For centuries, the tales of King Arthur have been woven into the cultural fabric of Britain, inspiring legends of chivalry, magic, and adventure. Many sites across the United Kingdom claim connections to Arthurian lore, drawing tourists and historians worldwide to bask in its Mystery. But what if one of the sites linked to King Arthur turned out to be much older than anyone suspected? That’s exactly what archaeologists have discovered; the findings are rewriting history.
What This Monument is Believed to Be
This mysterious stone and turf monument is nestled in the rolling hills of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, Southwest England. The rectangular structure, King Arthur’s Hall, was believed to be a medieval animal pen built 5000—5500 years ago. Its real purpose, though, still remains a mystery.
A Discovery That Keeps on Giving
Recent archaeological digs at the site have uncovered evidence of a much older civilization beneath layers of medieval ruins. “Given that the monument is now 4,000 years older than most people thought, we now need to consider the monument within the context of Bodmin Moor’s prehistoric landscape,” said Tim Kinnaird, a geochronologist at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
What Makes This Discovery so Significant?
According to experts, this monument is one-of-a-kind, making it even more mysterious. “There is nothing built at that time or subsequently in prehistory that is a rectangular earth and stone bank with a setting of stone orthostats around the interior. There is no other parallel,” said lead archaeologist James Gossip.
The Structure That Formed King Arthur’s Hall
This “hall,” or whatever it might be, consists of a banked rectangular enclosure measuring 69 by 160ft (29 by 49 meters). The inside is lined with 56 standing stones. While there might not be much left of the original build, it’s easy to see the intended design, although the exact use remains a mystery.
How Experts Discovered the Actual Age of This Monument
According to researchers at Cornwall National Landscape, “Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating was used to test and examine material from the section dug through the bank and into soils buried beneath it to determine when the structure was built.” Using OSL, researchers could establish when these soil samples were last exposed to light, giving them a more accurate estimation of when this structure was built.
What Researchers Found When They “Dug a Little Deeper”
“We were able to demonstrate that the buried soil beneath the bank was disturbed at construction—resetting the luminescence signals and providing the opportunity to date the monument,” says Tim Kinnard. “It’s extremely exciting that we’ve finally been able to date construction of this enigmatic monument, previously grounded in myths and legends.”
Ancient Communities Favoured the Area Throughout Millennia
“King Arthur’s Hall had now been revealed as one of several prehistoric monuments on Bodmin Moor, which indicates an active Neolithic community had built a rich landscape of monuments there,” said Kinnard in an email according to Live Science. There have been many speculations, but further investigation will better help researchers understand this site’s significance. “The thinking is that these are meeting points for communities, perhaps to mark special occasions or to carry out ceremonies,” said Gossip.
What Does This Mean for the Arthurian Legend?
While this discovery doesn’t debunk King Arthur’s legends, it adds a new layer of complexity to the site’s history. Later civilizations, including those of the medieval period, built upon or repurposed this ancient location, weaving their myths and stories into its long history. We now know this structure wasn’t built by or for King Arthur if he did exist, but it does play into the Mystery and legend we love so dearly.
Why Was This Monument Thought to Have Been for King Arthur?
“The middle ages was a period when the Arthur name started being attributed to all sorts of unusual sites that the local population at the time probably didn’t understand,” Gossip explained. King Arthur’s name was associated with anything mysterious and mythical, so it was easy to attribute any unexplained monuments or buildings to the king himself.
The Significance of the Neolithic Period in This Discovery
The Neolithic period, which predates the Bronze Age, marked a remarkable era in human history. During this time, humans transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled agricultural societies. This period saw the construction of monumental structures like stone circles and burial mounds, which often held deep spiritual and communal significance. According to The Guardian, Gossip’s favored theory is that King Arthur’s Hall functioned in the same way, as a place for the community to gather.
How Researchers Might Uncover What This Monument Was Used for
“Given that the monument is now 4,000 years older than first thought, we now need to consider the monument within the context of Bodmin Moor’s prehistoric landscape and the other structures on the moor that might have been significant at the time,” said Kinnard. Researchers hope to better understand these structures and their use in the near future through further studies.
What’s Next for This Remarkable Monument?
According to Cornwall National Landscape, “A management plan for the site is being developed, the first step of which has been to replace the fence surrounding the monument, which had fallen into disrepair, to prevent erosion from cattle.” They will also create interpretations for the site to help visitors better understand its significance. “This will include digital interpretation on the Cornwall National Landscape’s website so that more people can access and explore this unique piece of history.”
Sources:
King Arthur’s Hall’ Is 4,000 Years Older Than Previously Thought.
‘Medieval’ King Arthur site is 4,000 years older than we thought.
Cornish monument is 4,000 years older than was thought and ‘without parallel’.
Case Study – King Arthur’s Hall.
St Andrews researchers discover ‘King Arthur’s Hall’ is five times older than thought.
