cK I' & \V- ^ 4, HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE GUIDE TO THE CHANNEL ISLANDS OP GUERNSEY, JERSEY, &c. &c. EMBRACING A BRIEF HISTORY OF THEIR SITUATION, EXTENT, POPULATION, LAWS, CUSTOMS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AMUSEMENTS, ANTIQUITIES, CLIMATE, AND PRODUCTIONS, VEGETABLE AND MINERAL, TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETE COMMERCIAL DIRECTORY OF BOTH ISLANDS, COINS, WEIGHTS, MEASURES, &c. EMBELLISHED WITH MAPS OF jrfOTH iSLANDS. GUERNSEY ! PUBLISHED BY J. E. COLLINS, STATES' ARCADE LIBRARY, AND EFFINGHAM WILSON, ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON. 1834. i_ 550SL ofc, t * » •« ••• • • •• ••• • • i i • • t • « • • ••• « •• •••••••••• ••••• * THE STRANGERS' GUIDE TO GUERNSEY; P CONTAINING ITS SITUATION, EXTENT AND POPULATION; WITH A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ISLAND, LAWS, CUSTOMS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AMUSEMENTS, ANTIQUITIES, CLIMATE AND PRODUCTIONS ; ITS GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY AND CONCHOLOGY ; TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETE COMMERCIAL DIRECTORY. ILLUSTRATED WITH A MAP OF THE ISLAND, GUERNSEY : PUBLISHED BY J, E. COLLINS, STATES' ARCADE LIBRARY, AND MAY BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS. S. BARBET, PRINTER. 1834, PREFACE. The intention of this Guide to Guernsey is to present to the Stranger the state of things generally, as they now exist, by following up, in detail, the changes which may, from time to time, have taken place. Most of the Guides already published have been egre- giously deficient in this, and have, in many respects, be- come a complete nullity. The object of this Guide is to embrace the ancient and modern history of the island, its climate, laws, customs, public buildings, state of literature, amusements, trade, commerce, manufactures ; the antiquities, geology, mine- ralogy and conchology ; together with a complete com- mercial directory. Besides the information received from many private sources, the publisher has to acknowledge the valuable information gleaned from the following compilations, viz. Dicey's and Jeremy's Histories, Jacob's Annals, together with that excellent essay on the island, by Dr. McCulloch, to which works we refer our readers for more detailed particulars. It CONTENTS. Chapter I. General view of Guernsey; its situation,, extent, page agriculture,, &c 1 Chapter II. Civil History of Guernsey 7 Chapter III. Ecclesiastical History ; 23 Chapter IV. Customs, Laws and Government 27 Chapter V. Trade in general • Coins, &c 31 Chapter VI. Mineralogy of Guernsey 35 Conchology, &c, on the Shells, Corals and Sea Plants of the Channel Islands 39 Chapter VII. Horticulture and Floriculture 52 Public Authorities 59 Chapter VIII. Parish of St. Peter-Port, and its various institutions. 63 Chapter IX. Brief description of the Parishes of St. Sampson, Vale and Catel 102 Chapter X. Brief description of the Parishes of St. Saviour, Forest and Torteval 116 Chapter XI. Brief description of the Parishes of St. Peter-in-the- Wood, St. Martin and St. Andrew 120 Chapter XII. King's Revenue, Guernsey Weights and Measures, States Dues on Shipping, Prices of Provisions, &c. 124 Chapter XIII. De Jardins excursion to Naples in search of a stud. 129 Chapter XIV, Commercial Directory 135 GUIDE TO THE ISLAND OF GUERNSEY. " Prospects, however lovely, may be seen, Till half their beauties fade ; the wearied eye, (Too well acquainted with their charms) slides off Fastidious, seeking less familiar scenes. Then snug enclosures in some shelter'd spot Where frequent hedges intercept the eye, Delight us, happy to renounce awhile, (Not senseless of its charms,) what still we love, That such short absence may endear it more." CHAPTER I. General View of Guernsey ■ its Situation, Extent, Agriculture, 8$c. Guernsey is situated in the English Channel, not far from the coasts of Britanny and Normandy ; being twenty-six miles in a direct line from the nearest point of the French land : it lies in 49° 33' north latitude, and 2° 40' west longitude of the meridian of Greenwich. Its computed dis- tances to the following places, calculating from harbour to harbour, must form a desideratum to the reader : Wey- mouth, seventy-five miles -, Lyme and Poole, eighty ; Southampton and Portsmouth, one hundred and twenty 5 Brighton, one hundred and forty ; Dover, two hundred 5 Brixham, seventy-five; Plymouth, ninety; Falmouth, one hundred and twenty ; Alderney, twenty-one 3 Sark, eight ; Jersey, twenty-eight ; St. Malo and Granville, sixty ; Cherbourg, forty-five ; Havre-de-Grace, one hun- dred and thirty ; and Cape La Hague, thirty. £ GUERNSEY. The island lies in the bay of Mount St. Michael. As rocks of granite, with which it is chiefly formed, are very numerous between Guernsey and the continent, it is pro- bable that once it was a nearer connection. The depth of water around it, is generally from thirty to forty fathoms ; and the navigation, for a stranger, is both difficult and dangerous. The circumference of the island is about thirty miles -, its extreme length, nine, and breadth, six ; and, accord- ing to a late survey made by Mr. Goodwin, it contains thirty-eight thousand four hundred and twenty-two ver- gees, or about fifteen thousand five hundred and fifty-nine English acres j and, by the census last taken in 1831, there are in the island twenty-four thousand three hundred and forty-nine persons. It appears from history, that the Roman emperor, Au- gustus, appointed a governor over Guernsey, seventeen years before the birth of Christ $ but, still, it continued rude and uncultivated for more than nine centuries after this period, although the land, especially on the lower parts of the island, is particularly rich and fertile, and even to the very edge of the cliffs produces fine pasture for sheep. The soil is so excellent, that it never lies to fallow j the manure which the farmer employs is principally sea- weed, which renders the ground very fruitful ; so that in five seasons, he has two crops of wheat, one of barley, one of parsnips, and one of clover. When they reap wheat, they place a hundred or more sheaves together, iu a spiral form, with one inverted at the top, to keep the others dry ; the barley is not mown, as in England, but pulled up by the roots. ; The farms are generally very small, so that but few persons grow more corn than they need for their own consumption ; the farmers cultivate great quantities of parsnips for their cattle, pigs, sheep, and horses : this root GUERNSEY. d comes to great perfection, as the soil is extremely suitable for its cultivation. Few farmers keep more than three or four horses, as all who reside in a district help each other ; thus the land is very easily cultivated. Pigs are very numerous ; and their meat is delicious eating, much sweeter than the pro- duction of any particular county in England. Few sheep are fattened in the island, and those are very inferior to the English. The Norman cows are proverbial for their excellence ; their milk, it is said, is so rich, that it is unnecessary it should stand to produce cream 5 sometimes it is churned just as taken from the cow. The butter is delicious for its flavour, and finely coloured by nature : the superiority of the Guernsey butter is acknowledged in markets at Portsmouth, Southampton, Plymouth and Weymouth, by usually selling at a higher price than any other country butter. Timber is neither lofty nor plentiful ; the hedges are generally broad, chiefly composed of furze, planted on elevated banks of green sward ; however, there are many other fences in the island, of stones, formed into walls, which do not occupy half the ground of those otherwise composed. Most fruits are produced in great abundance, especially apples, from which great quantities of cider are made, and form one of the most important branches of production to the farmer. The island is well watered with springs and rivulets, and the water is remarkably pure. Though there are many in Jersey, it is affirmed, that snakes, adders, vipers or toads, do not exist in the island of Guernsey. Most of the British birds, that are to be found in England, except the nightingale, are also here 5 but neither partridges, pheasants, hares, nor any game, excepting woodcocks, snipes, and rabbits, if the latter may be thus denominated. 4 GUERNSEY. The winters are so mild, that an intense degree of frost is unknown ; and snow rarely lies for many hours. Very high westerly winds are often experienced here ; and though the sun is very powerful in summer, his rays are so tempered by sea breezes, that the heat is never oppressive. The island is one of the principal army depots, with barracks for the accommodation of five thousand men. The militia of the island is composed of four regularly formed regiments of infantry, besides a regiment of artil- lery. Every male is enrolled, trained, clothed, and pro- perly accoutred, and called out occasionally for exercise. In time of war, each man in rotation is obliged to mount nightly guards, at the different batteries round the island. This militia force has a very warlike and formidable ap- pearance ; in point of discipline it is very respectable ; so that when sir John Doyle was lieutenant governor of Guernsey, he pleasantly remarked, " That if they would not surprise their enemies, they certainly very much sur- prised their friends." Guernsey is generally destitute of woodland scenery, and of rivers, so important to constitute fine landscapes ; yet some of its bays are beautiful, especially Fermain Bay, Petit Bo, Moulin Huet, and the village of the King's Mills. This is embosomed with hills, except the west, where it opens to the sea, and presents to the eye the deep valley which leads to St. Andrew's church : the scenery of St. Andrew's and of St. Martin's is also admirable. In the vernal season, the whole face of the island is clothed in the richest verdure : the blossoms of the nume- rous orchards, which, in part, supply the w T ant of wood- land scenery, are beautiful beyond description, and enrich the landscape, in which vegetation is very luxuriant. The minute division of property gives support to a greater number of persons than may be supposed, who exist on a slender mediocrity. A custom here, as well as in Jersey GUERNSEY. O prevails : most cottages and farm-houses have in one cor- ner of the common sitting-room, what is called a green bed, raised about eighteen inches from the ground, and covered with dry fern, or pea haum, which is used as a common lounging place. The old Norman French, somewhat cor- rupted, is spoken by all ranks, although English, in the town parish, is heard as common or more so than the na- tive tongue 3 yet, in the country, it is impurely spoken, and then with a peculiarity of pronunciation. Conveyances to the island are numerous, both from France and England ; during the summer months, they are almost daily. The following is a correct list : Weymouth. — His Majesty's steam-packets Flamer, cap- tain Frederick White ; Watersprite, captain Robert White 5 and Ivanhoe, captain Comben, alternately leave Wey- mouth for Guernsey and Jersey, every Wednesday and Saturday evening, and return every Tuesday and Saturday morning. — Rates of passage money, to and from Wey- mouth, Guernsey and Jersey: cabin passengers, each twenty-one shillings ; female servants, each fifteen shillings; male ditto, twelve shillings and sixpence ; labourers, work- ing mechanics, or servants out of place, each ten shillings ; soldiers or sailors, not on duty, each five shillings ; pau- pers, with a pass, each seven shillings and sixpence ; chil- dren under ten years of age, to be charged half the rates paid by their parents : carriages with four wheels, each three pounds j with two wheels, thirty shillings ; horses, thirty shillings ; dogs, with owners, two shillings and six- pence ; ditto, without, five shillings 3 parcels of or under thirty pounds weight, two shillings and sixpence 3 ditto, above thirty pounds, one penny per pound ; cash or bul- lion, one and a half per cent. — Between Guernsey and Jersey : cabin passengers, five shillings each 3 deck passen- gers, two shillings and sixpence. The above rates to be D GUERNSEY. paid in British sterling, and the freight of all parcels to be paid for at the time they are received on board. Southampton. — Ariadne, steam packet, capt. Bazin, leaves the port of Southampton, for Guernsey and Jersey, after the arrival of the London and other coaches, every Tuesday evening, at six o'clock, and returns every Friday, and arrives at Southampton, in time for the London coaches, every Saturday, and conveys passengers and merchandize. Fares to and from Southampton : main cabin, thirty shillings j fore cabin, eighteen shillings ; deck, ten shillings and sixpence ; freight, sixpence per cubit foot. Agents : Mr. Nicholas Peter Maingy, Burnt Lane, Guernsey ; and Mr. Le Feuvre, Southampton. Lord Beresford, steam packet, capt. Young, leaves Southampton, for Guernsey and Jersey, every Friday eve- ning, at six o'clock, after the arrival of the London and other coaches, and returns every Tuesday, arriving at Southampton on Wednesday morning, in time for the London and other coaches ; conveys passengers and mer- chandize. Fares to and from Southampton : main cabin, thirty shillings ; fore cabin, eighteen shillings ; deck, ten shillings and sixpence. Agents : Mr. Clark, High- Street, Southampton ; Mr. M. Barbet, High-street, Guernsey. N. B. — His Majesty's post-office packets run the whole of the year, from Weymouth ; but the Ariadne and Lord Beresford, only during the summer season, or from the commencement of April to the beginning of No- vember. There are also other vessels from South- ampton, although not steamers, that go the whole year, and are admirably fitted up for passengers. The Wy- vern, capt. Lihou j yEoIus, Priaulx ; and Nelson, Dennis. Portsmouth. — From this place is a commodious cutter, the Alfred, capt. Meades. Plymouth and Guernsey, — During the summer months, we are visited, every Friday, by the steam vessel Sir Fran- GUERNSEY. 7 cis Drake, capt. Nicholls, bringing passengers and goods ; and also by the well-known schooner Horatio, capt. Green, many years conducted by the owner, capt. Tozer, which sails to and fro weekly, with passengers and goods. Brixham and Guernsey.— t Two Brothers, Sprague ; Thomas and Susanna, Dickers j and Dove, Hannaford. Lyme. — Friendship, capt. Shean. Bristol. — Vigilant, capt. Small, and Prince of Bouillon, capt. Sohier. Jersey. — Peggy, Perchard ; Diana, Pipet ; and Hora- tio, Fidget. Alderney. — Experiment, LeCocq ; Frederick, Kellaway ; and Mermaid, Gauvain. St. Malo. — Mary Ann, Darthenay ; L' Argus, Martin ; and Auguste, Jean. — Besides these vessels, the Ariadne and Lord Beresford, during the summer months, proceed alternately, every fortnight, to St. Malo and Granville. Cherbourg. — Mars, Valogne 5 and Alerte, Fortin. CHAPTER II. Civil History of the Island of Guernsey. In the year 887, when an immense fleet of Norman pi- rates sailed up the Seine, and filled the kingdom of France with terror, Charles Le Gros made a treaty with them, by which he assigned over to their dominion the province of Neustria, in which they settled, and called it Normandy. Charles the Simple, in the year 892, confirmed this grant, and gave to Rollo, the chief of the invaders of his coun- try, his daughter in marriage, to bind him to his in- terest. From this period, Guernsey, as well as the neigh- bouring islands, were regarded as belonging to the dukes of Normandy. The sway of Rollo was so equitable, that, 8 GUERNSEY. we are told, it became, in course of time, an established custom, that if a person found his neighbour infringing on property, or doing any violence which required immediate relief, he cried, " In the name of Rollo, I order you to de- sist," an appeal which is still respected in Normandy, and in the islands of Guernsey and Jersey. The French histo- rians mention Rollo as a pattern of every excellence, and as not being at all inferior to the immortal Alfred, who, about the same time, sat on the English throne. He died in 917, greatly revered and regretted ; and was succeeded by his son William, the second duke of Normandy, who was waylaid and massacred in 942, when at war with Arnoul, the earl of Flanders. Richard the First, who was only three years of age when his father was killed, though he was constantly at- tacked by four kings of France in succession, preserved his ducal sovereignty for fifty- four years. In his reign the monastery of the Vale, in Guernsey, was founded, by some fugitive ecclesiastics, who were displeased by his curtailment of their revenues, in the year 962. This was the commencement of the first colony in the island of Guernsey. Richard the Second, surnamed Le Bon, succeeded his father in 996 ; he died in 1026, and his son, Richard the Third, took possession of his dignity 5 he expired sud- denly, as it is supposed, by poison, in 1 028 5 and was succeeded by his brother Robert. To support the claims of his two cousins, Alfred and Edward, to the throne of England, he fitted out a considerable armament against Canute, with an intention to land on the coast of Sussex. The day after he sailed from the Norman coast, a violent tempest arose, his whole fleet was dispersed, and many of his vessels were entirely lost. About twenty were saved, in one of which was the duke Robert, and they were pi- loted, by a fisherman, into a bay on the north side of the GUERNSEY. V Vale, in Guernsey. Robert came on shore, and was re- ceived with the greatest hospitality and respect by the abbot of St. Michael. As the stormy weather continued, he took a general view of the island, which was in a rude and uncultivated state. He determined to improve this part of his domain, perceiving that it was of importance, considered merely as affording a secure shelter for vessels in distress. He gave to the abbot and to his successors, all the lands within the close of the Vale, by the title of the fief, or manor of St. Michael, with leave to extend their territory towards the north-west of the island, when- ever they could find settlers to cultivate the land, as a re- ward for his hospitality. To recompense the islanders who had brought the remains of his fleet safely to anchor, he left two of his ablest engineers, with skilful workmen, to finish the castle of St. Michael, in the Vale, as a place of protection against the pirates and freebooters, who often landed and plundered them. The place where the duke's fleet lay, is still called l'Ancresse, or the anchoring place, to perpetuate the remembrance of the fact. The artizans left by Robert, not only finished the work assigned them, but built two other fortifications : those of the Castle des Marais, or Marsh Castle, and of Jerbourg, so called, after the name of the individual who built it. Part of the former, about a mile north of St. Peter's Port, remains to the present day ; but the latter is entirely gone to ruin. Des Marais appears to have had a double moat, and a wall ; but much of the ground on which it formerly stood is converted into a garden, for the governor. It is now called Ivy Castle, from the large quantity of this fine evergreen, which everywhere overspreads its crumbling walls. The site of the castle of Jerbourg is suppose^ to have been once a Roman station, as there are still three distinct entrenchments visible, the one within the-other, according to the method of fortification adopted by that distinguished people. 10 GUERNSEY. In the reign of Edward the Third, these castles were deemed impregnable, and they were sufficiently spacious to include all the inhabitants in the island, with their cat- tle and other effects. The ruins of Vale Castle show it must have been a for- tress of great strength, and of vast importance, before the invention of gunpowder. Scarcely any thing remains of it but the outer wall of the old building. Within its range barracks have been erected, and the ramparts are now fortified with cannon. The island having been thus rendered more secure from its piratical invaders, many persons came from Nor- mandy, and the lands in the close of the Vale were soon brought into tillage. A court was also established, ac- cording to the power which Robert had given to the abbot of St. Michael, for deciding all causes, both of a civil and criminal nature. Robert was one of the first sovereigns who became in- fected with the mania of the crusades. He determined to go in person to the Holy Land, on this pious warfare. In order to ensure success, he made large grants of land in the island, to different ecclesiastics, who erected on them various monasteries and priories. Having, in an assembly of his nobles, procured the recognition of his illegitimate son, William, then a youth of ten years of age, as his suc- cessor, he set out on this wild expedition, from which he never returned. He died in 1035. After many difficulties, William, generally termed the Conqueror, succeeded his father to his ducal sovereignty. About this period, a new race of pirates issued forth from the bay of Rivals ; they often landed at Guernsey, and committed very great depredations. Towards the eleventh century, they built a castle in the centre of the island, on the very spot on which Catel church now stands : the inhabitants, who were greatly annoyed by these hostile GUERNSEY. 11 bands, applied to William for aid, who sent a detachment of troops, under the command of his esquire, Sampson d'Anneville. Many of the freebooters were slain, and the rest of them were happy to escape with their lives, leaving all their plunder behind them. William, as a reward for his services, granted him a fourth part of the island ; so that he and the abbot of St. Michael had one half of it. William made various grants of land also, to other Norman gentlemen ; the remainder, the duke reserved for himself, and appointed an officer to parcel it out ; to let it on lease ; and to receive the rents. From the in- flence of the new ecclesiastical institutions, and from these recent grants of territory to distinguished individuals, so many emigrants came over from the continent, that nearly the whole of the island was soon brought into cultivation. After William had made the conquest of England, the Norman isles became an appendage to the British crown, to which they continue united to this day. This monarch died in Normandy, in 1087. William the Second, the eighth duke of Normandy, succeeded his father in 1 1 00. Henry the First took the ducal crown, in connexion with that of England ; Stephen succeeded him in 1 135 3 Henry the Second in 1154 ; Richard the First in 1189 ; and then John, in 1199, (who was the thirteenth and last duke of Normandy) took the sovereignty; and though his possessions on the continent cast off his dominion, these isles retained their allegiance. Though twice at- tacked, during his reign, by the French, the inhabitants repulsed them ; and John was so much alarmed, lest he should be dispossessed of the only part of his duchy which remained faithful to him, that he flew to the as- sistance of the islanders : he examined and repaired all their fortifications, and appointed keepers of the ports and harbours, to give first notice of any invading foe. He enacted a code of laws, which has been called the 12 GUERNSEY. Constitution of King John, and the Magna Charta of the Norman Isles. In the reign of Edward the First, the French monarch, having gained the whole of Normandy by treaty, in the year 1298, regarded the adjacent isles with an envious eye. He therefore invaded them, and took Castle Cornet 5 but his troops were ultimately repulsed with great loss. Ed- ward provided for the widows and orphans of his brave subjects who fell in the contest, and rewarded those who had signalised themselves by their valour ; he also granted to the islands the use of a public seal ; he likewise gave authority for raising a small duty on all vessels coming to the island, for the erection of a pier, though the work was not begun till the reign of Elizabeth. In the reign of Edward the Second, the English courts, regardless of the constitution of the Norman islands, sent to them judges of assize. Many of the inhabitants, to their manifold disadvantage, who had differences, were summoned to appear at Westminster. Edward the Third, however, on a petition being presented to him, relieved the isles from this hardship and expense. In the twelfth year of this monarch's reign, the French invaded Britain ; they took and plundered Southampton • and Guernsey and Jersey were treated in a similar way. Both of these islands were taken, after a brave resistance. Guernsey continued in the hands of the enemy for some time j but a fleet sent from England recaptured it. It is affirmed, that a person named Ivans, entrusted with the command of the French fleet, took Guernsey, after a considerable opposition, in which four hundred of the islanders were slain : it was, however, again rescued from the dominion of the foe, by eighty ships from Eng- land ; but five hundred men, with the governor, Ralph Holland, perished in the conflict. There is a spot of ground in the New Town, which is called La Bataille, on GUERNSEY. 