Richard Carew

Born in Cornwall in 1555, Richard Carew was an English antiquary, translator, and member of the Cornish gentry. He studied at Christ Church, Oxford, later trained in law, traveled abroad, and served in public life, including as a Member of Parliament and as High Sheriff of Cornwall.

He is remembered above all for The Survey of Cornwall, first published in 1602. The book is more than a county history: it gathers together geography, customs, industry, folklore, and everyday life, giving modern readers a rich picture of Cornwall at the turn of the seventeenth century.

Carew also translated works from Spanish and wrote on language and literature, showing the range of his interests. He died in 1620, and his reputation has lasted largely because his writing preserves both the character of Cornwall and the curiosity of a careful, wide-ranging observer.