of relief, perhaps by the love rescue. She is endearing, innocent, yet sinful. But to Lancelot, all that matters was to rid his lover from any danger. At all costs.
It was an accident. Sir Gareth, without any armour and shield, had his head crushed by Lancelot’s horse. Although not intended, yet he was killed by the hands of the man he admired.
While I created this scene with some imagination, it is based on the wretched story of Sir Gareth’s death. Sir Gawain – Gareth’s brother – was in deep grief and sorrow. With great rage, he was determined to avenge Lancelot, and that deepened the crack in the Round Table.
Betrayal of Sir Mordred
King Arthur handed the sovereignty of Camelot over to his son, Mordred, before he left for the expedition – The Quest for the Holy Grail. However, it was a total blunder. Mordred relentlessly stamped on the act of faith by Arthur. The treacherous knight rose in rebellion and took over Britain. Then, at the Battle of Camlann, Arthur killed his son (or nephew in some versions). This was also called the bloodiest and most ferocious battle during the civil war. Mordred died, but also heavily injured Arthur.
As you might have expected, Arthur died. Bedivere, the first knight and steward of King Arthur, was appointed to cast Excalibur into the lake; keeping the promise with the Fairy of the Lake that he will return the sword and the scabbard; He would not have died if he still had the scabbard with him. It contains magical healing power, which would not let the person lose a drop of blood no matter how severely wounded. Nevertheless, Morgan le Fay took it from him and discarded it back into the lake.
The downfall of Camelot is destined and inevitable. It had been foreshadowed from the beginning, when we were introduced to Morgan’s obstinate desire to revenge Uther Pendragon and Merlin. She had multiple attempts to kill Arthur and destroy Camelot but were mostly futile. On the other hand, some might argue that each of her actions builds up the pile of Jenga, which at last, collapses onto the once shimmering castle of Camelot. Sometimes Morgan’s failing attempts are lethal, such as the theft of the scabbard. In spite of that, she seldom causes direct damage. Numerous interpretations say that every obstacle in Arthur’s path was caused by Morgan’s magical power, including Lancelot and Guinevere’s adultery. Personally, I prefer this explanation; it establishes the purpose of the character and makes her a good plot device. This also reflects the strength she had, which makes her existence more significant and important.
References:
The Scabbard of Excalibur – Nightbringer.se