For those of you who are Monty Python fans, as is Bryan, you know that the Knights who say “Niii!” require a shrubbery of King Arthur as he traverses the enchanted forest with his able? knights. This scene from the 1975 movie and subsequent Eric Idle musical, “Spamalot”, is often quoted by Sir Bryan of Richboro (or should I say “of Doylestown?”).

In the photo above, Bryan is sporting his Holy Grail t-shirt given to him by his former roommate for Christmas this year, as he gives friend Bridget the shrubbery her role demands. The Neshaminy High School production of “Spamalot” was another outstanding show. The laughs never stopped! Kudos to all in the production.

However, Bryan was drawn into the fantasy of the quest for the Holy Grail when Bridget’s father, backstage working on the tech crew that night, sent a picture of the Grail with the caption “I found it!”. Bryan, of course, took this literally and wanted to see the grail for himself until I burst his bubble and told him Matt was making a joke. It wasn’t the real grail. The pretend chalice was under an audience member’s chair, revealed at the end of the show. Bryan was bummed when reality hit.

The Arthurian legend and all things Knights Templar have long captivated Bryan’s interest and imagination. Stoked by his uncle who is an authority on the subject and further tweaked by a trip with his uncle and aunt to Glastonbury Abbey in England, Bryan is constantly asking his uncle about the truth of King Arthur and the Grail. Glastonbury is supposedly where King Arthur is buried, legendary home of Avalon. This Christmas, he was gifted by his aunt and uncle a beautiful woven blanket akin to a medieval tapestry with a picture of Arthur and Guinevere receiving the grail. He cuddles up in it every night, dreaming of noble deeds, I’m sure! 

He has written many a “book” based on this captivating story, scrawled on lined notebook paper in a hand only he can read. Perhaps it’s in his DNA, having descended from a line of British kings – Henry I, II and III. He’s very proud of his U.K. heritage.

Whatever the reason for his fascination, the legend lives on in Bryan Johnson who will perpetuate the myth to any who will listen to his story.