Map of Jersey
Map of Jersey
There are 12 parishes, viz., St. Helier, St. Ouen, St. Lawrence,
St. Clement, St. John, St. Brelade, Grouville, St. Mary, St. Martin,
St. Peter, St. Saviour, and Trinity; they are all rectories in
the deanery of Jersey, which is in the gift of the crown, and
in the diocese of Winchester. The principal parish is St. Helier's,
which may be called the only town in the island.
The island is difficult of access by an enemy, on account of its
rocks and the forts erected for its defence. The first impression
on beholding Jersey is a striking one, from its bold hills, but,
from the masses of rock visible, it has a barren appearance. After
passing "the Corbiere" (well known to all mariners),
the scene instantly changes to a bay of much beauty (St. Aubin's
Bay); indeed, it seems as if the Island of St. Helena, the Bay
of Naples, and the county of Kent were blended in a miniature.
This bay is nearly a crescent, and the high land of the island,
which gradually slopes down to the water's edge, is richly covered
with wood, among which are tasteful villas and well-built houses.
In addition to the defence which nature has supplied to this part
of the island are two forts, viz., one at the eastern point of
the bay, called Elizabeth Castle, and which, at high water, is
an island, but, at low water, is connected with the town of St.
Helier's by a sandy beach, nearly a mile in length, the castle
standing immediately in front of the town. The town of St. Helier's
is built in a sort of ravine, having lofty ground on each side.
The other fort (Fort Regent) was finished some years since by
the English Government, at an enormous expense, and stands on
a rock, 150 feet above the level of the sea at high water, immediately
over the entrance to the harbour; it is capable of containing
a considerable body of troops. The approach to the town of St.
Helier's is by the pier and harbour, which latter is of great
extent, and since the construction of the new dock, is capable
of floating 200 to 300 sail of vessels; there is likewise a commodious
quay, and the whole is protected, on the land side, by the high
rock on which the fort stands. Some parts of the island rise to
a height of 200 feet above the level of the sea, and others 300
feet, and these heights are intersected by beautiful valleys and
small streams, some of which serve to work the corn mills. The
farmers and the islanders generally are very industrious, and
they bestow great labour on their land, which, from its natural
fertility and careful cultivation, yields abundantly. Their orchards
are very productive and extensive, occupying land which might
otherwise be appropriated to the growth of corn, but that they
find it to their interest to purchase foreign corn, with the profits
of their export trade in elder, apples, pears, as likewise in
cattle, butter, onions, oysters, bricks, &c. Besides the corn
they consume, they grind and make it into biscuits, which are
sent in large quantities to our colonies. There is a spirit of
enterprise in the merchants, which has made the port of importance,
its registered shipping amounting to 33,000 tons. In 1833 Jersey
built more shipping than all Ireland. The Newfoundland trade is
the most considerable, vessels go for the purpose of fishing on
the banks, and take out with them woollen manufactures of many
kinds, nets, cordage, iron, salt for curing fish, and having obtained
a further cargo, either by fishing or purchase, proceed to the
Spanish ports, the Mediterranean, and to North and South America.
The oyster fishery employs upwards of 300 boats, 1,500 men and
1,000 women and children.
Corbiere Lighthouse, Jersey
Having noticed the trade of Jersey, we may perhaps be permitted
to speak of their unquestionable loyalty and devotedness to the
English people and government. If the Channel Islands were again
put to the trial, there can be no doubt they would do as they
have before done, and defend their island with the resolute courage
and daring they did in 1781, when Major Pierson fell while repelling
the attack of the French, as is recorded on a monument in the
old church, erected by the order of the States, and at their expense.
Royal Square (where Major Pierson fell), then the market-place,
is a large open space well-paved, and with a bronze statue of
George II. at the upper end. The merchants and gentlemen farmers
meet here, and it is likewise a promenade, particularly on Saturday,
which is market day, and also the day on which the States meet
at the Court-house in the square.
