CORNISH HISTORY AND LANGUAGE

Humans began inhabiting the coasts of Cornwall as far back as 10,000BC and it was from then that the distinctive Celtic culture grew.

Cornwall evolved from an independent kingdom to a Duchy within England in 1336 when the then King of England, King Edward III, made his son Edward the Black Prince, the first Duke of Cornwall, but it has always retained its strong sense of identity.
In the 18th century Cornwall became the mining capital of the world, most famous for its production of tin and copper as well as silver, arsenic and zinc. Epitomised in Winston Graham’s series ‘Poldark’ which has since been adapted into a popular BBC TV series. Experience a mine first hand at the King Edward Mine Museum in Cambourne. Mining greatly shaped both the landscape and the culture of Cornwall but in the mid-19th century, due to cheap foreign alternatives, the industry ran into steep decline and many of the minors emigrated to South Africa in search of gold and diamonds. Yet the local economy remained buoyant, the China Clay industry was hot on its heels and replaced it, monopolising the world’s supply. Whilst China Clay is still relevant today, it has not dominated the Cornish economy since the late 20th century, though many of the hills and scars of its existence have been captured and preserved through the mining and now film location of Charleston, the Wheal Martyn Museum and of course, the infamous Eden Project.

Cornwall has always boasted a rich history of arts and culture, spanning from prehistoric rock art to vibrant contemporary installations. The area's unique landscape, light, and way of life have consistently inspired artists and writers like Barbara Hepworth, Rosamunde Pilcher and Daphne du Maurier. As demand for commodities such as tin and china clay dwindled, Cornwall saw a resurgence in the arts from the late 19th century with the breathtaking creation of the Minack Theatre, the internationally acclaimed gallery Tate St Ives and the Newlyn School of Art.