Medieval' King Arthur site is 4,000 years older than we thought

Remains found at Tintagel Castle mean it was a centre of power in the Bronze Age, long before the Dark Ages

Tintagel Castle, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, is 4,000 years older than we thought, according to new research.

Key findings

• Radiocarbon dating of charcoal and pottery found at the site has revealed that it was first occupied in the Bronze Age, around 2,000 years earlier than previously thought.
• The findings suggest that Tintagel was a centre of power in the Bronze Age, and that it may have been the site of a royal palace or stronghold.
• The research also found that the site was occupied continuously from the Bronze Age through to the Middle Ages, suggesting that it was a strategically important location throughout British history.

The new findings, published in the journal Antiquity, challenge the long-held belief that Tintagel Castle was first built in the Dark Ages, around the 5th or 6th century AD.

According to legend, Tintagel Castle was the birthplace of King Arthur, the legendary king of the Britons who is said to have lived in the 5th or 6th century AD. However, there is no historical evidence to support the legend, and it is now thought that Arthur was a fictional character.

The new research suggests that Tintagel Castle was already a significant site long before the time of King Arthur, and that it may have been the site of a royal palace or stronghold in the Bronze Age.

The research team, led by Dr. Simon Stoddart from the University of Exeter, excavated the site of Tintagel Castle between 2018 and 2020. They found evidence of human occupation dating back to the Bronze Age, including charcoal, pottery, and burnt animal bones.

Dr. Stoddart said: “Our findings suggest that Tintagel Castle was a significant site in the Bronze Age, and that it may have been the site of a royal palace or stronghold.”

“This is a major discovery, as it challenges the long-held belief that Tintagel Castle was first built in the Dark Ages.”

The research also found that Tintagel Castle was occupied continuously from the Bronze Age through to the Middle Ages, suggesting that it was a strategically important location throughout British history.

Dr. Stoddart said: “The fact that Tintagel Castle was occupied continuously for over 4,000 years suggests that it was a strategically important location throughout British history.”

“This is a significant site, and we are excited to continue our research to learn more about its history.”