History and Heritage of Cornwall

Perched on a mound overlooking Launceston, Launceston Castle stands as a symbol of Cornwall's medieval past. Built by the Earls of Cornwall, this formidable fortress has served as both a prison and courthouse over the centuries. Further south, in Fowey sits Restormel Castle. Sat on a spur of land above where the first safe crossing of the Fowey River once was. The ruins of this 13th century castle were once used by Edward, the Black Prince, to entertain his hunting friends.

On the coastline you’ll find castles built for defence, strategically placed to guard harbours. Pendennis Castle in Falmouth guards the Fal estuary with the opposing St Mawes Castle guarding the eastern side of the river. The town of Falmouth, at the time Henry VIII ordered the castles to be built, was considered an unimportant small village, but it was the safe deep harbour that needed protecting, as it was the first refuge for ships sailing up the English Channel.

Further out to sea, perched majestically on an island just off the coast of Marazion, St Michael's Mount is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. This tidal island, crowned by a medieval castle and steeped in legend, offers a fascinating insight into Cornwall's medieval past. Legend has it that the mount was once the home of a giant named Cormoran, defeated by a local boy named Jack. Today, visitors can explore the castle, stroll through beautiful gardens, and soak in panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

However, perhaps nowhere is Cornwall's history more intertwined with legend than at Tintagel Castle. Perched on the rugged north coast, this clifftop fortress is steeped in Arthurian lore. From its bustling stronghold in ancient times to its medieval fortifications, Tintagel captivates visitors with its tales of kings and wizards.

However, in 1866 copper prices crashed and copper, tin and china clay began being found in other areas of the world. As a result, the demand for copper and tin mining decreased, eventually leading to the closure of the last tin mine in the UK, South Crofty, in 1998. With the decrease in mines, Cornish miners left, taking their technical skills with them, to Australia and America where mining was still a lucrative opportunity and their expertise was highly valued, earning them the nickname “Cousin Jack”.

While the miners may have left, Cornwall still has clear remnants of this mining heritage. Nobody can have visited Cornwall without noticing the imposing ruins of this once great industry. As you explore the Cornish countryside, you’ll encounter abandoned mines, engine houses, and industrial structures that dot the Cornish landscape each serving as reminders of this rich heritage. Cornwall's mining heritage has left a lasting cultural legacy, influencing everything from local traditions to cuisine and even language. Today you can step back into time and experience Cornwall’s mining legacy at a number of locations including Geevor Tin Mine located on the Lands’ End peninsula, or Cornwall Gold, a perfect location for a family day out. The more adventurous can explore abandoned mines with Cornwall Underground or delve deeper into Cornwall’s mining history with King Edward Mine Museum. Still in use as a training mine until 2005, King Edward Mine Museum offers the chance to see restored machinery and working engines in action. If you have visited the Eden Project you may have noticed its position within a reclaimed china clay pit, owing its inception to the industry. While the ongoing influence of china clay alongside its rich history can be explored at Wheal Martyn Clay Works, nestled amidst two former clay pits.

Duties were placed on a range of goods many including tea, silks, muslins handkerchiefs and even salt which was essential for the Cornish fishing industry. The tax on tea skyrocketed to a staggering 110% and a multitude of duties amounting to approximately 250% on brandy and gin alone, the Cornish population found itself burdened by an overwhelming tax load.

In response the fishermen, alongside impoverished labourers, turned to smuggling to support their families, quickly transforming what began as a means of survival into a lucrative and highly organised enterprise. The vast sums of money generated from smuggling operations not only sustained coastal communities but also attracted a network of skilled smugglers and traders, establishing Cornwall as a hub of illicit trade. Evidence of this smuggling can still be seen today in the hidden coves, secret tunnels and concealed compartments in old buildings that were once used to evade the authorities. The Jamaica Inn is known to be Cornwall’s most famous smuggling inn where travellers would hide away contraband that had been brought ashore on its way to the rest of the UK. Now, the Jamaica Inn keeps this history alive with its Smugglers Museum where visitors can find an extensive collection of smuggling artefacts and learn more about the history of smuggling in Cornwall.

In Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime legacy is preserved and celebrated at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the region's seafaring history, from its fishing traditions to its naval connections and the impact of smuggling on coastal communities.