The joy of canalised rivers

A bit late, this happened yesterday.



Ok, it is all a bit dull today. If canalised rivers are your thing knock yourself out. We are leaving the camino for a bit of roadside fun over the next few days. Meanwhile, we have to talk about James.





For a chap who hung around 1st century Palestine with some other coves who were spreading the gospel of peace he does seem to have got a bit tetchy after he died. Maybe it was the Galician air.


The story goes Ramiro I had just become king, after Alfonso II of Asturias had died in 842. The Moors [boo! Hiss the baddies!] had demanded the tribute of 100 virgins - 50 noble and 50 commoners. What the going exchange rate was it is hard to know but stout Ramiro said no! The Moors did not take well to this. Battle was prepared. The night before St James appeared in a dream saying he was to be the new patron saint of Spain, Next day the Christians went into battle at Clavijo shouting ;God save St James] and were victorious.

From that day St James became known as ‘Matamoros’ - or Moor Slayer. Many statues exist of him doing just that. Possibly less than there used to be.



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