Where was King Arthur's tomb allegedly discovered in 1191?

King Arthur’s tomb was allegedly discovered at Glastonbury Abbey in 1191.

The reported find came after a devastating fire destroyed much of the abbey in 1184. According to accounts associated with Gerald of Wales, monks searching in the cemetery found a hollowed-out oak coffin buried about 16 feet underground. It supposedly contained two skeletons, identified as Arthur and Queen Guinevere, along with a lead cross naming Arthur and the Isle of Avalon.

The discovery helped revive pilgrimage to Glastonbury at a time when the abbey needed money for rebuilding. It also strengthened the monastery’s claimed connection with Avalon, the legendary island associated with Arthur’s final journey. Some medieval writers offered different explanations for why the grave was uncovered, including that it was found while preparing another burial.

Modern historians generally doubt the find was genuine. The location, timing, and publicity surrounding it suggest that the story may have been promoted to attract pilgrims and donations. Glastonbury Abbey is therefore the accepted answer for the alleged discovery, not Arthur’s supposed strongholds at Camelot or Tintagel.