Historic Walks

North Cornwall's Tintagel is a place of magic and myth where the legend of King Arthur was born.

This historic spot is rich in flora and fauna and provides a breeding ground for sea birds, lizards and butterflies.

Water from St Piran's Well

Although the area is known the world over for it's links to the King Arthur story, there's plenty more to learn about Tintagel.

Both David Flower and David Cooke grew up in the Cornish village, and still live there to this day.

They shared their memories, along with their local knowledge with our reporter Matt Shepherd.

The village's name comes from the Cornish word 'Dintagell'. In the Cornish language 'din' translates as 'a fort' and 'tagell' means a constriction.

The Columbarium in Tintagel - D.Flower

There are many places to visit in Tintagel, including the Old Post Office. This was a manor house in the 14th century. One of its endearing qualities is it's 'topsy turvy' style roof. It is now owned by the National Trust.

The 12th century Tintagel parish church is still in use today, providing stunning coastal views. Look across from the church and you can see a hotel which looks very similar to the Headland Hotel in Newquay.

This is because the Camelot Castle Hotel, and the Newquay buildings were both designed by Cornish architect Silvanus Trevail.

Tintagel Pottery in 2009

You can hear about these places and more by clicking on the audio links above. More parts will be added later in May 2009.

The village's Vicarage dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. In the grounds is the tiny Fontevrault Chapel and a columbarium. The latter was a building intended to house pigeons or doves, which were an important food source in history.

Local sport is very important to Tintagel with active football and cricket teams who play on the Memorial Fields. Cricket on the fields dates back to the '40s. After many years the cricket team was re-started at the beginning of the '80s. This proved to be a successful move as the new team won their league in that first season.

North East of Tintagel is the hamlet of Bossiney which was mentioned in Domesday Book. During World War II Bossiney Court, the oldest residential building in Tintagel was used for a girls school.

Tintagel resident Enid Mutton has lived there for many years, running the successful Tintagel Pottery. She has worked for the local company since the beginning of the '50s, still loving her job after all these years.