13 which, it is said, one of these bloody conflicts took place. The parliament of England presented a memorial to the king, on the necessity of keeping up a fleet at sea, for the protection of his dominions, which was accordingly done. Edward also granted a charter to Guernsey : the original document is lost, but the substance of it is incor- porated in that of Henry the Sixth. Richard the Second, likewise the successor of Edward, granted a charter to the Norman isles, in the eighteenth of his reign, in the year 1 394, in which, for their loyalty and good behaviour, he en- larged the privileges of the inhabitants. Queen Margaret, in her contests for empire, sought the aid of Peter de Breze, grand senechal of Normandy : she promised him, as a re- compense, the perpetual sovereignty of the Norman isles. He accordingly raised a body of two thousand men, for the succour of her cause, in England. At the same time, he sent an officer named Surdeval, with a suitable force, to take possession of Jersey. Mount Orgueil castle was given up to them, by its commandant, who was devoted to the interests of the queen. On the success of the English expedition, Peter de Breze came himself to Jersey, and assumed the title of lord of the islands of Guernsey, Jersey, and the other islands adjoining. He could not, however, reduce more than one half of the island to his control, though he employed efforts of every kind during six years ; Philip de Carteret, seigneur de St. Ouen, se- cured Gronez castle, and carried on a perpetual warfare against the invaders. Edward the Fourth closed this con- test, by sending a squadron of ships, under the command of sir Richard Harliston ; he expelled the enemy, and was rewarded with the government of the island. Many of the inhabitants of Guernsey engaged in this expedition ; and, since this period, the laurel has been taken as a crest to the arms of the island. Edward, in the fifth year of his reign, granted a charter to Guernsey, which confirmed the 14 GUERNSEY. liberties granted to it by former documents of this kind. Richard the Third, also, in the first year of his usurpation, gave a similar indulgence to the inhabitants. Henry the Eighth gave four charters to the island of Guernsey. In the reign of Edward the Sixth, the French monarch sent one Strozzi, with a fleet, to reduce the Norman isles under his sway : he had two thousand men under his command. Captain William Winter, however, with an English fleet, and about eight hundred men, at- tacked the forces of the enemy with so much skill and bravery, that they were entirely defeated, leaving many of their vessels in the hands of the English, and having lost about a thousand men. Edward the Sixth granted, under the grand seal, liberty to export certain articles of provision from Southampton, Poole, Lyme, Weymouth, Topsham, Dartmouth, and Plymouth, for the use of Guernsey and Castle Cornet. Queen Mary also granted two charters to this island. Queen Elizabeth ordered all the fortifications of the Norman isles to be repaired and strengthened ; she also granted several charters to Guernsey. In her reign, the pier, which had been projected in the time of Edward the Sixth, was commenced. In 1563, queen Elizabeth founded a free grammar school in Guernsey, for boys natives of the island I the charity was endowed with certain lands, which produced about three hundred pounds per annum, and the governor has the appointment of the master. James the First gave a charter to Guernsey ; he sent commissioners to Guernsey and Jersey to reform and amend the laws, the misconstruction of which had caused much dispute. The decisions of these persons are still a part of the constitution of this portion of his majesty's dominions. Charles the First, as the French threatened an invasion GUERNSEY. 15 of these islands, sent the earl of Danby, the governor of Jersey, with reinforcements and supplies, which happily were not needed, as the enemy relinquished their hostile design. Dr. Heylin, who made a survey of these islands, accompanied the earl, as his chaplain. It is said, that lord Jermyn had engaged to deliver up both Guernsey and Jersey to the king of France, in 1646, for a reward of two hundred thousand pistoles, and a dukedom ; but the plot was defeated. During the troubles, in the reign of Charles the First, the islanders warmly espoused the cause of the monarch, and were certainly among his most determined, zealous, and efficient supporters. They fitted out a number of cruisers, which greatly annoyed the English commerce ; on which account a formidable force was sent out against them by the commonwealth. Guernsey was obliged, after a very vigorous resistance, to submit to the govern- ment of the enemies of Charles. This was likewise the case with Jersey. It is affirmed, that, during the protectorate, the established religion was trampled under foot ; that the soldiery turned the churches into guard-houses and stables ; that compositions for es- tates were exacted, and every kind of oppression licensed without restraint. Times of conflict between parties, which are equally violent, have ever been, more or less, of lawless depredation. Castle Cornet, which stands on a rock to the south- east of the pier, and commands both the little and great russels, and the roads, is a strong fortification of powerful batteries. It may, however, at spring tides, be approached on foot. This fortress endured a long and vigorous seige, in the afflictive contest which took place between Charles the First and his parliament. Sir Peter Osborne, the lieutenant-governor of Guernsey, kept possession of the castle for the king, for a considerable period, though the 16 GUERNSEY. town and the island were under the government of the commonwealth. The management of the affairs of the island was regu- lated by the following document : " Die Mercurii Martii, 22°, 1642-3. ■' By vertue of an ordinance of both Houses of Parliament, we do constitute and appoint Mr. Peter de Beauvoir, des Granges, Mr. James Havilland, Mr. John de Quetteville, junr., Mr. Peter Carey, junr., Mr. Josue Gosselin, Mr. James Le Marchant, Mr. Eleazar Le Marchant, Mr. Thomas Dobree, Mr. Henry De La March, Mr. Peter Beauvoir, du Bosch, Mr. John Renouf, Mr. Andrew Monamy, or any six or more or them, to command and govern the island of Guernezey, and the castle there, as likewise the two adjacent isles of Alderney and Sarke, belonging there- unto ; and to execute all authority and power necessary for the defence, government, and custodie of the said island, and to the use of the King's Majesty and the Kingdom of England, according to the laws and customs in force in that island, and according to the instructionshereunto annexed ; strictly charging and requiring the bailiff, and all other officers in that Island, as likewise all cap- tains, commanders of forts or ships, and all other of His Majesty's officers and loving subjects, there residing, or which shall reside in, or repair to the said island of Guernezey, to be obedient, aiding and assisting to the said Mr. Peter Beauvoir and the rest afore- named, in the execution of this commission, and for their so doing this shall be their sufficient warrant. (Signed) " W. Say & Seale. " bolingbrook. " Gilb. Gerard. " Jo. Pim. " Henry Marten. "INSTRUCTIONS. "1.— You shall seize upon the person of Peter Osborne, knight, deputy governor of the island of Guernezey, and upon the castle now in his custodie ; and you shall send him in safe custodie to the parliament, to answer such offences, contempts, and other misde- meanours, as shall be objected against him. " 2. — You shall take into your custodie, by inventory, all money, plate, and other goods belonging to the said sir Peter Osborne, and keep the same till further directions be given by this committee or the parliament. "3. — You shall appoint one or more captain and commander-in- chief, and other subordinate officers, over all the trayn'd bands of the said island, who shall lead, conduct, and exercise the soldiers, according to the discipline of war. " 4. — You shall, by force of arms, take into your possession, the castle, and fig^ht with, kill, and slaye, all that shall make any resis- tance to you in the execution of this commission ; and shall keep the same castle to the use of the king and kingdom of England. " 5. — You shall oppose and suppress all forces which shall arrive in the same island, without authority and consent of both houses of parliament. GUERNSEY. 17 " 6.— You shall further aid and assist all the ships which shall be sent, by authority of both houses of parliament, for the deffence of the said island, and guarding of the seas, and protection of his majesty's good subjects in those parts. " 7. — You shall seize upon the persons and estates of all such as stand in defence of the said sir Peter Osborne, and all others that have or shall make warr against the parliament. "8. You shall collect the rents, and other profits belonging to the governour of the said island ; and shall employ the same in the deffence thereof, and other publick charge. " 9. — You shall seize upon all ships, barks, and all goods and pro- visions, which shall be employ'd for relief of the said castle, island, or fort, being in actual warr against parliament, or who have any way ayded and assisted those which are in such actual warr. " 10. — You shall, from time to time, advertise both houses of parliament, or this committee, of your proceedings herein, and execute such further instructions as you shall receive from them. " 11. — You shall grant and dispose all such licences for transport- ing any commodities for the relief and supply of that island, out of the kingdom of England, as by law are warranted, in such manner as shall stand with justice and due respect to the good of the said island, and the inhabitants thereof. (Signed) " W. Say & Seale. 44 bolingbrook. 44 Gilb. Gerard. 44 Jo. Pim. 44 Henry Marten." So far from being able to arrest sir Peter Osborne, a captain Bowden, pretending illness, invited the commis- sioners on board his vessel, to consult with them, and de- tained three, who obeyed his invitation, as prisoners, and committed them to his custody : these were Peter de Beauvoir, des Granges, James de Havilland, and Peter Carey. They were put into a dungeon of the castle ; but, happily for them, they escaped to the town, when the tide had ebbed, on the very day that reinforcements had ar- rived from the king to the castle, and a warrant also to execute them as traitors. This fortress, being surrounded on every side with a powerful force, was obliged to capitulate, for want of pro- visions ; but the garrison was allowed a safe conduct, and a handsome sum of money for their necessities. The island had hardly got peacefully settled, after this troublesome period, before it was in danger, from a plot 18 GUERNSEY. of the French to surprise it, in the year 1665, from which it was happily delivered by the lady of marshal Turenne, a zealous protestant and a resident in Guernsey. She gave secret information of the designs, to the reverend Daniel Brevint, a Jersey divine, who was afterwards pre- bendary of Durham, and dean of Lincoln. In conse- quence of this, sir Thomas Morgan was sent over with reinforcements, and the enemy relinquished their purpose. Charles the Second, in 1669, confirmed the charter which his father had given to the island. In 1672, a magazine exploded, in consequence of an electric shock which destroyed a considerable part of Castle Cornet. It was at that time the residence of the governor, lord viscount Hatton. It appears that dowager lady Hat- ton, who was in the upper part of the castle, called the new buildings, was killed by the falling in of the ceiling of her apartment. Lady Hatton, the wife of the governor, and daughter of the earl of Thanet, being greatly terrified at the thunder and lightning, had fled to her children in the nursery, and was likewise destroyed, with her waiting women and the nurse, the latter of whom was found dead, with his lordship's second daughter in her arms unhurt, though it is related, that the child held in her hands a silver cup, her usual play-thing, which was much battered and bruised. The youngest child, who lay in a cradle al- most filled with rubbish, was likewise miraculously saved, without the least injury, though the nurse was killed with the elder child in one arm, and her hand on the cradle of the other. Besides these, an ensign Covert, Mr. W. Prale (lord H.'s steward), and several other persons, lost their lives ; but the most marvellous part of the story is his lordship's preservation, who, it is stated, was fast asleep at the time, and by the explosion, was carried away in his bed, unhurt, to the battlements of a wall, washed by the sea, between rugged precipices, nearly adjoining to the spot GUERNSEY. 19 where his house stood ; and, what is still more extraordi- nary, it is averred to be a fact, that his lordship did not awake till a shower of hail stones, that fell on his face, roused him from his sound repose ! ! He was then conveyed by two black servants to the guard-room of the castle, in a state of anxiety for the safety of his family, more easily conceived than described ; but their melancholy fate could not be ascertained till daylight, when the shocking spec- tacle presented itself, which has already been related. A lieutenant of a company of foot, whose apartment was under that of his lordship, was forced by the shock into an entry beneath, and escaped uninjured. Lord Hatton's two sisters, an ensign belonging to his lordship's company, and his wife, with several other persons occupying apartments in the upper buildings, were also providentially saved. A large beam, it is said, fell between lord Hatton's two sis- ters, who were before together, and completely separated them 5 from which perilous situation they were rescued, with little hurt, though it was necessary to cut a hole in a party wall for the purpose. None of the others were se- riously injured, though their rooms fell in, and they were nearly buried in their beds by the rubbish. James the Second, wishing to introduce the catholic religion into Guernsey, sent over some catholic soldiers, with a priest to celebrate the mass. A chapel was built for their use ; a roman catholic gentleman was also made governor ; but all his plans were frustrated by the succes sion of William and Mary to the crown of England. As soon as this information reached the island, a scheme, which was very successful, was planned, to disarm the catholic soldiers and to seize on the castle. During the reign of William, as England was at war with France, the Norman isles were in a state of constant agitation ; but the distinguished naval victory off La Hague, in 1 692, dissipated the fears of the inhabitants. The privateers of 20 GUERNSEY. Guernsey, during the reign of king William and queen Anne, captured at least fifteen hundred prizes. In the year 1 765, his royal highness the duke of Gloucester being on an aquatic excursion, in one of his majesty's brigs, was becalmed, and, at night, put into Guernsey, where he met with a gentleman of the name of Guille, the master of a merchant ship, and inquired after the residence of the lieutenant-governor. The captain, thinking it too late, reluctantly escorted him to sir John Milne, who then filled the situation, residing at the Tour Beauregard. On their approaching the door, the sentry informed them " that sir John was in bed, and must not be disturbed." His royal highness, much amused, argued for a short time, and at length, after some entreaty, the sentry suffered the governor to be called up. On his excellency's becoming ac- quainted with the rank of his guest, he, with a thousand apologies, informed him that he had no bed fit for his recep- tion. The duke found suitable apartments, and remained, during his stay in the island, at the house of the father of our present much respected lord de Saumarez, where every attention was paid him. The following morning the militia paraded, the bells rang, and the town was illuminated in the evening. Shortly after, his royal highness left the is- land, fully satisfied with the cordiality of his reception. About the year 1776, a dysentery, or bloody flux, broke out in a regiment of highlanders quartered here. The corps was nearly destroyed, and the malady, spreading in the neighbouring parishes of St. Martin and St. Andrew, made considerable ravages. It is reported that there were only twenty fathers of families left at the former, and eight at the latter parish. The land between Fort George, and the house occupied, during the war, by major-general Gledstanes, was converted into a military burial ground, and filled with dead. In 1781, in course of the American war, the islanders GUERNSEY. 21 were for some time under serious alarm. Many a gallant engagement was fought by the men of war on the station ; and Jersey was twice attacked. In the latter action, ma- jor Pierson, the commander, nobly lost his life ; but Guern- sey continued unmolested. Two actions fought on the station, it would be a gross omission to lose sight of. The first was between the Crescent, commanded by the present lord de Saumarez, and the Reunion, mounting thirty-six guns, being the same number as her own, but manned with more men. The action was most obstinate, and lasted for two hours and twenty minutes, when the enemy struck her colours. On board of the Reunion, one hundred and twenty were either killed or wounded, while the English frigate had not a single man either killed or wounded. Thus, the manoeuvring of the ship and guns were evidently here evinced, in the comparative loss sustained by each vessel. On this occasion, captain de Saumarez was de- servedly knighted. The other brilliant display of nautical skill and cool in- trepidity was performed by the same gallant officer, in sight of thousands of his anxious countrymen, when cruising off Jersey in the Crescent of thirty-six guns, in company of the Druid of thirty- two, and the Eurydice of twenty, when about halfway between that island and France, a squadron of French ships of war, consisting of two fifty-four gun ships, two frigates of thirty-six guns, and a brig, gave chase to him. As the superiority of the enemy was much too great to be opposed with the smallest prospect of success, or even safety, sir James Saumarez's sole object was to get away from them. He perfectly well knew that the Crescent and Druid could outsail the French squadron ; but the Eurydice was neither in good condition, nor at any rate a fast sailer ; she was, therefore, ordered to push on for Guernsey, while the other two vessels, under very easy sail, followed her. The enemy perceiving that they gained on 22 GUERNSEY. these, entertained great hopes of being able to overtake and capture them ; but the British commander, as soon as he perceived that the Eurydice was sufficiently far a-head to be out of all danger, ordered the other two frigates to crowd all the sail they could carry. The French frigates on their part, were not deficient in skill or activity of manoeu- vring, and they had succeeded so far in getting between the shore and the Eurydice and Druid, that there was some apprehension entertained, that one of these vessels at least would be cut off. To save his comrades, sir James Saumarez resolved on a plan which, in the first part of its execution, required great courage, consummate knowledge of the channel, and great skill in the management of the ship. He hauled his wind and stood close along the line of the French squadron : this naturally drew off their atten- tion and their hopes from the other two frigates, and the capture of the Crescent seemed certain. As soon, however, as sir James perceived that he had completely succeeded in his object of securing the escape of the Druid and the Eurydice, he ordered his pilot to push the Crescent through an intricate passage, which had never before been attempted by any ship of her size and draught of water. By this bold and successful enterprise, she escaped into the roads to the astonishment and disappointment of the enemy. In the reign of George the Third, the fortifications in the island were all greatly strengthened and enlarged, and a new fort built, in honor of the king, called Fort George, where there are, in times of war, a large military force of regular troops ; which, with native militia, Guernsey now, at all times, is in a state of great security. Sir John Doyle was, at the close of the peace of Amiens, appointed lieutenant-governor, and, with his usual zeal, proceeded to effect a total change in the whole external appearance of the country, and in the manners and cus- toms of the natives. The roads, of which many specimens GUERNSEY. 23 are still left in their original state, apparently to prove the value of the alteration, were cut anew and considerably widened ; an amelioration due alone to his incessant efforts. A large track of land, at the "Braye du Valle," for centu- ries submerged, was, at the expense of government, reco- vered,, and restored to cultivation ; and, through paternal encouragement, an unexampled emulation was excited in the militia. Such are the deeds which will ever render the name of Doyle dear to Guernsey. In 1809, his serene highness the duke of Brunswick followed his corps to the island ; and on the 1 8th of Sep- tember 1817, his royal highness the duke of Gloucester arrived in the Tigris frigate, from Weymouth. On the Saturday following, the inhabitants had to regret his royal highness' departure, but were promised with another early visit. The general history of the island having now been traced, from the earliest periods to the present day, we shall now proceed to its ecclesiastical history. CHAPTER III. Ecclesiastical Affairs. There can be no doubt but that the superstitions of the druids originally prevailed in the island j some of the re- mains of their monuments are yet to be seen. A few years since, one was found on an eminence near T Ancresse ; it is composed of five cumbent stones, decreasing in size, from about twenty-five to ten tons in weight, covering an area of twenty-nine feet long, and nearly twelve feet wide at the western end, which is semicircular, narrowing to an entrance at the east of about eight feet. Another is situated about three quarters of a mile from the Vale 24 GUERNSEY. castle : one large granitelle stone of this kind is conspi- cuous ; it is fifteen feet seven inches long, about eight in breadth, and three in thickness ; it is supposed to weigh about fifty-four tons, and is supported by seven other up- right stones. About the year of our Lord 520, Sampson, archbishop of St. David's, went over into Britanny : Childebert, king of France, gave him the Norman isles as a bishopric. He landed in Guernsey, and built a chapel ; the place where he landed is still called St. Sampson's harbour. Magloire, an Englishman, succeeded Sampson, and vi- sited the island about 565. He did much, by preaching, to turn the inhabitants from druidism. At that early period, a tithe of the fish was appropriated to the priests, for their maintenance. Robert, duke of Normandy, having observed that great numbers of his subjects were wasting life in religious idleness and luxury, lessened the ecclesiastical revenues, which reduced the number of clergy in his dominions. On this account, the number of the benedictine monks in the abbey of Mount St. Michael decreased. Those who were driven from thence, came to Guernsey, and founded an abbey in the close of the Vale, in 962. It is said, that these monks were very exemplary in their general deportment, so that Guernsey was designated, in the pope's bulls, the Holy Island. When Rollo, the first duke of Normandy, took posses- sion of his duchy, the Norman isles were transferred from the see of Dol to that of Coutance, under which they continued till the reformation was completed, in the reign of queen Elizabeth, who united them to the diocese of Winchester. Robert, on his finding refuge from a storm at the abbey St. Michael, gave to the abbot and his successors about a fourth part of the island. Little occurred after this pe- GUERNSEY. 25 riod worthy of record, excepting the building of churches and religious houses, till the time of Henry the Eighth. He seized the great tithes, which were never given again to the clergy ; so that the church livings are now of no great value. In the reign of Edward the Sixth, the liturgy was translated into French, and used in all the churches in Guernsey ; but when Mary came to the throne, popery was again established. In July, 1556, the dean, Jacques Amy, condemned a widow and her two daughters for he- resy ; one of them, who had married a protestant minis- ter, was delivered of a child in the flames, which was res- cued by one of the spectators of that horrid spectacle ; but the bailiff ordered the babe to be again thrown into the fire, and to perish with its mother. What is there, however savage or absurd, which bigotry will not do ! Dr. Heylin, from whose survey of these islands this shocking story is taken, has so very poetically marked this inhuman sacrifice, with such just feelings of odious detestation, that we can- not refrain from inserting it. Si natura negat, dabit indignatio versum. Holla ! ye pampered sires of Rome ! forbear To act such murders, as a christian ear Hears with more horrour, then the Jews relate The dire effects of Herod's fear and hate, When that vile butcher caus'd to cut in sunder Every male childe of two years old and under. These, martyrs in their cradles ;— from the womb This pass'd directly to the fiery tomb ; Baptiz'd in flames and bloud, a martyr born, A setting sun in the first dawn of morn : Yet shining with more heat, and brighter glory, Then all burnt offerings in the churches story. Holla ! ye pampered rabines of the west ! Where learnt you thus to furnish out a feast With lambs of the first minute ? What disguise Finde you to mask this horrid sacrifice, When the old law so meekly did forbid, In the dam's milk to boil the tender kid? 26 GUERNSEY. What riddles have we here ? — An unborn birth, Hurried to heaven, when not made ripe for earth ; Condemned to die before it liv'd, a twin To its own mother; not impeached of sin, Yet doom'd to death, that breath'd but to expire, That scap'd the flames to perish in the fire. Rejoice, ye tyrants of old times ! your name Is made lesse odious on the breath of fame, By our most monstrous cruelties : the males Slaughtered in Egypt waigh not down these scales. A fod to equal this, no former age Hath given in books, or fancie on the stage. The presbyterian discipline, established by Calvin, at Geneva, was introduced partly by Elizabeth's sanction, and by the unanimous support of the assembly of the states, in 1576. James the First appears to have acqui- esced in this arrangement. Charles the First, through the intercession of archbishop Laud, appropriated an estate in London, and one in Buckinghamshire, to endow fellowships in the colleges of Exeter, Jesus, and Pembroke, in Oxford, for educating clergymen for the instruction of the inhabitants of Guern- sey and Jersey. To these, bishop Morley added five scho- larships, in Pembroke college. Charles the Second appointed a dean, to superintend, under the bishop of Winchester's directions, the ecclesias- tical affairs of Guernsey. Thus, the liturgy was again introduced ; but, at times, with so much opposition, that in 1 755, the dean found it necessary to apply for the aid of the civil magistracy to enforce it. The dean has the power of giving licenses for solemnizing matrimony in private ; and as the expense is not consi- derable, marriages are sometimes performed at home. The rector has the tenth of all apples, pears, cider, ho- ney, calves, colts, pigs, sheep, and geese ; but no tithe is payable on hay, clover, lucerne, potatoes, parsnips, cab- bage, or other vegetables. CHAPTER IV. Customs, Laws, and Government. The island is governed by a singular mixture of Nor- man and English laws. Farms are sold, not for a cer- tain sum of money, as in England, but for so many quarters of wheat, to be paid annually : the relations of the pro- prietor may, within a year after the first agreement, claim the property, and may have it, on paying the amount for which it has been parted with. The following are some of the prominent local customs : Renunciation and Cession. — A person who, from losses in trade, or other unavoidable calamity, finds himself in- solvent, may avail himself of the privilege of cession ; which is done by appearing in open court, declaring his renunciation of all his property, and swearing that he will deliver all his moveables, (his clothes, bed, and arms ex- cepted) to and for the benefit of his creditors; and, that if providence should enable him hereafter to pay his just debts, he will do so. Formerly, a person thus renouncing, wore a green cap, and divested himself of a girdle ; but this humiliating exposure has been discontinued for some years. Saisie. — This is a remedy granted to a creditor, when his debtor becomes insolvent. There are three kinds of saisie. The saisie is called mobiliere, when, before the renunciation, the creditor has obtained an act of the court, and takes possession of the debtor's estate, the revenue of which he applies towards the liquidating of his own claim, the debtor still retaining the property of the estate. The saisie is hereditale, when the debtor has renounced, or by process of law, been forced to give up his estate in favor of his creditors, of which the said saisie becomes 28 GUERNSEY. administrator, without prejudice to his own personal claims. The saisie becomes propriStaire, when he who held the saisie moUliere or hereditale has, by some act which is deemed binding, made it his own ; or when, in the regular process, one of the creditors has accepted the saisie. In either case, the saisie proprietaire is in place of the original debtor, and answerable for all the debts which can be proved. Retraites. — The origin of this custom seems to have been the mosaic law : when any person alienates his inheritance by sale or rent, if any part of the consideration for such assignment is paid, or agreed to be paid in money, the next of kindred, and if he or she refuses, or neglects to claim his or her right, the next in rotation ; in like manner, to the seventh degree of consanguinity, may at any time do so, until the purchaser is appropriated by the Court, at one of the fixed days regularly held for such purposes, or within one year, if no such appropriation has taken place, upon payment of the sum bona fide paid upon the purchase. Descent of real and personal estate. — Real estate cannot be disposed of by will, but must descend to the heirs at law ; and in default of such, to the king, or lord of the manor. A father cannot, by will, give an advantage to one child over another, even in reference to his personal property ; a daughter marrying in the life time of her fa- ther, has no claim to share his personal property, unless by special engagement in the marriage contract, or by bequeathment. Though a father cannot bequeath to one child more than to another, he can leave the whole of his property to strangers. A husband acquires no permanent right in his wife's estate ; if she leaves issue, he enjoys the property for life ; but should she die without having had a child born alive, the estate immediately on her death, reverts to her heirs at law, in the same manner as if she had never been married. GUERNSEY. 