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History of Guernsey
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History of Guernsey
The islands have a rich and varied history going back many years much of which is recorded at The Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Cornet, Fort Grey and through other organisations such as the Priaulx Library, Guernsey's National Trust, La Société Guernesiase and many others.
Humans are known to have lived in Guernsey since 10,000 BC. Archaeological digs have found evidence for farming in the Neolithic and Bronze Age and uncovered 'warrior graves' from the Iron Age. It was known as Lisia by the Romans and the name 'Guernsey' was probably given by the Vikings.
Guernsey was governed as part of the Duchy of Normandy since 933, however in 1204 the islanders bravely pledged allegiance to King John as he fought to maintain his territory in France. In 1206, King John ordered the construction of Castle Cornet to safeguard the harbour in St Peter Port from attacks by his enemies in France. Castle Cornet still stands to this day and houses five museums. The Normans gained control in the tenth century and brought both their language and distinctive legal system. After Normandy was lost to the French in 1204, Guernsey remained a possession of the English Crown, but never became part of England or the UK.Guernsey, is now a British Crown Dependency. It is the second largest of the Channel Islands, situated 30 miles north west of France and 80 miles south of England, and is self-governing .The Bailiwick of Guernsey includes the smaller neighbouring islands of Sark, Herm and Alderney.
The jurisdiction looks after its own fiscal affairs, has its own stamps and currency. Many international banks, fund managers and insurance companies are establishing here. Whilst the traditional industries of tourism, flower growing, fishing and dairy farming still play an important role in contributing to the local economy and there are also a number of high profile light industries based on the island.
The island boasts first class public facilities for it's 62,000+ residents including a refurbished airport terminal, yachting marinas, schools and medical services.
For more information on Guernsey history and associated topics visit the link below:
