Jersey – the largest of the Channel Islands – has been an island for around 6,000 years. Early inhabitation is evidenced by various neolithic monuments and hoards. In the 10th century, Jersey became part of Normandy. When the Normans conquered England in the 11th century, Jersey remained a part of the Duchy of Normandy, but when Normandy and England were finally split in the 13th century, the Channel Islands remained loyal to the English Crown, splitting Jersey politically from mainland Normandy.
La Pouquelaye de Faldouet was constructed on a site on the east coast looking across to the Cotentin Peninsula.
Mont Orgueil dominates the small harbour of Gorey and guards Jersey from attack from the French coast opposite
To this day, the tradition that the Bailiff wears red robes remains.
Martello towers were built along the coasts to protect the Island from French attack. Pictured is First Tower on Victoria Avenue.
The Corn Riots, also known as the Jersey Revolution, was a revolt which took place in Jersey on 28 September 1769. In an example of direct action against government oppression, under the government of Lieutenant Bailiff Charles Lemprière, hundreds of Jerseymen marched from the north of the island to the south and occupied the Royal Court. The revolt is a significant point in Jersey political history, as the powers of legislation were removed from the Royal Court and placed in the States Assembly.
St Helier in 1809, 40 years after the Corn Riots
Elizabeth Castle has from time to time been used as a meeting point for the States.
The Royal Court building, La Cohue, in a painting of the Royal Square, dated 1852
1771 Code des Lois, an outcome of the revolt
