Stannary (pronunciation: st?n´nå`r? ): of or pertaining to tin mines, or tin works, from the Latin Stannum, 'tin'.

The powers and influence of the Stannary Parliament and Stannary Courts preceded the drastic reduction in tin mining in Cornwall and Dartmoor, Devon, that occurred during the twentieth century. There were separate Stannary Parliaments for Devon and Cornwall.

The stannary courts of Devonshire and Cornwall, existed for the administration of justice among the tinners therein, they were also courts of record.

Among the powers of the Stannary Parliament was the right to veto laws from the Parliament at Westminster. Many claim that the powers have fallen into abeyance but have never been repealed. In recent years, some Cornish political activists have claimed to revive the Stannary there, and are technically able to use these powers.

On 12 December 1974 the Home Office replied to letters from the interim Cornish Stannary Parliament, saying that the Home Office could only accept elections by the Stannary Towns, as required by the Charter of Pardon of 1508 would constitute a valid Stannary Parliament.

A stannary town is one of the four towns which elect Stannators, Members of Stannary Parliament, for the surrounding area.

External links

• Revived Cornish Stannary Parliament (http://www.cornish-stannary-parliament.abelgratis.com/)