4 Interesting Facts about the Bailiwick of Jersey

Even the smallest country on earth is full of historical and cultural significance. People of all nationalities have been trying to survive, to progress, to become powerful and some of them to conquer for as long as they have been living on this planet.

It is difficult for us to know about the history of every place on the map. However, it is fun to try. This is why in this article you will find four fun pieces of information about a small place on the map, the Bailiwick of Jersey.

Fact 1: Geographical information
Let’s start with the basics. Jersey is an island in the English Channel, the body of water that separates England and France, in the Atlantic Ocean. To be more exact, it is the largest of the Channel Islands, but it is small enough that you can explore all of it in a few days. Visiting all the museums in Saint Helier, the capital of Jersey, the castles and beautiful beaches at the villages and coastal towns of the island will be easy if you have a car. It would be clever to hire a car from Enjoy Travel so that you can get from one place to another while you have the freedom to look outside the window and admire the mesmerising view of the natural landscape.

Fact 2: Relation with the UK
The bailiwick attached to its name means that they are loyal to the British monarch but they have their own, independent government. To be more precise, the island of Jersey and several neighbouring islets have the right to make their own political, financial and legal decisions.

Although the bailiwick of Jersey has never been part of the UK, the UK has been responsible for its defence. Additionally, the influence of the British is evident as they share the same currency, the same school curriculum, and the same official language – along with French and Jèrriais.

Fact 3: La Hougue Bie
A place that you should definitely visit if you travel to Jersey is La Hougue Bie. Why? Because it is one of the oldest buildings in the world. Due to its root in the past, the exact purposes of its existence are unclear. Based on excavations that happened in the nineteenth century, it is believed that it was used as a burial site. There are passage graves that come out of the mound of earth, and this is why it is believed that it was used for other spiritual purposes as well. In the Mediaeval period, two chapels were built on top of the mounds.

Fact 4: Occupation Tapestry Gallery
One of the most original and unique galleries you can find all around the world is the Occupation Tapestry Gallery. Thousands of local people worked together, and under the guidance of local artist and designer Wayne Audrain, tapestries were woven depicting what life was like on the island during the 5-year occupation by the Nazis.. This project was created as a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Jersey in 1995.