Idylls of the King – Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Two beautiful illustrations from the Lincolnshire-born poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King' are on display at Lincoln Castle until March 2023.

From medieval romantic folklore to twenty-first-century blockbuster movies, most children have grown up knowing of the legends of King Arthur, the round table and Excalibur.

A visit to any castle would not be complete without reference to those in shining armour and their tales of heroism! Lincoln Castle is delighted to showcase two beautiful illustrations from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s ‘Idylls of the King’ by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale within the Magna Carta Vaults.

Depicting Merlin & Vivien and Enid & Geraint the vibrant illustrations are complimented with a large print of an engraving by Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré showing Lancelot riding towards the Castle of Astolat. The Idylls contain twelve epic poems retelling the legend of King Arthur and the rise and fall of his kingdom.

The Lincolnshire-born poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson was appointed as Poet Laurette in 1850 by Queen Victoria and our sister site - The Lincolnshire Archives - is home to the Tennyson Research Centre. Including historic archive collections, objects, photographs and publications relating to Tennyson and his family.