Discovering Cornwall’s History and Culture

The southernmost county in England, Cornwall has a rich and fascinating history steeped in Celtic culture, folklore, and the rugged beauty of its rugged coastline. With its close proximity to mainland Europe, Cornwall has seen its fair share of invasions, occupations, and cultural exchanges. From its pre-Roman settlements to its modern day identity, Cornwall has an intriguing and diverse story to tell.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, culture, and attractions of Cornwall. Through its myths and legends, its unique language and customs, and its many attractions, we’ll discover what makes Cornwall such a special part of the United Kingdom.

The Mythology and Legends of Cornwall

There are many myths and legends associated with Cornwall, some of which go back centuries. One of the most famous is the legend of King Arthur, who is said to have been born in Tintagel Castle. Other myths include the legend of the giant Tregeagle, who is said to haunt the moors of Bodmin, and the legend of the Lost Lands of Lyonesse, which some believe to be the setting for the Arthurian stories.

Other myths and legends include the tale of Jan Tregeagle, the Cornish witch, and the story of the Giant of St Michael’s Mount, who is said to have guarded the island against invaders. All of these stories and more have been passed down through generations, giving Cornwall a rich and unique mythology.

Today, the myth and legends of Cornwall can be experienced at many of the county’s attractions, from visits to Tintagel Castle and the Lost Lands of Lyonesse to the Giant of St Michael’s Mount and the Cornish Witch Trail. There are also a wide variety of books, films, and other media dedicated to Cornwall’s myths and legends.

The Language and Customs of Cornwall

The Cornish language is closely related to Welsh and Breton, and is mainly spoken in the far west of the county. The language has been in decline since the 19th century, but there is a growing movement to revive it. There are also various dialects of Cornish, including the traditional Kernowek Standard, which is spoken by many older generations.

As well as the language, Cornwall also has its own customs and traditions. These include the traditional practice of tin streaming, which was once a major industry in the county, as well as the celebration of the ancient festival of ‘Obby ‘Oss, which is held annually in Padstow. Other customs include the lighting of bonfires on the beach in celebration of St Piran’s Day, and the eating of the traditional Cornish pasty.

Many of these customs can be experienced at local festivals and events, such as the Cornish Food Festival or the Golowan Festival in Penzance. There are also a number of craft workshops and courses available where visitors can learn more about the traditional crafts of Cornwall.

The Attractions of Cornwall

Cornwall has many attractions to offer visitors, from its stunning beaches and dramatic coastline to its quaint villages and historic sites. Popular coastal destinations include St Ives, with its picturesque harbour and beautiful sandy beaches, and Falmouth, with its charming Georgian architecture and lively maritime atmosphere. There are also many other attractions to explore, including the Minack Theatre, which is an open-air theatre carved out of the cliffs overlooking the sea, and the Eden Project, a unique eco-tourist attraction.

Further inland, there are many historic sites to explore, such as the prehistoric stone circles on Bodmin Moor, the ruins of Tintagel Castle, and the picturesque landscape of the Tamar Valley. There are also many stately homes and gardens to explore, such as the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the National Trust’s Lanhydrock House. With its stunning countryside, charming villages, and vibrant culture, Cornwall has something to offer visitors of all ages.

The Cuisine of Cornwall

Cornwall is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes, and visitors to the county can sample a wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish, from the classic Cornish pasty to the more unusual dishes such as pilchards and soused mackerel. There are also a wide variety of other local dishes to try, such as the traditional Cornish cream tea, which consists of scones, jam, and clotted cream. Other local specialities include Stargazy Pie, a fish pie topped with whole fish, and Cornish fairings, a type of biscuit traditionally made with treacle.

Cornwall is also home to some excellent pubs and restaurants, with many serving traditional Cornish fare. There are also a number of breweries and distilleries in the county, producing a wide range of ales, ciders, and spirits. Visitors can also sample some of the local produce at one of the many farmers markets in the county.

The Arts and Music of Cornwall

Cornwall has a vibrant and diverse arts and music scene, with its own distinct style and sound. Music is a big part of Cornish culture, with a range of traditional folk music as well as more modern styles. There are many music festivals throughout the year, such as the Cornwall Folk Festival and the Port Eliot Festival, which feature a variety of local and international acts.

The arts are also well represented in Cornwall, with many galleries and arts centres showcasing the work of local artists. Popular galleries include the Tate St Ives and the Newlyn Art Gallery, which both exhibit a wide range of contemporary and traditional art. The county also has its own theatre companies, such as the Hall for Cornwall in Truro, which stage a variety of performances throughout the year.

The Wildlife of Cornwall

Cornwall is a haven for wildlife, with a wide range of habitats and species. There are many nature reserves in the county, such as the RSPB’s Trelissick Nature Reserve and the Lizard Peninsula, which are home to a variety of birds and mammals. There are also several marine conservation areas, including the Fal Estuary and the Isles of Scilly, where visitors can observe seals, dolphins, and a wide range of other marine life.

The county is also home to a wide variety of plant life, from the wildflowers of the coastal dunes to the heather-covered moors of Bodmin. There are also many parks and gardens in Cornwall, including the famous Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, which are both home to a wide variety of plants from around the world.

The Shopping in Cornwall

Cornwall is home to a wide range of shopping opportunities, from independent boutiques and craft shops to larger chains and department stores. Popular shopping destinations include the historic harbour town of St Ives, which is home to a variety of independent shops and galleries, and Truro, which has a large selection of high street stores and a weekly farmers market.

In addition to the more traditional shops, there are also a number of craft and artisan markets throughout the county, where visitors can purchase unique handmade items such as pottery, jewellery, and woodwork. There are also regular flea markets, antiques fairs, and vintage markets, which are a great way to find interesting and unusual items.

The Nightlife in Cornwall

Cornwall has a lively nightlife, with a variety of pubs, clubs, and music venues to explore. Popular places to visit include the harbour town of Falmouth, which is home to a number of lively pubs and clubs, and the vibrant city of Plymouth, which has a wide variety of bars and clubs. There are also many music venues in Cornwall, including the Eden Project, which hosts regular concerts and events.

The county also has a thriving live music scene, with many local bands and artists performing regularly in pubs, clubs, and other venues. There are also a number of music festivals throughout the year, such as the Cornwall Folk Festival and the Port Eliot Festival, which feature a variety of musical styles and genres.

The Festivals of Cornwall

Cornwall is home to a number of festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and the arts to food and the local culture. Popular festivals include the Golowan Festival in Penzance, which celebrates midsummer with parades, music, and fireworks, and the Lowender Peran festival in Newquay, which celebrates the county’s Celtic heritage with traditional music, dance, and arts.

Other festivals include the Falmouth Oyster Festival, which celebrates the county’s maritime heritage with oyster shucking competitions, seafood markets, and boat races, and the Festival of the Sea in St Ives, which celebrates the sea and its bounty with food, music, and cultural activities.

Conclusion

Cornwall is a beautiful and fascinating county, with a rich and diverse history and culture. From its myths and legends to its language and customs, its attractions and cuisine, its arts and music, its wildlife, and its festivals, there is something for everyone in Cornwall. So why not take a trip and discover the history and culture of this unique and special part of the United Kingdom?