29 Real Estate does not, as in England, descend to the heir at law, but all the brothers are joint heirs, and share the estate between them ; however many daughters there are, they have but one third of the estate among them. The eldest son has some little advantage over his brothers ; he is allowed to take the house and a certain portion of the land, because he has to pay the corn rents ; he chooses what field he pleases ; the second son, and then the third son acts in like manner. Hence has arisen the great divi- sion of property in the island. If parents have lived for years in open adultery, and afterwards marry, all the children are considered as legi- timate, as if born in wedlock, and equally entitled to in- heritance. The English poor laws do not extend to the Norman isles. Government. — Soon after the establishment of the French monarchy, the Norman isles were placed under the direction of a count. Count Loyescon was governor in the reigns of Clotaire and Cherebert, about the year 560 5 at that time, and long afterwards, they were regu- lated according to the feudal system. King John, by the constitution which he gave them, appointed a royal court, which was empowered to judge of all causes arising in the island. Appeals were to be made from the feudal courts, to this new institution; which, by its encroachments, soon deprived the former of most of their powers. The royal court consists of a bailiff nominated by the king, and twelve jurats chosen by the members of the states, the representatives of the people, all serving for life, unless discharged by the king. These officers admi- nister justice three times a week, in term time : and once a week out of term, or oftener if required. There are three terms in the year : the first begins the first Monday after January the fifteenth • the second, the first Monday 30 GUERNSEY. after Easter ; and the third, the first Monday after Sep- tember the twenty-ninth ; each continues six weeks. They have the power of life or death, except in cases of treason, coining, or actual assault upon the bailiff, in which a direct application must be made to his majesty's government. The sixteen militarv tenants are obliged to attend the opening of the terms : this service, with a fine of four shillings and threepence, when the property is changed by death or sale, is all the charge to which they are now subject. They were formerly members of the states, but have now lost the privilege. The voice of the majority of the jurats decides every case ; they are not obliged to unanimity, as in England. If any one be aggrieved, by a decision, he may appeal to king and council. This is the final remedy for every complaint j but in this case, it is often painfully tedious and expensive to obtain justice. Till the time of James the First, jus- tices, or commissioners, were sent annually, or triennially, to prevent the necessity of such applications. The king's writ, or process, from the courts of Westminster are not valid in this island ; neither are the common acts of par- liament binding here, unless particularly named, or en- forced by his majesty's order in council. All the proceedings of the courts are in French, which in many cases, to the English, is disadvantageous. Edward the First issued an order, in ] 324, winch first separated the civil from the military authorities. De Grandison, who was then governor, and his successors ap- pointed the bailiffs in Guernsey and Jersey 3 in the latter island, till the reign of Henry the Seventh ; and in the former, till the reign of Charles the Second : they have, since this time, patents under the great seal of England. Both the governor and the lieutenant-governor are ap- pointed by the crown ; but the latter resides in the island, and discharges the duty of the office. The late lieutenant- GUERNSEY. 31 governor, sir John Doyle> conferred a lasting benefit on the island, by the great military roads which, after many difficulties, he has formed, from the town and citadel, to the different bays and most vulnerable points. What are called the states of the island, are composed of the following officers : the bailiff, twelve jurats, the procureur of the royal court, the rectors of the ten pa- rishes, the two constables, and the douzainiers of each pa- rish ; making a total of one hundred and seventy-four mem- bers. The deliberative states, however, are selected from these, and consist of the bailiff, twelve jurats, the pro- cureur, the clergy, and one voice from each of the ten parishes -, making thirty- two in the whole. In the charters given to these islands, at various times, it is declared, that the natives shall be regarded as possess- ing all the privileges of a British subject ; an honor in every respect due to them. CHAPTER V. Trade, Coins, Weights, and Measures. Commerce is absolutely essential to the very existence of the population of Guernsey 5 but it is exercised under va- rious restrictions. The governor grants licenses for the importation of wool, provisions, and other commodities, allowed by act of parliament for the use of the island, to the merchants : all articles, the produce of the land, are allowed to pass in England free of any duty -, but it is necessary the grower accompanies an affidavit with the produce. The isle of Guernsey is said to be remarkably suitable, on account of the mildness of the climate, for the depo- siting of wines, and other goods liable to be injured by the extremes of heat and cold. 32 GUERNSEY. The British fisheries especially, have been greatly bene- fitted by the trade with Guernsey. Many a cargo of brandy has been purchased by one of codfish, or pilchards ,• which fish would never have been caught, or sent to a foreign market, if it had not been in contemplation of the returns in brandy, and of the means of getting rid of those returns in Guernsey. During the whole of the last century, the trade of the island has increased. Independently of the vast supply of goods to smugglers, a considerable trade arose from the deposit of wines and foreign goods, which were to be le- gally transferred to Great Britain. Before the bonding sys- tem, merchandise was subject to duty, on its being landed; and, as the duty often amounted even to three or four times of the first cost, vast capitals would have been re- quired to have imported large cargoes, the interest of which would have taken the entire profits ; but, being left in Guernsey, and ordered over as they were disposed of, an English trader, when a favorable opportunity offered, with the same property and credit, could procure a far larger stock for Guernsey than for London. These remarks are especially applicable to wines, not only in reference to the duties, but because the vaults in the island are parti- cularly excellent. Through the long war, occasioned by the French revo- lution, the trade of the island was greatly enlarged ; more goods were deposited than were ever known before. The Foreign and English merchants were alike solicitous to deposit their articles in a place of safety ; so much so, that the vaults and warehouses were insufficient for their reception. In 1800, Mr. Styles, a commissioner of the customs, was sent over to procure the best information he could, in order to put a stop to the illicit traffic which had been so extensively carried on. In 1805, and in 1807, acts of GUERNSEY. 33 parliament were passed, with such regulations and restric- tions as, to say the least, greatly impeded all unlawful trade and speculation. A chamber of commerce was formed in the island, with the same object in view ; and the ordinances of the royal court, with the orders in coun- cil, gave energy to the enactments of the British parlia- ment j but the trade of the island was greatly injured and diminished. In September, 1804, there were one hundred and thirty- three vessels belonging to Guernsey, of more than eleven thousand five hundred tons ; and in September, 18 J 3, there were ninety three vessels, of more than ten thousand eight hundred and ninety-two tons ; and in December, 1832, there were about 79 vessels of 9157 tons. These trade with Spain, Portugal, France, Newfoundland, and South America. As Guernsey does not produce a sufficiency of scarcely any thing for its own consumption, it cannot, of course, export much to other countries. Norman cows, of excel- lent qualities ; and paving stones, of blue granite, in large quantities ; and cider, are among the principal articles. There are two or three manufactories for extracting brandy from potatoes, and the making of vinegar. Great quan- tities of each are annually sent to the English market. The original rents in this island, in corn, fowls, loaves of bread, eggs, and other produce, reserved when the lands were first granted, are still payable to the crown, in kind ; besides some trifling sums of money in coin then current. The currency, in which the inhabitants make contracts, and, sometimes, keep their accounts, are livres, sols, and deniers tournois ; the word tournois being used to distin- guish the coin of Tours from that of Paris : but, the lat- ter being abolished, the former seems to have been retained, to mark the difference from sterling, or English currency. Before the time of Elizabeth, the English shilling was 34 GUERNSEY. worth only nme sols tournois ; in her reign it passed for ten sols ; and, in that of James the First, it passed for ten sols and a half. In the beginning of the last century the shilling was worth twelve sols. The currency, now, is chiefly the French and Jersey coinage. The old French crown, if full weight, will pass for six francs, or five shil- lings ; the old French half-crown only passes current for two shillings and threepence halfpenny ; the old franc, and half-franc pieces pass : the former for ninepence, and the latter for fourpence each. Other French coins, suffi- ciently marked, pass current at the same price as in France. English money bears a premium, which vary, according to circumstances. At the present, the price current is seven and a half per cent j yet the silver only passes here at the English prices : although, in the neighbouring Island of Jersey, the shilling passes freely for thirteen pence. The only Guernsey coin are halfpence and doubles ; the latter is a small coinage of eight to the penny. The land measure of the island is in feet, yards, perches, vergees, bouvees, and carvees : twenty-one feet square are a perch ; and forty perches are a vergee, containing seven- teen thousand six hundred and forty square feet \ so that two vergees and a half are rather more than an English acre. Four vergees are a Guernsey acre ; five Guernsey acres or twenty vergees, a bouvee ; and twelve bouvees make a carvee. The Guernsey bushel contains six gallons, Winchester measure, or one thousand six hundred and thirty-two cubit inches ; consequently, four bushels of wheat, of the island measure, are exactly equal to three Winchester bushels. The following are the weights of the island : — The pound is of the Rouen weight, each ounce being about thirty-four grains more than the English avoirdupoise ; so that the Guernsey pound is, within a few grains, two ounces heavier than the old English pound ; the hundred GUERNSEY. 35 weight British, is about equal to one hundred and three and a half Guernsey pounds. Liquors of every kind are measured by the pottle and gallon : the gallon contains two hundred and fifty-two cubic inches. Barley, oats, pease, and other grain (wheat excepted) are measured, either heaped in the wheat bushel or measured in a bushel containing nearly the same quan- tity, strike measure. This bushel is two pints -^ the in- sular measure smaller than the Winchester bushel ; it contains sixty-seven pints, island measure ; two thousand one hundred and ten and a half cubic inches -, and serves also for salt, lime, and sea coal, the latter only is heaped. No measurable article can be offered for sale in the island, under a severe penalty, by any other than the wheat bushel, containing fifty four pints, and barley bushel, of sixty -seven pints, above mentioned. These, before they are used, must be stamped by an officer ap- pointed for that purpose. The revenue of the island is about nine thousand pounds, per annum. CHAPTER VI. Mineralogy of Guernsey. The mineralogy of Guernsey has been described with con- siderable skill by Br. Mac Culloch, a native of Guernsey, and a scholar well known by many learned productions. The isle of Guernsey, says this gentleman, is almost entirely of granatic formation. The southern division consists entirely of gneiss, and the rocks which form the northern part, exhibit various kinds of granite, or granitel. The rock on which Castle Cornet is built, is a gneiss, often approaching so near to granite as to render its place in a nomenclature doubtful. It is every where crossed 36 GUERNSEY. and intersected by veins of quartz, of trap, and of felspar, curved and mixed in various ways, but tending, on the whole, to the north, or north-east. More rarely, there are found in it veins of brick red and bright green felspar, and pebbles of the same substance ; or, with hornblende inbedded, are fonnd on the beach, as well as coarse agates, passing into quartz and hornstone. Proceeding from the castle southwards, gneiss is found to constitute the cliffs on the eastern side, often in a state of decomposition, and covered with a great depth of debris. These strata, which extend all along the south coast to Rocquaine bay, seem to tend from north-east to south- west, and have various inclinations, but most generally ten or fifteen degrees dipping to the south. On the south- ern side of the island they are intersected by veins of white flesh coloured and red felspar, of various breadths. In some places the felspar veins pass into granite ; veins of quartz and veins of granitel, consisting of quartz and felspar, also traverse it. A few veins of trap are also found intersecting it at Rocquaine, which are occasionally su- perceded by trap porphyry, or by the same substance, con- taining minute grains of quartz. In this track there are wrought three or four quarries of black granitel, consisting of hornblende and quartz, and very hard. The constitu- tion of this stone varies much through the extent which it traverses. In some places it is a true granite; in others the mica disappears ; in others again, this latter ingredient becomes so abundant that the stone passes into micaceous schistus. Occasionally also, hornblende enters into its composition, as has been noticed by others ; when this is the case, it sometimes looses the foliated structure, and passes into sienite. Sometimes all the other ingredients are excluded and felspar alone remains. There may also be traced gradations into mere quartz. There are also further varieties, consisting of wavy mixtures of quartz GUERNSEY. 37 and hornblende only : this stone has a considerable ten- dency to decomposition, the felspar and mica being both very ferruginous. It is consequently found in all slates, from that of a friable rock to a gravelly clay ; and, finally, to a perfect soil, constituting the gravelly or sandy loam which predominates through the island. No where is it more easy to remark the process by which, in nature, rocks are converted into earth ; and, as in this case, by the action of an oxydeof iron. Nests of yellow mica, which seem to have arisen from the decomposed rocks, are found in many places : this stone is used for rough masonry. A ledge of rocks, called the Hanois, extend from the westernmost points of the island, and, from its apparent geographical continuity, is probably of the same structure. Against this point the whole strength of the western ocean is directed, and it is from hence that a large ridge of rounded masses of stone has been rolled, so as to form a natural barrier near Rocquaine. In quitting the elevated parts of the island, and with it the southern shores, the gneiss disappears, and its place is supplied by other granitic formations. Besides the trap and trap porphory, at Rocquaine, there are masses of mica- ceous schist, having the appearance of veins ; and a stra- tum of argillaceous schist may also be observed at the lower parts of the bay, incumbent on the granitic foun- dation. At l'Er^e and Lihou, the rocks are composed of quartz and felspar, the foliated textures having disappeared. A granitel is thus formed, which, in some places, receiving an addition of hornblende, passes into sienite : this is tra- versed, here and there, by veins of the same red and green felspar which are found at castle Cornet. The same highly coloured felspars are also occasionally intermixed, so as to form a constituent part of the granite, which thus becomes exceedingly beautiful. 38 GUERNSEY. At Grand Rocque are masses of sienite, which are quarried to make building stones. It is the only rock of this nature in the island, and its produce is fully equal in beauty to that of the celebrated quarries of Mont Mado, in Jersey, although it cannot be raised in such large masses. The felspar is the predominant ingredient, and it is either white or flesh coloured. It is traversed by veins of a si- milarly constituted stone, but more minutely compacted, and of a brick-red colour. In some places, indeed, the veins seem to consist of a felspar basis, with grains of quartz and hornblende imbedded, approaching in its na- ture to a petunse porphyry. It is here an universal rule, that when the granites are traversed by veins of a similar nature, the vein is the most compact of the two. As the hornblende is sometimes wanting in these stones, and as mica is sometimes present, we meet with many other gra- nitic varieties. Dr. Mac Culloch observed, in one place, lumps of angillaceous porphyry stuck in granite. The predominant rock, towards the bay of St. Sampson's, is a grey or black granitel, consisting of quartz and horn- blende, mixed in various proportions. Detached masses of this rock are also found in the higher grounds, as well as among the gneiss of the southern coast. The horn- blende, in some places, predominates, so as to give a sort of a hornblende porphyry ; and, in others, every other in- gredient is excluded, and a hornblende rock alone remains. He also observed some specimens traversed by a deriva- tive rock of the same composition, interspersed with minute grains of pyrites, the only trace of the kind which is found in this island. This stone is very hard and sonorous, and admirably adapted for building, as it easily breaks into squared masses before the hammer. It is more particularly fitted for paving, from its extreme hardness and toughness ; and for that purpose it is exported, in large quantities, toLon- GUERNSEY. 39 don, and other parts of England, by the name of Guernsey, or St. Sampson's stone. It is remarkable that there is no appearance of lime stone in the island. The soil, which is the produce of the decomposed gneiss, is abundantly fertile, the ground being well watered by the clouds of the Atlantic. CONCHOLOGY, ETC. On the Shells, Corals, and Sea Plants of the Channel Islands. The study of shells or testaceous animals is a branch of natural history, though not greatly useful in human eco- nomy, yet, by the infinite beauties of the subjects it treats of, is adapted to recreate the senses, and insensibly lead the amazed admirer to the contemplation of the glory of the divinity in their creation. The channel islands are very favourably situated for the study of conchology. These islands are considered as ex- tremely insignificant. This opinion, however, is predicated on error ; they are small, it is true ; but if we turn our eyes from so contracted a medium, and view them with a proper reference to natural history, and to the department of conchology in particular, the small specks dilate, and the apparently contemptible spots assume a remarkable feature on the theatre of nature 5 and no places on the sur- face of the globe can be contemplated with more intense interest than these lovely islands ; and it has lately been proved, by the unceasing research of an enlightened naturalist, throughout all parts of the Norman isles, that no portion of the globe, of the same extent, can vie with these islands in conchological treasures. Perhaps, there are no places where, in such small circles, so many striking studies of shells are afforded, or where a greater variety of testaceous and crustaceous subjects can be collected. The conchological mine is rich; but there 40 GUERNSEY. is a deficiency of labourers to draw the ore from the pit ; to remove the crust from the rough diamond ; to bring out the precious production from beneath the surface ; and to give it at once acknowledged worth and currency. The divisions of the order testacea in these islands, ex- tend to upwards of forty genera, embracing upwards of two hundred varieties. In multivalves, we have fine spe- cimens of the chiton, the lepas, the pholas, &c. In bi- valves, the islands are rich, in the mya, or trough shell ; the solen, razor, sheath, or knife handle ; the tellena, or telen ; the cardium, cockle, or heart shell ; the mactra, or kneading trough ; the donax, or wedge shell ; the ve- nus ; the spondylus, thorny oyster, or artichoke ; the cha- ma, clamp, or gaper ; the area, or arc ; the ostrea, oyster, escalop, or pecten ; the anomia, or antique lamp ; the my- tilus, or muscle ; the pinna, fin shell, or sea wing, &c. &c. The univalves are still more abundant : we have great varieties of the conus, or cone ; of the cyprae, or coury ; of the bulla, or bubble ; of the voluta ; of buccinum, or wheel ; of the strombus, winged or claw shell ; of the tro- chus, or top shell ; of the turbo, wreath or turban shell ; of the helix, snail, or spiral ; of the nerita, or hoof shell ; of the haliotis, sea ear, ear shell, or eaumer -, of the patella, limpet, or dish shell ; of the dentalium, tooth, or tusk shell ; of the murex, rock, or trumpet shell, with various others too numerous for insertion. The seas of the channel islands abound in sponges, or the habitations of a tribe of animals belonging to the class vermes, or zoophites. We have little less than forty species of sponges, among which may be found the spongia occula- ta,or branched sponge ; the spongia tormentosa, or stinging sponge j the spongia coronata, or coronet sponge ; the s'pon- gia botrycides, or grape sponge ; the spongia lacustris, or lake sponge 5 the spongia officinalis, or common sponge. In corallines, or corals, it cannot be excelled for delicacy GUERNSEY. 