About Cornwall

Country: England
Region: South West
Established: Ancient
Area: 3,562 km2 (1,375 sq mi)
Population: 577,600
Largest settlement: Redruth (including Camborne)

Cornwall is a county in south west England. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, Devon to the east, and the English Channel to the south. 

The name originates from ‘Corn’ from the Celtic word ‘Kornu’, or ’horn’ due ot the peninsula. ‘Wall’ is from the Old English word for ‘foreigner’ or ‘Brittonic speaker’ .

History:
Prehistoric Times:
Continuous occupation began around 10,000 years ago as the climate warmed, they focused on hunting, fishing, and gathering, with evidence of coastal camps and flint tool production.

The Bronze Age was a period of prosperity due to Cornwall's tin and gold deposits which were exported across Britain, Ireland and the Mediterranean. Cornwall also saw the creation of field systems, construction of roundhouses grouped into villages. Monument building peaked in the Bronze Age with numerous stone circles, standing stones, and burial mounds.

The Iron Age replaced bronze for tools and weapons, and fortified sites like hillforts, and cliff castles. The population grew and settlements of courtyard houses emerged, like the well-preserved Chysauster Ancient Village.

Roman Times:
Cornwall was a remote frontier region with a limited Roman military presence and was never fully integrated into the Roman province of Britannia. The Roman influence was less significant than in other parts of Britain.

Anglo Saxon Times:
Cornwall maintained its native Romano-British Celtic culture, language which evolved into Cornish, and social structures.
Cornwall was part of the larger Celtic Kingdom of Dumnonia, which included modern-day Devon and parts of Somerset.

Norman Times:
The Norman Conquest, marked a period of significant change as William the Conqueror transferred all power and property to Norman and Breton lords.

Tudor and Stuart Times:
During the Tudor and Stuart Cornwall experienced significant decline in its native language. By the end of the Stuart era, Cornwall was fully integrated into Great Britain, though antiquarian William Scawen, who attempted to document and preserve the declining Cornish language. 

Industrial Revolution Times:
During the Industrial Revolution Cornwall was one of the most heavily industrialised regions in the world due to its copper and tin mining industries. This era fundamentally reshaped Cornwall's landscape, leaving a legacy that is recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Victorian Times:
Cornwall experienced dramatic changes as it reached the peak of its industrial prosperity before suffering a steep decline that led to mass emigration.

The mild climate saw farmers growing vegetables, flowers, and potatoes for Victorian tables in London, transported by the expanding railway network.

China clay mining also became a major significant industry that helped the economy.

Modern Times:
The modern era in Cornwall, from the 20th century to today, has been defined by the end of its traditional heavy industries and the rise of tourism, alongside a growing focus on the revival of Cornish culture and identity.