A new exhibition at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall takes a fresh look at how fact and fiction have contributed to the history of this iconic landmark.
The English Heritage exhibition explores the origins of Tintagel’s links to the Arthurian legend, and how this inspired Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to build a castle on the rugged coastal spot in the 13th century.
Set in the castle’s visitor centre, the exhibition features exhibits in the shape of oversized open books offering an introduction to Tintagel Castle through the ages. Historic artefacts, an innovative 3D model of the island, and book sculptures representing the castle’s literary fame, bring Tintagel’s mysterious past to life.
Tintagel’s breath-taking location, perched high on the north Cornwall coast, has inspired writers, artists and travellers for centuries. The castle prospered in the 5th and 6th centuries as a mighty royal stronghold and a thriving port – a key part of a vast international trade network – but it was in the 12th century that Tintagel rose to literary stardom.
Scholar Geoffrey of Monmouth first linked Arthur with Tintagel in his History of the Kings of Britain, describing it as the island fortress where Arthur was conceived thanks to the magic of Merlin. The legend has been embellished by writers through the years. It is retold in Malory’s Le Morte Darthur and Tennyson’s Idylls of the King – which has been transformed into a beautiful book sculpture for the new exhibition.
As well as exploring the stories inspired by Tintagel, the exhibition looks at the developments of the iconic landscape through time. The highlight of the exhibition is a new 3D model of the island, which shows the island changing over 1500 years of history.
Ground-breaking techniques have been used to create the detailed model. The whole island has been mapped from above with an unmanned aircraft, to collect high resolution data using a photogrammetric survey. The result is an accurate, scale model of the island and nearby mainland. A projected film and accompanying audio soundscape show the island changing through time – from thriving Dark Age settlement, to medieval fortress, through to romantic ruin.
English Heritage Senior Properties Historian Susan Greaney comments “Tintagel Castle has a unique story, where archaeology, history and legend are intertwined. The Dark Age settlement may have inspired early legends about the site, which in turn led Earl Richard to choose this location as the site of his medieval castle. For the first time, the exhibition will allow our visitors to find out more about this extraordinary history, and go on to explore the site both informed and inspired by what they have seen”.
As one of Cornwall’s most iconic historic and popular landmarks, Tintagel Castle welcomes nearly 200,000 people every year. Alongside the new exhibition, visitors can now enjoy improved facilities across the site. The castle’s beach café has undergone a complete refurbishment, with decor combining the area’s industrial heritage with its beachside setting, and a new menu to give a real taste of Cornwall; there are improved ticketing facilities on the mainland courtyard; and the gift shop has been redesigned.
The new exhibition, café, and visitor centre will be open from Wednesday 15th July. Tintagel Castle is open from 10am – 6pm every day throughout the summer