41 and novelty, in any part of the world ; and their feature and position are so well denned,, that there is no difficulty in comprehending that they belong both to the vegetable and the animal kingdom ; although many specimens of corallines bear the simple appearance of marine mosses, and many of the corals flourish as sea shrubs. In many instances the insects appear like small flowers along the coral bank : when taken out of the water, they disappear ; but upon being restored to their native element, in a few hours they become perceptible. They expand in water, and contract in air : they express considerable sensation when touched with the hand, or exposed to the action of acids ; they have even been seen to move their claws and expand themselves, when the water which contained them was placed near the fire. There is nothing more remarkable in the shells of the channel islands, than the diversity of their generic charac- ter, and the extreme diminutiveness of their forms ; for the greater part, they may be considered but as miniatures of the shells of all other parts of the world. It is proper, however, here to observe, that the shells of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, and Serk, are neither extraordinary nor numerous ; and it is the little islet of Herm alone, that the conchologist is gratified by shells, great in abundance, and various in character and colouring. This islet is nearly opposite, and but three miles from Guernsey. Du- ring the summer, Herm is greatly frequented by visiters from Guernsey j and what is vulgarly called shell hunting is pursued with great ardour and avidity. The women and the children of nearly all the families on the island, gather up, and keep, small collections of shells, which they offer to visiters on very reasonable terms. But the true conchologist prefers shells of his own immediate collection and preparation, and, therefore, should proceed to the beach at low water, and, with a spade or other instrument, E* 42 GUERNSEY. turn up the sand, and take only those shells as are of a living character. The insular dealers are content to col- lect them from high water mark, where, from exposure to the sun, and the frequent attrition of the flax and refluxing waves, the shells must, of necessity, be dead or mutilated, to their great deterioration. There are three portions of the beach, in the north-west and north-east part of the island, which are very favorable to shell collecting. In point of fact, it is only on the north-west and north-east department of the island, that shells are to be obtained in any degree of variety or abun- dance. But as every shell collector must know the propriety of taking a guide to the coast, it would be but a waste of time to say any thing further here on the subject of the locality in question. Every child in the island is compe- tent to conduct the steps of a collector ; the collector holding always in view, that low water is superior to high water mark, for the reasons above stated. But it will answer no good purpose for the shell collector in Herm, to employ the language of science, in his research for shells ; he must employ popular terms, inasmuch as the good people of Herm are utterly ignorant of the phraseology of the conchologist, and are in the habit of calling things by such names as strike their senses. They have their silver, pink, purple, yellow, rose, and blue shells. There are fine subjects on what the inhabitants call the " best shell banks," but which the native collectors pass over, because they do not consider them as shells. For instance, at times here, are very rich corals and corallines, cast up by the action of the sea, only to be discovered by those who are judges of the nature of their research. Before leaving Herm, the visiter is recommended to make enquiry after crustaceous animals, using the caution to employ such popular terms as the natives alone can un- derstand. A precise distinction should be drawn between GUERNSEY. 43 testaceous and crustaceous animals ; they are essentially different, though both are protected by a hard exterior shell or crust, in which they are partially or entirely enve- loped, and have been indiscriminately confounded toge- ther for that reason, under the vague denomination of shell fish. Of the Crustacea race, in Herm, there are two varieties of the echinus marinus, which well merit the at- tention of the curious ; and several rare specimens of diminutive crabs, lobsters, cray fish, the spider crab, cuttle, and star fish can be obtained with little difficulty. But, in all cases where the collector wants a particular object, he should contrive to exhibit a specimen before the native gatherers ; for should he tell them to supply him with the zoophites or madreporites, &c. &c, they never could exe- cute his commission. There being but little accommodation in Herm, for the entertainment of strangers, the conchologist, geologist, or the visiter, should go well provided with provisions. There is but one public house in the island ; it is kept by a worthy Englishman of the name of Cooper ; but, as the island is destitute of any market, and the worthy host has but ong spare bed, it is utterly impossible that he can supply strangers with very extensive accommodations. Of the extreme reasonableness of Mr. Cooper's charges, an opinion may be entertained, from the fact, that a shell collector, who had the run of the house for three days, paid only the small sum of seven shillings and sixpence. The islet of Herm is not only rich in all subjects con- nected with the interests of conchologists, but is also abundant in such algae, or sea weed, as bear considerable relation to conchology 5 inasmuch as a great quantity of algae, or submarine plants, exhibit the finest specimens that can possibly be conceived of corals, corallines, and zoophytes, &c. &c. Though neither chalk, limestone, or marl, has hitherto 44 GUERNSEY. been discovered in any of the channel islands, at least in any abundance, yet they are not destitute of a certain sub- stitute, this is sea weed. The different species of algae, are all called, in the is- lands, vraic. This marine vegetable grows luxuriantly on the rocks around the coasts ; but what is of a peculiar interest to the Guernsey conchologist, is, that the collected algae abound in specimens, not only favourable to the curious collector, but to medical men, and the public at large. But, in general, so strong a prejudice exists against the utility of any extraneous production, peculiarly local, that the most pointed disregard is paid to the algae and sea weed in question. It is, however, much to the credit of a few native inhabitants of the channel islands, that the bounty of nature is not, at all times and places, ungratefully thrown away upon them. In Jersey, a spi- rituous oil is extracted from a certain sea weed, which is employed as a medicament for the cure of rheumatism and external wounds. In Alderney, a weed i& collected, which is equal in virtue to the far famed islandic moss : and the algae of Serk afford a substitute for horse hair of the finest quality. However, it is from the abundance of corals, corallines, and curious marine plants, in which the algae abound, that the submarine subjects of this nature are of interest to the conchologist ; and whatever conchologist has a de- cided turn for the collection of submarine plants, can gra- tify such taste, by making proper researches throughout the islands. In the Guernsey fish market are often very fine speci- mens of sea weed and marine plants, exhibited for sale. Mr. Weston, of the Esplanade, has a fine collection of corals and corallines. Charles F. Lukis, esq., of Grange- road, Guernsey, has made this department of natural history his particular study ; as has also Mr. De Caisne, GUERNSEY. 45 late president of the mechanic's institution. The latter gentleman is well skilled in the art of preparing shells, and stuffing birds and beasts. • In reference of what has been said respecting the col- lecting of shells in Herm, it is proper here to observe, that particular caution should be employed in having the shells prepared clean, and fit for preservation, as soon as possible. Many of the native collectors suffer the animal to die in the shell ; this practice is attended with two evil con- sequences : the shell loses its lustre, and is sometimes tainted with a disagreeable smell. Living shells should be plunged into boiling water, for a few seconds ; but, in such instances as putrid or dead shells, they should be carefully steeped in a chlorine liquid for half an hour, and then wash- ed in soft water ; this simple process will render them sweet, wholesome, and clean. Ladies, and such conchologists as have no disposition or capacity to form collections of shells that are attended with inconvenience and trouble, can procure considerable quantities without removing out of Guernsey. On the beach of St. Sampson's, Bourdeaux and l'Ancresse bays, several varieties of shells can be obtained, in the course of a morning's promenade. Other collectors who wish to procure shells, both in abundance and variety, have only to frequent the arcade market of Guernsey, which is ge- nerally well supplied with local shells of every description, and at prices varying from a halfpenny to threepence per dozen. There are also, in the Pollet, and along the Glat- ney esplanade, three or four little shops, which have often a quantity of fine shells for sale ; but the principle place of vending, is at Mr. Naftel's, in the High Street Arcade j his shop is generally supplied with the very best specimens, and he can execute an order to any extent, with consider- able judgment and skill. In his establishment may be purchased some beautiful objects in shell work ; such as 46 GUERNSEY. boxes, baskets of flowers, and animals, executed after na- ture, and with an extraordinary facility, considering the inflexibility of the materials which enter into their com- position and form ; and it is much to the honor and character of many ladies of Guernsey, to say, that they are not only learned conchologists, but artistes in shell work, of infinite delicacy and skill. Many of the ladies in ques- tion employ the profits derived from this elegant pursuit, in charitable purposes. In relation to the shells of Jersey, there is not much to be said. That island is not rich in shells : a few may be obtained on the shores of St. Clement's, Gorey, St. Cathe- rine's, Rozel, St. Ouen's, and St. Aubin's bays ; but, as in Guernsey, the market of St. Helier's is often supplied with small quantities of shells ; with the exception, however, of such shells as are strictly local, they merit but little at- tention. As to the islands of Alderney, Jethou, and Serk, it is true that they have many fine local shells ; but the difficulty of collecting is very great, because of the rugged and precipitate nature of their shores. There are no local shells so rich in appearance, or so large in character, as the haliots, or sea ear ; the finest specimens are to be found on the rocks, at low water mark, at Alderney, Herm, and Serk ; many of these approaching to oriental shells of the same genus ; and their variety of size is such, that they run in progression, from a quarter of an inch to twenty inches in circumference ; they are by far the most popular shells of the channel islands. The process of cleaning this shell is not difficult ; steep them in vinegar twenty-four hours, next well and quickly brushed over with muriatic acid, and finished off by washing carefully in cold water. PROCESS OF CLEANING SHELLS. Immediately after gathering or collecting the shells, and those especially taken from the sea, the first process neces- GUERNSEY. 47 sary, is to destroy and extract the animal inhabitant, with- out injuring the shell, and then to prepare the shell that it may not be damaged by the action of the marine salts, with which they are saturated. As shells are of a calca- reous nature, all acids should be as much avoided as pos- sible, both in killing the animal, and preparing the shell ; it is usual to boil them in water for this purpose, but as boiling may injure the shells, it will be most advisable to dip them into scalding water, which will be sufficient to kill the animal ; after which, let them remain for two or three minutes to cool, and then put them into cold water, in which they may lie till they are taken out to be cleaned. The animal, by being killed in this manner, becomes con- densed, and somewhat solid, and may be picked out by any sharp instrument. Shells encrusted with extraneous matter should be al- lowed to steep for some time in warm water, both for the sake of moistening these substances, and to extract as much as possible the marine salts. They may be suffered to remain in water two or three minutes without any injury. After this, brush them well, observing only that the brush must not be too hard. If that proves insufficient to clean them, rub or brush them again with tripoli or emery, or put them into weak acid for the space of a minute, and then dip them into cold water ; which process may be re- peated as often as will be necessary to remove the extra- neous matter. Strong soap may also be used with a rag of linen or woollen cloth to rub them, or a ley of pearl- ashes ; and, when cleaned, finish them with a soft brush and fine emery. Scientific collectors endeavour to preserve one at least of every shell with the epidermis on, to exhibit its natural appearance, together with the uncoated specimens. The epidermis may sometimes be so thick that it will be necessary to take it off before the shell can be polished. 48 GUERNSEY. For this purpose pour a quantity of the spirits of nitre, or nitrid acid, into water, in the proportion of about one-sixth or one-tenth part of the former -, put this into a shallow bason or saucer, and place the shell or shells therein, in such a manner that the corrosive fluid may act only on the coat, without injuring the orifices of the mouth, which, in some cases, may be coated with bees-wax : change the si- tuation of the shell every two or three minutes, that all the parts may be equally uncoated ; wipe off the bubbles as occasion may require with a feather, first dipped in water : when you perceive the enamel in any part free from the coat, take it out, and wash off the aquafortis, and after this process rub them with fine emery powder. If instead of a thick epidermis it is only a pellicle, it is sufficient to steep it in hot water, and then pick it off ; or steep the shell in vinegar till it peals off freely, or is corroded away. The epidermis of some shells is so coarse and thick as to resist the corrosive quality of acids diluted, or even of aquafortis ; emery with strong brushes is then substituted, or seal-skin, and pumice-stone, or the exterior coat may be ground off with a grind- stone, or files of various dimen- sions. If the matter is too obstinate to be cleared off by this means, pour some spirit of nitre into a cup or other vessel, stop up every part of the shell that may be suscep- tible to injury with soft wax, as carefully as possible, and put it into the liquor in the vessel ; remove it every mi- nute into cold water, but observe never to shift it in the same water more than once, and wash it every time before you return it into the corrosive liquor. If the shell is warted, irregular, or armed with points, examine it with a common magnifier, and if you perceive on the more promi- nent parts through the wax any appearance of the polished surface, cover them with wax, and let the shell remain a few minutes longer in the spirit, take it out and wash it again ; after which, polish the shell with fine emery, and GUERNSEY. 49 pass a camel's-hair pencil with gum arabic over them to brighten the colours ; the white of egg is often used, but it is very apt to turn yellow in time, though at first it appears glaring ; and varnish communicates a disagreeable smell. Some shells have naturally a slight politure ; those may be rubbed by the hand with chamois leather, which will give them a bright glossy appearance : avoid, when pos- sible, the use of emery powder, as it is apt to detriment the beautiful workings on the shells ; it cannot, however, be often left out of use. It is desirable, as far as can be, to point out the impo- sitions which are often practised on those who are not well acquainted with shells, and are therefore not aware that any individual shell may be made to assume a very diffe- rent appearance by having the first or second exterior coat of the shell removed by acids, or any other means. Thus, for example, we see that though the outer surface of the common cowry, or tide shell, is of a pale colour, with dark spots 5 when that is cleared off, it is of a fine violet colour : the sea ears are clouded with brown, green, and white ; but when that coat is rubbed away it appears of a beauti- ful pearl colour. Thus also the nautilus shell is externally of a pale brown or ochraceous hue, variegated with streaks of chesnut, but on the exterior coating being taken off, the whole shell will be found of that substance known by the familiar name of mother of pearl. The same circumstance is observed of the true mother of pearl shell, the exterior coat of which is blackish ; many of the trochi, or top shells, and an infinite variety of other shells of different genera are of the same description. Among those shells which alter their appearance most, we must not omit the volute, called by us the purple or violet tip, and by the French onyx ; it has a brown epidermis, which, being ta- ken off, discovers the ground colour to be a dull yellow. When this is worked down to beneath the crust or surface, 50 GUERNSEY. it is of a pure white, with the tip of a fine violet. We shall lastly mention the common muscle, the exterior coat of which is dull bluish black, that beneath purple, and the inner one white : sometimes we have seen muscles in the hands of dealers, and in scientific collections, of a fine purple colour, variegated with large distinct spots of white and brown, so dexterously managed as to have all the ap- pearance of a shell in a natural state, though in reality such shells are the work of art, and no other than the common or edible muscle. For this purpose those of the largest size are usually selected, which, being first uncoated down to the brightest purple surface, are afterwards fretted or rubbed with a file, in particular parts, till the white or inner coating is seen through the purple. The spots may be managed however with more certainty, by covering the whole surface with a thin coat of wax, then scraping off the wax in such parts as it is designed should exhibit spots, and lastly suffering the shell to remain in spirit of salts diluted, or nitrous acid, till the outside is corroded in those parts down to the white or inner coat of the shell. After washing the shell, and clearing off the wax, the spots thus formed may be stained of any colour, according to the fancy of the operator. A preparation of the oxyd of iron, or manganese, are most commonly employed, as these produce a brown colour of different tints, and form an in- delible stain. The Dutch, who are great amateurs in con- chology, paint shells with a variety of colours, and that so ingeniously, as to render it difficult to detect the imposi- tion. Neither are they less expert in joining broken shells, cementing and filling up holes pierced by marine worms, or fractures, and filling the mouths and tips in such a man- ner as to entirely alter their appearance. CLASSIFICATION OF SHELLS. Linnaeus ranks testacea as the third in order in his sixth class of animals called worms. He has made three prin- cipal divisions, viz. multivalves, bivalves, and univalves. GUERNSEY. 51 Multi valves. — Shells with many valves. 1. Chiton : Valves placed in transverse plaits down the back. 2. Lepas : Valves unequal ; body sessile, or on peduncles. 3. Pholas : Shell bivalve, with accessory valves at the hinge. Bivalves.— Shells with two valves. 4. Mya : Hinge with generally a broad thick tooth, not let into the opposite valve. 5. Solen : Shell open at each end ; hinge with a single or double subulate reflected tooth, not let into the oppo- site valve. 6. Tellina : Hinge with the lateral teeth of one valve not let into the other. 7. Cardium : Hinge with remote penetrating lateral teeth. 8. Mactra : Hinge with a complicated triangular middle tooth, and an adjoining hollow. 9. Donax : Hinge with a generally remote lateral tooth, not let into the opposite valve. 10. Venus : Hinge with generally three approximate diva- ricate teeth. 1 1 . Spondylus : Hinge with two teeth, separated by a small hollow. 1 2. Chama : Hinge in one shell, with two oblique obtuse teeth. 13. Area : Hinge with numerous penetrating teeth. 14. Ostrea : Hinge without teeth, but an ovate hollow. 15. Anomia : Hinge without teeth, but generally a linear depression on the rim, the beak of one valve curved over the hinge. 16. Mytilus : Hinge without teeth, with a subulate de- pression, and generally fixed by a silky beard. 1 7. Pinna : Hinge without teeth, valves united at one end, and open at the other. Univalves.— 1. With a regular spire. 18. Argonauta : Shell with one cell, spiral, involute. 19. Nautilus: Shell with many cells, with a siphon of communication. 20. Conus : Aperture effuse, longitudinal, without teeth, 52 GUERNSEY. 21. Cypr.aea : Aperture effuse, lineal, longitudinal, toothed on each side. 22. Bulla : Aperture a little contracted, and placed ob- liquely 5 toothed on one side only. 23. Voluta : Aperture effuse, the pillar plaited. 24. Buccinum : Aperture with a small canal leaning to the right. 25. Strombus : Aperture with a small canal leaning to the left. 26. Murex : Aperture with a small straight canal. 27. Trochus : Aperture contracted, and somewhat trian- gular. 28. Turbo : Aperture contracted and orbicular. 29. Helix : Aperture contracted, lunate on the inner side. 30. Nerita : Aperture contracted, and semiorbicular. 31. Haliotis : Shell ear-shaped, aperture dilated, with a row of orifices along the surface. 2. Without a regular spire. 32. Patella : Shell conic, the aperture widened like a basin. 33. Dentalium : Shell slender, subulate, open at both ends. 34. Serpula : Shell tubular, mostly serpentine, adhering to other bodies. 35. Teredo : Shell thin, penetrating wood. 36. Sabella : Shell composed of agglutinated grains of sand, &c. CHAPTER VII. Horticulture and Floriculture. In speaking of Guernsey, Jacob says, This island may be deemed the garden both of common flowers and exotics ; many of the latter have no need of shelter from the frosts and snow, which are scarcely ever sufficiently powerful to destroy the plants 3 yet, perhaps, there is not a spot of ground in Europe of the same size, where there are more green-houses, or hot-houses, than in Guernsey, there being GUERNSEY. 53 scarcely a gentleman's house without one or more, and many of the tradesmen have their graperies. Indeed the health and luxuriance of all garden productions, noticed in the very valuable paper on this subject from the pen of Dr. MacCulloch, which I shall quote hereafter, may be most amply confirmed. The broad and narrow leaved double flowering myrtle, constantly flourishing in the open air ; the orange perfecting its fruit, with the aid only of a wall, and only sometimes matted up, when the winter has been unusually severe for the island ; the bushy hydrangeers in shrubberies, equal in beauty probably with those growing in New South Wales, their native soil 5 all these bespeak a most favourable climature both for flowers as well as fruits ; the Guernsey figs, in particular, growing on stan- dards of great luxuriance, are of excellent quality, and sold at the market generally at a halfpenny each. Quayle has remarked in 1815, that there was a standard fig tree in the garden of Mr. De Jersey, at Mon Plaisir, which had attained extraordinary dimensions in girth ; I find upon inquiry of Mr. De Jersey, that the tree is since dead. Mr. De J. gave the following particulars ; the trunk measured about two feet in diameter, the height about twenty feet ; and the branches covered a circumfe- rance of about one hundred and thirty feet 5 it was sup- posed to be the largest fig tree in the island, and to have been planted about 1760 ; the branches made one hundred and eighty-seven small faggots ; the trunk, arms, and roots, completely filled two large Guernsey carts. Dr. Mac Culloch says, having visited the island many years ago, I was much struck with the peculiar luxuriance exhibited by many plants, which either grow with reluctance, or refuse to grow at all, even in the mild climates of England. The variety and splendour of these productions, give a charac- ter to its horticulture, which is very impressive to an English visiter, and which excites surprise, when compared 54 GUERNSEY. with the very slight advantages of climate which this island from its geographical difference of position, appears to possess. Among all these productions, its amaryllis or Guernsey lily, is almost too well known to be enumerated. It is said to have been brought from Japan, a country pos- sessing such variety of climate, that it might well afford plants suited to any latitude. I think, however, it is fet a point to be ascertained, whether there is any thing in the climate of Guernsey, peculiarly favourable to the growth and flowering of this plant. This is a fact which cannot be determined, till the cultivation of it is carried on in England on the same scale on which it is practised in Guernsey. In Guernsey, every gardener, and almost every petty farmer who has a piece of garden ground, appropriates a patch to this favoured root : and the few hundreds of flowers brought to England in the season, are the produce of thousands of roots. The average rate of flowering is about fifteen or eighteen in the hundred. The soil in which they are raised is light, and the beds are covered with sand ; in other respects, I do not recollect that there is any particular care taken of them, except that of keeping them very clean. It is however true, that the bulbs are frequently injured in the winter by frost, which has no effect upon the hardy geraniums : so that it would be re- quisite in England to guard against that danger ; at least, by matting, or occasionally covering the beds, in winter. I may add (says the Dr.) that some of its congeners, the amaryllis, bella-donna, vitata undulata, and formosissima, also flourish in Guernsey, without care, with great cer- tainty and vigour. A shrub of great beauty, the magnolia grandiflora, is well known to be shy of flowering in Eng- land, if we except the mild climate of Cornwall, to which that of Guernsey bears a near resemblance : in this island, however, its flowering is as certain as its growth is luxu- nd, GUERNSEY. 