The States consist of the Lieutenant-Governor, Bailiff, and 12
Jurats, the Rectors of the 12 parishes, the Constable of each
parish, the Greffier, the Viscount, and the Queen's Attorney and
Solicitor-General, and this is the parliament of the island, for
they do not send members to the English parliament. It may also
be called the civil government, while the military government
(which is little more than for the protection of the island from
invasion) lies with the Governor or his Lieutenant. The Governor
never resides here himself, but his Lieutenant constantly does,
and if the latter should, on any occasion, leave the island, even
for a few days, the senior military officer is immediately sworn
in as Lieutenant-Governor for the time being. The office of Bailiff
is one of great importance; he and the Jurats compose the magistracy
of the island. The Jurats are chosen for life by the vote of all
who pay parochial rates and are heads of families. The Constables
are chosen from the different parishes by the same electors, and
represent their respective constituents in the States; the office
is held for three years, but they can be re-elected, as is often
the case, to serve again.
The election of these various officers is sometimes conducted
in a most bitter party spirit, and the issue is looked to by many
with more interest and anxiety than the most important political
events. The two great parties are those of the laurel and the
rose.
The religion of the island is professedly that of the Church of
England, and the service is most frequently performed in French,
viz., two services in French and one in English on the Sunday.
There are various denominations of Dissenters, chiefly of the
Wesleyan connection, and their service is mostly in French. There
are also two Roman Catholic chapels, one French and one English.
The theatre and other places of amusement do not meet with much
encouragement.
About 5 miles from St. Helier's is Gorey, near Mount Orgueil Castle;
it is a small port used chiefly as the station of the oyster boats,
which, for four or five months in the year, employ a great number
of people preparing the oysters, chiefly for the English market.
Mount Orgueil is an object of great attraction to all visitors;
from it there is a fine view of the shores of France, which form
an extensive bay. The castle is said to have been built in the
year 1000; the rooms, in which Charles II. is said to have resided,
are pointed out; also a very curious Roman Catholic chapel, nearly
under ground, and only lately discovered; an extraordinary wall,
and an old Gothic gateway, which has the remains of a portcullis
above, and stone seats on each side, reported to be the place
of holding military courts for the trial of offenders, and at
the end of the gateway a beam, on which criminals are supposed
to have been executed. Not far from here is St. Catherine's Bay,
which is very large, and where extensive government alterations
and improvements are now going on to put it in a state of defence.
During the late war there were considerable barracks, and generally
two or three regiments stationed here.
The public buildings in St. Helier's, besides the Court-house,
are the College - a very handsome structure in the Elizabethian
style - Theatre, Circus, a Prison, and an Hospital in Gloucester
Street, both the latter are capacious, roomy, and well ventilated.
There are also good markets well covered in, viz., the butchers'
and green markets fronting Halkett Place, where there are four
rows of shops for butchers (who must not exceed 40), and when
there is a vacancy it is put up to competition, and the good will
is purchased, no butchers being allowed to vend their meat elsewhere.
There are also a commodious fish market, foreign provision market,
and a cattle market, all near each other in Cattle Street and
Minden Place. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday; Saturday
is almost a holiday here, except with shopkeepers. Visitors, who
are very fastidious at home at such a thing, do not consider it
infra dignitatem to be seen in St. Helier's with a wife
on one arm and an enormous crab or lobster hanging from the other,
with a good sized bouquet into the bargain, or a pot of fuchias.
There are several weekly papers here, some in French and some
in English, and conducted with considerable talent. They are enumerated
under their proper head. A dialect of Old Norman French is commonly
spoken by the people, particularly in the country, where a large
portion of them do not speak any English.
St. Aubin's is the second town in the island, and has a castle
or tower, called St. Aubin's Tower, which is now a fortress, and
stands in an admirable position for clearing the road and protecting
ships; troops may readily embark or disembark here, as there is
an excellent beach at low water which connects the fort with the
town of St. Aubin's, over which, not only soldiers may pass in
safety, but the heaviest ordnance may easily be transported. Omnibuses
arrive from St. Helier's and return hourly.
Jersey is easy of access in fair weather by the regular steam-packets
from Southampton, Brighton (via Newhaven), London, and Plymouth;
also by vessels constantly sailing from Liverpool, Plymouth, Torquay,
&c. There are convenient club and reading rooms, among which
may be named Philip Payn's, in Library Place, for the number and
respectability of its subscribers and the accommodation afforded
to them. Lord Beresford is the present Governor of Jersey, Major
Gen. Jas. Frederick Love, C.B., being Lieutenant-Governor.
