Cornwall's Unique Genetics

In 2015, Oxford University published the largest-ever genetic study of Britain, analysing the DNA of over 2,000 people with deep regional roots. Its findings revealed something long believed to be true, Cornwall forms its own distinct genetic cluster, separate from England.

But what exactly did it find?

The study showed that people in Cornwall have unique genetics, with a division at the exact natural boundary of the Tamar River. This pattern was strong enough for researchers to classify Cornwall as a genetically distinct region.

What did it find about the other Celtic peoples?

The study also showed that each UK Celtic nation have distinct genetic groups, meaning that they aren't related to each other genetically. Over time and mingling with the English, each Celtic nation has also been found to share more genetics with England than with each other, showing how each of us are distinct and deserve recognition.

But what can we learn from this?

Cornwall has historically been treated as distinct, and since 2015, this has been proven at a biological level. The 2015 Oxford University study shows undeniably that Cornwall isn't another 'English County', but a unique group that deserves protection.