55 riant. Among the more hardy of the tender plants, which here grow freely, and which Cornwall but rarely preserves through the rigour of winter, are the hydrangia hortenssi, the fuschia coccinea, geranium zonule, inquinaus radule glutinosum, and some others, which pass the winter with- out difficulty, and emulate in the summer the luxuriance they possess in their native climates. Many tender and transient variety of flowers, and among ihem those of the pink tribe, are remarkable for the faci- lity and certainty with which they are propagated, and for the constancy of their characters : every rustic cottage is covered Avith geraniums, and ornamented with numerous varieties of pinks, rarely seen in England but among care- ful florists. Even the green-house cultivation is influenced by the climate. It is well known that the heliotroprtim Peruvianum, a plant otherwise of sufficiently easy cultiva- tion, in England is limited in its growth ; becoming- woody and feeble after it has attained a certain height : in Guernsey, on the contrary, if planted in the bed of earth in the house, although no artificial heat be applied, it soon fills the whole space ; running over the bed, and striking fresh roots from its branches as it advances. But of all those shrubs which require the protection of the green-house in England, the virbena tryphilla is that of which the luxuriance is in Guernsey the most remarkable : its miserable stinted growth, and bare wooden stem are well known to us : in Guernsey it thrives exposed, and becomes a tree of twelve or even eighteen feet in height ; spreading in a circle of equal diameter, and its long branches reaching down to the ground on all sides : its growth is indeed so luxuriant, that it is necessary to keep it from becoming troublesome, by perpetually cutting ; fresh shoots fourteen feet in length, resembling those of the osier willow, being annually produced. I may also enumerate a few other plants, of tender con- 56 GUERNSEY. this stitutions in Britain, which appear equally hardy in more uniform climate: the celtis macrantha, classed among our stove plants, grows, with very little care, out of doors : so do both the double and single varieties of camellia japo- nica; the latter often attaining the height of twenty feet. Some species of the olia are also hardy, as well as many of the proteas : the whole of which require, in our island, the shelter of a green-house ; such is the case also with many species of the genus cistus, and among them I may name, crispifolius, and ormosus. I may add to this enumeration, the ysicca-aloifolia, dracocephalum canariense, jasimum azoricum, nerium, oleander, clethra-arborea, daphne-odo- rata, minsulus glutinosus, correa alba, melaluca hyperici- folia, gorteriarigens, together with a very large number of the genera ixia and irica, all equally requiring protection in England during our winter ■ and many of them subject to perish at that season, notwithstanding this care. I need scarcely add, that the myrtle defies the greatest rigour of a Guernsey winter, and flourishes in the utmost luxu- riance. In the production of fruits, the gardens of this island are no less remarkable ; the superiority of its chaumontel pears are well known : a superiority which the grafts im- ported into England do not retain. The purple and green fig grow readily, as standards, and produce annually per- fect fruit. Many varieties of the melon ripen without glasses ; the Roman melon is even raised without the as- sistance of the hand-glass ; and is cultivated here in large quantities. The attempts to raise oranges have not been numerous ; but in different gardens there are trees of the Seville and sweet orange, both standing under the shelter of a wall, and producing perfect fruit in abundance every year : they require, however, to be protected by mats in the winter. But the circumstance to which I would chiefly call your attention, is the naturalization of the native of GUERNSEY. 57 very warm climates, the canana indica, a fact, which con- firms and illustrates the remarks made by sir Joseph Banks, on the naturalization of zirzania aquatica. This very tender plant has become thoroughly habituated to the climate ; scattering its seeds yearly so as to prove a weed in the gardens which it has occupied. As Guernsey is famed for the culture and production of flowers and fruits, so is it also for vegetables ; all sorts of which, in their respective seasons, are to be found in the market in the greatest abundance ; some of them at one- third, and many others at half the price for which they can be purchased in England, and generally much earlier in the season, without being forced, than those in that country. Brocoli is produced in such abundance, that great quan- tities are sent to supply the markets of Weymouth, South- ampton, &c, and even to France. Chaumontel pears are annually sent to England in great abundance ; also grapes, both from the hot and green-house, chiefly as presents. The late Peter Mourant, esq., of Candie, was the first person who erected a hot-house in this island, about the year 1792-3, as I am informed by his late gardener 3 and he also w T as the first person who introduced pines, the cultivation of them however lasted only a few years. Aloes occasionally blossom in Guernsey in great perfection ; about thirty-five years ago, one of the large species of aloes blossomed at Cotils, near l'Hyvreuse, belonging to J. E. Tupper, esq. ; there was also another at Mr. Le Lievre's, at the Piette, in Glatney, which produced its flowers in 1814; and one also since that, at Candie, belonging to Peter Mourant, esq., which would have perfected the whole of its blossoms, had it not been maliciously destroyed by some ill-disposed youths. In 1823-4, another aloe blossomed in the garden of George Bell, esq., in Glatney ; all of which were about forty years old at the time of flowering. The last aloe which blossomed in this island, 58 GUERNSEY. was in 1827, belonging to J. Allaire, esq., of Mount Durant House. Nothing perhaps can show the difference of cli- mate more than the perfection of flowers ; while the aloe is a constant inhabitant of the green-house in England during winter, in this island it nourishes in the open air, without any particular care or attention. Before quitting the subject of gardens, I cannot forbear mentioning the peculiarly neat mode of having their wall trees tied to upright pieces of painted deal, three quarters of an inch square, fastened to two or three cross rails, ac- cording to the height of the wall, of one inch square 5 which latter are fixed in between the joints of the stone or brick wall, by means of iron hooks, the upright pieces being nailed to the rails 3 the trees are attached to these uprights by means of osier willow shoots : this, and the espaliers also, being tied to such kind of frames, painted white, give a peculiar neatness to the gardens. It has been remarked by strangers, that they thought that the fruit could not ripen so well, the branches being from one inch to two, or more, from the wall : and some experienced English gardeners have also objected to this Guernsey mode, from its admitting a current of air between the branches and the wall j but there is no reason to complain of that in this island : beside the walls being chiefly built of stones, and irregular in their size, it would be more difficult to train the trees properly in another way. It has been observed before, in Dr. Mac Culloch's essay, that the common fruits, the growth of the island, are in great abundance in their respective seasons : there is, however, a species of strawberry peculiar to it, which should be mentioned, as being two or three times the size of the largest of the others ; but what it gains in appearance, it loses in quality ; for the flavour is not to be compared either to the scarlet, the turkey, or the Carolina 5 the two last of which are mostly cultivated. There have lately been GUERNSEY. 59 introduced into the island some new sorts, called the rose- bury and the down ton ; and, in the year 1824, the her- maphrodite hautbois, the Wellington, and other sorts, were sent to me by J. R. Neame, esq., a member of the Horticultural Society. Amongst the variety of wall-fruit in this island, is the delicious white nectarine ; the white cucumber is also cultivated. I cannot better conclude the article of horticulture, than in the words of a late author ; a writer by no means par- tial either to the laws or inhabitants of the island, and therefore not prejudiced in its favour. Mr. Berry says, Such a profusion of flowers of all sorts unfold their varied hues and fruits ; and vegetation in general is so plentiful and luxuriant, that Flora and Pomona seem to vie with each other in lavish distribution on this their favoured isle. PUBLIC AUTHORITIES IN 1833. Staff of the island. — His excellency general the right honourable sir W. Keppel, G. C. B., colonel of the 2d re- giment of foot, governor of Guernsey, Alderney, &c. His excellency major-general John Ross, C. B., lieute- nant-governor, and commander-in-chief of his majesty's forces in Guernsey, Alderney, &c. Lieutenant E. Martin, fort major. Peter Bredthafft, deputy inspector of militia. Colonel John Guille, militia aide-de-camp to the king. W. Hamelin, F. C. Lukis, and William Collings, militia aides-de-camp to the lieutenant governor. Colonel Priaulx, militia commissary. Captain T. F. Simmons, deputy judge advocate for the islands of Guernsey and Serk, John Carey, his majesty's receiver- general. Peter Bredthafft, secretary to his excellency the commander-in-chief. Engineer department. — Lieutenant-colonel Cardew, commanding royal engineers. — Steel, clerk of works. T. Jordan, clerk. J. W. Baker, foreman of carpenters. E. Sleater, office keeper. , 60 GUERNSEY. Ordnance department. — F. Giddings, storekeeper. R. M. Ozanne, clerk. G. Anderson, Fort George, Lieu- tenant Knowles, Castle Cornet, master gunners. T. Jones, master armourer. W. L. Jeune, master cooper. J. Pat- tison, foreman of the labourers. J. Long, office keeper. Barrack department. — Major Fortye, barrack-master. — Steel, clerk of works. Rev. Havilland Durand, garrison chaplain. Royal Court. — Daniel De Lisle Brock, bailiff, St.' Martin's. Jurats. — John La Serre, (lieutenant-bailiff,) Smith-street. John Guille, St. George, Catel. James Carey, Berthelot-street. John Le Mesurier, St. Peter's. Peter Le Pelley, Upper Clifton. John Hubert, Haute-ville. John LeMarchant, Court-street. William Collings, Grange- road. Hilary-Olivier Carre, Valnor. Frederick Mansell, Vauxbellets. P. B. Dobree., Beauregard. T. W. Gosselin, Springfield. His majesty's law officers. — C. De Jersey, attorney- general, Manor-street. J. T. De Sausmarez, solicitor-ge- neral, Smith-street. G. Lefebvre, his majesty's registrar, Manor-street. N. Lefebvre, his majesty's sheriff, Le Marchant-street. J. Barbet, his majesty's serjeant, Mar- ket-street. C. Lefebvre, deputy registrar, Court-street. T. Le Retilley, deputy sheriff, Le Marchant-street. P. Martin, ditto, Le Marchant-street. J. Barbet, jun., de- puty serjeant, Pedvin- street. Advocates. — R. Mac Culloch, Manor-street. T. Falla, Manor-street. G. R. Radford, L. D., Hauteville. H. Tupper, B. D., Le Marchant-street. P. Jeremie, Le Marchant-street. The States. — The States consists of the bailiff, twelve Jurats, and the attorney-general of the royal court, toge- ther with the beneficed clergy of the island, and the con- GUERNSEY. 61 stables and douzainiers of each parish. The governor, or his lieutenant, has no vote, only a deliberate voice in the meetings of the states, which are held in the royal court house, and the bailiff presides as speaker. The principal business of what is termed the states of election, is the nomination of jurats, and appointment of the sheriff, in which every individual member is entitled to suffrage ; but the raising of money to defray public ex- penses, as occasion requires, is voted by what is called the states of deliberation ; yet this assembly has not the abso- lute power of creating or imposing new subsidies or taxes, but upon extraordinary emergencies, when the safety and immediate defence of the island absolutely requires it : a higher authority is necessary, and application must be made to the king, for his royal permission to levy what may be judged sufficient for the purposes proposed. Whenever the king's service, or the exigence of the is- land, requires the assembling of the states of deliberation, the bailiff, with the consent of the governor, and in his absence, of the lieutenant-governor, or the commander in chief for the time being, hath a right to fix a day for the convention of the states, and to insert in the writs to be issued for their convention, the matters to be deliberated upon, without the concurrence of the jurats, or any of them ; but by usage, long observed, the bailiff, previous to the issuing such writs, communicates to the jurats, in the royal court, his intention of convening the states, and informs them of the day he proposes for their meeting, and the matters which will be contained in such writs for their deliberation. These writs are signed by the bailiff, and directed to the constables only, who communicate the same to the rectors, take the sense of the douzaine of their respective parishes upon the subjects specially set forth in such writ, and come prepared to give their voice accord- ingly 3 for, excepting in the election of magistrates, as be- G 62 GUERNSEY. fore noticed, the douzainiers and constables do not attend individually, but give their assent or dissent collectively in each parish. The members composing the states of election, are : The bailiff, twelve jurats, and attorney-general 15 The eight rectors of the ten parishes (the Vale and St. Sampson's, the Forest and Torteval, being united. . 8 The two constables in each parish 20 The twelve douzainiers in each, excepting the town pa- rish, St. Peter's Port, wherein there are twenty, and the Vale having sixteen, making together 132 Total 174 The states of deliberation consist of : The bailiff, twelve jurats, and attorney-general 14 The eight rectors of the ten parishes 8 The united voice of the constables and douzainiers of each parish 10 Total 32 At the assembly of the states of deliberation, a commit- tee is appointed for the auditing of all public accounts of receipts and disbursements ; public works for the general benefit of the island are proposed, maturely considered and ordered, and deputies appointed to carry over such ad- dresses and memorials to his majesty and the privy council, as may be deemed necessary or expedient for the general welfare of the island. The revenue of the states consists of harbour dues, du- ties levied upon spirituous liquors, innkeepers, &c. States' officers. — J. Hubert, esq., supervisor. J. Du Port, assistant-supervisor ; office kept at States' House, St. Peter's court. D. Mac Culloch and H. A. Mansell, recei- vers of the states' dues on spirituous liquors ; States' House, St. Peter's court. J. De Carteret, harbour master of St. Peter-Port. P. Collas, deputy harbour master ; of- fice at States' House, St. Peter's court. M. P. Goodwin, surveyor of the roads and public works ; Paris-street. CHAPTER VIII. St. Peter-Port and its institutions, with a promenade in the town and its environs. Perhaps no aquatic excursion in Great Britain is more interesting to the traveller than from Southampton to the Channel Islands, both for the variety of its scenery and the novelty exhibited. On leaving the town of Southampton, the banks of the river present to the eye a variety of magnificent villas and stately mansions, the new forest to the right and the ancient ruins of Netley Abbey to the left, call to our re- membrance the history of former times, when William the Conqueror laid waste villages and destroyed thirty-six parish churches to enclose the former, and the reckless Henry seized the revenues of the latter and left it to moul- der and decay. Calshot castle, a renovated fort of the Conqueror, and the isle of Wight with its undulating scenery, next attract the attention ; its cliffs of chalk in every variety of colour are, to the curious, unique in their appearance. The towns of Lymington and Yarmouth, with their contributing streams, Hurst castle, and a continuation of forest scenery, render the approach to the Needles particularly interesting. As the packets generally leave Southampton to clear the Needles in the evening, the last thing worthy of notice is the havoc which time has made in that part of the island : the inlet, once fordable at low water, and at a remote period a peninsula, is now a channel for the largest ships to pass. The southern part of the island is one continued succession of cliffs, exceedingly rugged, without a single tree on its barren downs, forming a striking contrast with the northern part, and the rich forest scenery left behind. For several hours after losing sight of the isle of Wight, 64 GUERNSEY. the expanse of the ocean and firmament are the only visi- ble objects until you have in view the Casket lighthouses. The passage to Guernsey and Jersey, by way of South- ampton, is generally preferred, as, during nearly three parts of the year, there are excellent steam packets, fitted up in the first style for the accommodation of passengers 3 and at all times there are trading vessels in which the voyage may be undertaken with every prospect of expedition and safety. As there are many views of coasts on both sides from Southampton to the Needles, which are highly picturesque and beautiful, a good telescope, should the weather be clear and the sea calm, will afford considerable gratification. The Caskets form a cluster of rocks, about a mile in circumference, on which are erected a telegraph and three lighthouses, with revolving lights, fifty feet above high water mark, and can be seen five or six leagues distant ; each of these lights is visible in the course of one minute ; they are then dull for the same space, and afterwards the three lights appear exceedingly brilliant. In this dreary region it is extremely dangerous for strange vessels to approach during the storms in winter. The keepers of the lights have always an ample store of provisions and other necessaries for six months, landed on the Caskets during the summer. In tempestuous weather, flights of birds are often attracted by the lights ; and, although the glasses are thick, they are often broken to pieces by the rapidity of their approach. Nature seems to have reserved this barren rock as a remnant of a more extensive territory ; and, from its local situation, without the precautions taken, the wrecks in the Channel would no doubt be exceedingly numerous. Alderney presents to the imagination a more fortuitous appearance than the Caskets ; it is about four miles in length, and two in breadth 3 the land is high in some pla- GUERNSEY. 65 ees, but shelving towards the shores : it seems first to have been_stripped of its primitive soil by the ocean, and in some measure restored by an influx of sand, as the only possible retribution for that which it had originally taken away. In steering towards the little Russel, the barren rocks bordering the parishes of the Vale and St. Sampson, as also Herm and Jethou, present themselves, making a ge- neral impression to the stranger of the most abject steri- lity. On reaching the roadstead, however, the scene* becomes peculiarly pleasant • the southern parts of Herm and Jethou seem to have regained fresh verdure, whilst Serk and Jersey, in the distance, do not fail in their effect. The town of St. Peter' s-Port, standing on a steep acclivity, presents a panoramic view seldom surpassed • the build- ings, rising in succession to the summit of the hill, form a natural amphitheatre, not excelled by Algiers, or the city of Naples. Castle Cornet, in the picture, assumes a threat- ening attitude ; the crenelated walls, with pointed artillery, indicate a warm reception to those who come inimically within their range. The well-mounted bastions of Fort George, with the circumjacent batteries, present an assu- rance of strength and lasting security to the Sarnian race. Castle Cornet is a fortress erected on a solid rock, in the roadstead of St. Peter's Port, about seven hundred yards from the shore, and is so fortified by nature and art, as to render it almost impregnable. Some historians have at- tributed its first erection to the Romans ; but there are neither records nor traces left to justify so remote an origin. During the contest between Stephen and Henry the Se- cond, Raoul de Valmont was appointed governor of Guernsey, and made the castle his residence, and is sup- posed to have added much to the present building. A melancholy catastrophe happened, in the year 1672, by the explosion of a magazine, the particulars of which are to be found in our historical department, page 18. 66 GUERNSEY. The following is an anecdote found amongst the private papers of Napoleon Bonaparte, not generally known. It states, that when the emperor was in the zenith of his power in France, he meditated a descent on the channel islands, to add them to the province of Normandy, from whence they originally emanated. He fitted out a strong fleet and armament, in the harbour of Brest, for that pur- pose j but the night previous to the embarkation of the troops, the weather proved hazy, and a mirage appeared in the air, exceedingly brilliant, and remained visible to the whole fleet and inhabitants of Brest, for several hours. It contained a clear representation of castle Cornet, with the following lines in legible letters : — CASTLE CORNET'S ADDRESS TO THE FRENCH FLEET, IN THE HARBOUR OF BREST. " Sheer off! quite off! I warn ye ; I ken my strength sae weel, If you touch my isle of Guernsey, I'll blaw you to the de'el." It is strange, that even men of the brightest mental faculties are sometimes so much under the influence of superstition, that trifles are often converted into insur- mountable obstacles : certain it is, however, that when the above lines were interpreted to the emperor, by a Scotch prisoner of war, he relinquished the enterprise, and never again attempted the intended conquest. This castle forms an irregular pentagonal fort, consisting of bastions, demi-bastions and curtains, erected as the na- ture of the place will admit, and those according to the different theories adopted by engineers at the periods of their erection. It is at all times provided with every thing necessary for its defence ; there are bombproof apartments for more than three hundred men, ammunition stores suf- ficiently capacious, and magazines for more than five hun- dred barrels of gunpowder, and the furnaces for red hot shot are well arranged at convenient distances. Besides GUERNSEY. 6? the artillery and infantry barracks, there are well arranged houses for officers, together with a bakehouse, a well giving an abundant supply of water, a chapel, hospital, canteen, guard rooms, prison, &c. : there was formerly a sally port from the castle, by a gate which is now to be seen, but the covert way is filled up. On the top of the rampart is a flag staff, on which the union jack is hoisted ever)" Sunday, and the royal standard on particular occasions ; here is also a signal post communicating with the one at Fort George, which announces all vessels approaching the island. To giye a minute description of the strength and defects of this venerable building would far exceed the limits of this work, suffice it to say that no powers of delineation can give an adequate idea of its beauties, and no imagination, however fertile, can have the features of the original : nothing short of an actual survey will be found adequate to do justice to its admirable scenery. There are nume- rous guns of different calibre, the heaviest metal are sixty- eight pounders. Mr. Knowles, with his family, now occupy the governor s house : the affability of this gentleman to the visitors of this castle needs no comment ; his courtesy to strangers uniformly commands their esteem, this gentle- man, after a long series of years in actual service on the continent, his bravery, ability and promptitude are rewarded by this further trust on his integrity, St. Peter's Port is the only town in the island : it does not appear by any document now extant, at what time its most ancient buildings were erected ; but it is evident that during the reign of Edward the First, the inhabitants were not only numerous, but comfortable in circumstances, as, in the year 1275, they petitioned to have a pier erected for the use of such vessels as were then employed in their commerce, as well as for the accommodation of foreigners ; this petition was granted, and in order to erect a pier and maintain its repairs, Edward gave to the proper authorities 68 GUERNSEY. the privilege of levying a small duty on all foreign ships trading to the island ; from this we may infer that the town had risen to importance long before that period, as also in reference to well authenticated records, we find that in the year 1274 there were two chapels, viz. St. Julian's and St. Jacques, belonging to the town parish, which were then considered large enough to contain all the religious part of the community ; but as they increased in wealth and popu- lation, they felt the necessity of erecting a church for the further accommodation of the increased population, which was finished in the reign of Edward the Second, and con- secrated to St. Peter on the first day of August, 1312. It is aplain, handsome and noble building, standing contiguous to the quay leading to the south pier ; it possesses a good peal of eight bells, and a rich toned organ. By the removal of several decayed houses, some few years since, and the old fish market in 1 832, this edifice is rendered much more ele- gant in its appearance by the addition of some iron railing, suited to the sweep of the new road leading from the south pier to Fountain-street. At this period there are but indis- tinct traces of the most ancient parts of St. Peter-Port, in consequence of the removal of the old buildings, the altera- tions of others, and the erection of many good houses in their stead ; but what is termed Old Town commences, on the north, at the end of Pollet- street, from thence it pro- ceeds towards the church inclining a little to the west up Smith-street, comprehending the Carrefour, High- street, part of Berthelot-street and the houses near the church ; you then pass up Cornet- street to Tower-hill and to Burnt-lane, which comprise the south and south-west parts, which also take in the upper part of the Bordage with Haut-pave and Mill-street, nearly in a line from Tower-hill to Burnt-lane : this may be considered the boundaries of the Old Town. The streets, like most pri- mitive or ancient places, were very narrow, and of course GUERNSEY. 69 very inconvenient for the conveyance of goods or for the comfort of passengers, as the gutters were in the centre of the streets, and the houses had then no sort of shute to carry off the superfluous water : but time has effected many improvements to the inhabitants. The houses are, for the most part, built of blue granite or granitel, covered with slate or pantiles, their heights vary according to situation and circumstances, some of them being four and others eight stories. The streets are paved with the granite of the is- land, and the introduction of a causeway is now become general when the width of the street will admit. Since the visit of that epidemic the. cholera morbus, the streets are kept constantly swept, by a sufficient number of scavengers, and from the inclined plane on which they are formed, the frequent rains tend to render the town peculiarly healthy • drains are now held in high requisition, from its having been found by experience, that narrow and confined places, without the benefit of ventilation and drainage, became the focus of attraction, and where that malignant scourge com- mitted its greatest ravages. The New Town comprehends the streets and buildings more recently erected than those already described : it extends to the upper part of Berthelot and Smith-street, Ann's Place, to the Canichers, which form its northern boundary ; whilst Mount Durant, Country Mansell, and Hauteville, bound it on the south. The principal public buildings in the New Town are St. James's church, the Royal Court House, Elizabeth College, Government House, the new Prison, Eldad and several other chapels. Although the New Town is accessible from the old by se- veral streets, yet Smith-street, from its recent improve- ments, is now the principal thoroughfare. Another, also much improved, is through Country Mansell to the Vau- vert road. The other entrances, by Constitution steps, Berthelot-street, and others, are, on account of their steepness, very little frequented. 