The roads throughout the island are very good, for which the inhabitants
are indebted to General Don, who, when he came to Jersey as Lieutenant-Governor
and commander of the forces, found the country so intersected
with narrow lanes, high mounds, &c., as to render very difficult
the march of troops and the conveyance of artillery and baggage,
he therefore set about making spacious roads, and employing all
the soldiers who could be spared from duty; but so wedded are
the natives to their ancient laws and customs, that this was a
task of great difficulty, as he had to contend with prejudice
and even insult. The Channel Islands are in a strong position
in war time, and the French have more than once attempted to get
possession of them. At a comparatively recent period, when the
French Directory sought to break off a negotiation of peace they
were carrying on in London with the British Government, they demanded
that the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark should
be ceded to France, which was of course decidedly refuse. The
population of Jersey at the last census, in 1851, was 57,155.
It does not fall within the province of this work to particularize
every bay and valley of every object of interest in the island,
but enough has been said to show that there are great attractions
for visitors.
The laws are founded on those of the Duchy of Normandy, and have many peculiarities. Arrest for debt prevails and applies to English transactions. The climate is mild and healthy and warmer than in any part of England, the mean temperature at Jersey being 52° and the winter being milder; the range of temperature is from 83° to 27°. Rain and high wind are more frequent than in England, but snow is rare. Jersey slopes to the south and has a southerly aspect, and therefore it is warmer. The fig, sweet and seville orange and lemon, the myrtle, agave, fuchia, nerium leander, and many beautiful plants grow in the open air. In January there are peas a foot high, and many flowers. The militia consists of all men between 17 and 65 years old, and is above 2,500 strong, forming several regiments with artillery. The revenue of the island, derived from wines, spirits, and harbour dues, is about £21,000 a year, so that the taxes are very light.
GUERNSEY, which is the most central of the
Channel Islands, is situate near the coasts of Britany and Normandy,
in 49° 33' north latitude, and 2° 40' longitude from
the meridian of London. It is 13½ miles north-west of Jersey,
7 west of Sark, 15 south-west-by-south of Alderney, 60 north-north-west
of St. Malo, 66 north-west of Cancale, 57 north-west of Granville,
36 west-north-west of Carteret or Port Bail, 28½ west-by-south
of Dielette, 26 west-south-west of Cape La Hogue, and 36 west-by-south
of Cherbourg. It bears east-south-east from the Land's End, distant
135 miles, east-south-east from the Lizard 114 miles, 111 miles
east-south-east from Falmouth, and 71 miles south-east from Plymouth,
60 miles south from Weymouth, 51 south from Portland, 69 miles
south-by-west of Poole, 75 miles south-west of the Needles, 94
miles south-west of Portsmouth, and 108 miles south-west from
Southampton.
Map of Guernsey and Adjacent Islands
Guernsey is about 30 miles in circumference; its extreme length
is about 9½ miles, and its extreme breadth about 5½
miles; it is elevated on the south and shelves down to the north,
and its line of coast from south-east to west rises boldly from
the sea, and is intersected by ravines, running into small sandy
bays, which separate the cliffs, whilst the coast from north-east
to west is low land, terminating in a series of flat bays, skirted
by projecting rocky headlands. On the south there are but few
detached rocks, and these near the shore; but in all other directions,
and particularly on the north and west, the approaches to the
Island for a mile or two out at sea are beset with dangers on
every hand. The territorial surface of Guernsey may be stated
at 24 square miles, or 15,366 English acres; deducting one-third
for rocks, cliffs, and places not susceptible of culture, and
for houses, buildings of all sorts, streets and roads, say 5,120,
there remain fit for cultivation 10,240 English acres. The Island
is divided into 10 parishes, viz.:- St. Peter Port, St. Sampson,
the Vale, the Catel, St. Saviour, St. Peter-in-the-Wood, Torteval,
the Forest, St. Martin, and St. Andrew.
As part and parcel of the Duchy of Normandy, the Channel Islands
are the only remnant of the patrimony of William the Norman and
of the English and Norse Empire in France. It is owing to these
circumstances that their rights, immunities, and privileges are
of two distinct characters: first, those which have been transmitted
to them by their ancestors before the Conquest, from the Dukes
of Normandy; secondly, those which they enjoy by virtue of certain
charters conceded by the sovereigns of England and ratified by
Parliament; the former regard the people of the Channel Islands
as ancient subjects of Normandy; the latter as English subjects.
Imperial taxation being unknown in the Channel islands, they import,
free of duty, all foreign produce, and enjoy the privilege of
exporting their own produce only into the mother country, also,
free of duty, as though carried from one port of the kingdom to
another. In consideration of these privileges the population is,
in time of war, put under arms for the defence of the Island.
