A team of researchers, including experts from the University of St Andrews, has made a groundbreaking discovery that reshapes the understanding of an ancient monument in Cornwall known as King Arthur’s Hall. Their recent survey revealed that this mysterious site, long associated with medieval legends, is actually much older than previously thought. The new findings suggest that King Arthur’s Hall dates back not to the medieval era, but to the Neolithic period, making it around 5,500 years old—about 4,000 years earlier than historians and archaeologists had initially believed.
King Arthur’s Hall, located on Bodmin Moor, has been the subject of fascination for centuries, partly due to its name, which evokes the legendary figure of King Arthur. The site itself comprises a rectangular enclosure formed by earthen banks and 56 standing stones, some of which reach up to 1.8 meters in height. These stones are in various states—some upright, others leaning or lying flat, and many partially buried under the soil. For years, the site was officially classified as a structure from the early medieval period, with Historic England suggesting it was used as an animal pen around the year 1000 AD. However, there had always been speculation that its construction, particularly the use of integrated standing stones, hinted at a much older origin.
To uncover the truth, researchers employed a highly advanced technique known as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). This method allows scientists to determine the last time sediment was exposed to sunlight before being buried. By applying OSL dating to the sediments within the mound, Dr. Tim Kinnaird from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews and his team were able to accurately determine that the structure dates back to the Neolithic era. This major revelation pushes the estimated age of the monument back by several millennia, firmly placing its construction around 5,500 years ago.
Dr. Kinnaird described the discovery as “extremely exciting,” as it finally provides a clear timeline for the creation of this enigmatic structure, long surrounded by myths and legends. The use of OSL was crucial in this discovery. Dr. Kinnaird explained that the technique involved analyzing the luminescence signals of sediment samples from beneath the structure’s banks. These signals were found to have been reset during the construction of the mound, providing an opportunity to accurately date the monument. This confirmation of the site’s prehistoric origins represents a major shift in how archaeologists interpret its purpose and significance.
The research is part of a broader project called “A Monumental Improvement,” led by the Cornwall National Landscape initiative. This project, in collaboration with the Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU), aims to shed light on the historical timeline and functions of key monuments on Bodmin Moor, while also planning for their conservation. The recent archaeological investigations commissioned by CAU have played a critical role in establishing a clearer chronology for King Arthur’s Hall, helping researchers better understand its construction and use within the context of the surrounding landscape.
Dr. Kinnaird emphasized the importance of re-evaluating King Arthur’s Hall now that its Neolithic origins have been confirmed. He noted that his earlier visits to the excavation site with Professor Sam Turner from Newcastle University revealed evidence of soil disturbance beneath the banks, a key indicator that the structure was built much earlier than previously thought. This discovery suggests that Bodmin Moor was not just a barren landscape but was home to a thriving community during the Neolithic period, engaging in significant construction projects and perhaps ritualistic or communal activities.
The new understanding of King Arthur’s Hall opens up intriguing possibilities regarding the broader prehistoric landscape of Bodmin Moor. The researchers suggest that this monument may have been part of a larger network of Neolithic structures, indicating that the area was of substantial importance to the people who lived there over five millennia ago. The findings hint at a rich, complex community presence, where various structures on the moor may have served social, religious, or cultural purposes.
Going forward, the research team is eager to continue exploring how King Arthur’s Hall fits into the prehistoric context of Bodmin Moor. They believe that further investigations could reveal even more about the Neolithic communities that once thrived in this area, contributing to a deeper understanding of human activity during that era. Additionally, the newfound historical significance of King Arthur’s Hall underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect such ancient sites from erosion and other environmental threats.
Source: University of St Andrews