70 GUERNSEY. The western part of the New Town contains five prin- cipal streets, running north and south nearly parallel to each other. The nearest to the Old Town is New-street, containing many new built houses, an independent chapel, and Payne's hotel, celebrated for the uniformity of atten- tion, and the excellence of its accommodations. Clifton- street stands more elevated than the latter, extending round the summit of the hill. Saumarez-street, opposite the college gates, is spacious, well paved and uniformly built, and is one of the most respectable streets in either Old or New Town. Several lodging houses are in this street, and chosen as a residence by most strangers in preference, from its quiet and clean appearance. In this street there is also a spacious methodist chapel, and, ad- Joining it, a well regulated infant school. St. John-street, and Havilland-street communicating with the Grange road, are principally composed of second rate houses, with se- veral livery stables. George Place stands at the southern extremity of Havilland-street ; the houses being lofty command an extensive prospect, and are occupied by fa- milies of distinction. The Harbour is small, but very secure, and of suf- ficient magnitude for the present trade of the island. It was originally erected by Edward the First, who ordered a levy of twelve sous tournois on all ships arriving in the island, and six on all boats, to be continued for three years ; but although the duty was levied, it was not ap- plied to the purposes intended till the year 1570, when the bailiff and jurats were empowered to enforce the reasona- ble toll for the completion and future repairs of the pier and bulwarks. The south pier, which is about two hundred and fifty yards in length, was completed in 1580, and in 1660, an order in council was issued to enforce the proper application of the duties. In 1 684, the north pier was ordered by the court, but the erection did not take place GUERNSEY. J\ till the reign of queen Anne : it is upwards of one hun- dred and fifty yards in length, and in height about thirty- five feet. The pier duties were originally let, but, in 1 781 , a receiver was appointed by the states, who appropriated the proceeds to the purposes intended. The manner of its erection is well worthy of observation : the stones are piled one on another, so that their bearings act as tyers. This regularity renders the work capable of withstanding the violence of the sea ; the upper part of the walls is without mortar, but it was usual in those days to use a certain portion in the foundations. These piers afford the utmost security to vessels in tempestuous weather, being well suited to the purpose intended ; they are partially paved with fine flag stones, and guarded by excellent pa- rapets. The south pier has a beautiful promenade, where merchants meet to transact their business, and learn the passing events ; on it is a light house, with a brilliant gas burner, which serves as a guide to vessels coming into the roads, and is of the utmost importance to others leav- ing the harbour. The north pier has a crane for shipping horses and other cattle, as well as for heavy merchandize. The Pier Guard House stands near the entrance to the south pier. It is a neat building, with a handsome colonade in front, and consists of two rooms for the reception of a file of men and an officer. This guard was originally es- tablished in 1677, and a house erected for the reception of captain Eaton, who was sent from England with troops, on the approach of a war with France. Prior to this pe- riod, the pier, as well as the streets, were paraded by a mi- litia guard, under the direction of the town constables. The present building was erected on the site of the ancient guard house, at the joint expense of the states and the crown j but it is now the property of the latter. Town Church. — This edifice was built previous to the year 1312, for we find it was consecrated on the first of 72 GUERNSEY. August, in that year, by Martin Caezar, bishop of Con- tance, being the last church in the island consecrated by a catholic bishop. The architecture is strictly according to the style adopted at that period ; it contains tasteful mo- numents and cenotaphs, well worthy of notice, a well toned organ, and a peal of eight bells. The view of this build- ing has been much improved of late, by the removal of some circumjacent minor buildings, and the interior has undergone a thorough repair. The pews are of Dutch wainscot, and other materials equally important in remo- deling such an interior : it is now not only comfortable but an elegant church. The pulpit is considered a mas- terly specimen of workmanship, and well worthy the at- tention of the curious. There are three services performed every Sunday, two in French and one in English ; at each of which there is a sermon. Every day are prayers in French, commencing at ten o'clock in the morning ; and the sacrament is administered quarterly, both in English and French. The church contains sufficient sittings for fifteen hundred persons. The officiating ministers are the very reverend Nicholas Carey, A.M., the dean of Guernsey, and the reverend Daniel Dobree, curate. Jacob says, " Whilst making the alterations and im- provements in the church of St. Peter-Port, in the year 1821, in laying open the north-east chapel or engine- house, an ancient niche was discovered, which appears to have been formed at two distinct periods, the upper stones being of the same granite as the portico of the north en- trance, and carved on the same model ; the two imposts, with the lettuce leaf in high relief, are of Caen volite, and appear of more modern workmanship. Three other niches were discovered in the east chapels ; the two near the communion-table were too much mutilated to be restored, the other in the south-east chapel was however preserved. Three or four others were found ; one in the south aisle, GUERNSEY. 7^ of granite, is in good preservation, the rest were broken ; these last bear the same appearance as the north portico, and may be considered as coeval with the original building. An octagonal baptismal font of shell marble, with its pillar, was also discovered buried under the steps leading to the ecclesiastical court. St. James's Church stands to the east of Elizabeth college ; the foundation stone was laid on the first day of May, 1817, and on the sixth day of August, 1818, was con- secrated by tie bishop of Salisbury, he having been de- puted to perform that solemn ceremony by the bishop of Winchester. It is an elegant structure, and contains some good displays of architectural harmony ; a part may be said to be in the grecian style, and some other parts agree- able to the doric order. It has a neat portico, with a dome on a tower, which is not furnished with a peal of bells, agreeable to ancient usage. An elegant and rich toned organ graces this church, whose galleries render the whole one continued and uniform building. Church service is performed here in English only, and, without the consent of the rector, no marriage ceremony can be performed in it. The services, on Sunday, commence at half-past ten in the morning, and at half-past six in the evening. The sacra- ment is administered every six weeks : prayers are read every Wednesday and Friday, and a lecture every evening of the former clay. The erection of this church cost nearly seven thousand one hundred pounds, and is calculated to contain about thirteen hundred persons. There are two officiating ministers, the reverends Messrs. Harington, and Dawson. Trinity Chapel, situated in Country Mansell, leading to Mansell-street, Pedvin, and Bordage, was erected by private individuals, under the sanction of an order in council, dated July the 8th, 1772, ancl was opened for divine service, according to the church ritual, on the fifth /4 GUERNSEY. day of July, 1789, having cost the proprietors the sum of three thousand three hundred and forty pounds. It is exceedingly neat in its internal arrangements, has a small well toned organ, and will contain six or seven hundred persons. The service, under the stipulation of which it was erected, is in the French language, commencing at ten o'clock every Sunday morning, and at half-past six in the evening ; and on the Thursday evening at half-past six. The sacrament is administered quarterly ; but nei- ther marriages nor baptisms are admittedftn the chapel. The late chaplain, the reverend Mr. De Joux, having pro- mulgated doctrines contrary to those inculcated by the established church, was suspended from his functions as a minister, and ejected from the chapel by a peremptory mandate from the bishop of Winchester ; and, until the appointment of another, the duties are at present per- formed by the resident clergy. Bethel Chapel, a small well arranged building, situ- ated in Manor-street, near the royal court, was built by the followers of Whitfield, in 1791 ; but, as they relinquish- ed their duties, it became vacant, and, in 1796, was pur- chased by private individuals of the church establishment. For some time the service was performed, alternately, in French and English ; but, ultimately, from the increased number of English residents, the French service was dis- continued, and it has since been performed entirely in English. The service, in the morning, commences at half- past ten, and in the evening at half-past six, of each Sunday. The present chaplain is the reverend Mr. Tayler, one of the masters of Elizabeth College. The Bryanites, on leaving Park-street chapel, now occupied by the reverend Mr. De Joux, removed to a small chapel in Vauvert road, called Providence. Their numbers have of late much decreased, and their tenets, which are scarcely explicable, are so little suited to Sarnian suscepti- bility, that their stability rests on a tottering foundation. GUERNSEY. 7^ Clifton -street Chapel, for independent calvinists, was erected in 1 823. It is a plain stone building, and will contain about four hundred persons. Every Sunday morn- ing the service commences at ten, and in the evening at six o'clock : they have also meetings every Tuesday and Thursday, at seven p. m. There is a Sunday school at- tached to this society : minister, the reverend Mr. S. Laxon. Ebenezer Chapel, for the methodist persuasion, is si- tuated in Saumarez-street, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1815. This chapel is built of blue granite, and sufficiently capacious to contain one thousand five hundred persons. The services, which are in English, com- mence on Sundays at half-past ten a. m., and at six p. m., and every Wednesday and Friday evening at seven o'clock. The present officiating clergyman of this chapel is the re- verend Mr. Pratten. Adjoining this is a numerously at- tended Sunday and an infant school. Eldad Chapel is a spacious stone building, situated at the upper end of St. John-street, near George-place. Its erection was completed in the beginning of ] 83 1 , and it was opened for divine service the last Sunday of April in that year. The order of church government observed therein is congregational ; and the hours of divine service, on the sabbath, are, in the. morning at half-past ten, and in the evening at half-past six. This chapel will conve- niently hold eight hundred persons. Its congregation is both numerous and respectable. The present officiating minister is the reverend William Morris. French Independents have a room at Tower hill, ca- pable of containing one hundred persons. The Sunday service commences at half-past nine in the morning, and at six in the evening ; and on Wednesday evenings at the same hour. The ministers are supplied from the different districts. The Jews have no synagogue in Guernsey, although 7^ GUERNSEY. there are many residents who publicly profess that creed ; others, for reasons best known to themselves, have become apostates to their primitive faith, and relinquished the re- ligion of their ancestors. A Jesuit's College was attempted to be established in Guernsey, in 1828. Three persons of that fraternity made a most assiduous exertion to make a permanent footing : but a meeting of the principal inhabitants was convened, and under the auspices of lord de Sausmarez, the dean of the island, and the royal court, prompt measures were resolved on ; when the Jesuits, finding their scheme likely to become abortive, precipitately left the island. Methodist Chapel, Le Merchant-street, was the first erected in Guernsey for the Wesleyan methodists. The foundation stone was laid by the reverend Dr. Adam Clark, F. R. S., in the year 1 789. The service, which is in French, commences at nine a. m., two and six p. m., every Sunday, and on Tuesdays and Fridays at seven in the evening. The building is of brick, and capable of containing seven hundred persons. The reverend J. De Putron is the officiating minister. New-street Chapel was erected in 1811, for indepen- dent dissenters. It is a stone building, capable of con- taining six hundred persons. The service is in the French language, commencing on Sundays at half-past ten in the morning, and six in the evening. The present minister is the reverend Mr. Hine. Park-stkeet Chapel was originally built for the Bry- anites, afterwards occupied by Mr. Jonathan Porter as an infant school, and recently opened by the reverend Mr. De Joux, late chaplain of Trinity. The liturgy of the church of England is omitted in the Sunday ser- vice, and prayer meetings are held at stated hours during the week. Service commences at half-past ten a. m., and at two and half-past six p. m., on Sundays. Prayer GUERNSEY. 77 meetings take place every Tuesday and Thursday at seven o'clock in the evening. The Quakers' Meeting House, in Clifton- street, is a small building, there being but few of that sect in the is- land. They assemble every Sunday morning at ten o'clock, and in the afternoon at two. A few of the sect have se- ceded from their original tenets : these meet every Sunday and Wednesday, in Paris-street, when persons of both sexes are admitted, who may with freedom deliver their opinions on all matters of religion. Roman Catholic Chapel, situated in Burnt lane, is a neat stone building, capable of containing four hundred persons. The foundation stone was laid in June, 1828, and consecrated by the bishop of Leeds, September 1 3, 1829. The roof of this chapel is curiously constructed, and well worthy of notice. The Irish catholic soldiers of the garrison attend every Sunday morning at eleven, after the French service, which commences at half-past nine ; and vespers commence at six o'clock p. m. The officiating clergyman is chaplain to the catholic forces in the island, and receives a stipend from government. How great the contrast between the present liberal feeling and that evinced in 1 688, when a fear of the introduction of popery induced the military and militia of this island to disarm the catholic forces, and take possession of castle Cornet. It is to be observed, that there are no native catholics ; the congregation consists chiefly of the garrison, with a few French and Irish families. Salem Chapel is situated in Vauvert road, near Burnt lane : it was erected in 1830, for congregationalists. The building, which is of granite, is judiciously arranged, and capable of containing from four to five hundred persons. The service commences at half-past ten in the morning, and at half-past six in the evening. The officiating mi- nister is the reverend Jonathan Porter. /8 GUERNSEY. Siom Chapel is a building of granite, situated at the top of Clifton steps, in Clifton-street, and was erected in 1829, for members of the calvinistic persuasion. The service is in French, commencing at half-past ten in the morning, and at six in the evening of every Sunday, r ud at seven on Thursdays. This building is capable of containing from five to six hundred persons. The present officiating mi- nister is the reverend Mr. Cachemaille. The Unitarians first held their meetings in a room in Manor-street, commencing April 8, 1821 ; they have since, however, removed to a room originally used as the girls' national school, Hospital lane. They meet on Sundays at half-past ten a. m., and at six p. m. The officiating minister is Mr. Samuel Weston. Elizabeth College is situated on an eminence, to the west of St. James's church, commanding an extensive view of the channel islands, and a portion of the French coast. This edifice is built of solid granite, covered with roman cement, and presents to the eye a beautiful specimen of chaste, modern, monastic architecture. Its uniform front, surmounted by angular towers ; its castellated parapets, and well proportioned pinnacles, render it one of the most attractive objects in the island of Guernsey. In reverting to that period of history when queen Eli- zabeth munificently endowed many grammar schools in England, her majesty was not unmindful of her subjects in Guernsey; for, in 1563, letters patent were granted, as- signing eighty quarters of wheat rent for the endowment of a school, to be called " the school of queen Elizabeth," to be held in perpetuity by the schoolmaster and his suc- cessors, chosen by the states. The eighty quarters accrued originally from a number of small parcels, formerly given for romish dispensations, obits, masses, &c, but since, incorporated into thirty-one rents, amounting only to seventy-eight quarters. GUERNSEY. 79 Although this school was no doubt intended, by the founder, as was the case with most of the endowed schools of Elizabeth, to be a free grammar school, yet it is not so expressed by the letters patent. Various were the vicissitudes of this establishment, from its foundation up to the period of its becoming a college 5 for, notwithstanding the population of the island, it seems never to have exceeded twenty-nine pupils, sometimes two, and at other periods not a single scholar. At the instiga- tion of sir John Colborne, lieutenant-governor of the is- land, a committee was appointed to consider the best means of placing this institution on a more extensive footing, to keep pace with the improvements of the age, and to give to the natives the means of receiving a more general education, and at a moderate expense. After many consultations and deliberations, the reverend Nicho- las Carey resigned his situation as master, on a pension of sixty pounds per annum ; when the committee, in 1 824, appointed a successor, with a salary of three hundred pounds per annum, under the name and title of principal of Elizabeth college 5 and the business was conducted in a temporary building, till the completion of the present edifice, in 1829. Patron. — The right honorable sir William Keppel, G. C. B.,* governor of the island. Permanent visitors. — His excellency major-general John Ross, C. B.,* lieutenant-governor. The very reverend Nicholas Carey, M. A.,* dean. Special visitors are appointed by the king, when deemed expedient. Directors. — Daniel De Lisle Brock, esq.,* bailiff; pre- sident. John La Serre, esq.,* lieutenant-bailiff. The very reverend the dean,* as rector of St. Peter-Port. The reverend Richard Potenger, M. A. j Harry Dobrde, esq., J treasurer. The reverend Thomas Grut, B. A.f 80 GUERNSEY. . John Hubert, esq.f Frederick C. Lukis, esq.f Jo seph Collings, esq.^: John Guille, esq.f James Carey, esq.f John Carey, esq.f The reverend Havilland Du- rand, M. A.,f secretary. Clerk. — Mr. James Du Port. * By virtue of their office. t Appointed by the States. t Appointed by the lieutenant-governor. Principal.* — Reverend William Lewis Davies, M. A., late Fellow of St. John's College, Oxford. * Appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the directors. Vice-Principal. — Reverend Charles Joseph Belin, B. A., late Fellow of New College, Oxford ; B. es L., of the Uni- versity of Paris. Masters. — First Classical : Reverend Daniel Dobree, M. A. — Mathematical : Reverend Charles Tayler, B. A. Downing College, Cambridge. — Lower School : Mr. Henry Drury. — Upper French: M. Louis-Nicolas Le Courtois, B. es L. L. en D., of the University of Paris. — Lower French : M. Guillaume Bouilly. — Commercial School : Mr. Henry Northcote, Royal Academy, Gosport. — English Master : Mr. Archibald Lamont. — Drawing and Survey- ing : Mr. Thomas Compton, Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. Extra Masters. — German : John Douglas Piercey, Ph : Jur : St : Ma : of the Royal Bavarian University, Wiirtz- burg. — Italian : M. Guillaume Bouilly. — Spanish : vacant. — Music : John Adam Keil. — Dancing : J. Bynam. — Fencing : Alexandre-Victor-Marie Bourdic. Terms of the extra masters, per quarter : German £2 : 2 ; Spanish, <£2 : 2 ; Italian, £3 : 3 ; Music, £2 : 1 : 6 • Dancing, £\ : 1 ; Fencing, £3. Terms for board and tuition, per annum : With the Principal, £60 ; with the Vice-Principal, 3650 ; with the Mathematical Master, j850. These terms include the college dues, amounting to twelve pounds per annum ; subscriptions to the various GUERNSEY. 81 annual prizes of exhibitions and medals 5 single bed ; washing; servants, and residence during the vacations, except the summer vacation. The course of education, beginning with the rudiments of grammar, advances to the highest classics studied in the British public schools. Next to divinity (in which is in- cluded, if desired, the study of the Hebrew language), the classics and mathematics are considered the most impor- tant branch of the system, as qualifying more immediately for the universities j but the distribution of the school hours is so arranged, that every scholar may, without in- terfering with the above pursuits, acquire an adequate knowledge of commercial arithmetic, and such proficiency in the French language as will fit him for future situations in active life, independently of the learned professions. The opportunity of combining with these studies those of other modern languages, military and civil architecture, drawing and surveying, affords many additional advantages, particularly if a scholar should afterwards be removed to either of the royal academies at Woolwich or Portsmouth, or to one of the colleges at Sandhurst, Hayleybury, or Addiscombe. The system is so modified as fairly to meet the exigencies of individual cases. The Town Hospital is situated in Hospital lane, a short distance from St. James's church : the foundation stone was laid in 1 742, and finished the year following. No charitable institution can possibly be better arranged for the comforts of its inmates than this place. Mr. Ni- cholas Dobree, a native of the island, and resident in Ge- neva, was the principal, if not the sole projector of this building ; a Mr. James Perchard subscribed one thou- sand pounds ; and another, who concealed his name, one hundred pounds. It stands on an eminence, on a terrace, elevated about four feet, and one hundred and fifty feet long. The building itself is of stone ; one hundred and ten 82 GUERNSEY. feet long, forty feet broad, two stories, with garrets, and eleven sash windows in each story j under ground are vaults and cellars. The prompt attention of the founders of this laudable institution, both as to external appearance and internal arrangements, will redound to their credit to the latest posterity. This building has several well arranged outhouses, com- prising bakehouse, washhouse, storehouse, and rooms to confine the insane and disorderly, with a good garden. A house of separation was built in 1832, for the most disorderly, where the men grind corn by means of a hand- mill, and also break stones for the roads $ the women have sundry work given them to execute : their diet is coarser than that of the hospital. The inmates of this house, when there are any, regularly attend divine service on the sabbath. The land on which the whole stands, is more than an english acre, all enclosed with stone walls of about twenty feet high. From 1809 to 1824 various improvements were made in the building, by adding a new wing, and other alterations equally beneficial. The inmates are neatly clad and well fed, and in their general appearance exhibit the traits of comfort. In summer the rooms are well ventilated, and, in winter, well supplied with fire. The rooms in which they sleep are sufficiently large for the admission of a free current of air, by which health is preserved. All strangers meeting with an accident are placed here, and plentifully supplied with every thing necessary to their wants, until they can be removed with propriety to their homes. The doors of this eminent establishment are open at all hours to receive the unfortunate of every nation, kindred, or colour. The expenses of these casualties are paid by the constables, who levy a separate tax on the parish for this purpose. There is a school here for the boys under ten years of age, containing fifty-six, con- GUERNSEY. 