Cornish Americans visiting Cornwall?

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steffi

The Cornish don't usually mind Americans. What they don't like is people coming here to live from cities, who then try to alter the way of life into city ways. It is a totally different culture. Neither is "right" or "wrong". We say live and let live, but there are always those who try to "take over". The Cornish life is far from the Rat Race, the natural-born Cornish are very laid-back.
The Cornish are naturally very hospitable, but do get a bit resentful when all the roads are clogged up with tourists' cars, they can't get near the pub, and the shops run out of necessities early in the day. That only happens for a couple of months in the summer, though.
If you can find some elderly natives, they will be happy to talk about old Cornwall with you. Suggest you also go to the Cornwall Studies Library in Truro where all the old documentation is kept.
Although I am a born and bred Devonian (but on the Cornwall border!) I went to Grammar School in Cornwall, worked in Cornwall for over 42 years, and married a Cornishman. I consider a local Cornish town to be my home town.
There is no doubt that the Cornish are a race apart. They are a law unto themselves. Don't ever underestimate them, despite the strong accent (will you be able to understand them?). However I fear you will see more "outsiders" than native Cornish now. Low wages and high housing costs, combined with lack of employment opportunties, mean that all the youngsters go away. Cornwall is mainly populated with retired people attracted to our mild climate and holiday setting. All "foreigners" as they are usually termed, irrespective of origin, rather than outsiders.

687SPV

Cornish & american. Life can deal some pretty awful cards. Don't read into all the hype. You'll getting a better welcome in Cornwall than the one you'll get at Heathrow!

Ello Guv

Ive visited cornwall on many occasions and have always been made welcome, there are a few old codgers that get annoyed by all the tourists but their entire economy is based on tourism. They tend to be more unwelcoming to people who buy up properties and use them as second homes not just people on vacation. If you are asking will you be accepted as a cornishman because your family came from there in 1860 the answer is no, you will be treated as a friendly american.

Robert D

My family came from Germany about 400 years ago. I would be a foreigner if I went back. I wouldn't be welcome.

blackgrumpycat

Cornish people are generally very friendly and I expect you will find some people who will be willing to help you. I bet you will have a great time.

You will be considered an emmit (The Cornish refer to holiday-makers as emmits), but not an outsider. An outsider is someone who has moved into the area from elsewhere.

Oggy oggy oggy. Oi Oi Oi!

Don't forget to have a real Cornish Pastie. (Can't stand them myself - was force fed them as a child).

carina

they're not going to welcome you with open arms as their long-lost cousin ... but whenever I've been to Cornwall I've always felt welcome (and I don't have a drop of Cornish blood in me) ... true the native Cornish are quite reserved and tend to "keep themselves to themselves" but that doesn't mean they don't like you ... as long as you are polite, respectful, don't talk at the top of your voice, then I see no problem

it would probably help if you did some research before you came (for instance on on-line ancestry-tracing websites) to find out where your family came from and what they did ... it would certainly add to your visit to be able to go and seek out exact locations

kernow-girl

Why do people say that the Cornish are unfriendly? We're the friendliest people around. Yeah I admit sometimes tourists (emmets to us) get on your nerves in high summer as they pack out the beaches and stuff but we are never nasty to them and most of them seem really nice.
You should be fine! You have got Cornish roots after all and you might be able to find out some information about them in Churches, libraries and Museums etc.
So have fun and enjoy look at where your family originate from.
If you treat Cornwall as respect we will treat you well too.

Kate C

im Cornish and lived here all my life
can't say the Cornish are the friendliest of people

and whys that?

because stupid foreigner people come over and treat the county like s**t doing what ever they want,
or people from other places come down for a weekend and next month they broughtt a cottage, that belonged to a family that has lived there since forever! and they stay in it for about 2 weeks a year, strip it off its original characteristics which brought it for, then go away again

however asking people about an old family here, you be left sitting with a old fisherman for about 5 hours!
x

Daz

arrrrrr!

spring_rainbows

Yes the Cornish though not all are not outsider friendly. Outsiders being anyone who wasn't born and raised there, anyone who doesn't carry the accent or usually live in Cornwall. Anyone from outside Cornwall who come to visit are seen as tourists, which in theory is what you are. There not rude they just don't think much of tourists. try not to appear like your a tourist, don't walk around with maps or ask to many people for directions and no one will bother you.

'Er indoors!!

Please please don't listen to people like Angelita............ That's the biggest load of rubbish I have heard so far!!!! Wales, maybe, but It's Cornwall we're talking about.

I live in a gorgeous Cornish village, with just 1 pub, and visitors are as welcome as the locals, and I have spent many a lovely evening in my local, chatting happily to visitors.
It's true, the Cornish don't take too kindly to people moving into Cornwall from elsewhere, but most Cornish dwellers rely on tourism, and the income tourists bring, and I have never witnessed holidaymakers being abused by anyone.

However, most peopole don't take to loud Americans, who boast about their Country being bigger, and better e.t.c. I have witnessed pi** taking by the Cornish, who have a very dry sense of humour, whenever anyone gets their backs up, and treats them like idiots.

Keep a low profile, be friendly, but not overpowering, and you will have a wonderful time, and go back to America with many lovely memories of your visit, and if you happen to be passing, come and have a drink in the 'Ship Inn' at Lerryn, near Lostwithiel. You never know, I might even buy you one.
Oh, and by the way............I'M NOT CORNISH, but always been made welcome.
http://www.themagicofcornwall.com/pages/photogallery/secornwall/lerryn/lerryn_pics.htm

Angelita

I've been to Cornwall and although the scenery and beaches are beautiful, I wouldn't say they are the friendliest bunch of people. Dont dare to venture into a 'locals pub' and you will be thrown out. That happened to me and my family. It put me off another visit for sure.

waffoo_rn

Don't listen to all that talk about not being welcome. I'm Scottish and have lived here for 38 years,they're great people and they love to hear from people who have left but are still interested in "The Old Country".
Come on over they'll love you.

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