The island of Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. The Bailiwick of Jersey ( Jèrriais: Jèrri) is a British Crown dependency off the coast of Normandy, France. The Channel Islands ( Norman: Îles d'la Manche, French: Îles Anglo-Normandes or Îles de la Manche) are a group of Islands The Duchy of Normandy stems from various Danish, Hiberno-Norse, Orkney Viking and Anglo-Danish ( from the Danelaw) invasions of This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Jersey lies in the Bay of Mont St Michel and is the largest of the Channel Islands. Mont Saint-Michel ( English: St Michael's Mount) is a rocky Tidal island in Normandy, France. It has enjoyed self-government since the division of the Duchy of Normandy in 1204.

Prehistory

La Pouquelaye de Faldouet was constructed on a site on the East coast looking across to the Cotentin Peninsula

It has been an island for approximately 8,000 years and at its extremes it measures 10 miles east to west and six miles north to south. The Cotentin Peninsula, also known as the Cherbourg Peninsula, is a Peninsula in Normandy, forming part of the north-western coast of France The earliest evidence of human activity in the island dates to about 250,000 years ago when bands of hunters used the caves at La Cotte de St Brelade as a base for hunting mammoth. La Cotte de St Brelade is a Paleolithic site of early habitation in St Brelade, Jersey. A mammoth is any Species of the Extinct Genus Mammuthus. These Proboscideans are members of the elephant family and There was sporadic activity in the area by nomadic bands of hunters until the introduction of settled communities in the Neolithic period, which is marked by the building of the ritual burial sites known as dolmens. The Neolithic (from Greek νεολιθικός — neolithikos from νέος neos, "new" + λίθος lithos A dolmen (also known as cromlech, anta, Hünengrab, Hunebed, Goindol, quoit, and portal dolmen) is a type of The number, size and visible locations of these megalithic monuments (especially La Hougue Bie) have suggested that social organisation over a wide area, including surrounding coasts, was required for the construction. La Hougue Bie is a historic site in the Parish of Grouville, Jersey. Archaeological evidence shows that there were trading links with Brittany and the south coast of England during this time. Brittany (Breizh bʁejs Bretagne; Gallo: Bertaèyn) is a former independent Celtic kingdom and Duchy, now incorporated into England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland It would appear that the island was significant enough to inspire large-scale construction projects.

Christianity

Although part of the Roman world, we know very little about the island until the 11th century. The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial The tradition that the Island was called Caesarea by the Romans appears to have no basis in fact. The Channel Islands, then called the Lenur Islands, were occupied by the Britons during their migration to Brittany (5th-6th century). Various saints such as the Celts Samson of Dol and Branwaldr (Brelade) were active in the region, although tradition has it that it was Saint Helier from Tongeren in modern-day Belgium who first brought Christianity to the Island in the 6th century, and Charlemagne sent his emissary to the island (at that time called Angia, also spelt Agna)^[1] in 803. Celts (ˈkɛlts or /ˈsɛlts/, see Names of the Celts Saint Samson of Dol (born late 5th century was a Christian religious figure who is counted among the Seven founder saints of Brittany. Saint Helier, a 6th century ascetic Hermit, is Patron saint of Jersey in the Channel Islands, and in particular of the town and Parish Tongeren ( French: Tongres, German: Tongern) is a City and municipality located in the province of Limburg The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those The 6th century is the period from 501 to 600 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian / Common Era. Charlemagne (ˈʃɑrlɨmeɪn Carolus Magnus or Karolus Magnus meaning Charles the Great) (747 – 28 January 814 was King of the Franks from 768 to his

Normans

The island took the name Jersey as a result of Viking activity in the area between the 9th and 10th centuries. A Viking is one of the Norse ( Scandinavian Explorers Warriors Merchants, and pirates who raided and colonized wide areas The Channel Islands remained politically linked to Brittany until 933 when William Longsword, Duke of Normandy seized the Cotentin and the islands and added them to his domain; in 1066 Duke William II of Normandy defeated Harold at Hastings to become king of England; however, he continued to rule his French possessions as a separate entity. Brittany (Breizh bʁejs Bretagne; Gallo: Bertaèyn) is a former independent Celtic kingdom and Duchy, now incorporated into William I Longsword ( French: Guillaume Longue-Épée, Latin: Willermus Longa Spata, Scandinavian: Viljâlmr Langaspjôt Duke of Normandy is a Title held or claimed by various Norman, French, English and British rulers from the 10th century until the The Cotentin Peninsula, also known as the Cherbourg Peninsula, is a Peninsula in Normandy, forming part of the north-western coast of France William I of England ( 1027 His reign which brought Norman culture to England had an enormous impact on the subsequent course of England in the Middle Ages Normandy (Normandie Norman: Normaundie) is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. Harold Godwinson, (c 1022 &ndash 14 October 1066 also known as Harold II, is widely regarded as the last Anglo-Saxon King of England before the Hastings is a town on the coast of East Sussex in England; it is also the administrative centre for the Borough of the same name England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland ^[2]

