Invasions and defences
Invasions and defences
For over 600 years after the Channel Islands split from Normandy in 1204 they were under regular threat of invasion by the French and their mercenaries. Whenever England and France were at war (and that was a frequent occurrence) the islands were a prime target. Jersey was invaded on many occasions, sometimes successfully and leading to prolonged occupation, and eventually had to build up a sophisticated network of coastal defences in an attempt to repel further attacks.
Main defences and defenders
Mont Orgueil Castle
Mont Orgueil Castle was Jersey’s major defensive installation for several centuries, and also a central part of island life, housing its garrison, providing a home for theGovernor and a prison. It came under seige on several occasions, both when islanders sought refuge there from invading troops and when forces which had invaded the island were removed from other areas and made a last stand in the castle.
Major invasions and threats
Battle of Jersey
Although several battles were fought on Jersey soil against French invaders, the one which has gone down in history as The Battle of Jersey was fought in the Royal Square on 6 January 1781. The French army, which had landed the night before on the East coast, was defeated thanks to the extreme courage of a young army officer.
German Occupation
Although the majority of the invasions of Jersey over the centuries have been by, or on behalf of, the French, it was the German invasion and occupation in the 20th century which has become the most famous, even though it was not the longest period of occupation by enemy forces in the island’s history.
