![]() ![]() In Geoffrey’s tale there’s actually no mention of Arthur being born in Tintagel or that he visited or owned the castle when he became the king. Uther could then enter the castle freely and trick Igraine into taking him to bed where it’s rumored that King Arthur was conceived. Merlin transforms him into the exact likeness of Gorlois. Since the castle was impossible to conquer, Uther seeks the help of Merlin the Wizard. In order to protect his wife from Uther, Gorlois hides Igraine in the fortress of Tintagel. The first literature that linked King Arthur to this castle was written by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th Century. In ‘History of the Kings of Britain’ he tells the story of the British king, Uther Pendragon, and his love for Igraine, the wife of Gorlois, the Duke of Cornwall. Okay, let’s dig a bit deeper into Tintagel Castle’s association with the legends of King Arthur. What you see today as you walk around are the ruins of the 13th century castle, and those of the older stronghold. Today Tintagel Castle is managed by English Heritage. In the 19th and 20th century the ruins became a tourist destination thanks to the Arthurian legends that became popular in the Victorian Era. Since the following Earls of Cornwall weren’t interested in the castle, it slowly fell into disrepair. This legend likely prompted Earl Richard of Cornwall to build a cliff-top castle here in the 13th Century. In the 12th century, Geoffrey of Monmouth named this castle as the place where King Arthur was conceived. The impressive location of Tintagel inspired many poets and rulers over the centuries. In 20 two digs actually revealed the outlines of a 5th or 6th century palace. Due to various luxury items that were found here, archeologists believe that Tintagel was an elite settlement in the early medieval period. It is possible that the area was occupied in the Romano-British period. The castle has a very long history filled with well-known Arthurian legends. There are definitely many more fun facts about Cornwall, so make sure to have a quick internet search before your visit.īuilt half on the mainland and half on a jagged headland jutting out into the ocean is the medieval fortification of Tintagel Castle. Other unique things in Cornwall are the Pipewell in Liskeard that’s never run dry, a coach that’s driven by headless horses in Penryn around Christmas, and all the Arthurian legends.Cornwall’s 422 miles of coastline has over 300 beaches, many of which are known as surfing paradises like Newquay.There are nearly 400 types of plants in Cornwall, thanks to its warm climate and the Eden Project.Cornwall has a huge variety of marine life so you can spot seals, dolphins and even Basking Sharks.Due to its oceanic setting and the influence of the Gulf Stream, Cornwall has probably the best climate in the UK.Apparently, at least 120 million pasties are made every year and producers generate millions of pounds worth of trade to the Cornish economy. ![]() The well-known Cornish Pasty was invented by the miners.Lizard Point is also the most southerly point on mainland Great Britain. It’s southwesternmost point is called Land’s End and the southernmost point is Lizard Point.The Cornish flag is the flag of the Cornish patron saint, Saint Piran. Cornwall has its own flag and own language called Kernewek, which is a Celtic language.It has only one city, Truro, which is the administrative centre of Cornwall and also one of the smallest cities in the UK.Cornwall has only one neighboring county, Devon, and is surrounded by water on three sides. ![]() So, I thought I’d share 10 interesting facts about Cornwall and show you why we totally fell in love with it in only 3 days. Although Cornwall is located pretty far away from the major centres in the UK, millions of tourists visit it every year. ![]()
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