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10 Best Facts about Tintagel Castle

One of Britain’s most remarkable historic sites, Tintagel Castle, is located on the Peninsula of Tintagel Island. Partly built on a jagged headland projecting into the Cornish sea and partly on the mainland, the castle’s popularity grows more due to its association with King Arthur. Lying next to the village of Tintagel in North Cornwall, the castle has for centuries, been the source of inspiration for writers and artists.

A significant stronghold from around the 5th century to the 7th century AD, it is likely the castle was the Cornwall rulers’ residence. Those who lived there left behind fragments of luxury pottery brought in from the Mediterranean. The memories of the Cornish kings could have inspired the Geoffrey of Monmouth, the 12th-century writer. In his History of the Kings of Britain, Monmouth indicates Tintagel Castle as the place of King Arthur’s conception. It was these associations that led Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to build the Tintagel castle in the 1230s.

The site of the castle may have been under occupation during the Romano-British period. A number of artifacts from this era have been found on the peninsula. The castle became a tourist attraction site in the 19^th Century. Tourists visited the site of Richard’s castle’s ruins. The site was under archaeological investigation and the dig discovered substantial traces of a high-status settlement that had occupied the place earlier on.

In 2016 and 2017, two digs discovered the shapes of a palace. It was likely that the outlines were from the 5th or early 6th century. Also discovered was evidence of articles and writing. The articles were thought to have come in from the eastern Mediterranean and from Spain.

Below are ten amazing facts about Tintagel Castle.

1. King Arthur is said to have been born in Tintagel Castle

It is said that it’s at Tintagel Castle that Uther Pendragon seduced the Queen of Cornwall. This resulted in the birth of King Arthur.

The Norman castle which lies in ruins is guarded by Gallos. Making it a wonderful site for historical and mythical enthusiasts, Gallos is a life-size bronze statue of an ancient king.

2. The ghost of King Arthur is said to haunt Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle Photo by Allan Henderson on Flickr/

It is believed that King Arthur died while fighting against Mordred, his illegitimate son. King Arthur died in the Battle of Camlann. The battle is said to have taken place at a small settlement between Tintagel and Camelford.

Locals believe the battle took place at Slaughterbridge. Legend is that after his death, King Arthur’s ghost returned to Tintagel and is haunting the castle.

3. Merlin allegedly carried King Arthur in one of the caves under Tintagel Island

Tintagel Island is said to have two caves running beneath it. Leading into a meadow above the cliffs is a shorter tunnel. This tunnel is made of metal loops. The second tunnel is Merlin’s Cave. It’s a larger cave and is linked with King Arthur.

The cave fills with water at high tide. Allegedly Merlin carried King Arthur in that tunnel while Arthur was a baby. One of the myths regarding the tunnels is that Merlin still walks through the caves. It’s also said that you can also hear Merlin’s voice from inside the cave.

4. There are Celtic Monastery Ruins on Tintagel Island

Archaeological excavations at Tintagel Castle in August 2017. Photo by Otberg/

The ruins of a Celtic monastery are part of the historical sites on Tintagel Island. The ruins are thought to date back to the start of the 6th century AD. You can access the ruins during your visit to Tintagel Island. Access is through the new bridge built-in 2019.

5. The Post Office at Tintagel is more than half a century old

The Old Post Office in Tintagel. It is a rare example of a 14-century manor house. It was a post office for a relatively short time in the 19th century. The letterbox is not the original one, nor is it still in use. Photo by Humphrey Bolton/

The Tintagel post office was a traditional Cornish longhouse. The medieval building is estimated to be about 600 years old. Later restored, the post office was equipped with oak furniture that was locally made.

Some of the furniture is said to date back to the 16th century. Along with the cottage garden, the Tintagel Post Office is owned by the National Trust. Both buildings are open to the public.

6. A bit of King Arthur can still be seen in the castle

On a rock near Tintagel Castle, it is said that King Arthur’s footprints can be found. The natural depression in one of the rocks is said to have been made by the king. The depression is said to have been shaped by humans.

It’s also said that it may have been used during the inauguration of kings. There are other sites in the South West that King Arthur is associated with. These include the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey and include St. Michael’s Mount.

7. Tintagel Castle was built as a home to the Earls of Cornwall

The ruins of the upper mainland courtyards of Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. Photo by Kerry Garratt/

Tintagel Castle was built in the 13^th Century to serve as a home to the Earl of Cornwall. The castle had little military strategic value and was mainly built to impress. The castle served as a distant post for the Roman Empire. It is thought to have been a vital trading center.

8. Tintagel Castle was once used as a prison

A panorama of the exterior of Tintagel Castle in its landscape. Camelot Castle Hotel and Barras Nose are in the foreground. Photo by Michal Stehlík/

In the 14th century, Tintagel Castle was in bad shape and served as a prison. Worries of a Spanish invasion during the Tudor period caused the defenses to be strengthened.

9. The Tintagel Castle site is managed by English Heritage

A part of the landholdings of the Duchy of Cornwall, Tintagel Castle is today owned by Prince Charles. The site is managed by English Heritage. In 1998, excavations took place near the castle.

Among the items found were 5th and 6th century pottery from the Mediterranean. Also found was Latin writing on a 1,500-year-old slate. There have also been several fragments of Roman pottery found.

10. Tintagel Castle is a popular tourist attraction site

Footbridge to the Island. This wooden bridge leads across from the mainland (left) to the Island (right), providing access to the castle ruins on the island for paying customers. Photo by Jim Champion/

The castle is located in southwest England, on the north coast of Cornwall. Since the mid-19th century, the castle has been a popular tourist attraction site. To access the castle, you cross the footbridge onto the island.

With your timed ticket, you can explore the remains of the castle. One of the sites is the ruins of the Great Hall which lies at the heart of the castle.