Cornwall has a distinct identity which many believe is thanks to its location. On the edge of Britain it is almost completely surrounded by water, with the River Tamar leaving it feeling detached from the rest of the country.
Cornwall’s distant history is linked more closely to Brittany, Wales and Ireland than to anywhere in England. This is reflected in its archaeology, place names, language and folklore. Cornwall is steeped in myths and legends, with its own unique tales, remaining a place that people associate with spirituality and the unknown.
Cornish language, or Kernewek, reflects this distinctive culture. It is similar to Breton and Welsh, with some Latin influences. A good way to start learning the language is with Cornish place names that tell us about the landscape, legends and geography. For example, carn means a pile of rocks and brae means hill. Carn Brae is a tor on a hill.
Kernow bys vyken / Cornwall forever
Cornish is said to have died out in the 1700s with the death of Dolly Pentreath. Dolly was a working-class woman made famous and celebrated as the last Cornish speaker. However, there are written records of people using Cornish until the 1870s.
Language was closely linked to power. In the past, government and religion were conducted in English, reducing voices who did not speak it. Glasney College (founded in 1265) was a powerful and important centre for learning and the Cornish language. Its destruction in 1548 contributed to the anger that led to Cornish people rebelling against the King.
