architecture – Resonant Visions

10 Jan

Castles and Cathedrals

Castle wall cove, caves and headland view

King Arthur bronze sculpture silhouetted

Tintagel Head is in a well protected prominent position, to view all ships approaching. There is an old mooring on the north side deep harbour, used by ancient traders. Originally there was a land bridge from mainland to castle island before the rock caved into a ravine. The many steep steps are seen in my photos, up both sides, mainland and the Head. Climbing up the many steep steps carved out of the rock face gives a good idea of how difficult it would have been to breach the castle fortress. The cave is reputed to be Merlin's cave; it tunnels right through the island from the beach at low tide, out to an ocean opening on the south side. Part of the castle ramparts still exists on the mainland. (Since my visit, a modern bridge has been built joining the two sides).

[Add notes from museum]

King Arthur sculpture is so designed that the winds play in the hollow spiral form inside the bronze ‘body’ sounding like a low voice. Visiting on a very windy day enabled me to discover this. Arthur died 537 A.D.

Many legends associate King Arthur with Cornwall. He was said to have been born in Tintagel, at the home of Gorlais, Earl of Cornwall. It was here that Uther Pendragon seduced Igerna, Arthur’s mother. The castle ruins at Tintagel are 11th century, but there are signs of a much earlier settlement. Merlin’s Cave is below the castle is known as and the magician is said to haunt it. Arthur is said to be reincarnated as a Cornish chough. https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/history/ancient

Eden Project Plants

Image authors own: Hop terrace, and lichen covered engraved wooden totem poles.

The Eden Project is a group of biomes housing Tropical and Mediterranean plants, with corresponding equatorial temperatures kept optimum year round. The quarry dip situation allows a sun trap for many flowering plants to thrive outdoors too. Full setting built in an old china clay quarry; a Cornish industry.

The quarry has been organised into different planting areas, including a hot weather planting scheme on the south-facing north side with unusual plants. Cornwall benefits from a specific warm maritime Gulf Stream climate of mild winters.