Folklore of Cornwall

Folklore of Cornwall surveys the stories, beliefs and customs associated with the county, linking them to its landscape and history. The subjects range from standing stones, sea-monsters and mermaids to accounts of ghosts, fairies, giants, demons and witchcraft. Mining traditions, herbal lore and the practices surrounding the sea also feature prominently.

The book considers Cornwall’s old language, its tradition of ballad-singing, pagan ceremonies, saints and holy wells, alongside customs marking the turning year. King Arthur and his legacy receive particular attention, while the thematic arrangement brings together material on the life cycle, local industries, animals, plants and minerals. Deane and Shaw present these traditions as remembered beliefs, stories and cultural practices rooted in Cornish communities.