Delyow Derow

Delyow Derow, whose name means “Oak Leaves” in Cornish, was a literary magazine devoted to writing in the Cornish language. It was published between 1988 and 1996 by Richard Jenkin, a former Grand Bard of Gorseth Kernow, the Cornish cultural organisation. The magazine appeared during a period of renewed activity in Cornish-language literature and provided a dedicated venue for both emerging and established writers. The publication used Robert Morton Nance’s Unified Cornish orthography, a standardized writing system associated with the modern revival of the Cornish language. Its editorial role extended beyond the circulation of established literary work: Delyow Derow also introduced new writers and helped create a platform for contemporary Cornish poets and authors. In this respect, it functioned not simply as a periodical but as part of the infrastructure supporting the development and visibility of modern Cornish-language writing. Delyow Derow was a niche cultural publication rather than a mass-market commercial magazine. Its relevance lies primarily in language preservation, literary publishing, and the cultural revival of Cornwall. The magazine ceased publication in 1996. No reliable information is provided in the available reference material about its circulation, publisher finances, offices, distribution arrangements, or a successor publication.

Delyow Derow was established in 1988 as a literary magazine in the Cornish language. Its title, translated as “Oak Leaves,” reflects the publication’s connection to Cornish cultural and linguistic identity. The magazine was published by Richard Jenkin, who had previously served as Grand Bard of Gorseth Kernow, an organisation associated with Cornish cultural life and language. The periodical used Robert Morton Nance’s Unified Cornish orthography. This choice placed it within the traditions of the modern Cornish-language revival and gave the magazine a consistent written form for its literary content. During its run, Delyow Derow published work by new writers while also offering a venue for established poets and authors. Its role was therefore both editorial and developmental: it circulated literary work in Cornish and helped broaden participation in contemporary Cornish writing. The magazine operated as a specialist literary outlet rather than a general-interest publication. Its significance derives from its contribution to the visibility and continuity of Cornish-language literature, particularly at a time when cultural organisations and individual writers were developing modern publishing opportunities for the language. The available reference material does not identify a corporate owner, commercial parent, circulation figure, regular distribution network, or separate digital presence. Delyow Derow ended publication in 1996 after eight years. No successor, acquisition, or formal closure event is documented in the supplied sources. It is consequently best understood as a defunct cultural and literary publication whose main legacy was the platform it provided to Cornish-language writers.

1. 1996End of publication

   Delyow Derow ceased publishing after an eight-year run.

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2. 1988Launch of Delyow Derow

   Delyow Derow began publication as a literary magazine in the Cornish language.

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3. 1988Adoption of Unified Cornish orthography

   The magazine was printed using Robert Morton Nance’s Unified Cornish orthography.

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A specialist Cornish-language literary magazine supporting contemporary writing, language revival, and the publication of both new and established authors.

• Delyow DerowLiterary magazine1988

  A Cornish-language literary periodical published from 1988 to 1996. It used Unified Cornish orthography and featured poetry and other literary writing by both newly published and established Cornish-language authors.

1. Delyow Derow