Cornwall history and information
Cornwall is a county at the far south-west of England (Lizard Point, the most
southerly part of England, and Lands End, the most westerly in mainland England,
are both in Cornwall). It has a population of just over 500,000 and the county
town (and Cornwall’s only city) is Truro. The terrain is largely hilly,
with some moorland areas and the coastline is rocky and indented.
Cornwall is a Celtic nation and has its own language, which although rarely
spoken, has been subject to recent revival attempts. The Cornish flag is a white
cross on a black background – the
flag of St Piran, patron saint of miners.
All that remains of Cornwall’s historic tin (and copper) mines are various ruins dotted around the landscape, but the industry has not disappeared, with china-clay still being mined in some areas of the county. Other industries include fishing and farming, and of course, tourism. Despite this, cornwall remains the poorest region in the UK. Cornwall and West Devon’s mining landscape was made a world heritage site in 2006.
The north coast of Cornwall, unsheltered from the Atlantic, is a favourite destination with surfers, and Newquay's Fistral Beach is at the centre of the UK surf scene. Walkers will want to take in part (or all) of the South West Coast Path, which follows the entire Cornish coastline. For those who wish to go even further afield, the Isles Of Scilly lie 28 miles off Land's End, and can be reached by sea or by helicopter services.
Cornwall has long been associated with Arthurian legend, and Tintagel is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The crumbling clifftop castle ruins here certainly evoke a magical atmosphere.
Cornwall is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This consists of twelve separate areas, which include Bodmin Moor, the Camel Estuary, The Scilly Isles and many coastal areas.
