About Jersey

Grosnez Castle

History

Jersey possesses a fascinating and complex history stretching back over a thousand years. Its very landscape - Norman style farmhouses, narrow winding lanes, small fields and French street names.

From the parapets of Mont Orgueil Castle to the gentle sweep of the bay beyond, it's hard to imagine a more peaceful and tranquil island. Yet Jersey's landscape and the character of its people are forged by centuries of battles, exploration, struggle and reinvention - leaving behind a unique legacy of history, culture and heritage.

Battle of Flowers

History of the Battle of Flowers

The Battle began as a flower parade, but along the route the flowers were torn off and thrown to the spectators. They threw them back, and the Battle ...

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Brief History

Mont Orgueil Castle

Jersey possesses a fascinating and complex history forged by centuries of battles, exploration, struggle and reinvention, leaving behind a unique lega ...

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Devil's Hole

Devil's Hole Statue

Following a shipwreck in 1851, when's a ship's figurehead washed up in the Devil's Hole, a statue of a devil was set up above the Hole.

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Family History Sources in Jersey

Family History Sources in Jersey

A number of organisations have joined to form the Jersey Family History Forum to assist people with tracing their family history.

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Famous People

Lillie Langtry - Famous Jersey People

From Victor Hugo to Lillie Langtry and Buffalo Bill to Gerald Durrell, you might be surprised who has links with Jersey.

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Flag

Jersey Flag

The present Jersey flag replaced the old, unofficial flag in 1979. The presidents of the States committees decided in the jubilee year (1977) to comme ...

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Fort Regent

Fort Regent

Fort Regent was built as a military fortress and was completed in 1814. It stands on top of a granite outcrop known as Le Mont de la Ville; it overloo ...

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Government

Railings

Jersey is a parliamentary democracy that is a dependency of the British Crown. It is a British island, but is not part of the United Kingdom, nor is i ...

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Jersey Cow

Jersey Cow

Emigrants from Jersey took cows with them to provide milk. With its good looks, gentle nature, strong constitution and rich milk, the Jersey cow soon ...

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Language

Language

Jèrriais is the form of the Norman language spoken in Jersey. It has been in decline over the past century as English has come to dominate.

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Liberation Day

Soldiers during the Liberation of Jersey

On May 9th every year Jersey celebrates the anniversary of the Liberation of the island from the German occupation forces of World War II.

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Maritime Heritage

Elizabeth Marina Plaque

Much of Jersey's heritage stems from its relationship with the sea. From the 17th Century Cod Trade to the present day.

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Methodism

Methodism

Methodism arrived in Jersey via Newfoundland and the cod fishing industry. Lawrence Coughlan, a young missionary converted two young Jerseymen, Pierre ...

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Milestones

Historic Building Sign

A potted history of Jersey's historical milestones, from Stone-Age hunter gatherers to the birth of our newer industries after liberation.

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Office of the Lieutenant-Governor

Office of the Lieutenant-Governor

The Lieutenant-Governor is appointed by The Queen for a period of 5 years. He is to act as her personal representative and impartial adviser.

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Parish Crests

St Brelades Parish Crest

The 12 Parish badges evolved to commemorate the Royal visit in 1921 of King George V and Queen Mary.

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Signal Station

Fort Regent Signal Station

It is said that signals have been flown from the site of the Fort Regent signal station since 1708. In 2005, a small team worked out a new set of sign ...

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The Muratti Vase

The Muratti Vase

Each year the best footballer’s from Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney are selected to compete in the Muratti Vase.

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The Siam Cup

The Siam Cup

The Siam Cup is a rugby competition between Guernsey and Jersey dating back to the 1920’s. It takes place on the last Saturday of April every year. Ea ...

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WWI Commemoration

WWI Re-enactors

Commemorating in Jersey the Anniversary of the end of the Great War.

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