Page 3 - Porthleven's Historical Timeline

History of Cornwall leading up to Porthleven time line

During the early Stone Age, there was little sign of human life in Cornwall, but there were
signs of limited visitors from elsewhere. The Middle Stone Age from about 10,000 BC -
was the end of the last glacial period when water levels began to rise. Hunter-gatherers
begin to settle around the coastline of Cornwall and evidence can be found around the
Lizard.

Between 4,000 and 2,500 BC in the new Stone Age there was great social and agricultural
development. Farming began and there was increased monument construction, as the
population increased.

The Early Bronze Age between 2,400 and 1,500 BC saw the introduction of metal
working. The use of bronze exploited Cornwall’s natural resources of tin and copper.
These metals were found by tin-streaming and open-cast mining. During this period
there were many more ceremonial and burial monuments: the stone circles, rows and
standing stones.

It is possible the first Celts arrived in Britain as early as 2000 BC.

During the late 1st century AD, Roman military occupation of Britain began. At this
time the part of Britain annexed by Rome was divided among various tribes. The south
west was occupied by the Dumnonii, Iron Age Celts who had been in the area for
centuries. The rural society in Cornwall was largely unchanged by the Roman
influence.

Trade in tin increased during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, not only for bronze, but
also to combine with lead for pewter objects. New trading posts were set up such as the
one at Probus. Courtyard houses appeared at this time in villages such as Penzance.

During the first millennium AD, what is now Cornwall evolved from a Roman division
of territory. It became known by its Late British name, Cornouia, the land of the
Cornovii. There appears to have been a succession of Dumnonian Kings right through
to the 9th century, and there is a 10th century memorial to King Ricatus in the grounds
of Penlee House, Penzance. Cornouia became Cornubia (Latin), Cernyw (Welsh) and
Kernow (Cornish). The language evolved into Cornish.

During the 6th and 7th centuries there was an English invasion of Cornwall. This was
the period of Arthur, Doniert & other Celtic kings including King Mark. It was also
known as The Age of the Saints.

St Piran became the patron saint of Cornwall and of tin miners. His flag is a white
cross on a black background. St Piran’s Day is celebrated on March 5th. He is the most
famous of the Irish saints who came to Cornwall