History
History
Guernsey Merchants and their World by Gregory Stevens-Cox
This fascinating and highly-readable book summarises investigations made by Dr Stevens-Cox which focus on identifying the lesser-known merchants of the 18th century, chronicling their remarkable stories, their enterprise, their wealth and their rank. He describes the education and up-bringing of their young and, through their correspondence, provides an illuminating view into their lives, both ashore and afloat, together with accounts of their business successes and setbacks.
Book Review from Guernsey Society Review, Spring 2010
The author, Gregory Stevens-Cox, has also written St Peter Port - the History of an Internal Entrepot - also available here.
This book, which is not available through amazon, is available through the Guernsey Society at a special price of £28. For more details, please contact us.
Telling Tales: Guernsey News, Views, Ideas, Snippets and Gossip from the Early to Mid-1800s
Instead of being lost in time between the pages of old newspapers and books, these accounts and opinions of a bygone age are uniquely collected together into a compilation which shines a torch on the social history of Guernsey. Complemented by local prints of the era, this valuable contemporary study of Guernsey's heritage will please the reader, genealogist and historian alike.
The Author Susan Ilie was born in Guernsey and works as an independent family history researcher.
A Farmer's Vacation in 1873: Jersey - Guernsey - Sark by George Waring Jr
The writings of Charles Waring, a progressive American farmer, who visited Jersey, Guernsey and Sark in 1873.
"He is a man of great curiosity and shows a wide interest in all aspects of life in the islands; the scenery, the cost of living, the language, the government, the people; and writes perceptively and fluently on all he sees and experiences ... the book is a real gem and benefits from the inclusion of many fine contemporary engravings depicting the islands in the 19th century."
Review of the Guernsey Society, Spring 2009
A linguistic study of the remarkable works of this prolific translator. In his lifetime, Thomas Martin, a carpenter, translated into Guernsey Norman French the whole of the Bible, the works of Shakespeare, and many other classics of English literature. For the first time, these works have been analysed by a specialist in language death theory and dialectology.
'Nearly a century after his death, Thomas Martin is poised to take his position amongst the luminaries of Guernsey Norman French, alongside Métivier, Corbet and others. His discreet ambition to present the dialect to posterity has been fulfilled. In Mari C Jones, Thomas Martin has found as scrupulous, well-informed and insightful interpreter as he could have wished for.'
Dr Darryl Ogier, Review of the Guernsey Society, Winter 2008
Megalithic Guernsey by Andrew Fothergill
A general tour of the Megalithic structures and sacred sights found in Guernsey, Channel Islands. Many colour photographs and detailed maps make this the ideal guide book to the ancient history of Guernsey.
Kingsley House School: and the Three Robin Sisters by Ray Le Mesurier-Foster
The extraordinary story of three spinster ladies who dedicated their lives to the education of the children of Guernsey, and to the school itself, that had a reputation for educational success.
'Mr Le Mesurier-Foster’s book combines a fascinating collection of contributions from former pupils which describe a school whose methods and facilities could not be imagined by present-day children - not to mention their parents!'
Review of the Guernsey Society, Spring 2008.
This book is available direct from the Society priced £6.00 (plus £2.00 postage and packing to UK and Europe).
Love Apple Island: ..a Life on the Island of Guernsey by Yvonne Ozanne
Based on her monthly columns in the Guernsey Press, Yvonne recounts stories of her childhood and recalls Guernsey life as it used to be in the 20th Century.
'What a wonderful trip down memory lane this delightful book gave me ... Yvonne has such extraordinarily descriptive powers that I was transported back to the halcyon days of my youth in that idyllic island of Guernsey.' Roy Dotrice in the preface
Jutland Letters: June-October 1916 by Harriet Bachrach
A collection of letters from Commodore Charles Le Mesurier, who commanded the 4th Light Cruiser Squadron in the Grand Fleet at Jutland, to his wife. The letters, which span the period June - October 1916, have been collected and edited by his granddaughter, and will be of interest to naval and family historians.
