Guernsey

Guernsey is the smaller of the two main islands that make up the Channel Islands. It is officially titled as the Bailiwick of Guernsey, and also includes a number of other islands, Alderney, Herm, Jethou, Lihou and Sark.

The main island itself is split into 10 parishes, with the capital lying in St Peter Port. The name Guernsey comes from two sources, with the “Guern” being similar to the Spanish word Cuerno, which means horns. The “ey” is a prefix for Island, of Norse origins, and is used in the names of other islands such as Jersey. Guernsey is a self governing island, with the British Government responsible for foreign affairs and defence. Guernsey, along with Jersey is the last part of what was once the medieval Duchy of Normandy, once ruled together with England. William the Conqueror (1028 – 1087) ruled the two, before King Philip II (1165 – 1223) took Normandy, with England under King John (1167 – 1216) maintaining the Channel Islands.

Capital and largest city: St Peter Port, one of the 10 parishes on the Island.

Cities: N/A

Parishes: 10

Official Languages: English and French.

Recognised regional languages: Guernesiais and Sercquiais.

Patron saint and day: St Sampson, 28th July.

Click here to see the location of Guernsey in the English Channel between Great Britain and France. You can find out all the places we have been on Guernsey by looking through the 10 parishes below, and anywhere we have visited will be highlighted green and linked to a post.

[Castel]