Much a do about something

 In North Lincolnshire there is an OS square which is all but empty,  In a single corner stretches a few metres of power cables to spoil the virgin whiteness.  Today’s walk is not so blessed with flat calm.  We will see trees.  We will see ups.  Views are compulsory.  Houses aren’t.  Let's talk about Asturias in the years from 718 to 757.

In 711 the full force of the Islamic tide swept from North Africa into Visigothic Spain. At the Battle of Guadalete King Roderic and much of the nobility were killed and the Iberian Peninsula collapsed before the all conquering crescent.  The thing is, Asturias is a long way from the main body of Spain. It is a bit wet and more to the point lacking the plunder which was the way of paying the Army of the Conquest.  The Caliphate’s hold on Asturias was tenuous to say the least.  Enter  Pelagius.

Pelagius has many myths swirling around him and a very butch Victorian statue in Gijon.  According to ninth century texts the Asutians elected Pelagius as a leader.  Our man recruited locals and refugees from the South and began the fight back.  In 721 the main Arab Army was in southern France. Local commanders were sent to deal with Pelaglus and his troublesome band but was defeated in a skirmish  / massacred in a battle - depending which side you read -  Either Way, the Battle of Covadonga becomes a founding mark in the history of today’s Spanish kingdom.

After Covadonga the Asturian revolt gathered strength and an independent Duchy forms around Cangas de Onis - which has a splendid sunday market.  Pelagius was replaced by his son, Favila, who was killed by a bear - thus answering that question - and was replaced by his brother in law, Alfonso.    Taking advantage of a Berber Revolt distracting his opponents, Alfonos occupied areas of Galicia and even cross the Picos de Europa and took Leon.

If we get another slow day we may get more of this.