King Arthur’s Hall – The Wonders of Bodmin Moor
What do you think when you hear King Arthur’s Hall? You probably picture a room full of knights. Maybe you envision feasts and banquets. You might even picture a certain sword hanging dramatically over a fire place. The reality of King Arthur’s Hall is very different, but still remarkably interesting.
Archeological Discoveries
Recent archeological discoveries have shown that King Arthur’s Hall is one of the oldest known ceremonial monuments in the UK. Excavations by archaeologists from the Cornwall Archaeological Unit and several universities have confirmed that it was built over 5,000 years ago. The construction has been dated to around 3500–3000 BCE. This makes the site more than 4,000 years older than once believed.
Most Neolithic enclosures in Britain are circular. What makes King Arthur’s Hall unique is that, unlike the others, it is a large rectangle. It is bordered by a bank and a ditch and lined with 56 upright stones, some nearly two meters tall. It is unique in Britain with possible parallels only being found in Brittany, France.
So What Was King Arthur’s Hall Used For?
The site has seen various uses over thousands of years. Its original purpose likely had a ritual or communal function. Evidence from pollen, seeds, insects and ancient parasites suggests it was reused during the Iron Age and medieval periods. They may have used it as an animal pound or water catchment.
Evidence from pollen, seeds, insects, and even ancient parasites suggests it was reused during the Iron Age and medieval periods—possibly as an animal pound or water catchment. Still, its original purpose likely had a ritual or communal function, set within a rich prehistoric landscape of cairns, stone circles, and burial mounds.
Visiting Bodmin Moor
Now, thanks to conservation efforts and a growing appreciation of its significance, King Arthur’s Hall is no longer considered “at risk.” Visitors can explore the site freely and imagine what it might have been like to stand in the same place 5000 years prior.
Walking across Bodmin Moor can feel like time travel. We are lucky enough to be able to wander upon ancient structures, often accidentally. You are likely to see cairns, stone circles, or burial mounds on your rambles across the historical landscape. Not only are there remnants of past settlements, but the countryside itself is the same terrain that communities for thousands of years have farmed, walked and appreciated. The natural beauty of Bodmin Moor has a magical way of making you feel more grounded and at peace.
King Arthur’s Hall is located at the what3words location ///overtime.mediate.removable. If we have inspired you to visit this fantastic site, tag us on Instagram, @helsburypark.