About Guernsey

Guernsey forms the second largest of the Channel Islands. Although geographically closer to France than the UK, it has been loyal to the British Crown since Norman times.

It is the largest of the four islands that form an archipelago known as the Bailiwick, which as well as Guernsey, includes the islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm.

As a dependency of the British Crown; today the island is self governing, enjoying a level of independence but still maintaining close ties to the UK and Europe.

Its geographical location and ability to govern its own fiscal affairs has meant Guernsey has become a hub for both the offshore financial sector and some high profile light industries, including Specsavers and Healthspan.

Combined with this, traditional industries of flower growing, fishing, dairy farming and the famous Guernsey tomato, still play an important role in the island’s economy, as well as maintaining its character and charm.

Guernsey’s history

Evidence of human settlements, hunting and farming in Guernsey date back to 6500BC, with remains supporting Neolithic Man, through Iron Age Man to the Romans, being found in sites across the islands.

Guernsey’s heritage is most strongly linked to the sea, with a prominent history in fishing, shipbuilding, privateering and being an important staging post for merchant trade. This relationship to the sea is reflected in the way of life on the island, and forms a foundation of its character.

Possibly the most defining part of Guernsey’s recent history is its role in World War 11. Occupation on the island began with the evacuation of the island’s children and some adults to the UK on the 20th June 1940. On the 28th June, 33 islanders were killed and more injured in the bombing of St Peter Port, prior to the actual invasion of the island by German forces on the 30th June 1940.

The occupation dramatically changed Guernsey, affecting its cultural traditions, language and population, as well as leaving quite a substantial mark on the image of the island due to the significant and sizeable fortifications created by the Germans to defend against possible invasion by the Allied forces.

The island was finally liberated in May 1945, and to this day this is celebrated every year with a dedicated bank holiday ‘Liberation Day’ on the 9th May. Events and a carnival atmosphere mark this important day in Guernsey’s history annually in both St Peter Port and the other Parishes.

Since then, Guernsey has grown into its current self, going through periods of both success and hardship. The growing industry, in particular flowers and tomatoes, saw the island prosper, and at one time Glasshouses covered nearly 20% of the land. However, this success faded as Europe developed and modernised its industry and trade.

Today, the island is probably best known for its financial sector which houses many international companies and corporations who are attracted to the favourable offshore tax regime. Aside from this, Tourism is still an important factor in the islands.