Guernsey

For those of you who maybe not living in Guernsey, we have put some details here. Maybe you are in the process of moving here, maybe you have family or friends here or maybe you have been here on holiday. This page will give you some information on the Channel Islands and Guernsey.

The Channel Islands

The Channel Islands are (in order of size, largest first) Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, Brecqhou, Jethou, Lihou. There are some other smaller islands. We are located in the English Channel, and yet we are closer to France than we are to England. We are part of the British Isles, and yet we are not part of the United Kingdom or European Union. Originally part of Normandy, in the early 13th Century the Islands became part of the British Isles. In the 15th Century Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm became part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, under the control of the Governor. This role has lived on, and is now referred to as the Lieutenant Governor.

Guernsey

Guernsey is located about 60 miles South of England and about 25 miles west of France. The Island is 12 miles long, 9 miles wide and covers an area of 50 square miles. The population is about 60,000, but this does fluctuate in the summer with a lot of temporary residents, seasonal workers and visitors. The island is divided into 10 Parishes (Castel, Forest, St Andrews, St Martins, St Peter Port, St Peters in the Wood, St Saviours, St Sampsons, Torteval and Vale ).

The Island's main source of income is from its Finance Industry. There is also a strong Tourist Industry as the Island has much to offer. In the past the island relied on the Horticultural Industry - they used to have flowers and tomatoes as the main crops. Whilst there is still a lot of horticulture on the island, this has contracted slightly due partly to market forces.

Originally part of the Duchy of Normandy, when William invaded the UK in 1066 the Duchy of Normandy became part of the British Isles under King William I. Subsequently King John lost the area of Normandy to King Louis of France. The Channel Islands remained loyal to the English Crown after this and as a reward King John granted them almost complete self government - subject to Royal Assent and enactments through the Privy Council in 1215. Over the next few centuries control of the Islands passed back and forth due to French invasions six times, before the States of Guernsey were formed in 1481.

In the 1800's many wealthy French residents fleeing the revolution came to Guernsey and built large town houses. Much of the St Peter Port Harbour had been completed by around 1865.

From 1940 to 1945 the Island was occupied by German Forces. Hitler was keen to keep the islands and so built a huge number of fortifications, many of which can still be seen today. He also built an underground hospital in Guernsey (and in Jersey). Conditions were hard during the occupation, and food and supplies were in very short supply. Many people were evacuated to the UK. Finally, on 9th May 1945, the Island was liberated. Liberation is still commemorated each year, and is a Public Holiday on the Island.

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