Bailiwick of Guernsey

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is a group of islands near 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. In 1066, when the dukes of Normandy became kings of England, the islands stayed loyal to England. This continued after the Treaty of Le Goulet in 1204, when the rest of Normandy did not. Later, around 1290, the islands were split into two groups, with the Bailiwick of Guernsey covering all except Jersey.

Today, the Bailiwick has 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. The UK helps with defense and some policies, but 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. It 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, stayed separate. They are the last parts of the old Duchy of Normandy that still exist today.

Over time, the way these islands were governed changed. There were governors and sometimes co-governors. They were later called wardens, keepers, or captains. The bailiff helps the Governor when needed, such as during difficult times. 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 has several islands such as Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some smaller ones. All together, they cover an area of 78 km² (30 sq mi) with coastlines that stretch about 50 km (31 mi). The highest point of land is 114 m (374 ft) at Le Moulin on Sark.

The area has many small islands, islets, rocks, and reefs. Because the tides can get very high and currents can move fast, sailing around these islands can be difficult.

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. The islands have kept many of their own traditions and ways of governing. The islands were also useful for trade, acting as a stop between England and places like Gascony.

Parishes

The Bailiwick of Guernsey has twelve parishes: Alderney, Sark, and ten on mainland Guernsey (one of which includes Herm). Each parish has a church that is very old, dating back to the 11th century. The church was once controlled by France, but for about 500 years, it has been led by the English church. Today, each parish is run by leaders called douzeniers who are chosen by the people.

Jurisdictions

Each area in the Bailiwick of Guernsey has its own islands and government. They all 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. It has its own parliament called the States of Alderney.

Guernsey

Main article: Guernsey

The island of Guernsey has around 63,000 people in 62 km². 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. Its parliament, together with the island of Brecqhou, is called the Chief Pleas of Sark.

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.

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

Although not a member of the European Union, the Bailiwick had special ties with the EU before Brexit. 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.