Guernsey is a British crown dependent island located 48 kilometers west of Normandy,
France. Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands. In 1204 the Channel Islands were put in the charge of a warden or a lord. But in the 15th century, Guernsey was
put under the charge of a captain -- this was abolished in 1835. Later, the responsibilities over Guernsey fell to a bailiff, and much of the judicial
system remained substantially the same as the old medieval form.1
From 1680 to 1815, Guernsey grew rich on the proceeds of privateering.2 Come the 19th century, Guernsey was going through a period of change. In this period,
many French were fleeing to Guernsey to escape the growing tensions in France. And,
trade with both France and England declined, leading to a poor economy, the sea wall,
buildings and roads deteriorated.3
Guernsey is known for cattle farming, specifically a certain type of cow -- the “Guernsey
Cow.” As well, the famous French author Victor Hugo stayed in Guernsey and wrote Les Misérables somewhere in the years between 1855 and 1870.4