They have too many of the privileges of English citizens within
and without the Empire.
Since the peace, and particularly since the establishment of steam-packets,
the Islands have become a fashionable resort in the summer season,
and the permanent residence of English families who have been
allured thither by the mildness and salubrity of the climate,
by the beauty of the scenery and the delightful walks with which
they abound, and by the advantages they present to persons of
moderate incomes, by placing within their reach a greater amount
of the comforts and enjoyments of life, than, perhaps, could be
commanded in any other place. If the approach to Guernsey be from
the north-west, and the weather be clear and serene, the prospect
is very interesting, as, owing to the slope of the land to the
northward, a wide extent of country, interspersed here and there
with churches, windmills, and farm-houses, will be laid open to
view.
Upon entering the small Russel, a channel which runs between Guernsey
and Herm, Vale Castle, a very ancient structure, erected in the
tenth century, with Mount Crevel battery and tower to the south
of it, and St. Sampson's Harbour between both, will be perceived
on the right. On approaching the roadstead, the stranger will
be agreeably surprised at the altered aspect. On the right he
will perceive the coast from Vale Castle to the town studded with
houses, in lines nearly parallel with the shore, besides a number
of others in the country beyond, most of them on lowland, but
not a few adorning the sides or crowning the summits of gentle
acclivities, and the most conspicuous among which is Les Cotils,
the residence of Henry Tupper, Esq., which on the left will be
seen the Islands of Herm and Jethou, together with Sark and Jersey
in the distance, and directly ahead the town of St. Peter Port,
with Castle Cornet on a rock outside of it, Fort George, the principal
fortress in the Island, on the elevated land beyond, and Doyle's
Monument on Jerbourg heights. The town itself gently ascending
from the shore where its base is washed by the sea, to the very
summit of a high hill, forms an amphitheatre; the dwelling-houses
and gardens rising in succession above each other, among which
may be seen Elizabeth College, with its castellated towers, St.
James's Church, nearly in front of the College, and Castle Carey,
on the right of both, embosomed in trees, at once both picturesque
and enchanting.
The climate of Guernsey is particularly mild and salubrious, the
sea air tempers the heat in summer and the cold in winter. The
temperature, therefore, is less variable than even in more southern
situations on the Continent. Shrubs that require shelter in England
are here exposed without covering. The celebrated Chaumontel pear
here attains an enormous size, and numbers are annually exported
to England.
The chief town of Guernsey, St. Peter Port and the suburbs, can
view in beauty and cleanliness with any town in England; the streets,
though not wide, are well paved with granite footpaths, and the
carriage way is of the same material. The parochial church is
a substantial edifice, built entirely of granite in the second
style of pointed or Gothic architecture; the porch on the north
side, with its pointed arch, ornamented with deep archivolt mouldings
of granite, is worthy of notice; the massive pillars in the interior,
which support the tower and the arched roofs of the ailes, are
formed of blocks of dressed granite: this church has a fine-toned
organ, an excellent clock which moves four dials placed on each
face of the tower, and a peal of 8 bells. The window over the
altar represents the "Transfiguration", and is a very
fine specimen of stained glass, under which is a handsome reardos
in Bath stone. The window and reardos are monumental, and were
presented by the heirs of the late Mr. John Allaire in memory
of him. The meat and fish markets are most commodious. The Church
of England Sunday school room near the Market-Place, and the Court-house
in Manor Street, are fine buildings. The Town hospital was founded
in 1741. The environs of the town are studded with elegant mansions
surrounded with beautiful gardens. In no spot are fruits and flowers
more choice and abundant, and the country is well cultivated.
The roads throughout the Island are kept in good condition, and
free from toils.
Guernsey is well protected by nature, but art has been liberally
employed in adding to the general security; around the Island
every promontory and elevation has its battery or bulwark, every
accessible bay has its martello tower or breastwork, and the town
itself is defended by a fort and citadel; the English government
has defrayed the expense of most of these erections.
On the 6th January, 1831, the militia of the Channel Islands was
made royal by his late Majesty, William IV., who, while an officer
of the navy, twice visited Guernsey; every male inhabitant capable
of bearing arms from the age of 16 to 60 is bound to serve in
the militia, of which there are five regiments; the service is
altogether honorary, but clothing and accoutrements for the men
are provided by the Imperial Government.
