The landscape of Cornwall has been battered by the Atlantic ocean for thousands and thousands of years. and it's geological strata has been weathering ever since.

Much like the rest of Britain, Cornwall's landscape that you see today has been influenced by mankind.

Initially the aboriginal peoples of Cornwall firstly adapted to their surroundings however as time passed they started to develop their own requirements.

As the Ice Age was beginning to melt some 10-12 thousand years ago, the sea levels rose engulfing land.

At this time the coast of Cornwall extended much further than it does to day some five miles or so and the Isles of Scilly were part of mainland Britain which in turn was still connected to Europe.

Modern archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of rectangular stone and wooden houses.

When the temperature rose around four thousand years ago the climate was more like southern France and the Med.

Hill forts and castles began to dominate the landscape between seven and nine thousand years BC, at the same time as a new metal called iron was discovered.

Farms were also beginning to appear around about this time  {the term 'farm', before it's modern concept could have been land let on a lease, or rent or service for a landholding. Also there was a theory not many years ago in the world of archaeology that with the creation of farms and fencing of areas to keep animals safe was the time wars started. Because you began to own a piece of land which you claimed, while somebody else wanted to steal it from you} with high-walled fields and ditches, some of which can still be seen today and are known as 'Celtic fields'.

It is thought that with the coming of the Romans that they had little effect on the landscape of Cornwall.

Though this might be true to a point there is evidence that the Romans did cross into Cornwall as artefact's have been found in excavations.

Norman castles began to dominate parts of Cornwall, large tracts of land were given over to William the firsts family and loyal followers and supporters.

His half brother, Robert de Montain built impressive structures such as Launceston castle to establish a hold on the people of the area.

Other similar castles were built along with churches, though despite this change of scenery and farming continued much the same as it had done previously.

As the temperature increased so did the move back to the uplands which had been deserted years before when this same area had become cooler.

The income from farming was supported by tin streaming {this was a process similar to panning for Gold, where you would wash the impurities of your pan with the flowing stream, and hopefully end up with tin}.

During the fourteenth century Cornwall was hit with the Black Death and it's effect on the population and obviously the workforce meant that lowland farms were becoming deserted,  being soon reused by the needy farmers from the uplands.

The Duchy of Cornwall held great swathes of land and along with other resources controlled parts of Cornwall.

Shipbuilding along with other trades gave the economy of cornwall an imporant boost, along with an increasing number of people tin streaming.

Centers began to develop in places such as Blackmore {St Austell} and Foweymore {Bodmin}, but at a price to the landscape.

Huge scars appeared where the streaming had taken place which still can be seen on the hillsides in Cornwall today.

As you drive through Cornwall, and if you are aware of the changing landscape, you will no doubt also see a change in the patterns of the field walls.

As you might have noticed in the images of Yorkshire and in Wensleydale the wall there are  constructed of limestone and have the appearance of an extremely large jigsaw puzzle as all shapes and sizes are placed together.

Well in Cornwall they have a totally different approach to the same structure: they use a herringbone pattern to construct their farm walls.

Then vegetation clings to the very fabric of the walls and covers the fine patterning that must take some time to build.

So looking back at Cornwall's' history you have 5.000 years of a developing culture of mining both tin and copper, farming, ancient monuments and two delightful inclusions into Britain's hall of fame in the food department; Cornish Pasties and Cornish Cream teas.

A good Cornish pasty can be bought just about anywhere in Britain. Most cities have a Cornwall's pasty shop lurking in some in there shopping center.

You can but veg versions, steak and ale, and a extra large for those with an appetite.

The origins of the pasty {or 'croust'} go back many centuries to the hey day of tin mining, which is another trade that has unfortunately died.

Made with a large crust to hold while eating, then discarded, {you wouldn't want to eat the filth and grime from your day's work that came into contact with you hands}.

Health and safety was one concern no one in the dim and distant past cared much about, so cleanliness may have been next to godliness,but not in the mines.

The original style of pasty had meat and veg in one end, while the other held an area full of either jam or fruit. It is thought that some mines even built there own ovens in the bowels of the mine in order to keep the pasties warm.

They are the true symbol of Cornwall, even the Cornish rugby team hoist a Giant pasty over the bar before they take to the field.

Cornish cream teas have stiff competition from across the RiverTamar in Devon where the Devon cream teas are as popular.

Cream teas are available anywhere in the UK varying in name only it might be the case that if you don't use Cornish ingredients, you can't call it Cornish.

It is 'Typically British' in it's concept, only the Brits could do this and do it so well, we do afternoon, Cornish, Devon and any other teas vary well in Britain.

A pot of tea, hot water, a couple of freshly baked scones a pot of strawberry and a pot of clotted cream, sheer heaven.