Gallivanting Geismom: Scenic History in Tintagel

Today's adventures found us on the west coast of Cornwall, in the village of Tintagel. Here, along the cliffs, stands the ruins of Tintagel Castle.

Getting there involves a LOT of steps before getting to the bridge that crosses over to the island.

Once across, there are several sets of stone facades that are part of the last structure that had adorned this section of land in Cornwall. But there are really very few castle ruins to see.

But he vistas are amazing!

This land was once a settlement here, in the 5th and 6th centuries, and is believed to be the seasonal home of a regional king. It was purchased in 1233 by Richard, Earl of Cornwall who had become quite rich from the tin trade. Based on the book, "History of the Kings of Britain", it was believed that King Arthur was conceived here, and Richard felt it the appropriate place to build a castle.

When Richard died forty years later, the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It's not too difficult to imagine how harsh the winds would have been on any type of standing structure up on this cliff.

It was a challenge to just stand and pose for a photo at the top, as the gusts were so strong that I had to brace myself from being blown backwards!

We've been out in windy spots, but this was really unlike anything I'd experienced before!

A man offered to take our photo with the giant structure of King Arthur at the top.

and I took one of him standing alone, which was actually quite an accomplishment as this particular section was popular with tourists from all countries that were there today.

Continuing our walk, I was able to capture this photo of the cliffs north of the castle

and an overhead view of the bridge that was used to cross onto this section. For the record, I walked straight across without looking down. (I have a fear of heights.) Until the 14th century, there had been a landmass connecting these two parts. But it collapsed in the late 1300's making it very difficult to get to the castle. I imagine there had been a lot of cliff climbing at that point.

Some of the steps were shale and a bit difficult to maneuver, and others were neatly placed into the cliffs for easier walking.

But these were definitely the most challenging as some of them had heights of nearly 18 inches to transcend.

As we made our way to the exit, this was the view of the bridge from below.

Back on the other side, there was an exhibition center that we popped into. It gave some details regarding the legend of King Arthur and his association with this part of Cornwall. The story tells of how the King of Britain fell in love with Duke of Corwall's wife. The King asked Merlin the wizard to make him a magic potion which would change his appearance so that he resembled the Duke. The ruse worked, and Arthur was conceived as a result.

This delicate diorama, made from the pages of a book, represents the couple in the garden where they meet. The detail of the paper clipping was amazing. Certainly unlike anything I've ever seen.

The legend of King Arthur's conception was the impetus for great tourism in this area during Victorian times. It was then that work began to preserve the castle ruins and make the area accessible as a financial interest. The castle and grounds are now kept by English Heritage.

Marty and I certainly enjoyed all of the views on this brilliant but blustery tour. Afterwards, we made the very steep climb back up to the village where the winds were no longer an issue, and we actually became quite hot!

We decided to visit the National Trust Site that is called Tintagel Post Office.

We ventured out back to check out the "wonky roof" as it was described in the paperwork.

Once again, they had clever placards to help explain the story.

The house dates back to the 14th century, and was used in retail by various professions over the years, last being a post office. There was a large sitting area where the food was more than likely prepared.

Just two actual bedrooms.

This one had a bed cover with a weaving of Queen Victoria.

There were several samplers made by two sisters who were in the early teens.

Two were hanging in the parlor.

Others were displayed in the bedroom.

Such fine details made by little girls and preserved for nearly 200 years! How amazing!!

It didn't take long to go through the house and we were happy to stop in a nearby tea room for an afternoon cream tea which this area is famous for.

I had been instructed the other day, that the proper way to have a cream tea is to put the jam on the scone first, then the cream. So, today, I decided to try it that way. I've always put the cream on first, then the jam.

In my opinion, I've been doing it the "correct" way as I soon learned that it isn't easy to put thick clotted cream onto a surface that wiggles, like jelly. Also, the cream wants to slide off the jam as you eat...one more thumbs down for me. You won't seem me worrying about the "proper" way in the future! I say do what works for you!

We finished relatively early and decided to come back to our B&B, then head over to this estate that is only a mile away. The Costislost hostess had mentioned that they offer free admittance, so why not? We knew we were too late for the house tour, but that was OK with us.

We were happy to just to walk around the surrounds.