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Tucked at the end of the southwesterly tip in the U.K., Cornwall promises world-class surf, rich cream teas and tales of smugglers.
This faraway land, known for traditional fishing villages, rugged cliffs, and golden beaches, has become a favourite holiday destination for locals and foreigners alike. However, in recent years, many arguments and counter-arguments have erupted in regard to the true status of this county.
Quite a few people believe that Cornwall is a part of England, whereas historian Craig Weatherhill argues that it isn’t. He supports his statement by quoting that the county was portrayed as separate from England on numerous maps till the middle of the 16th Century.
This begs the question: which country does Cornwall belong to, Wales or England? Because many people are curious to know the answer, we decided to put together a guide on the same.
Is Cornwall A Part Of Wales?
Taking into account the current scenario, Cornwall isn’t a part of Wales, though it was in the past.
Diving a little deep into history, this county was a part of the Brythonic Kingdom of Dumnonia before the Roman Empire. Later, the name of the Dumnonia Kingdom was changed to West Wales with the intent to distinguish it from modern-day Wales or North Wales.
However, England invaded the county during the 6th and the 7th Century. During this period, King Mark, along with a number of Celtic kings, lived.
Further, in 710, the King of the West Saxons, Ina, made several attempts to destroy Dumnania but failed. Even the King of Wessex, Ecgberht, tried invading Cornwall in the 9th Century but failed. After several unsuccessful attempts, the Battle of Hingston Down took place in 838 between West Saxons led by the King of Wessex and Cornish and Vikings.
In this battle that probably took place at Hingston Down, Ecgberht emerged as the winner, and Cornwall was defeated. After the battle, the county became a subordinate kingdom of Wessex, just like Sussex and Kent.
Is Cornwall Legally A Part Of England?
Cornwall was taken over by England after the Norman Conquest.
It was only the Cornish Rebellion of 1497 that put an end to several years of Cornish resistance to English dominion. However, the rebellion wasn’t successful, and after that, Cornwall became a county within the newly constituted Kingdom of England.
Despite the fact that Cornwall has been an independent county, the government and parliament of Cornwall are still in existence in the United Kingdom. Today, Cornwall is regarded as the most prosperous region of the country, whose economy is strong due to tourism and agriculture.
Even though Cornwall is occupied by England, it’s regarded as a country because it has its own history, culture and language. There’s no denying that the English have made several attempts to claim Cornwall, but the country has fought for its independence time and again.
As per the historian Craig Weatherhill, Henry VIII addressed Cornwall and England separately in his coronation address. And surprisingly, Elizabeth I asserted that she did not rule Cornwall, although Cornish was one of the languages she was supposed to speak.
Things changed after 1548, as Anglia et Cornubia was no longer found in the official records. In addition to that, the British Sea was renamed the English Channel.
What was more surprising was that Cornwall was omitted from the map, meaning it was no longer considered a separate entity. Even the records of the official annexing of Cornwall to England were no longer to be found.
In essence, Cornwall isn’t legally a part of England; rather, it’s an independent country that has been absorbed into England. The ongoing independence of Cornwall is reinforced by its status as a Duke and Earldom since the 16th Century.
Was Cornwall Ever Separate From England?
In cultural and ethnic terms, the county of Cornwall and its inhabitants were considered by their English neighbours separate for quite a few centuries.
However, some people dismiss all claims that the county of Cornwall ought to be or is separate from England. Instead, they assert that Cornwall has been a part of England since the creation of Cornwall County Council when Athelstan conquered it or the administration of the Tudor dynasty.
In other words, until the West Britons weren’t ultimately subdued by the English people, it was separate from England.
Is Wales Close To Cornwall?
The distance between Cornwall and Wales is 138 miles, which is equivalent to 222.089 kilometres. Taking the distance into account, Wales is quite close to Cornwall.
Why Is Cornwall A Part Of England And Not A “Country” Like Scotland And Wales?
Historically, Cornwall has a different Celtic culture and was regarded as a separate nation long ago.
However, post-Norman Conquest, Cornwall was no longer considered a separate country. Ultimately, it was regarded as just another part of England, unlike Scotland and Wales, which are regarded as a country.
While the exact reason is unknown, its topography and small size are believed to be the reason behind its annexation.
Cornwall- The Forgotten Fifth Nation Of The U.K.
Because of the current situation, Cornwall has lost sight of its status as the fifth nation of the U.K. The phrase “the nations in the U.K. that have devolved public health” has been wrongly condensed to the “four nations of the U.K.” or the “four developed nations”.
The county has a small amount of decentralisation, but not quite like the other Celtic nations of the United Kingdom.
The Takeaway – What Country Does Cornwall Belong To?
Recognised among the Celtic nations, Cornwall is home to a number of Cornish people, but the question is, where does Cornwall belong?
After considering everything, we conclude that this historic county and unitary authority with a peninsula protruding into the Atlantic Ocean is in South West England. Cornwall, in the present time, is seen as an administrative county of England, but it is also its own country because of its rich culture and history.
As per a survey conducted by YouGov, residents of Cornwall identify themselves as English and are proud of their identity. This survey indicates that the Cornish people feel at home in England.
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