Guernsey is justly celebrated for the breed of horned cattle,
for though in London and many other parts of England the public
speak of Alderney cows, the truth is that the pure breed of these
animals is only to be obtained in Guernsey; the Guernsey cows
are larger, and of a somewhat darker colour than those which usually
sell in England under that name, these come from Jersey. Guernsey
butter is as yellow as gold and of a most excellent flavour; so
convinced are the islanders of the excellence of their cows, that
every foreign breed is rigorously excluded, none being imported
except for the slaughter-house. The shores abound with stores
of interest for the conchologist; shells of numerous and beautiful
variety bestrew the beach, no less than 280 species are to be
found upon this and the adjoining islands.
There are but few manufactures in Guernsey, the principal are
those of roman cement, bricks, tobacco pipes, cider, beer, oilskin,
soap, candles, cordage, tobacco, snuff, and confectionary; ship-building
and ship-fitting employ many hands; the Guernsey stone trade has
been many years established, and a considerable part of the metropolis
and several other seaports are paved with Guernsey granite; this
branch of trade was very limited until 1815, when it began increasing,
and it received a considerable addition a few years afterwards,
when spalls, or small stones for macadamising, were first required;
between 500 and 600 vessels now load stone annually. The fisheries
employ part of the population.
The circulating medium, or that by means of which all trading
transactions are effected within the Island, is the modern French
coin, of which 24 francs are made to represent £1 sterling,
a 5 franc piece 4s. 2d., and 1 franc 10d., but since the French
revolution of February 1848, English silver has been constituted
a legal tender, and bears a premium of 5 per cent. The Island
of Guernsey is favorably situated for trade, occupying a central
position, with easy communication with England and the Continent;
and being free from taxation, commerce has for a long time chiefly
engaged the attention of the monied and speculative portion of
the inhabitants, who have long enjoyed an advantageous intercourse
with England, and this has of late years been much increased by
the introduction of steam vessels between the Islands and England,
accomplishing the voyage from the nearer ports, Poole and Southampton,
in six or eight hours respectively. There is communication with
the neighbouring islands and French coast. A considerable trade
is also carried on with France, Spain, Portugal, the Mediterranean,
the Baltic, and the Brazils; 13,670 tons of shipping were registered
here in 1847, comprising upwards of 100 vessels, varying from
20 to 300 tons each, the property of merchants and others in the
Island. A large trade, for provisions for the visitors, garrison
and shipping, is carried on with France.
The civil and military government of Guernsey is similar to that
of Jersey; the present Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey is his
Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Bell, K.C.B. The rector
of St. Peter Port bears the title of Dean of Guernsey; this Island,
with Alderney and Sark, constitute the deanery, which is within
the Diocese of Winchester. The Bishop appoints a Surrogate, who
grants marriage license, &c., in his name. The livings are
in the patronage of the Governor, and are chiefly held by native
ministers. The prevailing language is Norman French, somewhat
corrupted, though English has been spoken of late (especially
in the town), to a much greater extent than formerly.
One advantage of residing in the Channel Islands is the cheapness
of living. This, in comparison with the English metropolis, is
great in almost every article of sustenance. Compared, however,
with the provinces, the saving is chiefly confined to exciseable
articles. No rates or taxes are charged to strangers, unless they
acquire real property, or exercise some trade or profession in
the Island. The only duty is that of 1s. per gallon on spirituous
liquors consumed upon the Island, which are sold at 3s. 6d. per
gallon. There is also a duty of 6d. per gallon on wine (equal
to a penny a bottle), and 1s. per ton wharfage on all goods landed;
these two last-named duties being levied specially for the erection
of a new harbour and wet dock about to be commenced. Guernsey
affords every facility for sea bathing, a luxury in which all
classes participate during the summer season; and even during
winter, such is the mildness of the climate, bathers pursue their
healthful recreation.
In regard to education, this Island possesses great advantages.
The College, founded by Queen Elizabeth, offers good means for
obtaining a classical and general education. It is conducted by
members of the English Universities, under the inspection of a
Board of Directors, and visitors appointed by the Crown. The terms
of tuition are, for youths above 10 years of age £12 per
annum, and £8 for youths below that age.
The town is well supplied with pure water, and lighted with gas.
