Cornwall, Connectivity and Identity in the Fourteenth Century

In the Middle Ages, Cornwall was a remote and separate county in England, but it still held an integral place in the wider realm. This book argues that myths, saints, government, and lordship endowed the name and notion of Cornwall with authority, while the earldom-duchy and the Crown helped to link the county into the politics of England. It also sets Cornwall in the latest debates about centralisation, devolution, and collective identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Rewritten text:

The intriguing connections between Cornwall, a county often perceived as remote and distinct in the Middle Ages, and the broader realm of England have recently come to light. This captivating book, which received the prestigious Holyer an Gof Cup for non-fiction in 2020, delves into the historical relationship between Cornwall and England.

Spanning across the untamed Atlantic, fourteenth-century Cornwall stood as a land at the farthest reaches of the earth. Within its boundaries, many held the belief that King Arthur, a legendary figure, was a genuine Cornishman, and that their native shire had once been the abode of formidable giants. However, despite its unique and remarkable characteristics, Cornwall remained an integral part of the wider realm of England.

Drawing upon a diverse array of published and archival sources, this book aims to showcase how Cornwall retained its distinct identity while seamlessly integrating into the kingdom. It argues that myths, saints, governance, and lordship played a pivotal role in imbuing the name and concept of Cornwall with authority in the minds of its inhabitants, forging them into a cohesive community. Simultaneously, the earldom-duchy and the Crown worked together to establish strong connections between Cornwall and the politics of England as a whole. Thousands of Cornishmen and women were drawn eastward by the demands of the Crown, leading to the development of warfare, lordship, commerce, law, the Church, and maritime interests. These diverse connections served as a powerful force for integration, connecting Cornwall to the broader world.

Supported by a diverse cast of characters, ranging from ruthless pirates and gentleman-criminals to the esteemed Black Prince, the volume places Cornwall at the forefront of ongoing debates surrounding centralization, devolution, and collective identity. It explores the essence of Cornishness and Englishness, shedding light on the complex interplay between these identities.

S.J. DRAKE, a Research Associate at the Institute of Historical Research, has deep roots in Cornwall. His expertise and firsthand knowledge contribute to the richness and depth of this captivating exploration.

Weight: 786g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837650088