Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, and officially known as the Bailwick of Jersey. The Island is 45.56 square miles in size, and is located off the coast of France.
The Islands status goes back to 1066 when England and Normandy were ruled as one by William the Conqueror (1028 – 1087), with the Channel Islands a part of the joint kingdom. In 1204 Normandy was taken by King Philip II of France (1165 – 1223) but the English King, King John (1167 – 1216) was able to keep the islands, and Jersey has been self governing ever since. It remains so to this day, with only matters like foreign affairs and defence taken care of by the UK Government in Westminster.
The name “Jersey” is thought to originate from an old Norse word for earth, “Jaro” or the name “Geirr” with the “ey” commonly used as a prefix for Island, such as on Guernsey.
Capital and largest city: St Helier, making up one of 12 parishes on the Island.
Cities: N/A.
Parishes: 12.
Official languages: English and French.
Recognised regional languages: Jerriais.
Patron saint and day: St Helier, 16th July.
Click here to see the location of Jersey in the English Channel between Great Britain and France. You can find out all the places we have been on Jersey by looking through the 12 parishes below, and anywhere we have visited will be highlighted green and linked to a post.
- Grouville
- Saint Brelade
- Saint Clement
- St Helier
- Saint John
- Saint Lawrence
- Saint Martin
- Saint Mary
- Saint Ouen
- Saint Peter
- Saint Saviour
- Trinity
The British Isles were the limit, but now the world! 