Tintagel Castle

"Geoffrey of Monmouth, who deserves to rank high among our historical novelists, is at least accurate in his description of Tintagel:" It is situated upon the sea, and on every side surrounded by it; and there is but one entrance into it, and that through a straight rock, which three men shall be able to defend against the whole power of the kingdom". Geoffrey wrote about the year 1150, and at that time it is certain that none of the present building existed. Ancient as the remains are, both on the rock and on the mainland, they cannot be earlier than the late twelfth century; yet many visitors have a delightful idea that they are actually looking at the castle in which King Arthur was born and held court. But the site has a bolder claim than the ruins. This headland, once insular, would most undoubtedly have been occupied and fortified in early times — we could believe that even if tradition said nothing. Every other Arthurian locality has been keenly debated and disputed ; no serious objection has ever been raised against Tintagel." Extract from "Cornwall" (Archive)

Tintagel Castle is a English Heritage property with free entry for English Heritage members.

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