THE owner of an historic Mid Wales hotel has discovered a link to director Guy Ritchie’s latest blockbuster movie King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.

It was shot on location in Wales but the Caer Beris Manor hotel is linked to one of the main characters, British high king Vortigern, a real-life fifth century figure.

His third son Pasgen, was the King of Beullt and his court was based at Caer Beris, near Builth Wells.

David Nash Ford’s book ‘Early British Kingdoms’ states: “Though their father was deposed, Pasgen along with other members of his family, reached an agreement with the new ruler of Britain, Ambrosius Aurelianus whereby they were able to retain the major part of their family’s lands.

“Pasgen was thus recognised as King of the Powysian mountains around Buellt and the little sub-kingdom of Gwerthrynion, named after his father. Legend adds that Pasgen later rebelled against Ambrosius, however and twice attempted to overrun the island with help from the Saxons and the Irish.

“Pasgen was eventually killed by Uthyr Pendragon at the Battle of Mynyw (St. Davids). Despite this insurrection, his son was allowed to retain his kingdoms, probably establishing his capital at Caer-Beris, where he founded a dynasty that lasted well into the eighth century.”

According to the book, legend has it that magician Merlin cast a spell that allowed Uthyr Pendragon to seduce Gorlois, gorgeous wife of the Duke of Cornwall, at Tintagel Castle and the future King Arthur was conceived. Merlin was left to bring up Arthur.

The site of the ancient Caer Beris Castle is near to Caer Beris Manor, a three-star country house hotel set in 27 acres of parkland surrounded by the River Irfon.

Peter Smith, owner of Caer Beris Manor, makes a point of telling visitors that Pasgen and Arthur would have been about the same age. It’s a particularly topical story as Wales is this year celebrating the Year of Legends.

The third Lord Swansea bought Caer Beris Manor house in 1923 and developed the grounds and gardens. Caer Beris estate was broken up in the 1970s, with the cottages and stables being sold off separately.

The main manor was being used as a clubhouse when the current owners, Peter and Katharine Smith, began the task of restoring the building and making it into a country house hotel in the 1980s.