"The letters ... provide vivid insights into the social history of the First World War Royal Navy through the eyes of one of its senior commanders." Major General Julian Thompson in his foreword.
Guernsey and the Great War by David Mosely and Lynne Ashton
During the Battle of Cambrai in World War I, 40% of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry were either killed or wounded. This book has been produced by the Guernsey Museums & Art Gallery to coincide with an exhibition to mark the 90th anniversary of the battle.
Guernsey Sailing Ships by John W Sarre
Representing a life's work researching the maritime history of Guernsey, this CD-ROM publication contains a treasure trove of information about our island's maritime past. The main focus of the work is a register of Guernsey shipping containing 1,762 individual ship entries relating to a range of 966 different ship names. It also includes some historical background to the register, together with illustrations of the ships and the ports they visited.
The details of voyages made will interest historians, and family historians may also find details of their nautical ancestors. The text is fully searchable and the PDF files are extensively bookmarked for ease of navigation.
Guernsey, 1814-1914: Migration and Modernisation by Rose-Marie Crossan
A brand new book on the history of nineteenth-century Guernsey, exploring the huge cultural changes as the island made the transition from a francophone to an anglophone community. Based on new research the author examines the role of migration in this transition, since Guernsey experienced both substantial outflows (to North America and the Antipodes), and substantial inflows (from Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Hampshire and Cornwall; the Irish province of Munster, and the French departements of La Manche and Les Cotes-du-Nord).
This book will be of considerable interest to anyone whose ancestors migrated to or from the island during the 19th century.
Sir Isaac Brock, Hero of Upper Canada
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, Hero of Upper Canada, was born in Guernsey. He led the British Army in the Battle of Queenstown Heights in 1812. There have been a number of books about him published recently. Featured here are two new books, and two reprints. In Bold Brave, Born to Lead, Mary Fryer examines at Brock's leadership style and reputation. The other new book - The Reincarnation of Isaac Brock - is a novel inspired by Brock's heroic story.
The reprints include a contemporary biography written by his nephew, Guernsey historian Ferdinand Brock Tupper, first published in Guernsey in 1845 and based on Brock's correspondence with his nephew. The second, Nursey's Story of Isaac Brock, was first published in Canada in 1908.
A Victorian Rector and Nine Old Maids: 100 Years of Cotswold Village Life by Michael Boyes
Robert Le Marchant was a Guernseyman from a leading island family who married Eliza Tupper, also from an illustrious Guernsey line. Robert trained as a doctor and spent three years in the profession before forsaking medicine for the Church. Le Marchant became the rector of Little Rissington in the Cotswolds, and during the fifty years in the parish, raised a family including nine girls, none of whom married.
Frederick Corbin Lukis and His Family
A celebration of the life and work of a remarkable Victorian polymath and his family.
This new book celebrates the life and work of the great Guernsey man Frederick Corbin Lukis. It was written to accompany the 2006 exhibition Pursuits and Joys but also stands alone as an introduction to the life and work of this pioneering archaeologist, naturalist and antiquarian. The contributions of his extended family to the body of knowledge left behind in his collections and archive is also explored and described.
A Family Business by Michael Best
For over 200 years, the family of Michael Best have run a flourishing brick making business. In a celebration of the history of St Andrew's Brickfields, the author brings together all the aspects of his family-run industry - from quarrying and processing stone to agriculture, complete with memories of the 'bygone days'. Carefully researched, capturing the spirit of changing times, "A Family Business" is more than facts and recollections; it is a significant legacy for future generations - a fascinating treasure.
The Charters of Guernsey by Tim Thornton
The history of Guernsey's ancient rights and privileges, told through the Charters of Guernsey from the time of Edward III in 1341, through to the Restoration period of Charles II in the late 1600s. The first time that all of these documents, from collections in the island as well as the UK, have been transcribed, translated and presented with commentary of their context.
A collection of papers produced for the Reconnoitre du Droit Normand held in the Royal Court Chamber, St Peter Port, Guernsey on 10-11th June 2004 to mark the 8th centenary of the commise or loss of continental Normandy by King John to the French Crown and to celebrate the continuing links between the islands and the Province. Contibutors include academics and lawyers from Guernsey, Jersey, England and France with papers related to various aspects of insular and continental Norman history and law. French language papers also appear in English translation.
