Cornish nationalism facts for kids
The Cornish self-government movement is a group of people who want Cornwall to have more control over its own affairs. They believe Cornwall is special and different from the rest of England. They see Cornwall as a unique duchy and a distinct nation, not just a county.
These supporters argue that Cornwall was never officially made part of England by a law called an "Act of Union." Because of this, they believe Cornwall should be recognized as one of the main countries or "home nations" of the United Kingdom, like Scotland or Wales.
Some people in the movement even question if England has the right to rule Cornwall. They point out that no Act of Union was ever passed for Cornwall. While these ideas are not widely accepted across the UK, many people in Cornwall do want more self-rule. They support campaigns like the Cornish Assembly Campaign, which aims for a Cornish assembly to make decisions for Cornwall.
The Cornish National Party (CNP) is a political party in Cornwall that shares some of these goals. It is a social democratic party, meaning it supports social justice and equality. Some Cornish nationalists are part of this party, and they want Cornwall to become fully independent from the United Kingdom.
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Understanding Cornish Self-Government
The idea of Cornish self-government is about Cornwall having more power to make its own decisions. This is often called "autonomy." It means Cornwall would manage more of its own laws and policies, rather than having them decided by the UK government in London.
Why Cornwall Wants More Control
People who support Cornish self-government believe Cornwall has a unique history and culture. They feel it should have a special status, similar to other parts of the UK.
Cornwall's Unique Status
Cornwall is currently an administrative county of England. However, historically, it was a duchy. A duchy is an area ruled by a duke or duchess. For Cornwall, this means it has a long history of being distinct.
The Idea of a Cornish Nation
Many people in Cornwall feel a strong sense of national identity. They see themselves as Cornish first, and British second. This feeling is similar to how people in Scotland or Wales identify themselves.
The Act of Union Question
The Acts of Union 1707 formally joined England and Scotland to create the Kingdom of Great Britain. Supporters of Cornish self-government argue that no such act ever formally joined Cornwall to England. This is a key point in their argument for Cornwall's unique legal position.
What is an Act of Union?
An Act of Union is a law passed by a parliament to formally join two or more separate countries or political entities. It creates a new, larger country.
Why This Matters to Cornwall
Because no Act of Union was passed for Cornwall, some believe it means Cornwall was never fully absorbed into England. This idea forms the basis for their calls for greater autonomy or even independence.
Goals of the Movement
The Cornish self-government movement has different goals, ranging from more local control to full independence.
Greater Autonomy
Many supporters want Cornwall to have more control over its own affairs within the UK. This could mean having its own assembly or parliament, similar to those in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
The Cornish Assembly Campaign
The Cornish Assembly Campaign is a movement that pushes for a directly elected assembly for Cornwall. This assembly would make decisions on local issues, giving Cornwall more say in its future.
Full Independence
A smaller number of people in the movement want Cornwall to become a completely independent country. This means Cornwall would be a separate nation, no longer part of the United Kingdom.
The Cornish National Party
The Cornish National Party (CNP) is a political party that specifically aims for Cornish independence. They believe Cornwall should govern itself entirely, separate from the UK.
Cornish Identity and Culture
The movement is also strongly linked to protecting and promoting Cornish culture and identity.
Symbols of Cornwall
The Flag of Cornwall, also known as the St Piran's Flag, is a powerful symbol of Cornish identity. It is flown widely across Cornwall and represents the unique heritage of the region.
St Piran's Day
St Piran's Day is celebrated every year on March 5th. It is a festival that celebrates Cornish culture, history, and the patron saint of Cornwall, Saint Piran.
Cornish Language and Heritage
Cornwall has its own language, Kernewek, which is a Celtic language. Efforts are being made to revive and promote the use of the Cornish language. Groups like Gorseth Kernow (the Cornish Gorsedd) work to preserve Cornish culture, language, and traditions.
Images for kids
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St Piran's Day is an annual patronal Cornish festival celebrating Cornish culture and history every 5 March
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The percentage of respondents who gave "Cornish" as an answer to the National Identity question in the 2011 census.
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Cornish constitutionalists argue that the Duke of Cornwall is the de jure head of state in Cornwall.
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At the time of King Canute, Cornwall fell outside his British realms.
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monument suporting Cornish identity
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Cornwall has had its own gorsedd, Gorseth Kernow, since 1928
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The Cornish flag, the banner of Cornwall's patron saint Saint Piran, has become a symbol of Cornwall and is flown throughout the county.
See also
In Spanish: Nacionalismo córnico para niños
