Cornwall Occupations

The major determining influence upon the occupation of the inhabitants comes from the geography and geology of Cornwall. It is a long and narrow peninsula, which even at its center is no more than 20 mile (30km) from the coast. With a land area of only 1376 square miles, the coastline is 258 miles, so the proximity to the sea has historically meant that a large part of the economy and occupations are connected to the sea. Every coastal village had a fishing fleet, and until recent decades the fish were not only harvested for the local populace, but exported to other parts of England and beyond.

The magnificent natural harbor at Falmouth made it an important port for trade and shipping, as well as some passenger traffic. There has also been a navy presence there with all the associated occupations. Although Plymouth/Devenport is in Devon, it is directly across the Tamar River from Cornwall, and the naval base and large seaport there have always drawn many of the Cornish of that area to employment there.