Cornwall

Cornwall is in South West England. It is a peninsula bounded seaward by the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean and landward by Devon. It ends in the West with the rugged cape of the infamous Land's End, Englands most Southerly point. The region is a low-lying plateau, rising to its greatest height at the intriguingly named, Brown Willy (1,375 ft/419 m) in Bodmin Moor. The main rivers are the Tamar, which forms most of the border with Devon, the Fowey, the Fal, and the Camel.

In the lush, rich river valleys are productive vegetable and dairy farming whilst the uplands are used for sheep and cattle pastures. The climate is mild and moist, with attractive subtropical vegetation along the Southern coast. Various types of fish are caught that are not plentiful elsewhere in Britain, including pilchard. Engineering, ship repairing, rock quarrying and tourism are the major industries here in Cornwall. Cornish tin and copper mines were known to ancient Greek traders and during World War II the old mines were reworked.

For the visitor, Cornwall's climate, coastal towns of Penzance, Falmouth, Land's End, and St. Ives and the romance of its past are a perfect blend. Arthurian legend and tales of piracy have also contributed greatly to the appeal and attractions of the area.

Cornwall's history has been somewhat distinct from that of the rest of England. The Cornish language, related to the Welsh and Breton tongues, did not die out until the 18th century. The individuality of the place and people also led to them standing firm against reformation and in 1549; thousands of Cornishmen marched to defend the Roman Catholic Church service.

This all makes for some wonderful adventures in history for the visitor who will find a wealth of attractions including Arthur's Tintagel Castle. Tristan and Isolt, King Mark, Uther Pendragon, Merlin the Magician and King Arthur were all here according to legend. At Tintagel, legends rule as there are few historical certainties here. But there are echoes and whispers to be heard.