Although Guernsey is geographically closer to the Normandy coast than to
the south coast of England it is a dependency of the British Crown.
So why does Guernsey remain loyal to Britain, rather than France
her closest neighbour?
It all began in 933 AD when the Channel Islands became part of the Norman
Realm. In 1066, the Duke of Normandy landed his army in Sussex and
became William I of England. The Channel Islands, however, remained
part of the Duchy of Normandy and continued to be governed as such.
When Continental Normandy was lost in 1204 the Channel Islands remained
loyal to the King of England as the King promised to rule the islands as
though he was the Duke of Normandy (i.e. observing the Duchy’s laws,
customs and liberties). This arrangement has been confirmed in
charters of successive sovereigns that have secured for the islands their
own judiciaries and freedom from the process of the English Courts.
Indeed the Islands are independent in all matters with the exception of
international representation and defence for which the United Kingdom is
responsible.
The islands were the focal point of strife between England and France for
many years due to their allegiance to England. At times, the French
raided the islands and gained temporary footholds and, as a consequence,
there are castles and fortresses around Guernsey that were originally built
as a protection against invaders.
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