There are a Theatre Royal and Assembly rooms in the town, a Hospital,
or Workhouse, and a Gaol. Including the parochial churches there
are 15 places of worship, in which the service of the Established
Church is performed. In the rural parishes the service is performed
in the French language; in the parochial church of St. Peter Port,
in French and English alternately. In town and country there are
about 30 Non-Conformist chapels - of which the greater portion
are Wesleyan; the remainder are Independents, Friends, Baptists,
Primitive Methodists, and Roman Catholics.
Guernsey has given birth to some eminent men; among these appear
the names of Lord Saumarez, Admiral Gosselin, and Sir Thomas Mansell,
in the naval service; and in the military, General Sir Isaac Brock,
Major-General Carey, Major-General Tupper, Major-General Le Marchant,
Sir George Smith, Colonel Le Mesurier, and others. In the arts
and sciences Dr. John MacCulloch, F.R.S., &c., stood high
for his extraordinary ability and learning, as did the Rev. Peter
Paul Dobree, M.A., Regius Professor of Greek in the University
of Cambridge, and Rev. James Amiraux Jeremie, Regius Professor
at Oxford. In the civil service may be enumerated Peter Perchard,
Esq., Lord Mayor of London in 1806; Sir John Jeremie, Governor
of Sierra Leone, General Sir Gaspard Le Marchant, at present Governor
of Newfoundland, and Sir Denis Le Marchant, clerk of the House
of Commons. The population of Guernsey, according to the census
for 1851, was 29,733. There are two harbours for shipping, one
at St. Peter Port, the other at St. Sampson's. The market is on
the Saturday, and is abundantly supplied with poultry, eggs, butter,
vegetables, fruit, flowers, &c., chiefly the produce of the
Island.
The Queen and Prince Albert landed at Guernsey on the 24th August, 1846. The inhabitants opened a subscription for erecting a monument to commemorate the event. About £1,300 was thus raised, and the States of the Island voted the sum of £600; the site was bestowed by the heirs of the late Mr. Mourant. The first stone of Victoria tower was laid by Lieut.-Governor Bell on the 27th May, 1848, and the tower is now in course of erection. The style of architecture belongs to the mediaeval ages, and the building will be above 100 feet in height, and will serve as a landmark to ships approaching the roadstead.
ALDERNEY, the third in size and population
and the most northerly of the Channel Islands, lying in 49°
44' north latitude, and 2° 25' west longitude from the meridian
of Greenwich, is about 7 leagues north-east of Guernsey, and 3
leagues west of Cape La Hogue in France; it is bounded on the
south and west by cliffs from 100 to 200 feet in height; the land
is shelving to the north-east, intersected by deep valleys and
small bays, and bounded by a range of low rocks; it is about 4
miles in length and about 2 miles in breadth, containing 3,000
acres; although considerably elevated the soil is very fertile
and the air salubrious.
Map of Alderney
The chief employment of the inhabitants is the cultivation of their plots of land; the cows are celebrated for their beauty, and the quality and quantity of milk they yield. The government of the Island is the same as that of Guernsey, and consists of a deputy-governor, a judge, and other subordinate officers. The language is chiefly French, though of late English has been spoken to a much greater extent than formerly. The town, which is situated in the centre of the Island, is small and irregularly built, but has been considerably increased within the last three years. This increase is chiefly to be attributed to the government works, which were commenced in 1847 on the west of the Island, for the formation of an extensive break-water and harbour of refuge. The Island is also to be fortified; so that this small Island, which hitherto has been of little consequence, is destined to become of considerable importance; there are upwards of 400 men employed upon those works. The church, which was of very ancient Norman structure, has been pulled down and a new one erected in its stead, and is considered the handsomest church in the Channel Islands. From this Island a ridge of rocks extends westward, called the Caskets, upon which is a lighthouse, and eastward the strait between La Hogue in Normandy, and the Island called Ras de Blanchart or the Race of Alderney, the navigation of which is very intricate and dangerous in stormy weather; in 1119, Henry, Duke of Normandy, son of Henry I., together with many of his nobility, perished in a storm off the Caskets. The population of the Island, in 1851, was 3,333. The Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists have each a commodious chapel in the town of St. Anne's, and from the great increase of the English population a new Wesleyan chapel is now in course of erection. There is but one parish, which is in the deanery of Guernsey and diocese of Winchester. A new court-house and gaol have been recently erected in New Street. Blaye is the port, 1½ miles from St. Anne's.