The Government and Law of Guernsey by Dr Darryl Ogier
Dr Ogier sets out clearly the composition and workings of the new machinery of government, but also traces the development of Guernsey law from its medieval Norman law to the current influence of UK and EU legislation. As the Bailiff points out in his foreward, this comprehensive treatise fills a long-felt need, providing an authoritative and up to date account of how Guernsey is governed.
Guernsey Sentinel: The Remarkable Les Hanois Lighthouse by Raymond Dafter
The book not only recounts its colourful history and the numerous shipwrecks and maritime mishaps associated with that part of Guernsey close to the treacherous Les Hanois rocks but it features the exploits of the dedicated men who served in the lighthouse. This well-illustrated book is thus an important contribution to the maritime history of the Channel Islands, embracing the lighthouse's history and technical information as well as human interest stories of those associated with Les Hanois.
Laws of Guernsey by Gordon Dawes
Written for anyone concerned with legal issues or business in Guernsey, this book introduces the following principal areas: an introduction to Guernsey law itself; Guernsey constitutional law; planning law; housing law; family law; law of succession; trust law; income tax law; company and commercial law; employment law; health and safety at work; civil procedure; criminal law and procedure; evidence; and land law. The book includes various legislative materials and many cross-references to English and French law.
This book traces the rise and fall of the Channel Islands' shipping during the 19th century. Drawing on new sources, it assesses the impact on the islands of their participation in international trade, the Newfoundland cod fisheries, quarrying and the stone trade as well as the role played by the Chambers of Commerce, local shipbuilders, shipowners and merchants.
A History of the Bailiwick of Guernsey: the Islanders' Story by James Marr
The most comprehensive and authoritative book on the history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey for 150 years. This second paperback edition has been extensively revised and updated, and includes a wealth of detail on all aspects of the islands' social, religious, economic and cultural history.
"... without question the most important book on the Bailiwick since F B Tupper's history more than a century ago"
James has been a leading member of the Guernsey Society for many years, and is a regular contributor to The Review.
St Peter Port 1680-1830 - the History of an International Entrepôt by Gregory Stevens-Cox
A history of St Peter Port - the book traces the growth of the town's status from provincial port to international trading centre. It also dispels the myth that privateering was the major source of wealth for Guernsey's elite during this period.
Gregory is Head of History at Blancheland College, Guernsey.
Reformation and Society in Guernsey by Darryl Ogier
A study of the events between 1540 and 1640 as Guernsey made the transition from a Catholic society to one based on Calvinism. This was originally written as a thesis for a PhD in History at University of Warwick. Darryl now heads the Island Archives Service.
Wreck of the "Stella": "Titanic" of the Channel Islands John Ovenden & David Shayer
The story of the passenger ship Stella that sank on a voyage between Southampton and Guernsey in 1899, and its subsequent rediscovery on the sea bed 100 years later.
Guernsey Wrecks: Shipwrecks around Guernsey, Alderney and Sark by Ray Dafter
"A fascinating account of these islands' maritime history embracing the most comprehensive details of shipwrecks and disasters ever published... This is a book for anyone interested in the maritime history of the islands as well as divers and underwater archaeologists." (sleeve notes)
The Guernsey Farmhouse - a Survey by Members of the Guernsey Society
Published by Thomas De La Rue for the Guernsey Society in 1963, this book outlines the development of farmhouses in Guernsey, packed with plenty of example with details of their history, plans and photographs.
For more details see full Table of Contents.
Channel Islands under Tudor Government 1485-1642: by AJ Eagleston
(Cambridge University Press for the Guernsey Society, 1949)
Archaeology of the Channel Islands by Peter Johnston (ed)
A collection of papers from an International Symposium in 1980 which assess and interpret the archaeological finds in the islands during the decade from 1970-1980.
Peter is a member of the Guernsey Society council and a regular contributor to The Review.