Cornwall likes to think of itself as a principality rather than an English county, has a quirky history and its people as well as its landscape ooze character.
The Cornish themselves feel closer to the Welsh and other Celtic nations than the English, having descended from the same gene pool.
The Duchy of Cornwall was established in 1337 by Edward III as an estate to provide an income for his son and heir. It has remained so ever since – therefore the first in line to the British throne is the Duke of Cornwall, as well as being the Prince of Wales.
Edward III was a wily sort as he included the Cornish Stannaries within the Duchy – these were the independent governing bodies of Cornish mining, with their own laws, courts and taxation (‘coinage’). The Cornish Stannaries had been an ongoing issue for the monarchy for a long time: with their demands to retain independence and self-government.
In effect Edward III provided the heir to the throne with an income and formalised Cornwall’s distinct identity in one fell swoop, in perpetuity.
The Duchy of Cornwall owns most of the Cornish coastline, and property both within and outside Cornwall.
The Cornish coat of arms represents two important industries within the Duchy – fishing and mining; both of which are still relevant today. China clay extraction in mid Cornwall and lithium exploration are probably the biggest mining interests presently, with Camborne School of Mines (under the University of Exeter) still being a world leading education establishment.
The chough is a long-standing symbol of Cornwall and is sometimes known as the crow of Cornwall. Distinctive with its red beak and legs, these birds are being encouraged back to the Cornish cliffs that they favour for nesting.
The sea that surrounds the Duchy is represented behind ‘the fifteen balls’, which are important historically. They depict the 15 bezants that were raised to pay the ransom for the Earl of Cornwall, held captive by the Saracens (prior to Cornwall becoming a Duchy).
The motto ‘One and All’ (Onan hag Oll in the Cornish language) is a sentiment of unity that well represents the Cornish spirit. From coastal communities assisting stricken seamen, to ‘knowing nothing’ about local free-trade activities when historically faced with Custom men; and the Cornish rebellions over perceived unfair English governance - the Cornish unite when need arises.
St Piran is the patron saint of miners and Cornwall. Said to have floated to Cornwall on a millstone from Ireland, the first thing he saw were the streaks of tin ore in dark cliffs – this is the image represented on the Cornish flag.
It is said St Piran was the merriest yet hardest living holy man Cornwall ever knew, but this may be the Cornish superimposing an element of their own character to the legend: for Cornishmen live by the play hard/work hard ethic.
‘Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty became a National Landscape in November 2023 when the classification was renamed. Nearly a third of Cornwall is covered by this designation, an area greater than Dartmoor’s National Park. Including the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall boasts 167 SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest); all of which confirm Cornwall’s varied and beautiful landscape.
From the coastpath to marshes, moorland to wooded valleys, heritage sites to inland villages; Cornwall is so much more than buckets and spades. Local stonework on old cottages vary greatly from West Cornwall to North Cornwall, as do field patterns and the different crops grown on farmland. Cornwall is full of contrast and discovery.
The Cornish identity is a persona universally-adopted by those born and bred in Cornwall and descendants of old Cornish families (be they in mining areas around the world or making their way elsewhere in the UK).
Hard to quantify in words, ‘Cornish character’ is full contrasts (much like the countryside) – such as fierce individual independence while rallying to the unity of the One and All motto. With a specific sense of humour, a strong sense of fairness and a subconscious acceptance of ancient folklore: the Cornish are straight-forward, with a twist. Capable of forgiving, but unlikely to forget.
Think of Poldark: the maverick - a great caricature!
The Cornish have an appreciation of music (even the tone deaf) – from brass bands to choirs, a strange grammatical construction in the dialect (a leftover from the Cornish language) and a general love of rugby, wrestling and rowing (the latter two of the Cornish variety).
Trelawney (Song of the Western Men) is the Cornish unofficial anthem, with Cornwall My Home becoming increasingly popular over the last 20 years.
Famous Cornish people include the likes of:
We had the most amazing family break staying at Tom's cottage. The lovely furnished rooms made it feel like home. With really spacious rooms and very well equipped. Such a great stay, loved every minute and can't wait to go back.
LM
Fantastic stay at Tom’s Cottage, great place for friends and family to stay and relax! Cozy for Christmas time and hoping to return in the warmer weather.
BA
We had a wonderful 10 days at Tom’s cottage, it was a lovely place to stay and our toddler particularly enjoyed the big garden. Great place to be near lots of great beaches. We would definitely recommend it and would love to come back one day.
HM, April '23
Wonderful place! Thank you so much, we have had a very special time and we’d love to come back.
The T family, Aug ‘22
Lovely cottage. Very quiet – apart from the owl! Thank you for everything.
The B-Ds, Aug ‘22
A fabulous week. Cottage is perfect! Weather was glorious. Surfing at Polzeath & walking at Port Quin were just 2 of the highlights. Back again soon!
The F family, Sept ‘22
Wow, what an amazing place. Fantastic family New Year – will be back soon.
The Ms, Jan ‘23
