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In introducing this volume we argued – in keeping with modern interpretations – for the widest breadth of approach to maritime history. The maritime dimension, we maintained, should be identified and taken into account when addressing almost every facet of human knowledge. We implied, however, that maritime history devoted to a small geographical region such as Cornwall was unlikely to be representative of all possible factors. Instead, the numerous individual themes addressed in this volume might best be viewed as specific micro-studies, although we have also taken care to emphasise linking themes such as Cornwall’s geographical position and configuration and have highlighted semi-permanent activities such as commercial fishing and mineral exploitation.
The most recent writing on the human relationship with the sea has sought to explain its development and growing complexity over historical time.1 Until the mid-eighteenth century, according to this approach, the relationship was overwhelmingly economic, being concerned with subsistence and trade, including the naval operations that supported such activities. Since then, the economic dimension has remained ever present, but social aspects have become increasingly significant. For example, recreational use of the sea – from the shore and, increasingly, afloat – has burgeoned to such an extent that in recent years there has been more human movement by sea than during the Atlantic slave trade or the nineteenth-century Old World emigration. Allied to this social dimension – perhaps controversially – is the historical vision implicit in the growth in maritime heritage such as museums, replica craft and historic ports. So strong is this heritage perspective that most people in the United Kingdom are blind to the continuing economic importance of the sea, thinking of it only in terms of recreation and quaint historical reliquary. A further aspect of human relationships with the sea, increasingly to the fore but the impact of which is potentially unpredictable, is the ecological and environmental dimension. The changes already observed in this context have the power to impact radically on economic and social interactions globally, and specifically on a micro-geographical entity such as Cornwall.
Thus we have taken a broad view of Cornwall’s maritime relationships and significance. Many different aspects have been included here, although some are treated at much greater depth than others. The book covers the broad span of time from prehistory to the present, and our publisher has been generous with the word limit. Yet we are conscious that there are what some observers may feel to be surprising omissions. Generally, however, these are Cornish maritime themes that have received ample attention elsewhere from other writers: we have taken the view that it was more important to investigate neglected topics and offer fresh interpretations. Our introductory essays to the five parts provide a continuum for the whole volume. We hope that these, alongside the specialist chapters, will spur on other researchers to expand themes they consider worthy of greater attention and to fill the perceived gaps they may find here.
Where will Cornwall’s contemporary maritime history take us in the twenty-first century? Certain constants remain. So long as world trade, exploitation of sea resources and periods of adverse weather continue Cornwall’s geographical position will remain significant, as will the related usages discussed throughout this volume. Leisure remains a major industry for Cornish ports. The law of unexpected consequences will operate. For instance, the impending shortage of fossil fuels may lead to a revival of coastal distribution of goods in place of that by land, and with it the revival of small ports and smaller vessels able to penetrate Cornwall’s waterways. Environmental initiatives provide new ways of relating to the sea. These include the wave hub, which is part of research into the potential for marine renewable energy. Two economic initiatives of the late twentieth century, oil and gas exploitation off the south-west peninsula and the development of container bases, have failed to make progress. By contrast, the use of Cornish harbours for cruise liner visits shows interesting potential. Maritime history, like all history, is always being created, and maritime historians of the future may be sure of new topics and new approaches to old ones.
Notes and References
1 David M. Williams, ‘Humankind and the Sea: the Changing Relationship since the Mid-Eighteenth Century’, International Journal of Maritime History 22:1 (2010), pp. 1–14.