83 ducted by Mr. Renouf, with a salary of forty pounds per annum ; they are taught to read, write and cypher : those above that age are usually employed as circumstances and the abilities of the boys will permit. The girls, which are forty-one in number, are under the care of Miss Guilliard, with a salary of fifteen pounds per annum, and are kept separate, in a building called the girls' school ; here they are taught reading French and English, writing, cypher- ing, needlework and knitting ; and when of a sufficient age are bound as servants. There is within the precincts of this establishment a dining hall, which is used as a chapel, with an appointed chaplain, who alternately performs the duties in French and English. The annual average for the support of this establishment, is about one thousand eight hundred and fifty pounds ; besides which there are certain rents due to it, which are ex- pended for the maintenance of the house generally. On entering the hospital a visiter cannot avoid being struck by the decorum, the cleanliness here apparent ; and but too often strangers to such establishments, on a very minute examination of every part of the building, at a moment too when the inspection of a stranger must have been utterly unlooked for, it would be withholding due praise from merit, not to declare, that the Guernsey town hospital is in a state of perfect good order, and as well conducted as any similar establishment in the United Kingdom. Dicey says, " Whilst this hospital provides for the necessities of the body, it takes care also of its more important part, the soul." It is, properly speaking, a nursery for religion and virtue, by having daily prayers, and scriptures constantly read and properly expounded, and the children instructed in the early principles of Chris- tianity, in conformity to the church of England. When the above account was written, in 1833, the number of inmates of this establishment was one hundred 84 GUERNSEY. and thirty-five males, and one hundred and forty-one fe- males, — total two hundred and seventy-six. The Royal Court House, situated in Manor-street, is a uniform compact building, erected in 1 799, at an expense to the States of seven thousand pounds ; but subsequent alterations being necessary, a further sum of two thousand and fifty-seven pounds, eighteen shillings and ninepence was judiciously expended, making a total of nine thousand and fifty-seven pounds, eighteen shillings and ninepence. It is built with hewn granite, forming a front elevation sel- dom surpassed in the neatness and harmony of its archi- tectural proportions. The interior may be divided into three principal depart- ments : the greffe otfice, the lower and upper courts, with their retiring and consulting rooms. The greffe office is to the right of the grand entrance hall: here all records are kept and contracts entered. The registry of actions at law, together with the decisions of court, although exceedingly voluminous, are arranged with the strictest order and regularity. In the lower court all petty causes are heard, before the bailiff or his lieutenant, and two or more jurats : private examinations are made and contracts passed prior to re- gistration at the greffe office. Adjoining the lower court, there is a committee room for the accommodation of the advocates, their clients and witnesses. The upper court, or palais de justice, is a spacious and magnificent hall, well arranged for the transaction of public business. The magistrates, twelve in number, take their seats on the bench, right and left of the bailiff, according to seniority. Next on the side benches, the king's officers right and left, and the advocates according to the dates of their admission. The greifier is seated within the bar, immediately below the bailiff 5 he reads over the causes, in rotation, according GUERNSEY. 85 as they are set for trial, and takes a copy of each decision to be registered in his own office after the business of court. In front of the bench and bar a large space has been alotted for the audience, with seats rising in succession, capable of containing several hundreds of persons. In a niche, near the bench, is a statue of justice blind- folded, with scales, to recall to their daily remembrance the oaths they have taken j and on the walls hang the full length portraits, in oil, of admiral lord De Saumarez, ge- neral sir John Doyle, and a three quarter portrait of general sir John Colborne. In the upper court, all causes not admissible in the lower court, whether civil or criminal, are tried, and gene- rally before a full bench of magistrates. In addition to the jurisdiction of equity and admiralty within its bailiwick, the royal court can separate man and wife from bed and board ; it appoints guardians to all orphan children, and likewise for those of drunken and worthless persons. It is also to be remarked, that all appeals from the decision of this court are to his majesty and to the lords of the privy council. The members of the royal court, are coroners of the island. In this place also the states hold their meet- ings, to transact all public matters relative to the island. The retiring room for the magistrates is adjoining the egress from the bench, and the consulting room for the advocates, their clients and witnesses, is on the same floor at the top of the grand staircase. Near the royal court house, stables and other conve- niences have been erected for the horses and carriages of the country jurats. Upon the whole, the convenient ar- rangements of this court render it infinitely superior to many of the country courts in England. Terms of Court. — There are three terms, each open for the space of six weeks ; the first commences on the first Monday after January 15 th ; the second on the first Mon- 86 GUERNSEY. day after Easter ; and the third on the first Monday after the 29th September. The mobilaire courts, in which pleas are determined for moveables or chattels, are held on Mondays, the pa- rishes being divided into districts : the low parishes com- prising St. Peter-Port, St. Sampson, and the Vale, being assigned one Monday ; and the high parishes, viz. St. Saviour, Torteval, St. Peter, the Forest, St. Martin, the Catel and St. Andrew, each alternately. On the Tuesdays succeeding the Monday's court, for the low parishes, judgments or final decrees are given, and on the Tuesday next after the court Jbr the high parishes courts of heritages are held, called plaids d 'heritages, in which are decided all suits relative to inheritance. The Saturday courts are held for the passing of con- tracts, admiralty causes, and criminal informations ; the other court days, in or out of term, being assigned to the hearing of general causes ; but the Saturday courts for cri- minal causes, continue from the chief pleas of Easter to the middle of July. From Michaelmas to Christmas, and from January 15th till the ascension week. The administration of the laws of Guernsey, both as regards civil and criminal causes, is attended with equal leniency, discernment and strict justice, as in any other court throughout his majesty's dominions. The New Prison is situated in New-street, near the royal court-house, and cost the states about £, 11,000. It was originally intended for nineteen prisoners in sepa- rate cells, viz. five for debtors, eight for felons, two for women, and four lock-up cells for the use of the constables, w'here prisoners are put previous to their examination ; but one of the lock-up cells, being very damp, has been converted into a passage which leads to the others. In the above number is included the black-hole. The cells for the debtors are sixteen feet by nine, and those for the GUERNSEY. 87 felons nine by seven. The debtors usually provide them- selves with feather beds, as the prison allowance is straw- palliasses, and common wood bedsteads, each prisoner has about four blankets, which are washed every month. The debtors are unlocked from eight o'clock in the morning till sunset 5 the felons from ten till two. There is a large yard for the debtors to walk in, and the felons are allowed to take exercise and air in an open gallery. The premises are clean and healthy, and though there is no spring of water on the premises yet by means of shutes round the building, the cistern is well supplied with rain water. The rules of the prison are affixed to the walls. There is a goaler, but no other turnkey. The persons con- fined perform no kind of work. The use of irons are forbid, as w r ell as corporeal punishment, but they confine the re- fractory in the solitary cell, and, in some instances, feed them on bread and water, as a punishment, during a certain period of their incarceration. There is no place of worship in this prison, but bibles and tracts are distributed among the prisoners, and the court allows a minister to visit them at certain times. The gaoler's fees are, for opening the gates at the entrance of a debtor 2s. 6d., the same when he quits, and 3d. per day for and during the time he remains under confinement. Government House, the residence of the lieutenant- governor of the island, is a spacious and commodious build- ing, commanding an extensive marine view ; it was pur- chased by government, September 17, J 796, for the sum of £2750 ; but, after the purchase, many alterations were found necessary, which cost a considerable additional sum. Passports for the Continent are granted at the secretary's office, at which place also the arrival of all vessels in the harbour is constantly reported. A guard, consisting of one sentinel, parades the entrance to the premises, and conti- nues during the day, as well as the night. The lieutenant- 88 GUERNSEY. governor is his excellency major-general Ross, who fills the situation with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. Square House, the town residence of admiral lord De Saumarez, stands between the royal court and government house, immediately fronting the upper end of Smith-street. This mansion is large and commodious, commanding a full view of the channel islands, and a part of the French coast. The front elevation is neat and uniform, and the name na- turally implies the architectural form of its erection. States' Arcade. — This handsome building faces the market square and assembly rooms, and contains many spacious shops, in the front of which, under the colonade, is a fashionable promenade, during the heat of the summer months, as well as in the depth of winter. The Arcade Gallery is ascended by a flight of stone steps, and is no less frequented than the lower as a pro- menade : at the extremity of the east end is the states' ar- cade circulating library, consisting of five thousand volumes of well selected works by the most distinguished authors. At the other extremity is a public reading saloon ; the only one in the island : it is delightfully situated, and fur- nished annually, from England, France, Guernsey and Jersey, with more than five thousand newspapers ; besides five hundred magazines and reviews, as they issue from the press. The Meat Market, adjoining the states' arcade, is a regular well arranged building, erected by the states, in 1 822, at an expense of .364222 : the plan was presented to their committee by Mr. J. Wilson, architect, and executed under his immediate direction. It is divided into distinct stalls, rented of the states, forming independent shops, ar- ranged in rows, parrallel to each other, with a convenient space in front, to allow a thorough ventilation, and the sky-lights in the roof render the interior airy and magnifi- GUERNSEY. Oli cent. No market can possibly exhibit a finer shew of every kind of meat ; beef of the best quality, French and English mutton, and an abundant supply of veal and pork, which are not to be surpassed in delicacy of flavour ; the prices, upon an average, differ very little from the English markets. It has been remarked that the beef of the island, when salted for marine purposes, has been found not to retain its pri- mitive excellence, on a long voyage ; the pork also, from the richness of quality, is found to become sooner rancid than that procured from England. Over the principal entrance, on the east side, is the following inscription : EDIFIE PAR LES ETATS, A. D. 1822. D. D. L. BROCK, Baillif. 2 f J. La < D. F. 1. It. G. Comite f J. La Serre, J. De Lisle, J. Guille ; Jur£s. de < D. F. Durand, N. P. Dobree, N. Carey; Recteurs. Directn. {T. G. Hardy, E. Guerin, Constables. J. Wilson, Architecte. The Slaughter-house is erected contiguous to the shore, adjoining the guard-house, and, in point of conve- nience, is equal, in the judiciousness of its arrangements, to the market itself. In Bordage- street, near the market-place, criminals con- victed of heresy or witchcraft were burnt to death : torture, in order to obtain confessions, was here inflicted : heavy weights were attached to the legs of the culprits, their thumbs tied together, behind their backs, and a pulley be- ing attached, they were, in this manner, suspended in the air, until the whole of the arm joints became dislocated. Confessions, whether real or otherwise, were in this man- ner extorted from those wretched creatures, who thus be- came the authors of their own destruction. Human nature seems to have been so debased at this period, that even the judges of the island gave the utmost facility to those acts of torture, and culprits often, to avoid the minor punish- ments, made confessions of sorcery, in order to have a more speedy exit from their sufferings on the gallows at St. An- drew's, or by the flames in the Bordage. 90 GUERNSEY. The Vegetable and Fruit Market is principally held in the square, opposite the states' arcade, and in the streets adjoining ; the Guernsey market women, with the exception of a few, preferring this open situation to the space origi- nally allotted them under the assembly rooms. The arti- cles imported from France vary according to the season and are exposed for sale under those rooms 5 they are even re- strained from offering their goods elsewhere. The French imports are fruit, poultry, eggs, turkies, hares, partridges, woodcocks, snipes, wild fowl, plovers, pigeons, &c. The market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays : the French saleswomen have divisions allotted them, for which they pay Is. 3d. per week. The place of sale where Guernsey butter, poultry and eggs are restricted to, is in market- street, under the projecting roof of the meat market ; forms are fixed under this shelter, for the occupation of which no sum whatever is exacted. At a remote period of history, when the Vale was the most populous parish in Guernsey, the markets were held on the king's fief, at a place bordering the Vale called les landes du marche, where a certain duty was levied by the crown on all goods exposed for sale : but when St. Peter Port in- creased in population, it was held for many years, previous to the erection of the late market, along High-street to the bottom of Rue des Caches. The Assembly Rooms were erected in 1780, by a soci- ety of gentlemen of the island, under the sanction of an order in council, at an expense of j82300 : the rooms are spacious and elegant, being capable of containing 350 persons. The assemblies were at first held every Tuesday, but, in November, 1822, notice was given that in future they should take place only every other Tuesday. Prior to this, the old assembly rooms in Pollet-street had been frequented by a portion of the inhabitants, who now united and conformed to the rules and regulations of the newrooms. GUERNSEY. 91 Many invidious remarks have been made by strangers as to the mode of admission to the assemblies ; but, when we take into consideration that they are the property of private individuals, they have certainly an undoubted right to make such rules as they may deem the most congenial to their own feelings. For the guidance of such as are unacquainted with the rules and regulations of the rooms, we subjoin their printed list. Rules of the private assemblies. I. — The assemblies to take place every other Tuesday during the season ; to open at seven, and to close at half-past eleven. The drawing of Tickets to commence at half-past seven ; the first numbers to be drawn by the ladies present, the remaining num- bers to be drawn indiscriminately, as the ladies come in. II. — No exchange of numbers permitted. Ladies loosing tickets stand at the bottom : if more than one they draw for places. III. — As soon as drawing has taken place, dancing to commence with a quadrille not exceeding five figures, which, with an English country dance, compose one set. IV. — Ladies sitting down during a dance, to stand at the bottom during the remainder of the evening. V.— Officers in uniform are admitted in boots, but must not dance in spurs. VI. — No children to be admitted. VII.— No native inhabitant, whose parents have not previously subscribed, to be admitted, unless proposed by the master of the ceremonies, and approved of by two thirds of the ladies and gen- tlemen subscribers present. None but native inhabitants enti- tled to vote. VIII.— It is to be observed by every native inhabitant, proposed to become a subscriber to these rooms, that his name shall be publicly mentioned to the master of ceremonies, and by him to the native subscribers, a fortnight, at least, before the meeting. IX. — Every native inhabitant subscriber is liable to serve the of- fice of master of ceremonies, or find a deputy, under the penalty oflOs.Gd. X.— No stranger to be admitted, unless with a ticket from a native subscriber, who must, the first time of entrance, introduce the individual to the master of the ceremonies, and insert the name with his own, in the book kept for that pupose.— Officers of the garrison alone excepted. N.B. — The subscription for the season is twenty-five shillings ; and for one night three shillings. The assembly rooms are occasionally let, by the proprie- tors, to concert parties and public lecturers. The savings bank was formerly held every Saturday, in a room over 92 GUERNSEY. the assembly rooms, but it is now removed to Fountain- street. The Fish Market, a spacious building adjoining the meat market, immediately behind the states' arcade, is one hundred and. ninety feet in length, twenty-one in breadth, and forty-two in height : the stalls are slabs of variegated marble, each furnished with an abundant supply of water. This edifice far excels the meat market in proportional dimensions. It was opened on the 1 6th October, 1 830 ; and, by an ordinance of the royal court, all fish, brought to town, must be publicly exposed to sale at this place, and pay for the use of each stall one penny per day. On the 29th May, 1830, regulations were made by the royal court, that no oysters should be imported from May 3 1 till Sep- tember 1, under a penalty of £50, Guernsey currency, together with the confiscation of the oysters thus illegally imported. The fish most commonly met with in this mar- ket are whiting pollock, in abundance, silver whiting, mackarel and herring, plentiful, in theirseason, turbot, sole, brill, red and greymullet, bass, cod, and some times salmon, imported from England. The lobster, cray-fish, with crabs of immense size, also the spider crab, are, from the quan- tity exposed exceedingly cheap ; the aumer, a shell fish peculiar to the islands, is obtained from the retired rocks at spring tides ; the conger eel, rock fish and smelts are very abundant. The oyster fishery has received great en- couragement from the fishery society and has been for the last few years in a flourishing condition. The Auxiliary Bible Society was established in 1813, and under the indefatigable exertions not only of the gentlemen, but also of the ladies of the island, it has risen in importance ; by inspecting the different reports, the minimum received annually has been £395, and some years a more considerable sum. Treasurer, William Hounsom, esq. ; secretaries, the reverends R. Potenger and W. Morris. GUERNSEY. 93 The Government Post Office is situated in the Carre- four, and is under the jurisdiction of the post-master general in London. Prior to the 27th of March, 1830, a penny was charged extra on the delivery of all letters and newspapers ; since that period, however, all town letters and papers have been exempted from that charge : the postmasters and letter carriers having fixed salaries, can only charge the penny extra for such letters and papers as may be addressed to persons resident in the country, at whatever distance ; they are further bound to make a punc- tual delivery within a limited time. The post office packets leave Weymouth every Wednes- day and Saturday evening, wind and weather permitting, and generally reach Guernsey early on Thursday and Sunday, from thence they proceed to Jersey and return to Guernsey every Tuesday and Saturday and from thence to Weymouth. The present post-master is Mr. N. Watson. The Foreign Post Office is situated in the centre of High-street ; but as there are no regular packets to France, the time when a letter may reach its intended destination is exceedingly uncertain ; the letters however from France to Guernsey are punctually delivered. The Guernsey Bank is in High-street : the business of the company is to draw and cash bills on London and Paris, discount promis « ory notes, and to advance money on good security. The bank is open every day, Sundays and holidays excepted, from ten in the morning till three in the afternoon. The Savings Bank is held at the States' House, St. Peter' s-court : here deposits may be made to the amount of fifteen pounds the first year, and ten pounds each suc- ceeding year, until the principal amounts to one hundred pounds. The amount of deposits lent to the states is at present twenty thousand pounds. On the 1 0th of Novem- ber, 1832, there were no less than one thousand and seven depositors in this useful institution. 94 GUERNSEY. The National School is a spacious stone building, si- tuated near the bottom of Clifton -steps, opposite the Market-place. The mode of instruction is that of Bell, or the Madras system, and it is to be observed that Mr. Hayward, the present master, from prompt attention to the rules of that system, has succeeded to the entire satis- faction of those immediately concerned. The number of boys, on an average, is about one hundred and thirty, and of girls about seventy. Acting president, the very reve- rend the dean of Guernsey ; treasurer, N. Le Lievre, esq. ; secretary, the reverend Havilland Durand, M. A. The Methodist Sunday School is adjoining Ebenezer chapel, New Town : this establishment is conducted by members of the Wesleyan connexion ; there are three hundred and sixty children under instruction at this well conducted school. The Independent Sunday School, New-street, is ad- joining the Calvinist chapel, it is conducted with great regularity by the managers, and on an average about two hundred and fifty children receive gratuitous instruction. The Stranger's Friend Society was established in 1813, under the superintendence of a few charitable indi- viduals of the island. Its object is to afford a temporary relief to strangers in distress or sickness. This society has proved highly beneficial to many persons labouring under penury and disease, and cannot be too highly eulogised and recommended to the fostering care of the opulent, the charitable and the humane ; recollecting that " he who giveth, giveth unto the Lord, and it shall be repaid him." Treasurer, Mr. P. Bienvenu ; secretary, Mr. J. Cochrane. Society for promoting Christian Knowledge among the Jews. — It is said that this society flourishes by the talent and exertions of several young ladies of the island, who add to its funds, by contributing fancy work, which, on sale has been known to realise £ 130 per annum. Too GUERNSEY. 95 much praise cannot be bestowed on the juvenile efforts and good intentions above stated : but perhaps there is not a religious sect more inflexible and yet more capable of dis- simulation than the Jews. Mr. Fry expended a large fortune near Havant in Hampshire, in that laudable exercise of conversion ; he calculated on having made more than three hundred pro- selytes in one year 5 he gave them ample board at his man- sion, but the moment they returned to their wonted haunts, after being fully converted, they also returned to their synagogues and their avocations in Petticoat lane. The Visiting So.ciety was established by the ladies of the island, on the 1 6th day of January, 1830, and has for its object the private relief of the distressed generally ; but as many impositions are daily practised, serving as a tax upon the charitable and humane, the actual state of ob- jects applying for relief must first be ascertained, by one or more of the visiters, before any relief from the funds can be granted. Through this medium, many objects of real distress have been alleviated, even some who would have secretly pined in penury, without making their actual cases known, have met with timely relief from the laudable exertions of this excellent institution. The Church Missionary Society was formed in 1817, and continues to be greatly supported by the inhabitants of the island. In 1825, the subscriptions of this society amounted to two hundred and ninety pounds eight shil- lings and three pence halfpenny ; and the subscriptions of the previous year amounted to four hundred and seventy- five pounds nine shillings and seven pence halfpenny, since which it has been considerably on the increase. The president of this society is admiral lord De Sausmarez 5 treasurer, F. Price, jun., esq. ; secretary, the reverend Thomas Brock, surrogate of Guernsey. The Theatre is situated in Manor Street adjoining 96 GUERNSEY. Bethel chapel; it was erected in 1794, and although the appearance externally is by no means favorable, yet the internal arrangements are in some measure commodious. Mr. Hughes, with the Exeter company of comedians, has had the management of this Theatre for some seasons, but it has never realised a sufficiency to bear the expenses in- curred, as this species of amusement has not met the pa- tronage of the natives ; their chief support lies in the officers of the garrison together with the resident strangers. — Concerts have been*held in this building with nearly the same success, also exhibitions of various kinds, from the panorama to the vagaries of the conjuror and Indian juggler. The Races which annually take place on L'Ancresse common, about four miles north of St. Peter-Port, were first established by subscription in the year 1828. Cups of twenty-five guineas value were annually presented by his late, and continued by his present, majesty. His excellency sir William Keppel, governor of the island, has also pre- sented a piece of plate, value fifteen pounds : these, with several subscription plates and sweepstakes, constitute the stimulus for competition on the turf at L'Ancresse. Newspapers. — The Star is published every Monday and Friday -, it is a paper of moderate principles, giving a fair epitome of the news of the day : it is a desirable me- dium for advertisements, its circulation being very consi- derable. This paper is in the English language : sub- scription sixteen shillings per annum. The Star office is in Bordage-street. Proprietor, printer and publisher, Mr. Henry Brouard. The Comet is another English paper, published every Monday and Friday, and although its publication is of recent date, yet its circulation is very considerable. Sub- scription ten shillings per annum. Office in Mill-street. Proprietor, printer and publisher, Mr. William Maillard. GUERNSEY. 