The Elephant and Bun Cowbridge by Artist Martin Kaye 2024

High Street Architecture Cowbridge by Artist Martin Kaye 2024

The Penny Farthing Cowbridge by Artist Martin Kaye 2024

Thank you James for this great write up:

On Thursday 10^th October 2024, at the monthly Llanilltud Ladies Group meeting in Bethel Baptist Church Hall, Llantwit Major, the ladies were treated to an evocative talk by renowned local author and respected artist Martin Kaye about his recently published trilogy of books.

He read passages from the books giving a tantalising flavour of the story and whetting everyone’s appetites to read more. The story reading was accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation which gave the background of historical facts, researched as the basis to complete his novels.

Martin’s trilogy explores re-incarnation and focuses on three main figures, Tim, Anya and Philomena, modern day characters who, over time, discover their links with the past.

The novels link modern lives to those of historical figures from the King Arthur myths and legends period known as the Dark Ages. This was a time when there were very few written records, during the post Roman period dating from the late 400’s AD to the early 500’s AD. The books chart the career of Arth, an emerging hero of Britannia and how he achieves success at the battle at Badon Field to thwart the advance of the Anglo Saxon supremacy.

The three characters are caught up with a mix of romance and tragedy stretching over time with the third book in the trilogy ending in an intriguing, tantalising conclusion. 

The Book Titles are: On Badon Field, A Banner of Dark Shadows and The Fallen and the Fled.

A must read.

James Wild

Old School LLantwit Major September & October 2024

It was a real pleasure to lead a little group of enthusiasts illustrating at Nantclwyd y Dre on the 8th May.

A Journey Ends

The Summer House at Nantclwyd y Dre by Artist Martin Kaye

Yr Hen Llys Rhuthun / The Old Courthouse Ruthin by Artist Martin Kaye

St Peter’s Square Ruthin by Artist Martin Kaye

St Illtud’s Church Mixed Media by Llantwit Major Artist Martin Kaye

Hill Head & St Illtud’s Church Llantwit Major

Come and join me on Sunday evenings at the Blacksmiths when I’ll be reading ‘On Badon Field’ from 7:30 to 9:00pm.

People have enjoyed listening to stories for thousands of years and you can carry on that tradition. The Blacksmith’s will have the log fire going on cold evenings and its around the fire that I’ll be telling the story – a great bit of wellbeing to start off the working week!

So come along – the storytelling is for free but the Blacksmith’s would love it if you buy a glass of lemonade, a coffee or something stronger to accompany the tale.

About On Badon Field

On Badon Field is a supernatural historical novel for adults.

The sun is finally setting on Britannia, Rome’s most Westerly province. The central administration has collapsed, and the country begins to fracture into many individual kingdoms. Arth, the second son of the Votadani, is sent by his father to the great gathering at ISCA; this a last call to arms for all those with Roman sympathies, to make a stand and fight for Britannia. 

Whilst at ISCA, Arth meets a mysterious Roman girl, a traveller from the East, who has crossed the vastness of the Roman World. As a gift this Roman girl presents Arth with an ancient artefact, a small and much damaged wooden goblet. This he keeps for her, and the fortune it brings favours the bold, for on Badon Field, Britannia will vanquish her enemies. 

Now a survivor and a respected leader, Arth is included on a magic charm. Cut into stone on the eve of battle this charm is to bring eternal protection for those who share blood over its engraved circles.

While out walking early one morning, in the summer of 1985, Tim picks up a stone carved with strange markings – whispers from a forgotten time. From this point on, Tim’s destiny today will be connected to the man he once was long, long ago.

Praise for On Badon Field

A very thought-provoking adventure which raises deep questions about the meaning of life, and the possibilities of reincarnation: a very readable mixture of mystery and history. We recommend it thoroughly.

Mrs Patricia and Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe, BA, FCP, FRSA, FCIM, Cert.Ed.

‘On Badon Field is a compelling, fascinating story that moves seamlessly between the final days of the Roman Empire and modern-day North Wales. A transition like that is something which is difficult to manage but Martin Kaye spans the gap with ease. Both elements of the story are gripping in their ability to grab and hold the reader with equal intensity. Quite simply, it is exceptionally well done.’

‘Character development is excellent. Almost from the beginning the reader feels that he really knows the people – and the places where events occur. Those twin elements, place and people, are essential components of any good story and Kaye has caught them beautifully.’

‘One of the most important factors in a story like this is an understanding of history. Martin Kaye has an intuitive sense of the past and how it impinges on the modern-day world. When backed up by a compelling and colloquial writing style, you have the makings of an excellent book. On Badon Field is highly recommended.

Phil Carradice Author and Broadcaster