
Guernsey, Channel Islands
An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983
Guernsey, Channel Islands
In the Middle Ages, Guernsey and the other Channel Islands were a part of the Duchy of Normandy, which came to rule England in 1066. After Normandy was lost by the kings of England in the 13th century, and the ducal title was surrendered to France, Jersey, along with the other Channel Islands, remained attached to the English crown. Guernsey has remained independently tied to the British Crown since 1204, and its legal system largely remains based on Norman custom and local usage, administered by the Royal Court of Guernsey.
Its ambiguous location between Britain and France has long made the island of Guernsey a place of exile from Britain and France. In the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) the island of Guernsey was a haven for pirates. In more recent years, Guernsey’s capital St Peter port provide exile to Victor Hugo, banished from France, Belgium and Jersey for his fierce opposition to Napoleon III. Proclaiming it the ‘rock of hospitality and freedom’, Hugo would live on the island of Guernsey for 15 years. Porto was inspired by the beauty of the island to write his masterpieces, including Les Miserables. Hugo’s home in St peter port, Hauteville House, intricately decorated by the author himself, is now open to the public as a fascinating museum.
Articles about the Channel Islands published by Odyssey Traveller:
- Channel Islands: Wildflowers, Potato Peel Pie and Rebels.
- Walking Tours for Active Travellers: Tips for Seniors
- Highlights of the Channel Islands: St Helier, Jersey
For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.
External articles to assist you on your visit to the Channel Islands:
Related Tours
-
Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour
Our 21 night program has daily itineraries with plenty of authentic experiences provided by passionate local guides in the key destinations in France, Channel Islands and England for this small group of like minded people. For Solo travellers minimal single supplement applies for this European tour.
22 days -
Channel Islands | A small group walking tour for seniors
Another Small group tour of the British isles of the Channel Islands. This fully escorted, small group walking tour, takes the active senior off the beaten path with local guides to Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm.
18 days