We are not sure we are 100% right, but you never are

Author Steve Blake

Mr Blake said: "He was a reasonably unimportant character and only known as Dux Bellorum - Leader of Battles."

The authors say the differing versions of Arthur's life came about when the original Arthurian text was translated from ancient Welsh into Latin by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century.

Both men have scoured the Welsh countryside and found what they believe to be the true site of Avalon and claim they have enough historical evidence to back up their claim.

They also dispute the popular belief that Arthur was buried at Glastonbury, Somerset, claiming he was laid to rest in Wales.

Mr Blake, who is from Surrey but now lives in north Wales, said: "We are not sure we are 100% right, but you never are. We have a passion for the period and it has been stagnant for some time.

"I used to be a standard line man and accepted the original theories - after all, you are reading some of the greatest historians in the field.

"But their work questioned things, so we chased them up."

Pursuing Holy Grail

The men's claims have been disputed by other Arthurian experts.

Fred Stedman Jones, chairman of the Pendragon Society, said: "The book is one of four books in the last few years all claiming to have at last discovered the truth about Arthur.

"I do not think they have done that. I admire them but I cannot go along with their conclusion that everything (Arthurian) should be shifted west.

"But I do think it is charming, warming and not an arrogant book."

The authors are now pursuing the true location of the Holy Grail, which they also believe is in Wales.