Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, England, is believed to be the site of Sir Lancelot’s Joyous Garde Castle, as suggested by Sir Thomas Mallory in his work Le Morte d’Arthur. The Joyous Gard is a castle featured in the Matter of Britain literature of the legend of King Arthur, introduced in the 13th-century French Prose Lancelot as the home and formidable fortress of the hero Lancelot.
The Joyous Gard: Lancelot’s Legendary Stronghold
The Joyous Gard was originally known as Dolorous Gard, belonging to the Saxon-allied king Brandin of the Isles. Lancelot captured it against all odds, ending its evil enchantment and rescuing King Arthur’s illegitimate son in the process. After his adulterous affair with Queen Guinevere, Lancelot brought her to the Joyous Gard, and later, after his death, his body was taken to the castle for burial.
The History of Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle was built on the former location of a Celtic Briton fort known as Din Guarie, and it was identified with the Joyous Gard by Thomas Malory, who personally participated in the Yorkist siege of the castle during the War of the Roses. The castle is open to the public, with entrance charges applying, and is owned by the Armstrong family.
The Celtic Briton Fort of Din Guarie
The site of Bamburgh Castle was originally occupied by a Celtic Briton fort known as Din Guarie. This ancient fortification was an important stronghold for the local Briton tribes, who used it to defend their territory against invading Anglo-Saxons.
The Norman Conquest and the Rise of Bamburgh Castle
After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the site of Din Guarie was taken over by the Normans, who began the construction of Bamburgh Castle. The castle was built to serve as a strategic military outpost, controlling the northern border of the kingdom and protecting the local population from potential threats.
The Siege of Bamburgh Castle during the War of the Roses
During the War of the Roses, Bamburgh Castle was the site of a fierce siege between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians. Thomas Malory, the author of Le Morte d’Arthur, personally participated in the Yorkist siege of the castle, which ultimately led to its capture.
The Identification of Bamburgh Castle with the Joyous Gard
Thomas Malory, the author of the legendary work Le Morte d’Arthur, identified Bamburgh Castle as the site of the Joyous Gard, the legendary stronghold of Sir Lancelot. This identification has been widely accepted by scholars and historians, who see the castle’s strategic location and impressive fortifications as fitting the description of the Joyous Gard in the Arthurian legends.
The Significance of the Joyous Gard in Arthurian Legend
The Joyous Gard was a central location in the Arthurian legends, serving as the home and refuge of the heroic knight Sir Lancelot. It was a place of safety and sanctuary, where Lancelot could retreat from the political and personal turmoil that surrounded him in the court of King Arthur.
The Capture of the Joyous Gard by Lancelot
According to the Arthurian legends, Lancelot captured the Joyous Gard, then known as the Dolorous Gard, from the Saxon-allied king Brandin of the Isles. This act of heroism and bravery was a key moment in Lancelot’s rise to fame and his establishment as one of the greatest knights of the Round Table.
The Burial of Lancelot at the Joyous Gard
After his death, Lancelot’s body was taken to the Joyous Gard for burial, a fitting end for the legendary knight who had made the castle his home and stronghold. This final resting place at the Joyous Gard cemented the castle’s place in the Arthurian legends as a site of great significance and importance.
Visiting Bamburgh Castle Today
Bamburgh Castle is open to the public, with entrance charges applying. The castle is owned by the Armstrong family and offers visitors the opportunity to explore its rich history and connections to the Arthurian legends.
The Castle’s Impressive Fortifications
Bamburgh Castle is known for its impressive fortifications, which include towering walls, sturdy towers, and a formidable keep. These features make it easy to see why the castle was chosen as the site of the Joyous Gard in the Arthurian legends.
Exploring the Castle’s Interiors and Grounds
Visitors to Bamburgh Castle can explore the castle’s interiors, which include grand halls, ornate chambers, and a museum showcasing the castle’s history. The castle’s grounds also offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby coastline.
The Armstrong Family and the Preservation of Bamburgh Castle
The Armstrong family, who have owned Bamburgh Castle for generations, have played a crucial role in preserving the castle’s rich history and making it accessible to the public. Their dedication to the castle’s upkeep and restoration has ensured that it remains a beloved and iconic landmark in the region.
Conclusion
Bamburgh Castle’s connection to the Arthurian legends, particularly its identification as the site of Sir Lancelot’s Joyous Gard, makes it a must-visit destination for fans of the legendary tales. With its impressive fortifications, rich history, and stunning natural setting, Bamburgh Castle offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to step into the world of King Arthur and his knights.