About Guernsey
Guernsey, a British Crown Dependency, is the second largest of the Channel Islands, situated 30 miles north west of France and 80 miles south of England in the Gulf of St Malo. The Bailiwick of Guernsey includes the neighbouring islands of Sark, Herm and Alderney.
Guernsey was governed as part of the Duchy of Normandy since 933, however in 1204 the islanders bravely pledged allegiance to King John as he fought to maintain his territory in France.
In 1206, the King ordered the construction of Castle Cornet to safeguard the harbour in St Peter Port from attacks by his enemies in France and pirates that frequented the English Channel. The sea defences and island's independence remained intact until the Second World War.
From July 1940 until May 1945, Guernsey was occupied by invading German forces. Realising the strategic importance, Hitler committed considerable resources to fortifying the island coastal defences. The relics of this period in Guernsey's history are evident around the island's many buildings have been preserved as tourism attractions and museums.
In more recent times, Guernsey has been better known as an offshore banking centre and holiday destination. The lucrative finance industry has helped to create a high standard of living for Guernsey's 60,000 residents. The island boasts first class public facilities including a multi-million pound leisure centre, refurbished airport terminal, yachting marinas, schools and medical services. Despite the influx of 'big' business into the island, it has managed to maintain its local charm and relaxed lifestyle.
The growing tourism industry has capitalised on the natural environment of long sandy unpolluted beaches on the north and west coasts with large areas of common and headlands. The south of the island has high cliffs and 16 miles of cliff paths to walk, with spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Guernsey was governed as part of the Duchy of Normandy since 933, however in 1204 the islanders bravely pledged allegiance to King John as he fought to maintain his territory in France.
In 1206, the King ordered the construction of Castle Cornet to safeguard the harbour in St Peter Port from attacks by his enemies in France and pirates that frequented the English Channel. The sea defences and island's independence remained intact until the Second World War.
From July 1940 until May 1945, Guernsey was occupied by invading German forces. Realising the strategic importance, Hitler committed considerable resources to fortifying the island coastal defences. The relics of this period in Guernsey's history are evident around the island's many buildings have been preserved as tourism attractions and museums.
In more recent times, Guernsey has been better known as an offshore banking centre and holiday destination. The lucrative finance industry has helped to create a high standard of living for Guernsey's 60,000 residents. The island boasts first class public facilities including a multi-million pound leisure centre, refurbished airport terminal, yachting marinas, schools and medical services. Despite the influx of 'big' business into the island, it has managed to maintain its local charm and relaxed lifestyle.
The growing tourism industry has capitalised on the natural environment of long sandy unpolluted beaches on the north and west coasts with large areas of common and headlands. The south of the island has high cliffs and 16 miles of cliff paths to walk, with spectacular views of the surrounding islands.