Bailiwick of Guernsey

Guernsey, officially called the Bailiwick of Guernsey, is a group of islands off the coast of Normandy, France. It is a self-governing area that belongs to the British Crown but is not part of the United Kingdom. The islands include Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and smaller islands like Herm.

Historically, these islands were part of the Duchy of Normandy. When the dukes of Normandy became kings of England in 1066, the islands stayed loyal to England even when the rest of Normandy did not, after the Treaty of Le Goulet in 1204. Later, in about 1290, they were organized into two groups, with the Bailiwick of Guernsey covering all islands except Jersey.

Today, the Bailiwick is its own parliamentary and constitutional monarchy. The British monarch is the head of state, represented by a Lieutenant Governor. The States of Guernsey acts as the parliament for the whole area, with some local decisions made by smaller island governments. The Bailiff of Guernsey leads the government and the courts. Although the UK helps with defense and some policies, the Bailiwick makes many of its own rules and has its own international identity.

History

Further information: History of Guernsey, Alderney § History, and Sark § History

The Bailiwick of Guernsey has a long history that began in 933 when the islands were taken over by William Longsword. These islands were part of the lands of William the Conqueror. In 1204, France took over mainland Normandy, but the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, remained separate. They are the last parts of the old Duchy of Normandy still existing today.

Over time, the way these islands were governed changed. There were governors, and sometimes co-governors, who were later called wardens, keepers, or captains. The bailiff helps the Governor when needed, such as during times of difficulty like the German occupation of the Channel Islands. The Lieutenant Governor represents the British monarch and usually has a background in military service.

Local courts in Guernsey used to be led by the lord of the manor. Later, a higher court was added where the bailiff and knights could handle appeals and serious cases. In 1290, Otton de Grandson, the governor at the time, split the civil powers between two bailiffs, one for Guernsey and one for Jersey, before he left for the Holy Land.

Geography

See also: Guernsey § Geography

The Bailiwick of Guernsey includes several islands such as Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some smaller ones. Together, they cover an area of 78 km² (30 sq mi) with coastlines stretching about 50 km (31 mi). The land rises to a highest point of 114 m (374 ft) at Le Moulin on Sark.

The area has many small islands, islets, rocks, and reefs. With tides that can reach 10 m (33 ft) and fast currents up to 12 knots, sailing around these islands can be quite tricky.

Constitutional status

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is its own special area with its own rules. It is not part of the United Kingdom, but it is closely linked to it. Together with Jersey, it makes up the Channel Islands.

People living in Guernsey do not have representatives in the British Parliament or the European Parliament. Guernsey’s rules come from old agreements, starting from a treaty in 1259. Even though the rest of Normandy became part of France, the Channel Islands stayed loyal to the English Crown. This special status means the islands have kept many of their own traditions and ways of governing. Over time, British kings and queens have supported the freedoms of the Bailiwick. This unique position has helped the people of Guernsey, letting them avoid some strict laws from the United Kingdom while still enjoying benefits like special trade rules. The islands were also useful for trade, acting as a stop between England and places like Gascony.

Parishes

The Bailiwick of Guernsey includes twelve parishes: Alderney, Sark, and ten on mainland Guernsey (one of which includes Herm). Each parish has a parish church that dates back to the 11th century. Originally, the French Catholic church had strong control over these parishes, but for the past 500 years, the English church has been in charge. Over time, the religious control has lessened, and now each parish is managed by democratically elected leaders called douzeniers.

Jurisdictions

Each area in the Bailiwick of Guernsey has its own islands and government. All of them need approval from the Monarch for important laws. Each area also collects its own taxes.

Alderney

Main article: Alderney

Alderney has about 2,200 people living in 7.8 km² (3 square miles). It has its own parliament called the States of Alderney, with ten elected members and a president.

Guernsey

Main article: Guernsey

The island of Guernsey has around 63,000 people in 62 km² (24 square miles). It is the main center for the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The parliament for Guernsey and nearby islands like Herm, Jethou, and Lihou is the States of Guernsey.

Sark

Main article: Sark

Sark has about 600 people living in 5.2 km² (2 square miles). Its parliament, together with the island of Brecqhou, is called the Chief Pleas of Sark, with 18 elected members.

Recognition

The Bailiwick of Guernsey does not have its own flag or coat of arms. In the past, the governor used personal symbols or a generic flag.

In 1279, Edward I gave a Seal for use in the Channel Islands. By 1304, separate seals were made for Jersey and Guernsey, showing three leopards from the arms of the Duchy of Normandy.

The United Kingdom handles the Bailiwick’s defense and its formal international affairs.

Although not a member of the European Union, before Brexit the Bailiwick had special ties with the EU under Protocol 3 of the UK’s Treaty of Accession 1972. In 2010, together with Jersey, Guernsey opened an office in Brussels to work with the EU.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is part of the Commonwealth (Commonwealth of Nations), though not a full member, and it competes in the Commonwealth Games.

In 1969, Royal Mail stopped controlling postal services, and Guernsey joined the Universal Postal Union.

Since 1999, the Bailiwick has been part of the British–Irish Council, represented by the Chief Minister of Guernsey.