Published 17 December 2025
In 2027, Normandy marks a once-in-a-millennium moment – the thousand-year anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror. To mark this remarkable chapter in European history, the region will host MILLENIUM, a major cultural celebration bringing to life the people, places, and stories shaped by the Normans.
Born from Viking roots and shaped in Normandy, the Normans became one of the most influential cultures in medieval Europe, leaving a legacy still felt in Jersey today.
Alongside our neighbour, Guernsey, the Channel Islands – Les îles Anglo-Normandes – trace their roots to the Duchy of Normandy as far back as the tenth century. First politically linked to Brittany when they were seized and annexed to the Duchy of Normandy in 933, the islands became part of the English crown when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066 and was crowned King William I. For the next 270 years, Jersey belonged to this Anglo-Norman world, and even after England lost mainland Normandy in 1204 to King Philippe Auguste of France, the island chose to remain loyal to the English Crown which was a defining moment in Jersey’s story.
A connection you can still see, hear, and feel
Just 14 miles from the Normandy coast, the influence of our French neighbour is woven into island life. You’ll hear it in Jèrriais, our French-Norman language still spoken today, and you’ll find it in our legal system, shaped by Norman customs that continue to guide island life centuries later. On a clear day, if you stand at the top of medieval castle, Mont Orgueil, and look east the coastline of Normandy is right there on the horizon, a reminder of our shared history.
Mont Orgueil Castle
A year of celebrations in Jersey
To mark this extraordinary anniversary, Jersey will host a year-long programme of events in 2027, celebrating our Norman past and deepening our connection with France. The full programme will be revealed in late 2026, but visitors can expect:
- Heritage exhibitions exploring Jersey’s Anglo-Norman story
- Artistic commissions and residencies inspired by Norman culture
- Cultural festivals celebrating language, music, food, and identity
- Experiences that explore the Normans’ influence on migration, innovation, and island life over the past thousand years
From historic landmarks to current cultural traditions, Jersey will bring its Norman story vividly to life. We’re warmly inviting visitors to discover a side of the island that feels both ancient and refreshingly contemporary.
