Cornwall 1610 Map by John Speed | Fine Art Print

Cornwall History

The numerous ports, coves and rivers featured on the map effect every aspect of the county In 1610 Cornwall’s soil was hard to work and the landscape was bleak. Cornwall’s early farmers added seaweed and sand to soil in an attempt to improve its fertility, but with little success. Cereal crops were poor and livestock did not thrive either – sheep were small and produced coarse wool which was not ideal for weaving. Cornish clothiers and weavers often had to request government help to protect their livelihoods. However fruits cropping in late summer did well. These factors had interesting effects on the growth of the Cornish community – and the landscape developed into one of small hamlets and scattered farmsteads. The open fields method of small strips of land came to an end in the early 1700’s by mutual arrangement with tenant farmers and landowners. Cornwall was however rich in minerals – tin, copper silver. In 1603 James was King of Scotland prior to taking the throne of England, and was to become the first sovereign who could actually call himself King of England. One of the main members of the commission who arranged this treaty of rule with Scotland was a Cornishman – George Carew – knighted for his involvement, later becoming Ambassador to the court of France and afterwards writing Relation of the State of France a much referenced work. George Carew died in 1612 leaving the enormous sum in those times of £10,000, and a widow, Thomasine [1] the daughter of Sir Francis Godolphin. A Duke of Cornwall was invested – James’s eldest son Henry of whom John Norden wrote in his Description of Cornwall ‘that most virtuous prince of most blessed towardness’. So in 1610 an investiture occurred in London but sadly the Duke was never to become King, his death occurring just two years later and the Dukedom was passed to James’s second son Charles. During his short Dukedom, Henry was to find the County of Cornwall in a depleted state for Queen Elizabeth being in dire financial straits had sold no less than eighteen of Cornwall’s manors in 1601, the more notable including Trematon, Tintagel and Restormel James considered this action to have been unlawful and regained ownership through an act of parliament. This fine historical map is a wonderfully illuminating source of information for any study of Cornwall history.

Cornwall in the 1600s was a region of England with a distinct identity, shaped by its geography, economy, and social structure. Here are some key aspects of Cornwall during that time:

1. Economic Activities

• Mining: Cornwall was one of the most important mining regions in England, especially for tin and copper. The mining industry was flourishing during the 1600s and provided jobs for many of the local population. The tin trade, in particular, had been significant for centuries, and Cornwall’s mines were highly sought after in Europe.
• Fishing: Cornwall’s coastal location made fishing another key part of its economy. The region supplied fish to markets both within England and abroad.
• Agriculture: The rural parts of Cornwall were mainly focused on farming, with agriculture supporting local populations. However, due to the poor quality of some soils and a reliance on coastal industries, farming was not the most dominant force in Cornwall’s economy.

2. Social and Cultural Life

• Language and Identity: Cornwall had its own distinct Celtic heritage and language, Cornish, which was still spoken by some during the early part of the 1600s. However, by the end of the century, Cornish was rapidly dying out as English became more dominant. The Cornish people were fiercely proud of their regional identity.
• Religion: Like the rest of England, Cornwall experienced the effects of the English Reformation. The Church of England became the dominant religious institution, though Cornwall still had a notable Catholic presence, especially in the more remote areas, as a result of its isolation and historical ties to Catholicism.
• Cornish Rebellion: The 1600s saw a few rebellions, including a revolt against the English government. One of the most significant was the 1640s Cornish Rebellion in response to taxes imposed on the population during the English Civil War, which showed the region’s strong sense of independence.

3. The English Civil War

• Cornwall played an important role during the English Civil War (1642–1651). It was primarily a Royalist stronghold, with the Cornish supporting King Charles I against the Parliamentarians. This was largely due to Cornwall’s traditional loyalty to the monarchy and its rural, conservative values.
• In 1644, a large battle took place in the region, the Battle of Stratton, where the Royalists achieved a significant victory. Cornish troops were known for their fighting spirit, and their role in the Royalist army became a notable part of the war.

