History of Guernsey

Like the rest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey is steeped in history. The islands were part of the French mainland until the end of the Ice Age. Around 6,000 BC, Neolithic farmers settled the coasts and created the dolmens and menhirs that are scattered around the islands. During their relocation to Brittany, the Britons inhabited the Lenur Islands (former name of the Channel Islands) including Guernsey and Jersey.

Christianity arrives

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Dark Ages arrived, during which history remains blurred. Christianity came to Guernsey in the third and fourth centuries and a church was later established on the island by St Sampson. Between 600 AD and 800 AD the islands were occupied by the Bretons. Until the Vikings arrived, these were comparatively peaceful times.

The Normans

In 1066, Guillaume Duke of Normandy conquered England and was named King William I as well as Duke of Normandy. But when Philip II of France took the region of Normandy from King John, the Channel Islands stayed loyal to the English crown. To show his appreciation, King John granted certain rights and privileges to the islands in 1215, which allowed them to be practically self-governing, only subject to royal consent and endorsement through the Privy Council.

Throughout the following centuries, ownership of the islands changed back and forth between the English and French no less than six times. Great castles were built, most of which still survive today. In 1481 the States of Guernsey had been established and Guernsey was by now exporting woollens.

Napoleon

In the 1800s, well-heeled French citizens fleeing the Revolution came to live on the island and many of the town houses that can be seen today were built during this period. Sixteen forts and 58 batteries along the coast were also constructed to protect the island from the French before the Battle of Waterloo. The area at the St Sampsons Bridge was also filled in to prevent the island from being separated.

At the start of the 19th century, following the Napoleonic wars, Guernseys trade was virtually non-existent and its people had lost hope. Unemployment was rampant, the sea defences were collapsing, there were almost no roads and public buildings were in a bad condition.

German occupation

Between 1940 and 1945, German forces occupied Guernsey and many defensive positions were constructed to form part of Hitlers Atlantic Wall. The population numbered 40,000, 17,000 of whom were evacuated to England. In May 1945, the islands were liberated and islanders commemorate their freedom every year on 9 May.

Taxes, banking and tourists

After the war, tourism really began to take off and about 250,000 people were visiting Guernsey each year. In 1959 the tax rate was cut to 20 per cent and hordes of well-heeled UK residents followed. Housing controls were introduced during the 1960s, seeking to control the population growth but with little success.

Today, Guernsey has a reputation as an offshore finance centre, which has brought great riches to the island. Tourists pounds are also welcome.