Cornwall

Cornwall by Sabine Baring-Gould

The work provides a comprehensive exploration of Cornwall, detailing its geography, history, geology, and cultural significance. It begins by contrasting the arbitrary land divisions of England with those of the United States, emphasizing the complex and varied boundaries of English counties, particularly Cornwall, which is identified as a Duchy rather than a traditional county. The text delves into Cornwall's rich history, tracing its origins back to ancient times when it was inhabited by the Dumnonii, a Celtic tribe. It discusses the evolution of its name, the impact of various invasions, and the establishment of boundaries, particularly the significance of the River Tamar as a dividing line between Cornwall and Devon. Geologically, Cornwall is characterized by its granite formations, which have shaped its landscape and influenced its economy, particularly through mining and fishing. The text highlights the county's mineral wealth, including tin and copper, and the historical significance of its mining industry, which has been a cornerstone of its economy. The narrative also covers Cornwall's unique flora and fauna, shaped by its insular climate and geographical isolation. It notes the presence of rare species and the influence of the Gulf Stream on its weather patterns, contributing to a diverse ecosystem. Culturally, the work examines the distinct Cornish identity, including language, traditions, and the impact of historical events such as the Civil War and various rebellions. It highlights notable figures from Cornwall, including explorers, inventors, and artists, who have contributed to its rich heritage. The text concludes with a discussion of Cornwall's modern developments, including its agricultural practices, the decline of traditional industries, and the rise of tourism, particularly in coastal towns. It emphasizes the ongoing significance of Cornwall as a unique region within England, with a distinct cultural and historical identity that continues to evolve.

By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1900 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Travel Literature, Biography · 26 chapters · 34,521 words

First lines

If we take a map of England and contrast it with a map of the United States, perhaps one of the first things we shall notice is the dissimilarity of the arbitrary divisions of land of which the countries are composed. In America the rigidly straight boundaries and rectangular shape of the majority of the States strike the eye at once; in England our wonder is rather how the boundaries have come to be so tortuous and complicated -- to such a degree, indeed, that until recently many counties had outlying islands, as it were, within their neighbours' territory. We may guess at once that the conditions under which the divisions arose cannot have been the same, and that while in America these formal square blocks of land, like vast allotment gardens, were probably the creation of a central authority, and portioned off much about the same time; the divisions we find in England own no such simple origin. Our guess would not have been wrong, for such, in fact, is more or less the case. The formation of the English counties in many instances was (and is -- for they have altered up to to-day) an affair of slow growth. King Alfred is credited with having made them, but inaccurately, for some existed before his time, others not till long after his death, and their origin was -- as their names tell us -- of very diverse nature.

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Cornwall · Sabine Baring-Gould · historical · geography · travel · culture · landscape · folklore · mythology · coastal · heritage · local customs

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