A-Z of Jersey: Places-People-History

- Blurb -

Although it occupies just 45 square miles, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, with a fascinating history that has links to both Britain and France. Officially known as the Bailiwick of Jersey it is situated around 14 miles from France while the English coast is 85 miles away. As a British Crown Dependency it is self-governing with its own financial and legal systems. Twelve parishes make up the island, with St Helier as its capital. Today it is a popular destination for holidaymakers who are drawn there by its coastline, history and unspoilt countryside.Despite its small size, Jersey has an incredible heritage and the story of the place and its people is a powerful one. Along with the other Channel Islands it was occupied by German troops during the Second World War from 1940 until 1945 and many reminders of this time remain.In `A-Z of Jersey', local author and Blue Badge Guide Tracey Radford, takes readers on an engaging tour of the island to uncover its past and show how this has shaped its present. She looks at Jersey's unusual relationship with the UK and France, its pre-history, local legends, language (Jerriais) and the German Occupation. Also included are the coast, cliffs and countryside, together with some significant and famous Jersey people.From the annual carnival, the Battle of the Flowers, to the eighteenth-century Battle of Jersey; the Victorian actress Lillie Langtry to cross-channel swimming heroine Sally Minty-Gravett MBE; and Hollywood-screenwriter Elinor Glyn to the Jersey Royal Potato, this book highlights some wonderfully diverse aspects of island life and history.