Cornwall/Kernow
Cornwall/Kernow is at the tip of the south-west of Britain. It's north and western area is bordered by the Atlantic. To the south by the English Channel and and east by the county of Devon. Included are the Isles of Scilly. Cornwall covers an area of 1,376 square miles and the administrative centre is Truro. The area is noted for its moorland landscapes, large and varied coastline, with many place names derived from the Cornish language.
The history of Cornwall starts with begins with the pre-Roman inhabitants, who spoke a Celtic language that would develop into Brythonic Cornish. The Cornish language is one of the Celtic languages, closer to Bretagne and Welsh than to Irish, Manx and Scottish. Cornwall was part of the territory of the tribe of the Dumnonii. Through the Roman period it appears that Roman rule was not effective in this area. Following a period of conflict with the Kingdom of Wessex, it became a part of the English Kingdom which was subsequently incorporated into Great Britain and the United Kingdom.
Cornwall is recognised as one of the Celtic Nations and it retains a distinct cultural identity and a nationalist movement exists which campaigns for greater autnomy which recognises the Cornish peoples national identity.
Mining has been important to the Cornish economy historically. Becoming significant during the Middle Ages it expanded in the 19th century when copper mines were also in production. The tin and copper mines entered a period of decline In the mid-nineteenth century. Later china clay extraction became important. Traditionally fishing and agriculture were important sectors of the economy. The development of tourism during the twentieth century has now made this a vital part of the economy.
Historical Periods in Cornwall
Stone Age
The earliest stone tools found in Cornwall date from around 4500BC and there are remains a stone age settlement at Carn Brae (near Redruth). The name "Cornwall" comes from Cornovii (hill dwellers), and Waelas (strangers). Many burial chambers remain from this period, good examples of which can be seen at Trethevy Quoit near St Cleer, Liskeard, and Chun Cromlech near Land's End.
Bronze Age
Around 2500BC a trade started growing in tin and copper, with foreign traders exchanging bronze tools and gold ornaments for the minerals. The remains of Bronze Age villages can be seen on Bodmin Moor and the West Penwith Uplands. Excavations reveal these peoples to be, living in villages and practicing farming with evidence of metalworking.
The Celtic Iron Age
Around 1000 BC came knowledge of forging iron into weapons. The Celts, the ancestors of the modern Cornish, lived in villages and farmed, mined for tin, copper, bronze and iron, smelted and worked the metal. Chysuaster near Penzance is the one of their settlements with the low stone walls, grinding stones and the fireplaces in evidence. Many of the settlements were on hilltops to protect from attack. Most of their settlements were fortified against attack. The word "Car" or "Caer" in Cornish place names are from the Celtic "ker" meaning fort, and "Dinas" meaning hill.
Roman times
The Roman landings in Britain in 55BC appear to have had little impact in Cornwall with the last major Roman settlement in the west being at Exeter. The Tamar, Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor acted as impediments to the Romans. The Cornish Celts were left much to themselves.
Middle Ages
When the Romans left Britain, Cornwall became more under Saxon influence. After the Norman conquest, the integration of Cornwall into Britain started to increase. Cornwall was given to Roberts, William's half-brother, who made his headquarters at Launceston, where he built the castle to enforce his rule. Cornwall was ruled by a succession of relatives of the Norman and Plantagenet kings.
The first Duke of Cornwall was Edward, son of Edward III. Throughout the middle ages there were a number of rebellions. The Prayer Book Rebellion in 1549 against the imposition of the English Prayer book resulted in many Cornishmen being executed. A Spanish invasion took place at Mounts Bay in 1595. The Civil War between 1642-1649 led to battles and sieges in Cornwall. The Monmouth Rebellion took place in 1685.
Further information
This is just a brief introduction into periods of Cornish with and Transceltic suggests you read, visit the sites and visit the museums in the area to develop your knowledge of Cornish history.