4. The Decline of Cornish Language

• While the Cornish language was still spoken in some rural areas, it was gradually being replaced by English. By the end of the 1600s, the Cornish language had almost died out, with English becoming the primary language spoken in the region.

5. Isolation and Infrastructure

• Cornwall in the 1600s was relatively isolated from the rest of England due to its geographical position at the southwestern tip of the country. Travel was difficult, and the region remained somewhat self-sufficient in many respects. Roads were poor, and transportation was slow, meaning that Cornwall had a distinct cultural and economic identity compared to other parts of England.
• However, the development of ports and the importance of trade, especially through places like Falmouth, began to open up Cornwall to the wider world, albeit gradually.

6. Notable Figures

• Sir Bevil Grenville: A prominent Royalist leader from Cornwall who fought in the English Civil War. He is remembered as one of the key figures leading Cornish forces during the conflict.
• The Poldark Influence: Although fictional, the popular Poldark series is set around this period and highlights many aspects of Cornwall’s 1600s culture, particularly the mining and social struggles of the time.

In summary, Cornwall in the 1600s was a region defined by its rugged coastlines, strong Royalist sympathies, thriving mining industries, and a unique cultural identity. However, this was also a time of significant change, marked by the decline of the Cornish language and social tensions, especially during the English Civil War.

Today

The rise of holiday cottages and apartments in Cornwall has had a notable impact on its communities, both positive and negative. Here’s a breakdown of the effects:

Positive Impacts

1. Economic Boost:

   • Tourism revenue: Holiday rentals, especially cottages and apartments, bring significant income to Cornwall. Tourists spend money on accommodations, dining, entertainment, and local attractions, supporting businesses such as cafes, restaurants, shops, and service providers.
   • Job creation: The growth of the holiday rental sector has created jobs in property management, cleaning, maintenance, and hospitality services.

2. Revitalization of Rural Areas:

   • In some rural areas, holiday cottages have helped revitalize communities by bringing in visitors year-round. This has led to investment in infrastructure and services, including improved public transportation and local facilities.
   • In some instances, it has provided the opportunity to refurbish older, abandoned buildings, giving them a new lease of life.

3. Support for Local Culture:

   • With more visitors come opportunities to promote Cornwall’s unique cultural heritage. Events, festivals, and crafts benefit from increased exposure to tourists.

Negative Impacts

1. Housing Affordability:

   • Rising property prices: The high demand for holiday homes, particularly from second-home owners, has driven up property prices. Locals, especially young people and those with lower incomes, struggle to afford homes in the area.
   • Reduced rental availability: Many homes that could have been long-term rentals are instead used for short-term holiday lets. This reduces the stock of available homes for local residents and further drives up rental prices.

2. Community Displacement:

   • As more properties are bought up by owners from outside the area, long-term residents may feel displaced. This has been especially prominent in towns and villages that have seen a rapid increase in short-term lets.
   • Local schools and services may see a reduced number of residents if families are forced to move away because of high housing costs.

3. Environmental and Infrastructure Strain:

   • Overcrowding: The influx of tourists, especially in popular areas, can strain local infrastructure. Roads, public transport, and waste disposal systems can become overwhelmed during peak seasons.
   • Environmental degradation: Increased tourism can place pressure on natural environments, from coastal erosion to littering and pollution, which affect Cornwall’s beautiful landscapes and ecosystems.

4. Loss of Community Character:

   • Some argue that an overreliance on tourism-driven properties can undermine the traditional character and social fabric of Cornish villages. With a larger percentage of properties being rented out to tourists, the sense of a tight-knit, local community may be eroded.

Conclusion

While holiday cottages and apartments bring significant economic benefits to Cornwall, they also contribute to housing affordability issues, environmental strain, and social challenges. Balancing the interests of the local population with the demands of tourism remains a key challenge for policymakers in Cornwall. Some efforts, such as regulations on short-term rentals, are being discussed or implemented to mitigate negative impacts and preserve the community’s long-term viability.