Les Misérables – The Guernsey Connection
Les Miserables. based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name, is the world’s longest running musical, now in its 28th year. The film adaptation of the stage show has brought this timeless story to a new audience. Although set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Victor Hugo finished writing his epic tale in Guernsey, an island he loved and upon which he has left an indelible mark. Although raised as a Royalist....
Guernsey Legends – The Guernsey Lily
The legend of how Guernsey’s flower got its name is an intriguing whimsical tale. In this article we look at the legend as well as the probable ways it came to island.
Guernsey and the English Civil War
A brief look at what happend in Guernsey during this pivotal moment in British History
Guernsey Patois – A Language Apart
Guernsey Patois is a very ancient tongue indeed. A descecdant of old Norman French and developed in splendid isolation within the island it has become a true ‘language apart’.
Castel Cornet’s most famous prisoner – General Lambert
Choosing sides in the English Civil War was never easy. Guernsey sided with Parliament whilst Guernsey’s Governor, Sir Peter Osbourne, chose the King. He fled to Castle Cornet and thus began a 9 year siege between Castle and island. Even after the war was over and the Monarchy restored Castle Cornet’s part in this great upheaval was not over as we see in this article.
Guernsey Whiting Pie
You can’t beat a good piece of local fish. Try out this local lovely … Guernsey Whiting pie.
Guernsey Legends – Duke Richard of Normandy and the Devil
It is said that some of the strange imprints on some of the rocks and granite boulders in Guernsey were made by the Devil’s cloven feet as he has prowled around our island home. This legend is one such tale about how Duke Richard of Normandy actually met and fought the Devil
Guernsey Folklore – Witches Seats
Witches Seats … something that you may not even notice but they’re there all right on many an old Guernsey cottage and farm house.
Some Random Guernsey Factoids
Some rather random factoids about our island home of Guernsey …
The Enemy Within – The Day the Guernsey Militia faced down a Mutiny
The Guernsey Militia has a long and proud history of defending the Island. But what was to be done when the English Regiment sent to help the Militia in its defense duties turns out to be the enemy itself. In 1783 the Militia had to face this very problem.
“The Guernsey” – A Knitwear Tradition
‘The Guernsey’ is a distinctive piece of clothing with it’s roots deep in the Island. It’s a simple but elegant garment that’s even gone to war with the British Armed forces in the 21st century. We look at it’s origins and features in this article.
The Guernseyman who prints the World’s Money
Take a look at a Guernsey fiver or pound note and you’ll notice something curious. Tucked away among the complex calligraphy and imagery you’ll see three little words ‘de la Rue’. Further more if you happen to be Malaysian and look at the corner of your ringgit note you’ll see the same thing.
The Guernsey Militia : A Short History – Part II
Guernsey and the other Channel Islands lived for hundreds of years right on the front line of conflict between Britain and France. Islanders had to train and be ready to fight to defend their homes at a moments notice. To do this a Guernsey Militia was formed. In this article we track it’s illustrious history.
The Guernsey Militia : A Short History – Part I
Guernsey and the other Channel Islands lived for hundreds of years right on the front line of conflict between Britain and France. Islanders had to train and be ready to fight to defend their homes at a moments notice. To do this a Guernsey Militia was formed. In this article we track it’s illustrious history.
The Guernsey Double
Today the pound is the currency of Guernsey, however it wasn’t always this way. It’s only since 1921, Guernsey has been in currency union with the UK. However even after 1921 there was a curious anomaly, the Guernsey Double.