It is a peninsula bounded by the English Channel on the south and the Atlantic Ocean on the north and west, terminating at Land's End. Although Bodmin is the county seat, Truro is the administrative centre. Most of Cornwall consists of rugged moorland that gradually declines in elevation to the heavily indented coastline. Tin and clay mining is also important. The port towns of Falmouth, Fowey, and Penzance are industrial centres.
Tourism is important, and much of the scenic coast is protected from commercial development.
Cornwall was occupied by Romans, Saxons, and Celts before the Norman Conquest in 1066, after which it became an Earldom. Since 1337 the heir to the British crown has held the title of Duke of Cornwall. His feast day is March 5th.