The islands remained part of the Duchy of Normandy until 1204 when King Philippe Auguste of France conquered the duchy from King John of England; the islands remained in the personal possession of the king and were described as being a Peculiar of the Crown. Normandy (Normandie Norman: Normaundie) is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. Philip II Augustus (Philippe Auguste ( 21 August[[ 165]] &ndash 14 July 1223) was the King of France from 1180 until his death This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. John (24 December 1167 &ndash 19 October 1216 reigned as a King of England from 6 April 1199 until his death ^[3] The so-called Constitutions of King John are the foundation of modern self-government.

The Feudal Age

Mont Orgueil dominates the small harbour of Gorey and guards Jersey from attack from the French coast opposite

From 1204 onwards the Channel Islands ceased to be a peaceful backwater and were thrown into the spotlight as a potential flashpoint on the international stage between England and France. Gorey ( French: Gouray; Jèrriais: Gouôrray) is a village in the parishes of St The Channel Islands ( Norman: Îles d'la Manche, French: Îles Anglo-Normandes or Îles de la Manche) are a group of Islands England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics.

In the Treaty of Paris (1259) the King of France gave up claim to the Channel Islands. The Treaty of Paris (also known as the Treaty of Albeville) was a Treaty between Louis IX of France and Henry III of England The claim was based upon his position as feudal overlord of the Duke of Normandy. The King of England gave up claim to mainland Normandy and appointed a Warden, a position now termed Lieutenant-Governor and a Bailiff to govern in his stead. A Lieutenant Governor is a high officer of state whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction Bailiff (from Late Latin baiulivus, Adjectival form of baiulus) is a Governor or Custodian (cf The Channel Islands were never formerly absorbed into the Kingdom of England, however.

Mont Orgueil castle was built at this time to serve as a Royal fortress and military base. Mont Orgueil is a Castle in Jersey. It is located overlooking the harbour of Gorey. During the Hundred Years' War the island was attacked many times ^[4] and was even occupied for a couple of years in the 1380s. The Hundred Years' War (Guerre de Cent Ans was a prolonged conflict lasting from 1337 to 1453 between two royal houses for the French throne vacant with the extinction of the senior Because of the island's strategic importance to the English Crown the islanders were able to negotiate a number of benefits for themselves from the king. During the Wars of the Roses the island was occupied by the French for seven years (1461-68) before Sir Richard Harliston arrived in the island to claim it back for the English king. The Wars of the Roses (1455–1485 were a series of dynastic Civil wars fought in England between supporters of the Houses of Lancaster and York

Reformation to Restoration

During the 16th century the islanders adopted the Protestant religion and life became very austere. Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. The increasing use of gunpowder on the battlefield meant that the fortifications on the island had to be adapted and a new fortress built to defend St Aubin's Bay. The new Elizabeth Castle was named after the queen by Sir Walter Raleigh when he was governor. Elizabeth Castle is a Castle in Saint Helier, Jersey. Construction was started in the 16th century when the power of Cannons meant that Sir Walter Raleigh or Ralegh (c 1552 – 29 October 1618 was a famed English writer Poet, Soldier, Courtier and Explorer The island militia was reorganised on a parish basis and each parish had two cannon which were usually housed in the church - one of the St Peter cannon can still be seen at the bottom of Beaumont Hill. Saint Peter ( Jèrriais: St Pièrre is one of the twelve Parishes of Jersey in the Channel Islands.

This map of Jersey, published in 1639, shows interior details such as Le Mont ès Pendus (the gallows hill, now called Westmount), although the coastline is wildly inaccurate.

The production of knitwear reached such a scale that it threatened the island's ability to produce its own food and so laws were passed regulating who could knit with whom and when. The islanders also became involved with the Newfoundland fisheries at this time. Newfoundland — ˈn(jufənˌlænd (Terre-Neuve Talamh an Éisc — is a large island 15 km off the east coast of ^[5] The boats left the island in February/March following a church service in St Brelade's church and they wouldn't return again until September/October. Saint Brélade is one of the twelve Parishes of the Bailiwick of Jersey. During the 1640s England was split by Civil War and hostilities spread into Scotland and Ireland as well. Jersey was divided and while the sympathy of islanders lay with Parliament the de Carterets held the island for the king.

