This ancient castle on the north coast of Cornwall is associated with the legends of King Arthur and of Tristan and Isolde. The truth may never be known, although a 1998 find of a 1,500 year old piece of slate bearing the name “Artognou” excited a fresh round of speculation.
Although Tintagel was occupied during Roman times and was a trading post for Celts in the 5th and 6th centuries, the castle we see today was built in the 13th century by Richard, Earl of Cornwall (1209-72). Richard was a brother of Henry III, who gave Cornwall to Richard as a birthday present. What he did when Christmas came along is not recorded!
The castle is sited on a rocky island that is connected to the mainland by a footbridge. More than 100 steep steps then lead up to the castle entrance, hence it is inaccessible for disabled visitors. The castle itself is a ruin, but many features of the ground plan can be made out from the remaining walls, and the views in all directions are stunning.
© John Welford
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