Tintagel: Birthplace of King Arthur?

Tintagel on the north coast of Cornwall is a place of myth and legend, a site that has inspired people of centuries and still draws thousands of people to every year. It is perhaps no surprise that such a place is said to be home to one of the great legends of them all, King Arthur.

King Arthur's birth place was first suggested by Geoffrey of Monmouth who wrote the English languages first ever block buster, History of the Kings of Britain. In Geoffrey's book he talks of how Arthur was born in the rugged cliff top castle at Tintagel. Despite the official sounding title of the book Geoffrey of Monmouth's work was largely fictitious.

According to Geoffrey Arthur's story starts with his farther Uther Pendragon who falls in love with the wife of one of his bitterest enemies Gorlois. While engaged in battle with Uther's troops Gorlois send his wife Igerna to Tintagel for protection. Uther though has other plans and persuades Merlin to use his magic's to make him look like Gorlois and gain access to the castle. When in the castle Uther sleeps with Igerna and conceives Arthur, in the morning when he learns of Gorlois death the two marry.

The story of Arthur after Tintagel is of course well known right across the world and is perhaps the best known and beloved legend there is. Despite now being centuries old the story still excites and fascinates people as much today as it has ever done. There have been many adaptations to the Arthur story over the centuries from poems to romance stories and paintings to films. The Arthurian legend is still currently alive and well in a hugely popular BBC drama which is shown around the world.

As well as Tintagel being mentioned as Arthur's birthplace a number of other Cornish sites are also said to have connections with the Arthurian legend. One of the biggest claims is that the beautiful Isles of Scilly could well be Arthur Final resting place, the Isle of Avalon. Camelford has also been mentioned as the site of Arthur's legendary city of Camelot while Camlann, the scene of his final battle is also said to be in the area.

How much of the Arthur Legend is based on actual historical people and events and how much is pure fictions and fantasy remains unknown, yet these stories and ideas of love, peace and equality resonate as much to days as they ever have done. It's no wonder then that so many people still flock to Tintagel and other Arthur sites. Even if there was on connection to this British hero Tintagel itself is well worth a visit and is a must on any trip to Cornwall.

This article was written on behalf of Powells Cornwall cottages offering fantastic Holiday Cottages in Cornwall to make your holiday that extra bit special.