238 THE ANNUAL EXCURSION. 



loh'." On the opposite face "^Inat t^ fecit ha'c crueem 

 p' anima su'." The letters are large and in the style of the 

 Sth century. J 



The party next proceeded to Tintagel Church. At the entrance 

 of the churchyard is an old liehstone which is also inscribed 

 with ancient characters, the reading of which has not yet been 

 determined. 



The Rev. Prebendary Kinsman, vicat", received all at the 

 church, and pointed out its interesting construction, which he 

 attributed to Saxon times — alterations having been made in the 

 building at subsequent periods. The chapel on the north of the 

 chancel, retains its ancient stone altar-slab incised with the 

 usual crosses. Other curious remains were observed in the 

 church, including the Norman doorways, the remarkable font, 

 the brass of Joanna Kelly, c. 1430; several old slabs and an 

 arched recess in the wall. On proceeding through the church- 

 yard, towards the cliffs, the massive granite tomb of the late 

 Mr. J. Douglas Cook, formerly editor of the " Saturday Review," 

 was noticed. 



Looking along the coast, the spectators could see in one 

 direction Hartland Point, and in the other Trevose Head, 40 

 miles distant from each other. 



Tintagel II Castle was next visited. According to tradition it 

 was the birthplace of King Arthur. The fortifications on the 

 mainland, and on the peninsula termed the " Island," crown the 

 edges of terrific precipices. Landslips frequently occur, and 

 in some places have carried down portions of the walls. One 

 large mass of masonry is seen lying where it has fallen over. 



Probably there was a British strong-hold here. The present 

 masonry, which is of slate, seems to be of Norman, and later, 

 construction ; some parts, however, may be older than Norman 

 times. In certain parts the walls are not bonded into each other. 

 Remains of chambers are traceable, and a portion of a newel- 

 staircase. The entrances are arched, and the walls have battle- 

 ments and buttresses. 



I Figured by W. lago in Maclean's Trigg Minor, Vol, III, Plate LVI. 



II The name is Celtic (old Cornish) and signifies " the impi'egnable fortress." 

 See Williams's Cornu : Brit : Lexicon. It is sometimes wi'itten Dundagell. Dun, 

 din, dinas, a hill, fortified height. Diogel or Dyowgel, safe, sure, secure. 