The future Charles II visited the island in 1646 and again in 1649 following the execution of his father. Charles II (Charles Stuart 29 May 1630 – 6 February 1685 was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. It was in the Royal Square in St. Helier on February 17, 1649 that Charles was first publicly proclaimed king after his father's death. Saint Helier ( French language: Saint-Hélier, Jèrriais: St Hélyi) is one of the twelve parishes of Jersey, the largest Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori Parliamentarian forces eventually captured the island in 1651. In recognition for all the help given to him during his exile, Charles II gave George Carteret, Bailiff and governor, a large grant of land in the American colonies, which he promptly named New Jersey, now part of the United States of America. New Jersey ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the ^[6][7]

Towards the end of the 17th century Jersey strengthened its links with the Americas when many islanders emigrated to New England and north east Canada. The Jersey merchants built up a thriving business empire in the Newfoundland and Gaspé fisheries. Companies such as Robins and the Le Boutilliers set up thriving businesses.

18th century

Round towers were built round the coasts to protect the Island from French attack

The Chamber of Commerce founded 24 February 1768 is the oldest in the Commonwealth. A chamber of commerce (also referred to in some circles as a board of trade) is a form of Business network. Events 303 - Galerius, Roman Emperor, publishes his edict that begins the persecution of Christians in his portion of the Year 1768 ( MDCCLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a

The Code of 1771 laid down for the first time in one place the extant laws of Jersey, and from this time the functions of the Royal Court and the States of Jersey were delimited, with sole legislative power vested in the States.

Methodism arrived in Jersey in 1774, brought by fishermen returning from Newfoundland. Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations Conflict with the authorities ensued when men refused to attend Militia drill when that coincided with chapel meetings. The Royal Court attempted to proscribe Methodist meetings, but King George III refused to countenance such interference with liberty of religion. The first Methodist minister in Jersey was appointed in 1783, and John Wesley preached in Jersey in August 1789, his words being interpreted into the vernacular for the benefit of those from the country parishes. John Wesley (ˈwɛslɪ ( – March 2, 1791) was an Anglican cleric and Christian theologian who was the founder of the (Evangelical The first building constructed specifically for Methodist worship was erected in St. Ouen in 1809. Le Pinacle Jerseyjpg|thumb|Prehistoric site of Le Pinacle]] Saint Ouen ( Jèrriais: St Ouën is one of the twelve Parishes of Jersey in the Channel

The death of Major Peirson, John Singleton Copley, 1782-1784. John Singleton Copley (1738 - 1815 was an American painter born presumably in Boston Massachusetts and a son of Richard and Mary Singleton Copley both Irish

The 18th century was a period of political tension between Britain and France as the two nations clashed all over the world as their ambitions grew. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Because of its position Jersey was more or less on a continuous war footing.

During the American Wars of Independence there were two attempted invasions of the island. In this article the inhabitants of the thirteen colonies that supported the American Revolution are primarily referred to as "Americans" with occasional references to "Patriots" In 1779 the Prince of Orange William V was prevented from landing at St Ouen's Bay; on January 6, 1781, a force lead by Baron de Rullecourt captured St Helier in a daring dawn raid, but was defeated by a British army lead by Major Peirson (see the Battle of Jersey). William V Batavus Prince of Orange and Nassau ( March 8, 1748 &ndash April 9, 1806) was the last Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic Events 1066 - Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England. 1205 - Philip of Swabia becomes King Year 1781 ( MDCCLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The Battle of Jersey was technically the last battle fought in the British Islands (coming after the Battle of Culloden in 1745 A short lived peace was followed by the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars which, when they had ended, had changed Jersey for ever. The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815 involved Napoleon's French Empire and a shifting set of European allies and opposing coalitions In 1799-1800, over 6000 Russian troops under the command of Charles du Houx de Viomesnil were quartered in Jersey after an evacuation of Holland. Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Charles Joseph Hyacinthe du Houx de Viomesnil, Marquis of Viomesnil ( August 22, 1734 - March 5, 1827) was a Marshal of France.

The first printing press was introduced to Jersey in 1784.

