William Bottrell

William Bottrell was a significant figure in the preservation of Cornish mythology, born in St Levan, Cornwall. He is best known for his contributions to the collection of folk stories from West Cornwall, particularly through his collaboration with Robert Hunt in the 1865 anthology, Popular Romances of the West of England. Although Bottrell's contributions were not individually acknowledged in the collection, he later took the initiative to share his own versions of these tales in the 'Cornish Telegraph' between 1867 and 1869. These stories were subsequently compiled and published as Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall in 1870. Bottrell's storytelling style was characterized by its length and embellishment, reflecting the tradition of the 'droll tellers' who sought to entertain audiences with rich narratives. His work played a crucial role in documenting and revitalizing the folklore of Cornwall, ensuring that these cultural treasures were preserved for future generations. Bottrell's legacy endures as a key contributor to the understanding and appreciation of Cornish heritage and mythology, highlighting the importance of oral traditions in literature.