A variety of other semi-metals are found in Cornwall; the most remarkable of these are Bismuth, Zinc, Antimony, Cobalt, Arsenic, Wolfram, Menachanite, and Molybdena, or Sulphuret of Molybdenum; but a description of the places where they are found, or of their several properties, has already been published in most of the works relating to this county.
Notwithstanding the early part of the History of Cornwall is enveloped in obscurity, there is little reason to doubt that (particularly from the writings of Leland) a battle was fought between the renowned King Arthur and his nephew Mordred, in the neighbourhood of Camelford, in which the former was slain; and that on the spot where the battle is said to have taken place, several warlike antiquities have been found.
That during the incursions of the Saxons, several engagements took place between them and the Cornish Britons, particularly in the time of Athelstan, who in the year 926, is said to have completely defeated this county and subdued the Scilly Isles, when considerable havoc and depredations were committed. At subsequent periods, the Danish pirates frequently landed, and committed great mischief in many parts of the county, particularly in plundering the monasteries.
During the captivity of Richard I., several commotions took place in Cornwall, and St. Michael’s Mount was seized upon, but afterwards given up, and Henry de lu Pomeroy died through fear of the King’s anger.
In the year 1322, many of the Cornish people were smitten with an enthusiasm of conquering the Holy Land, and left the county; but some were executed, and others returned and repented of their folly.
When Queen Margaret landed at Weymouth in the year 1471, the people of Cornwall and Devonshire, under the persuasions of Sir Hugh Courtenay, of Boconnoe, and Sir John Arundell, of Langhorne, marched to Exeter and accompanied her to Tewkesbury, when her troops were completely defeated, and the Queen, after being ransomed, died a few years after in France. At the latter end of the same year, John Vere, Earl of Oxford, took possession of St. Michael’s Mount, and retained possession of it till the February following, when (on his life being spared by the King) it was surrendered to Sir John Fortescue.
In 1497, the people in Cornwall rose in rebellion, and marched to Blackheath, in Kent, where they were defeated by Lord Dauberry, and their ringleaders executed. Lord Bacon, says, “on this occasion, they were armed with a strong and mighty bow, and had arrows the length of a tailor’s yard.” Shortly after another rebellion broke out in Cornwall, and no less than 3000 men joined the notorious Perkin Warbeck, and marched to Exeter; but his wife, Lady Catherine Gordon, was taken a prisoner from St. Michael’s Mount. A subsequent rebellion broke out in the year 1548, under Humphry Arundell, who was defeated and executed, together with many of his supporters.
During the civil wars in the 17th century, the inhabitants of Cornwall greatly distinguished themselves by their bravery and loyalty; but during the severe contests which took place, many valuable lives were lost on both sides; especially as the insurgents had taken possession of some of the antient fortifications in the county. Cornwall now furnishes a regiment of militia, a corps of miners, and several troops of yeomanry. During the late war with France, many volunteer corps were raised, but fortunately their services were not required.