 On the south west tip of England is this County of pasties, pixies and clotted cream teas. The Isles of Scillly is an integral part of Cornwall and is now accessible by air and sea. The River Tamar divides Cornwall from Devon and Brunel's famous Royal Albert Railway Bridge is a link between them. The climate is very mild for most of the year but the south westerly winds provide plenty of rain. Cornwall or locally known as Kernow has a relatively low population and about 2% believe this is a Celtic nation. The county town is Truro and is the only city in Cornwall. The name is thought to be from a Celtic tribe who were sent to the West Country to keep out invaders. Being the principal source of tin for the ancient Mediterranean countries the Cornish were the world's foremost experts in mining. Cornwall's reserves of tin began to be exhausted and many Cornishmen emigrated to the Americas, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa where they were in great demand . It is now regarded as uneconomical to mine for tin but it is believed that as much tin remains as has been removed. Go anywhere in the world and see a hole in the ground and you will find a Cornishman at the bottom of it. GeographyCornwall has around 200 miles of coastline and except for the border with Devon has sea on all sides. 25 miles off Land's End are the Isles of Scilly where the temperate climate provides excellent growing conditions for semi tropical vegetation and also early Spring flowers. The rugged coastline forms excellent harbours and Falmouth is one of the best in the UK. Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor is the highest point in the county at 1,400 feet. The Lizard is the most southerly point but the imposing granite cliffs at Land's End are synonomous with the northern extremity of John O' Groats in Scotland. The mineral content has been valued for centuries, tin, copper, silver, lead, even arsenic. In a disused china clay quarry near St Austell a celebraton of the Millennium was born, the Eden Project. Giant transparent biomes contain species of plants from all over the world. The natural ultra violet light is a haven for artists, sculptors and potters alike. Barbara Hepworth had her studio in St. Ives and is a great attraction for visiitors. The Newlyn School of Art has produced famous artists many of whom are Cornish. The Tate Gallery in St. Ives exhibits their work on a regular basis. Cornwall has also inspired writers with its diverse landscapes, Daphne du Maurier lived here and wrote Rebecca, Frenchman's Creek and the infamous Jamaica Inn. IndustryTourism is the main source of revenue in Cornwall. Millions of visitors every year enjoy the surfing, sailing, coastal walks, quaint villages, and a variety of beautiful gardens and country Manor Houses. Fishing for mackerel and pilchards is not as prolific now but stil supplies local hotels and restaurants with fresh seafood. In fact food is high on the list for commerce with Cornish Pasties produced here being consumed throughout the UK and Clotted Cream being posted to addresses worldwide. |
