King Arthur’s Hall is 4,000 Years Older Than We Thought!
Recent archaeological breakthroughs have revealed that King Arthur’s Hall, a mysterious stone enclosure on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, is over 5,000 years old. This astonishing discovery places the site firmly in the Neolithic era, making it one of the oldest structures in England. It predates the legend of King Arthur by thousands of years, overturning previous assumptions that it was a medieval animal enclosure.
A Groundbreaking Discovery
A team led by Dr Tim Kinnaird from the University of St Andrews, alongside researchers from the Universities of Reading and Newcastle and the Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU), used Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL)to determine the age of the site. This advanced dating method, which estimates when soil was last exposed to light, revealed that the stone-lined rectangular structure was constructed between 5,000 and 5,500 years ago, around the late 4th millennium BCE.
Dr Kinnaird described the findings as “a major revelation,” saying, “It’s extremely exciting that we’ve finally been able to date the construction of this enigmatic monument, previously grounded in myths and legends.”
Photo Credit: Cornwall National Landscape
Rewriting the History of King Arthur’s Hall
For years, Historic England classified King Arthur’s Hall as a medieval animal pound, dating to approximately 1000 CE. However, its design—featuring a sunken rectangular enclosure with an embankment lined by 56 standing stones—and its north-south alignment have long hinted at an earlier origin.
The site’s 16th-century name, first recorded in 1584, added to its mystique. According to Pete Herring, president of the Cornwall Archaeology Society, the name reflects its long-standing significance to the local community. “The romantic-sounding name ‘King Arthur’s Hall’ tells us that here is a place regarded as ancient and unfathomable,” he noted. Despite its name, there is no evidence linking the site to King Arthur or his legends.
A Unique Neolithic Monument
The monument stands out for its unique layout: a sunken rectangular enclosure surrounded by standing stones, some as tall as six feet. Unlike any other known Neolithic structures, its purpose remains speculative. Herring explained, “We may presume it was a sacred site, a place for gatherings, rituals, or ceremonies, but perhaps Neolithic people made and used it for very different purposes.”
Adding to its enigmatic nature, excavations uncovered pollen, seeds, and insect remains preserved in the soil, indicating that the site saw continued use during the medieval period. Researchers suggest it may have served as a water reservoir or animal pen during this time.
Part of a Prehistoric Landscape
The significance of King Arthur’s Hall extends beyond its boundaries, as it is part of a larger Neolithic landscape on Bodmin Moor. This area includes burial mounds, stone formations, and enclosures such as the Rough Tor, painting a picture of a thriving prehistoric community.
“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,” remarked Dr Kinnaird.
Preserving an Ancient Legacy
The newfound recognition of King Arthur’s Hall as a Neolithic structure has also highlighted its vulnerability. Classified as at risk by Historic England due to vegetation overgrowth and erosion, the site will soon benefit from conservation efforts. Plans include reinforcing fencing to reduce visitor impact and ensure its preservation for future generations.
This groundbreaking discovery not only deepens our understanding of King Arthur’s Hall but also sheds light on the rich and complex history of prehistoric Britain, challenging myths and revealing truths buried for millennia.