A Legend Transformed: King Arthur’s Hall Re-Dated to the Neolithic

In a remarkable twist for a site steeped in Arthurian legend, recent archaeological findings reveal that King Arthur’s Hall on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, long associated with medieval folklore, is far older than previously thought. This remote site was believed to be a medieval structure but has now been conclusively dated to the Neolithic period, placing its construction around 5,500 to 5,000 years ago—approximately five times older than past estimations.

According to a BBC report, the discovery was led by a team from Historic England and researchers from various UK universities, including Dr. Tim Kinnaird from the University of St. Andrews.

“This is a major revelation,” said Dr. Kinnaird, emphasizing the significance of these findings. “Archaeologists will now have to re-appraise our understanding of the prehistoric landscape of Bodmin Moor.”

The results not only alter historical timelines but also provide fresh insights into the lives of Cornwall’s ancient inhabitants.

King Arthur’s Hall monument, now known to be a Neolithic site on Bodmin Moor. (Helen Hotson/Adobe Stock)

A Monumental Enigma: Uncovering Neolithic Origins

The ancient site known as King Arthur’s Hall is situated on the rugged terrain of Bodmin Moor and consists of a rectangular mound bordered by standing stones, features that have fueled myths about its origins for centuries.

Researchers from the Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) led the excavation efforts, which included local volunteers and began in 2022. By applying modern dating techniques such as radiocarbon dating and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL), scientists determined that the site dates back to the Neolithic era, or roughly 5,500 to 5,000 years ago.

Samples of pollen, insects, and parasite eggs extracted from the site provided crucial data, helping scientists pinpoint a specific timeframe. This revelation makes King Arthur’s Hall one of the oldest monumental structures in the region.

James Gossip from the CAU noted:

“Knowing when King Arthur’s Hall was built will help us understand this unique monument form better, how it might have originally been used, and how it could have been used over time.”

The findings prompt new questions about the site’s function and significance, which may have shifted over millennia.

King Arthur’s Hall is a unique style of structure or monument, amongst many found on Bodmin Moor. (Helen Hotson/Adobe Stock)

Theories About the Site’s Purpose: Animal Pound, Reservoir, or Ritual Space?

The exact function of King Arthur’s Hall during its initial construction period remains a subject of intrigue. Researchers have long debated the purpose of the site, with theories ranging from its use as an animal pound to a reservoir. Another possibility is that it held ceremonial or ritualistic significance, as many Neolithic structures were used for such purposes.

The standing stones have now been determined to be locally sourced from within 250 meters (about 820 feet) of the site, adding further to the revelations about the site. According to Historic England, the stones were likely quarried from the site’s interior, as opposed to being transported from more distant locations, as was common in other ancient monuments. This discovery not only reveals the ingenuity of Neolithic builders but also raises questions about the logistics and intent behind the site’s construction.

Whether the stones were placed during the original construction phase or added later in prehistory remains unknown. The site’s repeated use and possible upgrades in later periods, including the medieval era, suggest it retained cultural or functional significance long after its initial construction.

The Fragile Legacy of Bodmin Moor

The location of King Arthur’s Hall in a remote area, surrounded by wild and rugged landscape is a double-edged sword. In some respects this remoteness has helped preserve it, but also presents ongoing conservation challenges. Historic England has classified the site as “at risk” due to erosion from foot traffic, livestock, and encroaching vegetation. Erosion poses a significant threat to the monument, making careful management essential for its preservation.

Dr. Rob Batchelor, director of Quest, an archaeological research unit from the University of Reading, underscored the importance of this new discovery:

“The wild, remote landscape of Bodmin Moor has inspired centuries of legends, but this extraordinary new finding shows how science can help deliver stories that are just as intriguing.”

Batchelor noted that sediment cores extracted from the site could provide additional insights into the lives of Cornwall’s early inhabitants and their impact on the environment.

The recent revelations emphasize the importance of balancing public access with preservation efforts. As Historic England cautions, visitors should take care not to disturb the site, as its delicate structure could be further compromised by unmanaged foot traffic and erosion.

Rewriting History: A New Chapter in the Arthurian Legend?

While King Arthur’s Hall may no longer be seen as a medieval creation, its newly confirmed Neolithic origins do not diminish its connection to legend. If anything, the ancient history of the site enriches its mystique, connecting it to the dawn of monumental architecture in the British Isles.

This discovery places King Arthur’s Hall among Britain’s other ancient wonders, such as Stonehenge and Avebury, and invites both scholars and enthusiasts to revisit the stories that have grown up around it.

The site may not directly link to King Arthur, but its symbolic role in British folklore persists. As new scientific findings emerge, King Arthur’s Hall continues to captivate, merging myth with prehistoric mystery, and providing a tangible link to the lives and legacies of Cornwall’s earliest communities.

Top image: The site known as King Arthur’s Hall, on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, England.                Source: Historic England

By Gary Manners