Barham Down is a battlefield in the final struggle between King Arthur and Sir Mordred. After Arthur’s forces land at Dover and drive Mordred back, the conflict moves to Barham Down, where Arthur’s party gains the advantage and Mordred withdraws toward Canterbury.

The Final Campaign

Sir Mordred has usurped the kingship and sought to marry Queen Guenever, who instead takes refuge in the Tower of London. When King Arthur returns to Britain, Mordred meets him at Dover to prevent his landing. Arthur’s forces put Mordred to flight there, but the campaign continues; in the fighting, Sir Gawaine is mortally wounded.

The Battle at Barham Down

After receiving news that Mordred has established another field at Barham Down, Arthur rides there the following morning. A great battle follows, with heavy losses on both sides. Arthur’s party ultimately stands strongest, and Mordred and his followers flee to Canterbury.

Narrative Significance

Barham Down marks a military success for Arthur, but not a resolution of the conflict: Mordred survives the battle and retreats, while the losses on both sides show the cost of the continuing struggle. The location therefore belongs to the campaign’s sequence of confrontations rather than serving as its final settlement.