At 11:17am, the procession from St Meriadoc School entered the grounds of Camborne Parish Church. Music was provided by Phili Mills on percussion, Robin Holmes on pipes (also the piper for Gorsedh Kernow), and Jonny Davey on the whistle. The collective sound of their music harmoniously carried across the western side of the town.
Leading the march were the banner‑bearers, representing a number of local organisations. In order of appearance: Agan Tavas (Matt Blewett), Camborne Town Flag (Phil Nile), Banner of St Meriadoc (Cllr. Reece Weatherburn, David Thomas), Federation of Old Cornwall Societies (Archaeology Officer: Laura Miucci), Camborne Old Cornwall Society (Vicki Edwards), Redruth Old Cornwall Society (Vanessa Moyle), and Hayle Old Cornwall Society (Jonathan Warner).
Also in attendance was the Federation’s Local History Officer, Katrina Griffith, who stewarded the event and assisted with refreshments.
Matt Blewett opened the commemoration with a welcome to all present, before introducing pupils from Roskear and Rosewarne schools to perform Baner Peran. Written by the late Richard ‘Dick’ Gendall, and later covered by the late Brian Webb. This song remains an important piece of Cornish musical heritage, and its teaching to younger generations is a positive step.
The pupils’ performance was heartfelt and sincere. Congratulations to every one of them, and warm thanks for giving part of their weekend to take part in this special event. They were surprised with refreshments and saffron buns after the event, as gifted by a local supermarket.
Matt then returned to tell the story of John Rosewarne and the 1497 rebellion, first in Kernewek and then in English. Henry VII had imposed heavy taxes on the Cornish to fund a war with Scotland. Taxes widely understood to be unjust. The resulting uprising led to the march to Blackheath and ultimately to conflict. Here in Camborne, John Rosewarne was among those involved. The King’s army prevailed, capturing and executing the Cornish leaders. Many others across Cornwall were punished or killed in the aftermath.
To conclude, Matt poignantly reminded us that this is an “all‑Cornwall” event; not confined to St Keverne, Michael Joseph, or Thomas Flamank – but a moment in history that disadvantaged Cornish people everywhere.
Reece Weatherburn, Deputy Mayor of Camborne, expressed his honour in representing Camborne Town Council at the second instance of this commemoration. He reflected on the actions of those who resisted the economic injustices imposed upon them. One grievance held by the Cornish was the suspension of the Stannary Parliament in 1496, a decision that had significant consequences across Cornwall, particularly in Camborne. The Stannary Parliament resumed in 1508 and continued until around 1792/3. Reece concluded by expressing hope that the future of Cornish mining will once again be an economically beneficial force.
The Chaplain of Gorsedh Kernow, Revd Canon Jane Kneebone (‘Colum Wyn’), offered a prayer to those gathered:
“Heavenly Father, we thank you for the courage, the resilience, the strength, the bold-heartedness of all those who took part in the 1497 rebellion, particularly here, John Rosewarne. We thank you that they were prepared to give everything they had, their lives to fight for what they believed in. And we pray that as they fought without consideration for what the worst consequences could be, we may also support all those across the world who are oppressed and resisting unfair regimes. Governments and people who push out minorities so that they have no home, no job, nowhere to live, are oppressed and attacked, imprisoned and murdered. We pray for all of those who with the same courage and resilience and bold spirit fight against unfairness and oppression in our time. And just as we celebrate and are immensely proud of our identity, which we justly celebrate, we pray that they too may be proud of their identities and who they are as peoples. And so, Father, we pray that you will bless us today in everything we do and as we continue to uphold our values, our culture, and our identity. Amen. The blessing of the father, the son, and the holy spirit be upon you and remain with you this day and always. Amen.”
Kneebone’s delivery was emotive, strong, and with conviction; connecting Cornwall’s historic conflicts, and its present‑day challenges, with the continued global injustices through deep empathy and understanding.
The final speaker was Mark Richards, Methodist Minister for Camborne and Redruth. Mark congratulated and thanked the children for the time they had given to learning the music that shaped today’s performance. He also thanked them for helping to share a story he had not previously known well. He hopes they continue to learn, sing, and share Cornwall’s history.
In conclusion: It is important to recognise that this story of Cornish resistance is more widely known today thanks to the long‑standing voluntary work surrounding the annual St Keverne commemoration, as well as the 1997 Keskerdh Kernow march. It is encouraging to now see Camborne remembering its own citizens who, like Michael Joseph of St. Keverne, and Thomas Flamank of Bodmin, felt compelled to challenge the hardships imposed upon them. It is with hope that this type of commemoration will continue to grow across Cornwall, with more communities taking part. By doing so, we strengthen public understanding of our own history and ensure these stories remain alive.
Kernow bys vyken.
Chris Trevena (Co-Dialect Officer for the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies)Supporters and sponsors of this event include: Camborne Parish Church, Agan Tavas, Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, Hayle Old Cornwall Society, Redruth Old Cornwall Society, Camborne Old Cornwall Society, Camborne Town Council, Tesco