| dc.description.abstract | Cornwall has had a long history of difference compared to the experience of other English counties.
As landscape and identity have interwoven, the river Tamar has represented a clear divide between
Cornwall and the rest of the United Kingdom undoubtedly, an important facet of the Cornish
identity. Whilst it has functioned as a historic and symbolic break in the landscape, the ‘borderlands’
of the Tamar have begun to emerge in the Civic Society of the South-West in their own right as part
of the evolution of living close to the border has changed and opportunities for investment,
protection and prosperity have emerged. This thesis therefore seeks to explore the impact of the
bordering and re-bordering process of Cornwall and more specifically, East Cornwall. Thus, though
this thesis we can explore the sub-national border, an area of border studies that is far less
developed, but in
Reflecting on their daily interactions with neighbouring Plymouth and Devon, built on historic
connections, we see how life differs in East Cornwall compared to the rest of the county. An
interdisciplinary approach considering the political, cultural, and socio-economic history of these
communities, particularly focused on post-19th century life, but also drawing on precedence from
earlier examples, sees how divergence has grown across parts of the borders. There is the struggle
of the voice of local communities on both banks of the River Tamar, some advocated, others
challenging the construction and re-organisation of cultural and political borders.
Cornish studies has traditionally focused on Cornwall as a whole, defining its distinctive sense of
place and identity as a Celtic nation and a constitutional part of the Celtic fringe in the context of
the British State. This thesis, building on the growing body of more micro-historical, localised
histories within Cornwall, seeks to challenge the orthodox narrative that has found West Cornwall,
which has been the subject of most of these intra-Cornwall studies, to be ‘more Cornish’.
Unearthing new narratives about the ‘forgotten Corner’ of Cornwall amongst other parts of East
Cornwall not only disputes the homogeneity of Cornwall and Cornish identity, but also the brings to
light the shared heritage amongst these more rural communities.
Through Border studies, we can explore how competitive territory, overlapping jurisdictions and
implications of social mobility have changed over time and in doing so reshaped perceptions of the
border. The field also recognizes that border politics will continue to be reshaped, and in doing so,
alter the relationships and territories they define. Looking towards Cornwall’s future, this thesis
reflects as to how it is evolving amidst a backdrop of devolution, de-centralization, and threats to the
British constitution. This has implications for Cornish identity, which may be multiple identities, in a
more globalized world, changing rapidly for those living near borders. | en_GB |
