Mercia

"The treaty we sign today marks an end to war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people."

- Uther to Bayard

Mercia is a kingdom in the land of Albion. It is currently ruled by Lord Bayard and is an ally of Camelot.

History
After years of war with the kingdom of Camelot, Lord Bayard brought peace to Mercia by signing a treaty with Uther. Their accord was nearly destroyed when Nimueh framed Bayard for the attempted poisoning of Arthur, but fortunately Gaius discovered the truth before Mercia's troops attacked Camelot (The Poisoned Chalice).

Hengist, a well known Mercian bandit, hired Kendrick and his men to kidnap the Lady Morgana. He intended to hold her for ransom, but Morgana escaped on the way back to his fortress. To avert Hengist's wrath, Kendrick tried to pass her maidservant, Guinevere, off as Morgana, but Hengist soon discovered the deception and fed Kendrick to his Wilddeoren. Merlin and Arthur later went to Mercia to rescue Gwen (Lancelot and Guinevere).

When Bayard learned of Uther's marriage to the Lady Catrina, he wanted to honour their union with a visit. Leon advised Uther to decline the offer, as he still did not trust Bayard, but the king insisted that Bayard was a friend of Camelot and that he would be honoured to feast with him (Beauty and the Beast).

Gwaine decided to travel to Mercia after Uther exiled him from Camelot (Gwaine).

Arthur traveled through Mercia during his quest to the Perilous Lands. He was followed by Merlin, who stopped to collect Gwaine from a tavern along the way (The Eye of the Phoenix).

When King Caerleon was caught trespassing in Camelot, Agravaine advised Arthur to execute him as a show of strength. He claimed that it would deter Bayard and others who coveted Camelot's wealth (His Father's Son).

Appearances

 * Series 1
 * The Poisoned Chalice


 * Series 2
 * Lancelot and Guinevere
 * Beauty and the Beast: Part Two


 * Series 3
 * Gwaine
 * The Eye of the Phoenix


 * Series 4
 * His Father's Son

Historicity
Mercia was an Anglo-Saxon kingdom established after the supposed death of King Arthur. It covered much of South Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and North Warwickshire, and was at one time the most powerful kingdom in Britain.