One of the most enduring associations of Tintagel Castle is its connection to the legend of King Arthur. The story of King Arthur, his knights, and the mythical realm of Camelot has fascinated generations, and Tintagel has long been identified as the birthplace of the legendary king. This connection is largely based on medieval literature, particularly Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain), written in the 12th century.

In Geoffrey's account, King Arthur is conceived at Tintagel when Uther Pendragon, the father of Arthur, magically transforms his appearance with the help of the wizard Merlin. In the story, Uther, disguised as the Duke of Cornwall, enters Tintagel Castle and seduces Igraine, the wife of the Duke, leading to the conception of Arthur. The idea that Tintagel was the birthplace of Arthur was solidified in later medieval writings, and the castle became a symbol of Arthurian legend in both popular and literary culture.

While there is no historical evidence to confirm that King Arthur ever existed as a historical figure, Tintagel’s connection to the legend has contributed significantly to its allure. The association between Tintagel and the Arthurian mythos has transformed the site into a destination for those seeking to explore the world of knights, chivalry, and magic.

The Rise of Tintagel Castle in the Early Middle Ages

Tintagel's prominence continued into the 9th and 10th centuries. During this period, the castle was likely a stronghold for the Kings of Cornwall, who controlled much of the southwestern part of Britain. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of a significant building phase at the site during this time, with the construction of stone walls, large buildings, and a fortified entrance.

The kingdom of Cornwall was an independent polity during the early medieval period, resisting both Viking incursions and the expansion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The strategic position of Tintagel made it an important center of power for the Cornish kings, and it is thought that the site may have served as the royal court or as a residence for the rulers of Cornwall. The rich material culture found at Tintagel, including high-quality pottery and luxury goods, suggests that the site was not only a military fortress but also a place of political and cultural significance.

By the 11th century, however, the kingdom of Cornwall began to fall under the control of the Kingdom of England. In 1066, after the Norman Conquest of England, Cornwall became part of the English kingdom, and Tintagel Castle lost its political importance. The Normans did, however, leave their mark on the site, as evidenced by the construction of a new fortification atop the earlier medieval ruins. shutdown123