A new competition has been launched to design a new footbridge linking Tintagel Castle, which is thought to be King Arthur’s birthplace, with the Cornish mainland.
The four-million-pound project has shortlisted 6 architects and designers for the 285ft structure and will help to connect the castle’s landscape to the Cornish north coast. This ancient land was once connected when this 13th century settlement flourished and the new bridge will provide unprecedented access and views to one of the most spectacular historical sites that Britain has to offer.
There have been over 137 entries spanning 27 countries and the final 6 plans are available to view in the tourist information centre in Tintagel until the 11th December.
Among the finalists is Marks Barfield Architects Flint & Neill with their entry, the Bronze Blade, ‘a bridge that is elegant, efficient, exhilarating and rooted in this spectacular place imbued with mystery.’
Niall Mclaughlin’s design with Price & Myers in Cornish granite ‘is simple, durable and reinforces the place’s drama: a stone arch of Cornish granite springs across the chasm, seemingly tethering the island to the mainland.’
Meanwhile RFR and Jean-Francois Blassel have come up with a design that, ‘through the use of natural stone, the bridge takes its place within Tintagel’s historical layers.’
The other shortlisted designs are by Wilkinson Eyre, with Atelier One, Dietmar Feichtinger and Terrel and Ney & Partners with William Matthews Associates.
The area is steeped in a rich history and draws over 200,000 people a year to its medieval castle.
Interest is mainly aimed at the tale of King Arthur and the legend that he was conceived here after a rather passionate episode with King Uther Pendragon and lady Igraine. He was later born in a cave and hidden by Merlin to protect him from Gorlois, Lady Igraine’s husband.
Tintagel Castle is also home to another medieval story, the tale behind the ill-fated romance of Cornish knight Tristan and the Irish Princess Yseult.
Whatever myth draws you to this attraction it has something for all the family whether its Merlin’s cave or the breath taking scenery and with our wide selection of luxurious cottages in Cornwall it’s never been easier to head down and soak up this ancient history
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