19th century

The Jersey cow was developed as a breed during the 19th century. Jersey cattle are a small honey-brown breed of Dairy cattle. Originally bred on the British Channel Island of Jersey, the breed is popular for the Judging the quality of cows remains a feature of rural life

The livre tournois had been used as the legal currency for centuries. The livre tournois (" Tours pound " was one of numerous currencies used in France in the Middle Ages; and a money of A currency is a unit of exchange, facilitating the transfer of Goods and/or services It is one form of Money, where money is However, it was abolished during the French Revolutionary period. The French Revolution (1789–1799 was a period of political and social upheaval in the History of France, during which the French governmental structure previously an Although the coins were no longer minted, it remained the legal currency in Jersey until 1837 when dwindling supplies of livres tournois and consequent difficulties in trade and payment obliged the adoption of the pound sterling as legal tender. The Bailiwick of Jersey ( Jèrriais: Jèrri) is a British Crown dependency off the coast of Normandy, France. The pound is the currency of Jersey. Jersey is in Currency union with the United Kingdom and the Jersey pound is not a separate currency but is an issue of banknotes Legal tender or forced tender is Payment that by Law, cannot be refused in settlement of a Debt ( Debtor cannot successfully be sued

The military roads constructed (on occasion at gunpoint in the face of opposition from landowners) by the Governor, General George Don, to link coastal fortifications with St. General Sir George Don GCB, GCH ( 30 April, 1756 &ndash 1 January, 1832) was a senior British Army military Helier harbour had an unexpected effect on agriculture once peace restored reliable trade links. Farmers in previously isolated valleys were able to swiftly transport crops grown in the Island's microclimate to waiting ships and then on to the markets of London and Paris ahead of the competition. A microclimate is a local atmospheric zone where the Climate differs from the surrounding area In conjunction with the introduction of steamships and the development of the French and British railway systems, Jersey's agriculture was no longer as isolated as before. A steamboat or steamship, sometimes called a steamer, is a ship in which the primary method of propulsion is steam power, typically driving a Propeller "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation. The new transport links also saw the arrival of the first tourists.

The number of English speaking soldiers stationed in the island and the number of retired officers and English speaking labourers who came to the islands in the 1820s saw the island gradually moving towards an English-speaking culture.

Jersey was the 4th largest ship building area in the 19th century British Isles^[8], building over 900 vessels around the island. The British Isles (Irish variously Na hOileáin Bhriotanacha, Oileáin Iarthair Eorpa, Éire agus an Bhreatain Mhór; Ellanyn Goaldagh Eileanan In the late 19th century as the former thriving cider and wool industries declined, island farmers benefited from the development of two luxury products - the Jersey cow and the Jersey Royal potato. The 19th century of the Common Era began on January 1, 1801 and ended on December 31, 1900, according to the Gregorian calendar For the non-alcoholic beverage commonly known in the US as "cider" see Apple cider. Jersey cattle are a small honey-brown breed of Dairy cattle. Originally bred on the British Channel Island of Jersey, the breed is popular for the Jersey Royal potatoes are Jersey 's local variety of new potato. The former was the product of careful and selective breeding programmes; the latter being a total fluke.

The anarchist philosopher, Peter Kropotkin who visited the Channel Islands in 1890, 1896 and 1903 described the agriculture of Jersey in The Conquest of Bread. The Conquest of Bread ( La Conquête du Pain) is a book by the anarchist communist Peter Kropotkin.

The 19th century also saw the rise of tourism as an important industry, which reached its climax in the period from the end of the Second World War to the 1980s. Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel

20th century

Main article: Occupation of the Channel Islands by Nazi Germany

As part of the Atlantic Wall, between 1940 and 1945 the occupying German forces and the Organisation Todt constructed fortifications round the coast of Jersey such as this observation tower at Les Landes

English was first permitted in debates in the States of Jersey in 1901 and the first legislation to be drawn up primarily in English was the Income Tax Law of 1928. The Occupation of the Channel Islands refers to the Military occupation of the Channel Islands by Germany during World War II which lasted The Atlantikwall ( English: Atlantic wall) was an extensive system of coastal fortifications built by the German Third Reich The Organisation Todt (OT was a Third Reich civil and Military engineering group in Germany eponymously named for its founder Fritz Todt, an

Emotionally, the 20th century has been dominated by the Occupation of the island by German troops between 1940 and 1945^[9] which saw about 8,000 islanders evacuated, 1,200 islanders deported to camps in Germany and over 300 islanders being sentenced to the prison and concentration camps of mainland Europe (it depended on Neuengamme). The Occupation of the Channel Islands refers to the Military occupation of the Channel Islands by Germany during World War II which lasted Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Internment is the imprisonment or confinement of people commonly in large groups without trial Neuengamme is a quarter of the district Bergedorf within the City of Hamburg, Germany. 20 died as a result. The islanders endured near-starvation in the winter of 1944-45, after it had been cut off from German-occupied Europe by Allied forces advancing from the Normandy beachheads, avoided only by the arrival of the Red Cross supply ship Vega in December 1944. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an International humanitarian movement with approximately 97 million volunteers worldwide who stated Liberation Day - May 9 is marked as a public holiday. Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of The Channel Islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including

The event which has had the most far reaching effect on Jersey in modern times, is the growth of the finance industry in the island from the 1960s onwards.

References