Tintagel Castle facts for kids
Tintagel Castle is a famous castle in Cornwall, a county in England. It sits on a piece of land called Tintagel Head, right by the sea. This place is well-known because of old stories and legends, especially those about the legendary King Arthur.
Contents
The Castle's Story
Who Built Tintagel Castle?
A man named Reginald, who was the Earl of Cornwall, built Tintagel Castle around the year 1150. He chose this special spot on Tintagel Head.
Why Was the Castle Built?
Reginald built the castle not mainly for fighting or defense. Instead, he wanted to show off his power and connect himself to the old legends of Cornwall. He hoped people would think of famous places like Camelot when they thought of him and his castle.
Tintagel and King Arthur
Many traditional stories say that Tintagel is linked to the legendary King Arthur. Some people believe King Arthur was born at the castle. These old tales often say that the King of Cornwall looked after Arthur when he was a child. This makes Tintagel a very magical and important place in British legends.
The Village of Tintagel
How the Village Got Its Name
The modern village near the castle was not always called Tintagel. It was first known as Trevena.
A Name for Visitors
In the 1850s, the village changed its name to Tintagel. This was done to attract more visitors. People were very interested in the legends of King Arthur and Camelot, and the new name helped bring in tourists. The name "Tintagel" actually refers to the land by the sea where the castle stands, not the village itself.
Images for kids
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Archaeological dig at Tintagel Castle in 2017
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Remains of the 13th-century Tintagel Castle in 2016
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The Victorian courtyard wall
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Footbridge to the Island in 2008
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Excavation in August 2017
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Ruins of the castle in 2005
