Past, Present Future

The original inhabitants were hunters who were supplanted by farmers in about 5,000 BC. As with much of Western Europe, the Channel Isles' early history is a catalogue of invasions.
Defensive earthworks on the coast of Guernsey date back more than 5,000 years and were augmented by the Celts, who arrived in 800 BC from France and Germany.

The States of Guernsey

The Bailiwick of Guernsey has its own constitution, making it almost a self-governing member of the British Commonwealth. On occasions Guernsey's legislation has to be approved by the Queen in Council before it can be enacted locally.

The islands were originally connected to the French mainland until around 6,500 BC when the great Ice cap melted. Guernsey's heritage is inextricably linked to the sea and that close relationship will be celebrated in sea Guernsey 2005.

Known as 'Sarnia' to the Romans, Guernsey was once a part of Normandy, as were the other Channel Islands. This changed in the early 13th century. In the 15th century Guernsey, Sark and Alderney were placed under the control of a Governor, a role which later became the Lieutenant Governor, a post that still exists to this day.

The island was home to French poet Victor Hugo, whose house provides an intriguing monument to his 15 year exile. His creative spirit lives on in a non-stop programme of exhibitions and performances.

The 20th century also left its mark, when the islands became bulwarks in Europe's WWII Atlantic wall. The legacy is a labyrinth of fortifications, plus fascinating museums that vividly recreate everyday life in occupied Britain.