TINTAGEL CASTLE

Cornwall

Tintagel is forever connected with King Arthur - Geoffrey of Monmouth (writing at about the time the Castle was built) sited this as the Castle of Uther Pendragon, where King Arthur was conceived.  Historians, naturally enough, have treated this idea with scorn.  Then in 1997 an ancient tablet was found with writing upon it which translated as "Arthur Rex"...historians have subsequently been a little more circumspect with their scorn!

However, the Castle we see today perched upon the cliffs in an astonishingly dramatic manner, dates from around 1240 when Richard of Cornwall, brother of Henry III, had it constructed. Much of the Castle stands on the headland itself, almost an island, with a great hall from the 14th Century constructed on the 'mainland'.  The two are connected by some of the steepest steps the Castle hunter will ever have to contend with!

Despite it's position, Tintagel remained occupied for many centuries, but it vanishes into history's mists from about 1500 and emerges as the collection of dramatic remains we see today.

Our advice - don't listen to the historians...visit Tintagel, soak up all the Arthurian atmosphere, even if it has no proved basis...this is a magical place and can present all the things that are best about Cornwall without some of the worst.

The Castle is owned by English Heritage.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
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2001