Cornwall is a place of myth and legend, from its tin mines to its towering cliffs. But there’s more to this beautiful county than just pasties and piskies. Here are some surprising facts and history about Cornwall that you might not know:
- Cornwall was once an independent kingdom. Until the 11th century, Cornwall was a separate kingdom from England. It had its own laws, currency, and language.
- Cornwall has its own language. Cornish is a Celtic language that is closely related to Welsh. It was once spoken by the majority of the population of Cornwall, but it is now a minority language. However, there has been a recent revival of interest in Cornish, and there are now many Cornish-speaking schools and organizations.
- Cornwall was a major tin mining region. Tin mining has been a major industry in Cornwall for centuries. Tin was used to make bronze, which was one of the most important metals in the ancient world. Cornish tin was also exported to other parts of Europe, and it helped to make Cornwall a wealthy region.
- Poldark Country. Cornwall’s dramatic coastline and moors have starred as the backdrop for the hit BBC television series Poldark, based on Winston Graham’s novels. Visit Charlestown to see Georgian-era ships and Poldark’s ‘Wheal Leisure’ mine. The scenic mineral trails at Botallack inspired Poldark’s fictional Wheal Grace mine.
- The first recorded use of the word “piskey” was in 1577. Piskies are small, fairy-like creatures that are said to live in Cornwall. They are often mischievous, but they can also be helpful.
- The Cornish flag is a black flag with a white cross. The flag was first used in the 16th century, and it is still flown in Cornwall today.
- The Cornish language is a Celtic language that is closely related to Welsh. Cornish was once spoken by the majority of the population of Cornwall, but it is now a minority language. However, there has been a recent revival of interest in Cornish, and there are now many Cornish-speaking schools and organizations.
- The Cornish pasty is a traditional Cornish dish that is made with meat, potatoes, and onions. The pasty was invented in Cornwall in the 17th century, and it is still a popular dish today.
- The Eden Project is a popular tourist attraction in Cornwall. The Eden Project is a botanical garden that was built in the 1990s. It is home to a variety of plants from around the world, and it is a popular destination for families and nature lovers.
About Us
Based in Cornwall we’re the only full service destination management company for our region. Recommended partner of Visit Cornwall, the official tourism board, we work with tour operators, agents and individual group leaders offering it as part of complete packages that can include London, Southern England and the rest of the UK & Ireland.
What we offer:
- A complete range of ground services for the FIT and group markets.
- Unique knowledge and local connections to create bespoke trips for all kinds of traveller.
- A range of hotel options with the best pricing and allocations.
- Exclusive tailor-made visits and memorable experiences, unlike any other in Europe.
- Itineraries with the emphasis on showing the natural landscapes, culture, heritage, and hidden gems of British food and produce that makes Cornwall so special.