Jersey has a fascinating history which stretches over a thousand
years. Even its prehistoric period has left a rich legacy,
where remnants of a great French forest that existed over 10,000
years ago can still be seen today at St Ouen at low tide. The
earliest evidence of human activity in the island dates to about
250,000 years ago.
It was Viking marauders from the north, or Normans as they were
called, who made the most significant impact. Throughout the ninth
century, they plundered the Island, and were only stopped when the
French King Charles struck a bargain with their chief, known as
Rollo. In exchange for peace, Rollo got the lands around Rouen,
later known as Normandy. Rollo's son, William, was to become
Duke of Normandy, and on gaining the title incorporated the Channel
Islands into the duchy. This was the same William who conquered
England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, forging the Island's
links with the English Crown.
When Duke William became king of England, he continued to rule
his French possessions as a separate entity. 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
Channel Islands then had to pledge allegiance either to England or
to France - and sided with England. Over the centuries that
followed, England and France were often at war with each other and
the Island became a potential flash point. Fortifications
against the French can be seen all over the Island.
The relationship between the Island and the American state of
New Jersey can be traced back to the English Civil War. King
Charles II twice took refuge in Jersey, first as Prince of Wales
and then as exiled King of England. The Island's loyalty was
rewarded when King Charles gave Smith's Island and some
neighbouring islets off Virginia to Sir George Carteret with
permission to settle. Sir George renamed them New
Jersey.
The occupation that was to leave the greatest mark on Jersey's
landscape - and psyche - was that mounted by the Germans between
1940 and 1945. Despite the heroism shown in rescuing British troops
at Dunkirk, Churchill decided that the Channel Islands could not be
defended and declared them demilitarised.
Under Hitler's direct order, an elaborate system of
fortifications was built in both Jersey and Guernsey during the
occupation. Their remains are still very much in evidence today.
The moving story of the German occupation is most effectively told
at the Jersey War Tunnels.
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