Guernsey Family History
No information about our Island's history would be complete without making mention of the many local family names and their Norman routes.
Although Guernsey has mainly Norman routes, due to Guernsey's colourful history there is a great mixture of other origins.
After the conquest of England by William, seventh Duke of Normandy, some people were rewarded with land in Guernsey and others were banished to the island after falling out with the Duke.
Wars between Britain and France span many centuries and many famous Guernseymen were often highly rewarded, for their services to the English Crown.
The persecution of French Protestants, or Huguenots, was largely carried out in the early 1560s. The Huguenots came mainly from areas of France such as Normandy and Picardy. They came over in two main waves. The first was in the mid 16th century; the accession of Queen Elizabeth to the throne of England in 1558 gave them great encouragement. The second wave began in the 17th century as a result of persecution by Louise XIV.
The shipbuilding industry of Guernsey brought with it new inhabitants, particularly in the period 1812 - 1894. Many 'new' Guernseymen arrived as seamen or shipmates of the schooners, brigs, cutters and brigantines, which were built in the island during this period.
Since World War II there have been many further immigrants, mainly from England following the return of evacuees after the liberation from Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Large numbers of Guernsey people emigrated to America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in the 19th Century. This emigration was partly as a result of the strict Guernsey inheritance laws, under which only the eldest sons inherited land and wealth. Also, the opening up of the New World promised a new start and new opportunities.
Names such as De Carteret, Duquemin, Robilliard and Le Cheminant are still very common on the island and are clues to the island's interesting history.
For more information on Guernsey family history please contact:
The Priaulx Library
Candie
St Peter Port
Guernsey
Channel Islands
GY1 1UG
Tel: +44 (0) 1418 721998
Fax: +44 (0) 1418 713804
www.priaulxlibrary.co.uk/
La Société Guernésiaise
Family History section
PO Box 314
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 3TG
Tel: +44 (0) 1481 725093
Fax: +44 (0) 1481 726248
www.societe.org.gg/
ST. PETER’S COUNTRY MARKET 27 Jan 2010 - 22 Dec 2010
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Contact: Mrs Plumley +44 (0) 1481 263376
Venue: Community Hut, behind St. Peter’s Post Office 10-11am.
On sale is fresh produce (salads, potatoes, berries...
more info
AUTUMN WALKING FESTIVAL 04 Sep 2010 - 12 Sep 2010
Contact Guernsey Information Centre on +44 (0)1481 723552
Various walks will be on offer during our Autumn Walking Week, offering walks on many aspects of Guernsey life. Take...
more info