Authenticating belief and identity: the visitor and Celtic Christianity in Cornwall. (1st January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Busby, Graham; Laviolette, Patrick
• Is Part Of: International journal of tourism anthropology. Volume 2:Number 2(2012)
• Page Start: 164
• Page End: 183
• Publication Date: 2012-01-01
• Subjects: identity -- Celtic Christianity -- intangible cultural heritage; Culture and tourism -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 306.481905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-0442

Abstract

For many visitors, the south western peninsula of mainland Britain is 'different'. Diverse sources of evidence suggest that the Duchy of Cornwall continues to possess traits from a Celtic legacy. This paper outlines perceptions of 'otherness' which are synonymous with 'Cornishness', thus fitting into the newly developing framework concerned with the authenticity of belief systems and symbolism in the realm of heritage tourism. Hence we review the nexus of relationships between religion and the past regarding the evidence for a Celtic Christian identity over time. To this effect we consider historical sources, such as guidebooks and postcards, before turning to contemporary research, drawing on visitors' book comments and the findings from a substantial on-site survey. Moreover, this study fits into wider sociological and ethnographic settings concerned with various issues surrounding Cornish identity.