Camelford Town
The official web site of Camelford Town Council
Seeking King Arthur
Situated just 5 miles inland from Tintagel, Camelford is an ancient market town lying on the outskirts of Bodmin Moor. This little town sits in the heart of King Arthur country and according to Cornish legend, King Arthur and his main fortress, Camelot now lie buried within Camelford's foundations.
Born at Tintagel, King Arthur is said to have received his fatal wound in the Battle of Camlann just one mile away from Camelford at Slaughterbridge. Unfortunately, no real historic evidence has ever proven either King Arthur's existence or his connection to Camelford. Indeed, this little town seems to owe its legendary status solely to its misleading name which really translates as the 'the ford over the River Camel'. Back in the day, Camelford seemed a likely corruption of the place name Camelot, a confusion which was compounded when an inscribed Dark Ages memorial stone was claimed to be dedicated to Arthur. Unfortunately, this proved to be a mistranscription and King Arthur's supporters still await tangible proof of his existence.
Despite its legendary connections, Camelford has resisted playing its King Arthur card to attract tourists. The only place tourists are likely to be bombarded with the legend is at the Arthurian Centre which is located at Slaughterbridge and set in 20 acres surrounding King Arthur's Stone. Both the inscribed stone and battle are both dated by earliest stories to AD540. This family attraction details the adventures of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table with stories, paintings and illustrations.
Born at Tintagel, King Arthur is said to have received his fatal wound in the Battle of Camlann just one mile away from Camelford at Slaughterbridge. Unfortunately, no real historic evidence has ever proven either King Arthur's existence or his connection to Camelford. Indeed, this little town seems to owe its legendary status solely to its misleading name which really translates as the 'the ford over the River Camel'. Back in the day, Camelford seemed a likely corruption of the place name Camelot, a confusion which was compounded when an inscribed Dark Ages memorial stone was claimed to be dedicated to Arthur. Unfortunately, this proved to be a mistranscription and King Arthur's supporters still await tangible proof of his existence.
Despite its legendary connections, Camelford has resisted playing its King Arthur card to attract tourists. The only place tourists are likely to be bombarded with the legend is at the Arthurian Centre which is located at Slaughterbridge and set in 20 acres surrounding King Arthur's Stone. Both the inscribed stone and battle are both dated by earliest stories to AD540. This family attraction details the adventures of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table with stories, paintings and illustrations.