HERM and JETHOU are small Islands close to each other, opposite St. Peter Port, Guernsey, and distant therefrom about 3 miles. Herm contains about 400 English acres, of which one-fourth is in cultivation. The soil is fertile; the furze that cover the hill sides affords shelter to abundance of rabbits, the only sort of game on these Islands; the cliffs supply valuable granite. The whole of the Island is held under the Crown by Mr. E. Fernie. Jethou is about one-fourth the size of Herm, and is now held by the Crown, and contains an inexhaustible quantity of the very best granite, which Government intends to work for the harbours of refuge in the Channel. These islands are under the jurisdiction of Guernsey.
SARK, the fourth in size of the Channel Islands,
stands high, and is surrounded by abrupt cliffs from 100 to 320
feet in height, the land, unlike the other Islands, having no
declivity to the sea; it is about 3½ miles in length and
about 1½ miles broad and 9 in circumference, and contains
1,400 English acres, and is the most central and elevated of the
whole; it is 6 miles east from Guernsey and 14 miles north-west
from Jersey, 18 miles south-west from Alderney, and 24 miles from
the French coast. There is a small peninsula, called Little Sark,
connected by a natural and very narrow bridge. The rocky scenery
throughout the Island is picturesque.
The history of Sark (or, as in the old records, Sercq and Cercq) is necessarily much broken, as at different periods the island was for centuries uninhabited. It was given by Queen Elizabeth, as a reward for faithful services, to Helier De Cartaret, of Jersey, his heirs and successors for ever, to be held under the Crown, for which he was to pay yearly a knight's fee of 50 sols into the Court of Guernsey; from that period the Island has been held by its seigneurs or lords. It is one of the smallest states of Europe with a separate legislature, and the only one of the small feudal territories or half sovereignties which has remained unimpaired, those of Germany, Austria, and Prussia being abolished or restricted. The most conspicuous feature at this time is the existence of the law of primogeniture in all its pristine purity, and the original division of the Island into 40 estates remains the same even unto this day. The present lord is Peter Carey Le Pelley, Esq. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits and fishing. The land generally is very productive, from the nature both of the soil and climate. There are abundance of rabbits in Sark, and in the winter woodcocks and snipes are to be found on the Island. The fish most common are lobsters, crabs, mackerel, whiting, rock-fish, silver bream, cod, soles, and congers; in summer the latter are taken in great abundance. Although Sark abounds in mineral veins no attempt was made to explore them till the year 1834; a company was then formed for the purpose of working the whole of the mineral veins in the Island, and a lease for 31, but afterwards extended to 39 years, was obtained from the late lord, Peter Le Pelley, Esq, who was drowned, in 1839, crossing from Sark to Guernsey in a small boat. The operations were confined to the metalliferous vein or lode at the south part of the Island, called the Pot, until 1836, when the silver lode, situate in the south-west part of the Island, called Sark's Hope, was discovered. There are four shafts in the mine, varying from 360 to 600 feet in depth; there are eight galleries, three of which are extended on the course of the vein horizontally 3,600 feet, and one is driven 300 feet under the sea. The ores, raised up to the year 1847, when the operations finally ceased and the mines closed, contained upwards of 30,000 ounces of fine silver, in addition to the large quantity of lead. The Island is in the bailiwick of Guernsey, and forms part of that deanery; there is a neat parochial church, with an appointed clergy-man, who is a perpetual curate, and an Endowed school for the education of children in French and English. The Wesleyans have also a chapel upon the Island. Three-fourths of the Island is under cultivation; potatoes, until recent years, were the chief product of the Island, wheat is now grown to a considerable extent; cows, a few bullocks, sheep, and hogs are reared and sent to the Guernsey market. Cutters pass to and from Guernsey, daily, during the summer months, and generally twice a week in the winter, weather permitting. Although in the immediate vicinity of Jersey and Guernsey, Sark is considered to possess a climate somewhat different. In the sheltered spots of the Island the winter passes almost without congnizance, and frost may be looked upon as an unexpected visitor, whose stay is brief. The population, according to the census of 1851, was 581. Tourists and others about to visit the Island of Sark, may obtain every information of Mr. John Russell, Sark Packet Office, Quay, Guernsey.
BRECHNOU is a small Island dependent on the lordship of Sark, 1? miles in circumference, and with two families settled on it.
