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J.
A. Everard & J. C. Holt.
Jersey 1204: The Forging of an Island Community.
London: Thames & Hudson, 2004.
208pp.
Hardback.
ISBN 0500511632.
Publisher's
recommended price £19.95
Why, when the people of
Jersey spoke Norman French, traded with Normandy, had extended Norman
families and were bound to the Norman diocese of Coutances, did they
remain loyal to the English crown? This book, published to celebrate
the 800th anniversary of Jersey's unique relationship with the Crown,
sets out to answer that perennial question.
Unearthing a wealth of historical detail and local colour, Judith
Everard and Sir James Holt examine the events leading up to the fateful
year of 1204 - the year in which the English lost the duchy of
Normandy, including the Channel Islands, to the French - and the fifty
turbulent years that followed. Their research reveals just what made
the islanders keep allegiance with King John, what measures the King
took to maintain the islanders' loyalty, what actions were taken and
institutions introduced to help them, and why the island was fought
over again and again. Specially drawn maps and over forty superb
illustrations of historic buildings, royal seals and effigies, and
details from contemporary records also help to bring a remarkable era
to life.
Complete with a foreword by the Bailiff of Jersey, this is the
definitive record of a momentous period in Jersey's history and a
welcome study of an island people with an exceptional heritage to
celebrate.
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