Tintagel The wild coastline at Tintagel
FEW places live and breathe the magic and myth of Cornwall like Tintagel.
Tintagel, a place inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, has for centuries fired the imaginations of writers and artists.
This iconic hero was first linked to Tintagel in the 12th century, when it was named by Geoffrey of Monmouth as the place where Arthur was conceived.
From Geoffrey’s medieval history of kings, to the poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the allure of Arthur has continued to captivate us. And the story of Tintagel is ever-changing, ever developing
Tintagel’s story actually begins with a Dark Age settlement where Cornish rulers lived and traded with far off shores, importing exotic goods and trading tin.
It subsequently saw settlement during the Early Medieval period, with theories existing for decades that it was the centre of a monastic settlement, but more modern thinking suggesting it was probably one of the seasonal residences of the king of what was then Cornwall, or Dumnonia.
A castle was built on the site by Richard, Earl of Cornwall in the 13th century, but it fell into disrepair and ruin. There was a
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26 Cornish Visitor Guide - Summer 2018
www.cornish-visitor.co.uk
fascination with the Arthurian legends during the Victorian era, and the ruins of the castle became a tourist destination. The beach was made famous by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who set a dramatic scene here in his epic poem, Idylls of the King.
Today Arthur and what may have been his castle are at the heart of one of Cornwall’s great days out – but Tintagel is about more than just the castle
Visit the ancient Post Office, now a National Trust property, in Tintagel itself – one of the best preserved medieval domestic houses in the country.
And take that chance to explore
Tintagel itself, with a fascinating array of shops offering intriguing and beautiful crafts, and a fantastic choice of places to stop for a wide variety of refreshment.
Nearbv you’ll find the beautiful beach and surf schools of Trebarwith Strand, and up the coast is the beautiful seaside community of Boscastle.
All offer great access points to Cornwall’s magnificent coastal path, offering seals bobbing in the sea below, cliffs teeming with coastal birds, and unforgettable views of the wild Atlantic that brought those ancient traders and kings to Tintagel.
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