 With its spectacular location on one of England's most dramatic coastlines, Tintagel is an awe-inspiring and romantic spot . This Cornwall attraction is a place of legends.
Joined to the mainland by a narrow neck of land, Tintagel Island faces the full force of the Atlantic. On the mainland itself, the gaunt remains of the medieval castle represent only one phase in a long history of occupation. Even before Richard Earl of Cornwall built his castle, Tintagel was already associated with the concept of King Arthur, reinforced by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's epic poem Idylls of the King . |
After a period as a Roman settlement and military outpost, Tintagel is thought to have been a trading settlement of Celtic kings during the 5th & 6th centuries. Legend has it that one of these was King Mark, whose nephew Tristan fell in love with Yseult (Isolde). Their doomed romance is part of Tintagel's story. The remains of the 13th century castle are breathtaking. Steep stone steps, stout walls and rugged windswept cliff edges encircle the Great Hall, where Richard, Earl of Cornwall once feasted. There are many unanswered questions and legends surrounding Tintagel.
In June 1998 excavations started on a relatively small site on the Eastern side of the island, first excavated in the 1930s. Pottery from the 5th and 6th centuries was found together with a 1500-yr old piece of slate inscribed: Artognou, father of a descendant of Coll, has had this made .
'Searching for King Arthur', a magical mystery audio-visual tour through the ages, introduces visitors to the castle, its legends and history. This Cornwall attraction offers a newly refurnished shop and is open 10-6 (4 in Winter), costing £4.30 for adults and £2.20 for children.
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/tintagel |
About Signpost
Tel: 01280 850603