Baby King Arthur with teddy bear According to legend, King Arthur was the son of Uther Pendragon and Ygraine, Queen of Cornwall. For this reason many people believe that Arthur was born in Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. Well, it is a spectacular castle that absolutely lends itself to the idea of a lustful Uther Pendragon climbing the cliffs and stealing into the Queen’s chamber for some medieval hanky panky.
The castle on the isolated island of Tintagel was built in the late 13th Century by Richard Earl of Cornwall
The castle on the isolated island of Tintagel was built in the late 13th Century by Richard Earl of Cornwall
| However, the first historical reference to Arthur as King of England came from Geoffrey of Monmouth in 1137 in his Historia Regum Brittanea (A History of Britain). This wildly inaccurate document begins with the Trojan wars, and mixes folklore, legend, Christianity, and prophecy and announces the birth of Arthur, as the son of Uther Pendragon. The date given by the historian would mean that Arthur was somehow born in a castle that was not built until 100 years later. Obviously Uther could not have climbed the cliffs into a castle that did not exist, and whatever hanky panky was involved, it didn't happen in Tintagel Castle. |  Tintagel Castle Cornwall England |
Carving of Merlin at Merlin's Cave Tintagel Cornwall England However, people still remain in love with the legend and are still drawn to the desolate castle perched high above the Atlantic Ocean. English Heritage, an organization dedicated to the promotion of tourism has offended many true historians by permitting an artist to carve the face of Merlin into the cliffs at the base of the castle wall. The Daily Telegraph has the full story.
Proposed new bridge to Tintagel Castle Meantime English Heritage plans to bring even more people to the castle by constructing a bridge .
Would you be willing to cross this bridge to see the castle?
The castle attracts as many as 3,000 visitors per day in the peak season.
Would you be willing to cross this bridge to see the castle?
The castle attracts as many as 3,000 visitors per day in the peak season.
King Arthur's Hall built in 1933 (so definitely not built by Arthur) contains a world class collection of Arthurian themed stained glass and adds another layer of fantasy to the beloved legend. It is home to the King Arthur Masonic Lodge.
The castle itself is owned by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. As Duke of Cornwall he is also the true Lord of Tintagel Castle, yet another connection between the past and the present, the legend and reality.
The castle itself is owned by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. As Duke of Cornwall he is also the true Lord of Tintagel Castle, yet another connection between the past and the present, the legend and reality.
King Arthur's Great Hall, Tintagel
Why does the story of Arthur still fascinate us? Why do we want it to be true? Could it be true? Click for my theory What do you think? Where did Arthur come from?
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