97 The Gazette de Guernesey is a weekly paper, pub- lished in French early every Saturday morning. In this paper are inserted all advertisements relative to insolvency. It is a general advertiser in French and English. Sub- scriptions four shillings per annum. The office is in Fountain-street. LTndependance, another French paper, published every Saturday. Subscriptions four shillings per annum. This paper has a considerable circulation. Published at the office, Constitution Steps, by Mr. Mauger. Fort George is a regular fortification on the improved construction of the square, with outworks, possessing every requisite for defence, and is considered so strong as not to be reducible by any attack, however formidable the force may be. This place of defence was commenced in the year 1 782, and finished, under the auspices of the lieutenant-governor sir John Doyle, in the year 1812. The whole construction of the fort and its dependencies cost government, in building, upwards of two hundred thousand pounds ; and, when fully manned, can accom- modate nearly three thousand men. Thirty-four pieces of cannon, one carronade, and four mortars, are mounted on its bastions and curtains, and is strongly supported by several batteries of heavy metal. Its situation assigns it the full command of the town, the little and great russel, and with the cooperative strength of castle Cornet as an auxiliary, there is little to be dreaded by an attack in that quarter. The casemates are extensive, well aired, and sufficiently capacious. From the ramparts of Fort George are beautiful views of the little and great russel, of the islands of Jersey, Serk, Herm, Alderney, and the caskets, also the town and country of Guernsey. Artillery Barracks. — These barracks overlook the sea towards the south, are well fortified by the rugged rocks almost perpendicular, and by the outworks of Fort George 98 GUERNSEY. In the rear, the promenade is particularly pleasant from the variety of prospect it commands of Jersey, the coast of France together with the adjacent islands, and marine scenery, afford at all times a pleasing variety, highly gra- tifying to the contemplative mind. The armoury is a de- tached building, immediately under the glaces of the fort, containing an extensive assortment of arms, where the armourer has displayed considerable taste in the arrange- ment of muskets, pikes, swords, &c, which are kept in the best possible order, ready at a moment's notice, should the island be assailed by a foreign foe. Roman Cement. — A windmill was erected near Fort George to grind the Sussex stone, or those imported from Shepey, which forms an excellent cement. Another ma- nufactory of cement commenced at Mont Saint, in the pa- rish of St. Saviour. Distillery from Potatoes. — Two distilleries to extract spirits from potatoes have been in successful operation for some time, the one situated at the Chateau des Marais, and the other at the Terres. The former commenced in 1827, and was partly burnt down a few months since : the latter is in vigorous operation. The spirits distilled are for the London and foreign markets, and is sold under the name of whiskey, none of which is allowed to be consumed in the island under certain stipulations of the royal court. A Monastery of Grey Friars or Cordeliers was once es- tablished in the parish of St. Peter-Port ; their temple or church was converted by queen Elizabeth into a grammar school, very few traces of which remain. A Monastery of the Franciscan order was also esta- blished in Glatney ; the ancient gate-way and windows are blocked up with brick, but the arms over the entrance to the chapel exhibit a specimen of great antiquity scarcely to be deciphered : from the defect of records, it is not known whether the inmates were nuns or friars : this GUERNSEY. 99 remnant of antiquity is adjoining the residence of the rev. Mr, Hine, and well worthy the attention of the curious. The Gas Works are situated in the Amballes road, and were erected by Mr. Thomas Edge, of London, in the year 1 830, after he had obtained the consent of the royal court, and its approval of the situation which had been chosen by Mr. Thomas Peckstone, the engineer, who fur- nished the plans and superintended the erection of these as well as the gas works in St. Helier's, Jersey. Prior to the works being brought into operation, the most fanciful notions as to danger, nuisance, &c. had found their way into the minds of several individuals who had property in the neighbourhood, and before the buildings were com- menced a most strenuous effort was made to prevent their being placed in their present situation. When it is con- sidered that many of the gas works, even in London and in many of the provincial towns in England, send forth almost without intermission, such vast volumes of smoke and much impure matter which contaminates the atmos- phere, like the upas tree, to a considerable distance in every direction, and more particularly in that quarter to which the wind drives the effluvia, &c, it is not to be wondered at that proprietors of houses and ground in the immediate vi'cinity should feel averse to having their property deterio- rated in value, and their houses made uncomfortable by the deleterious matter which, judging from what they had seen and smelt elsewhere, they expected to find from these works, so soon as the manufactory was brought into opera- tion. The works, however, have now been nearly three years in operation without any complaint as to nuisance having arisen, and this we understand is in a great mea- sure owing to a purifying process being carried on in a way different to what is generally adopted in England. It has been frequent matter of remark that a smell of gas in the streets of this town seldom or rarely happens, [fcofC.* 100 GUERNSEY. whilst a person cannot spend many days in the metropolis without having occasion to notice the unpleasant smell emitted in the streets. A great deal of this, doubtless, is owing to the care bestowed in the manufacture of the ar- ticle itself, and to the manner in which the gas pipes were laid down in the different streets of St. Peter-Port. So much satisfaction indeed has been given by the parties connected with these works as to the quality of the gas supplied, that it has not only found its way into all the principal shops, but also into several of those splendid and tasteful mansions with which the Grange road and Petite Marehe are ornamented. The quays, and the light-house on the south pier, Fountain-street, the States' Arcade, &c, are all well and effectually lighted with gas, and exhibit a striking contrast to the oil lamps in other parts of the town. The transition from one of the streets where there are gas lamps, to one where only oil lamps are to be found is so striking, that it can hardly be compared to any thing which would bette 1 * express the difference than a bright summer day, when ^ut in contrast with one of the dark days of November. Doubtless, in arae, every street in this town will have the advantage of gas light ; it is a thing much to be wished, as adding to the comfort of the inha- bitants, and the strangers visiting the island, as a check to crime, and as a most powerful auxiliary to the police in the execution of their duty. The Parish of St. Peter-Port is bounded on the north by St. Sampson "s, on the east by the ocean, on the south by St. Martin's, and on the west by St. Andrew's and theCatel ; this parish contains four thousand five hundred and twen- ty vergees, or one thousand eight hundred and thirty En- glish acres : according to the census of 1831, its popula- tion was thirteen thousand eight hundred and ninety- three ; viz. five thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine males, and seven thousand nine hundred and twentv-four GUERNSEY. 101 females. According to the same census, it contained two thousand eight hundred and sixty-four families j one thousand seven hundred and twenty-eight inhabited houses, seventy-seven erecting, eighty-two not inhabited ; one hundred and seventy-two families employed in agriculture ; one thousand two hundred and seventy-five families em- ployed in trade, and one thousand four hundred and seventeen families living independently. St. Peter-Port is rated at one hundred and fifty-seven thousand four hundred and ten quarters wheat rent. The parish register commenced in the year 1660. Endowed Schools. — There are three endowed schools in the parish of St. Peter-Port ; the first was founded by queen Elizabeth, in 1564, with a house for the master and a salary of ,£40 per annum ; at this school boys are edu- cated in French, English, writing and arithmetic. The National School, conducted on Dr. Bell's system of education, was established in 1812, for boys and girls $ the boys are taught English reading, writing, arithmetic, and the girls needle work, &c. The master has a salary of £70, and the mistress £40 per annum, paid from a legacy of ^630 per annum, subscriptions, and charity sermons. Inns. — There are several good hotels in Guernsey, for the reception of company. Marshal's Royal Yacht Club Hotel, at the Grand Carrefour, top of High-street ; Payne's Hotel, New-street ; Jones' Crown Tavern, near the north pier, and Tozer's Hotel, High-street, are houses of known respectibility : the names of the proprietors, thirty years standing, are a sufficient guarantee for their establishments. The charges of these inns are pretty much the same as hotels of the same description in England, excepting wines and spirituous liquors, which, of course, are here much more reasonable. Board and Lodging Houses. — There are many houses of this description, where those who prefer retirement to 102 GUERNSEY. an inn may be comfortably situated ; namely, Mrs. Dad- son's establishment, Cornet-street, is capacious and con- venient j Mrs. Stone's, Smith-street ; Mrs. Shore's, Ber- thelot-street ; Mrs. Stuart's and Mrs. Chant's, New Town ; Mrs. Mordaunt's, Park-street; Mr. Mc Gill's, Doyle road, as well as many in other parts of the town, are recom- mended. CHAPTER IX. Brief description of St. Sampson s, Vale, and Cdtel Parishes. ST. SAMPSON'S. The parish of St. Sampson lies between the parishes of St. Peter- Port and the Vale, excepting a detached part, lying to the north-west of the latter parish. It contains three thousand five hundred and sixty-nine vergees, or one thousand four hundred and forty-five English acres, rated at four thousand three hundred and twenty-eight quarters wheat rent. According to the census of 1831, it contained a popu- lation of one thousand one hundred and nine, viz. five hundred and forty-nine males, and five hundred and sixty females ; one hundred and eighty-three inhabited houses, seven uninhabited ; one hundred and eighty-seven fami- lies, of which eighty were employed in agriculture, forty in trade and other pursuits, and sixty-seven living inde- pendently. There are several fiefs in this parish : the fief d'Anne- ville, the fief le Comte, with many others. The former is the noblest tenure in the island : the lord of this seigniory is next in rank to the clergy, and is required to attend the court of chief pleas three times every year j and when the king visits the island, he is obliged to attend him as his squire during his stay. The present manor d'Anneville GUERNSEY. 103 contains nine hundred verg^es and nineteen perches. The lord d'Anneville holds a court every Michaelmas, consist- ing of a seneschal, three vavasors, a clerk or greffier, and a provost : all the tenants are obliged* to appear and an- swer to their names ; in default of being present, they are fined five sols tournois for the two first in succession • but should they not appear the third court day, the lands are seized by the lord of the fief, and kept in his possession for one year. At this court each new tenant, who has become pos- sessed of lands by purchase or inheritance since the pre- vious court day, must have them enrolled, for which he pays a fine of five sols tournois. The tenants thus annu- ally assembled choose a provost for collecting the lord's chief rents, which for Anneville alone are twenty-seven quarters of wheat, small measure, and the twelfth sheaf of every species of grain grown on the manor, — this is called champart ; besides which, each on the manor pays a cou- ple of fowls. On the fief Croute Bouilleuze, subject to Anneville, pays twenty-four sols tournois, four loaves of bread, four capons, eighty eggs, and the twelfth sheaf of corn. The other fiefs in this parish, subject to Anneville, are under similar charges, in proportion to their extent. The church is a plain gothic structure, with pointed arches, and supported with buttresses : the whole of this building is well worthy the notice of the antiquarian, who will find that the pointed arch was introduced into the churches of the island at a much earlier period than has been generally assigned ; and, what is still more singular, there is not a vestige of tracery to be met with in the whole building. The tower, at the west end, over the principal entrance, has a most venerable appearance, and the cremailleres parapet, terminating the roof, is now sel- dom to be found in the oldest buildings. The officiating minister for this church is the rev. W. J. Chepmell, A.M. 104 GUERNSEY. This was the first christian church erected in Guernsey, and was consecrated with great pomp, according to the Catholic rites, on the twenty-second day of May, 1111, by Anthony de Suson, bishop of Coutance, in the presence of a vast assemblage of people. At the word and at the command of the said bishop, the people kneeling down, and their hands being joined, in great devotion, the bishop said : " Temple of God, may God bless thee ; may he guard and defend thee with his infinite power : in his name I bless thee to be appropriated to thy most worthy praise, for the preaching his most holy word, and may the hearers comprehend the things there spoken. In the name of the Kather, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, thou shalt bear the name of St. Sampson d'Anneville, son of the said Richard, in the said parish 5 praying that this benediction may remain in thee and thy cemetery, and that those interred in thee and in thy cemetery may rise on the last day to a blessed resurrec- tion." Then they erected the noble ensign, figured ar- morially, adorned with three doves, these belonging to the said noble d'Anneville 5 then every one gave glory, ho- nour and praise to the Lord Jesus. The Endowed Schools are two, a boys' school for in- struction in French and arithmetic ; and a girls' school, where they, in addition to the above, receive instruction in needlework ; those were established in 1818 : the mas- ter has a salary of S\4 10s., and the mistress £, 12 per annum. A Methodist chapel was erected here in 1817, capable of containing three hundred persons : the service is in French. There is also a Sunday school held in it. THE VALE. This parish is bounded on the east, north and west, by the ocean, on the south, by St. Sampson's and St. Andrew's, and on the south-west by the Catel. The Vale GUERNSEY. 105 contains four thousand nine hundred and eighty verg£es of land, of different qualities, or a little more than two thou- sand sixteen English statute acres. According to the cen- sus of 1831, its population was one thousand four hundred and ten ; viz. seven hundred and seventeen males, and six hundred and ninety-three females : two hundred and twen- ty-seven families, one hundred and ten of which were em- ployed in agriculture and fishing, forty-five in mechanical pursuits, and one hundred and twenty-two independent families. This parish is rated at eight thousand two hun- dred and twenty-five quarters of wheat rent. The Vale parish is divided into three parts, the Close, the Br aye du Valle, and the Vingtaine de VEpine. About the year 1204, an inundation of the sea took place, and overflowed a flat surface containing eight hundred and fourteen vergees of land, lying between the Vale church and St. Sampson's harbour. This lay sub- merged, leaving the Close completely insular, till the year 1808, when it was enclosed, by the indefatigable exertions of sir John Doyle, then lieutenant-governor of the island : this portion, called the Braye du Valle, is now in culti- vation ; and an accumulation of sand is forming near the Vale church, which, in a few years, will form a natural barrier against any future overflow. The portion of the parish north of the Braye was only accessible by a bridge at St. Sampson's, and a causeway of stone, called the Pont du Valle. The land enclosed was sold, by the crown, for five thousand pounds, which was expended in defraying the expenses of making military roads in the island, and other public improvements. The Close is that part of the parish north of the Braye du Valle, and was formerly the most populous part of the isljand, which, being well cultivated, yielded a plentiful supply of the necessaries and luxuries of life to the Abbey of St. Michael and their numerous retinue. 106 GUERNSEY. The Vingtaine de l'Epine is that part of the Vale pa- rish lying to the south-west of the Braye du Valle, by which it was cut off from the Close. The Abbey of St. Michael, of which scarcely a vestige is left, was situated on a spot adjoining the southern wall of the Vale cemetery. The only traces now remaining are the ancient cottage, which, no doubt, formed apart of the monastery, and several pointed arches of doors and win- dows in the church yard wall, which strongly indicate a remnant of their ancient chapel. This monastery was erected about the year 962, by a few Benedictine monks, who fled from the abbey of Mount St. Michael, in Normandy : these, under the direction of their abbot, immediately set about the cultivation of the adjoining lands ; and, although they had no regular grant, they assumed a property in them, for the maintenance of their monastery, till the year 1061, when Robert, duke of Normandy, granted certain territory to the monks, under the title of the fief of St. Michael. This was at first confined to the lands of the Vale j but the fief eventually extended to one fourth of the best cul- tivated lands in the island, including also Herm, on which a priory was erected ; Lihou, where they built a chapel ; together with the lands in the Cat'el, St. Saviour's, St. Peter's and Torteval. These lands and possessions were confirmed by subsequent grants, and held by the abbots and monks, in succession, till the dissolution, in the reign of Henry the Eighth, when this establishment was stripped of its revenues, and its building suffered to decay. Since the reformation, the fief reverted to the crown. Here a court is still held three times a year : it consists of a seneschal, eleven vavasseurs, three provosts, a greffier and a sergeant. Formerly pleas were held within the ju- risdiction of the Vale, with an appeal to the royal court ; but the judicial authority now only extends to the ordi- nary manorial business of the fief of St, Michael. guernsp;y. 107 The Vale Church stands upon a rising ground, near the site of the ancient monastery of St. Michael ; but, notwithstanding its contiguity, it was totally unconnected with it, being built solely for the use of the parishioners. The ancient entrances, some of which are shut up, were evidently of Saxon architecture, whilst the renovated parts have been decorated with pointed arches. The building consists of a nave, chancel, with ancient font, and is surmounted with a tower, in which is a peal of bells : there are also pinnacles, and a lofty steeple. The present officiating minister is the rev. W. J. Chepmell. This church was consecrated on the 29th day of Sep- tember, 1117, and dedicated to St. Michael, by Alexander Le Revengier, bishop of Coutance, in Normandy, attended by the abbot of Mount St. Michael, a number of church dignitaries, and an immense concourse of people, who gave gifts and offerings according to their means. The ceremony is thus recorded : " The whole of the assembly kneeled down on their bare knees on the ground, as well in the holy place as in the cemetery, with hands joined ; and whilst the bells were ringing, the organ and other instruments playing, the bishop caused a seafaring boy to mount upon the pinnacle of the temple, having a sponge full of water and oil, who, at the command of the bishop, squeezed out one half of the spongeful 00 the pin- nacle, and the other half on the cemetery. The bishop then opened his mouth and said : " Parochial temple, may God bless thee, and keep thee from all evil, and in his holy name I bless, dedicate, and consecrate thee for the holy and sacred service and glory of God, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost ; and let it bear the name of St. Michael, the angel and archangel, praying God that his holy and sacred word may here be uttered purely and holily, and the holy sacra- ments be faithfully administered, to the great safety and 108 GUERNSEY. profit of the bodies and souls, as well of the pastors as flocks, and all the people said Amen. Praying venerable and powerful God, that all here, both males and females, requiring interment, should be here interred, having grace to rise again at the end of the world in the resurrection to eternal life, and all the people said Amen ; recommending to God, and to all those who may succeed, that they see thou art augmented, maintained, and supported, with thy sacred ornaments, praying God that he will protect and guard thee from lightning, thun- der, tempests, hurricanes, and whirlwinds, and other adversities, and enemies, visible and invisible, who may have sworn ruin against thee and thy ornaments, and all the people said Amen. This being said, the cock was planted, as a testimony that a pastor ought to watch over his flock, as a cock does over his hens ; and on the pinnacle was planted the silken ensign of the noble Remon Sauvage, with the ringing of bells, and great rejoicing, for forty days and nights without ceasing, and all the people gave glory to God. Amen." The above is given as the general form of consecration which was, no doubt, used at all the other churches. The Vale Castle, originally called St. Michael's, is one of the most ancient structures in the island : it was erected about the close of the tenth century to protect the inhabitants against the predatory incursions of pirates who often ravaged the whole country, carrying off their corn and cattle : it received additions from time to time, and in three centuries, from its original erection, it was sufficiently large to contain not only the population, but their flocks. Before the invention of gunpowder this castle was considered impregnable ; but nothing remains, of its ori- ginal structure, than its exterior walls flanked with towers, and its ancient portal ; barracks have been erected in the interior, and ordnance placed for its defence. GUERNSEY. 109 Previously to our entering on the druidical antiquities it may be necessary to give a short detail of their monu- ments that all classes of readers may understand the subject. OUTLINES OF DRUIDISM. The aborigenes of Guernsey, like those of Gaul, were, no doubt, pagans, and the rites and ceremonies of druid- ism existed amongst them, as well as the Britons and other European nations at the same period. It is, no doubt, of Indian origin, partaking of all the leading fea- tures of that practiced by the Gentoos, as inculcated by the Brachmans. Thus, the Druids were the Brachmans of the Britons, Gauls, and other Celtic nations : they not only sacrificed beasts, but human victims were slain on their altars ; not in single victims, but a number were often led to destruction at the same time. The Romans themselves were idolaters, but abhorred the offering of human sacrifice ; and whenever they met with the Druids, the ministers of those execrable rites, they generally shewed them no quarter. The Gauls worshipped Tentones or Mercury, besides a number of particular genii for every country, city or habi- tation : they had a veneration for the oak and misletoe, and sacrificed in groves and solitary places. Amongst the Britons there were druidesses, who made vows of perpetual virginity : they were endowed with a peculiar spirit ; they could, by the power of their charms, stir up the wind and sea ; could transform themselves at pleasure, and, by the gift of prophesy, foretell all future events. The Gauls had also their Eubages, who, by in- specting the entrails of human victims, foretold also what should come to pass : the Gauls courted retirement in their ceremonies, preferring forests, caves, hollow pits, and elevated places ; they were partial to birds that soared to heaven, and to serpents which shunned the face of men. Caesar states, that the ancient Gauls called all places 110 GUERNSEY. Armorica, which bordered on the ocean, particularly the lower parts of Britanny and Normandy, from whence it is highly probable the first inhabitants of Jersey and Guern- sey emanated. The first step taken to rescue Armorica and those islands from idolatry, was through the pious ex- ertions of the British bishops and priests, who, when dri- ven from their country by the Saxons, took shelter in Armorica, and set about with strenuous efforts the conver- sion of the inhabitants. DRUIDICAL MONUMENTS. The monuments left by the Britons are various ; but those which have escaped the ravages of time and the de- struction of the builder, are circles, or great temples, tol- men, rocking-stones, rock- basons, cromlechs, kist-vaens r obelisks and cairns. The circles, or great temples, consist of stones of im- mense size set upright, forming ovals, circles and other figures : here the Druids perform all their public ceremo- nies. The tolmen consists of a large round stone, sup- ported by two others, with an aperture between, sufficiently large for a thin person to pass ; this was supposed to pos- sess many miraculous virtues j to be permitted to pass, exactions of money were made, and malefactors, to avoid death, are supposed here to have taken sanctuary. There is one near Bombay, called the Rock of Purification, at which much fasting is often necessary before the person can pass, the aperture being small : this tolmen is held in great veneration by the Gentoos and other nations. The rocking stone was another instrument of extortion, and deserves particular notice : it consisted of an immense stone cut to a fine edge, and so exactly balanced, that a person could, with the greatest ease, move it backward and forward with his hands. It was supported by large blocks of stone on each side, to prevent its being over- turned, and by placing a wedge it became at once immo- GUERNSEY. Ill veable ; but, when a sufficient sum was paid, the wedge was secretly withdrawn, and the delighted devotee found, by the moving of the rock, that all his sins had been for- given, and that he was completely regenerated. Rock basons were cavities cut in the rocks, sometimes consisting of one bason, and at other times of several con- tributory basons, communicating with each other in the same stone : these were used for collecting pure water, which, with an infusion of the misletoe, was used in the rites and ceremonies of the Druids. The kist-vaens were either sepulchral monuments or altars for sacrifice, or, perhaps, both : they consist of a slab of stone, laid on the top of three others placed on edge, similar to a table, with an opening at one end j these have universally one end lower than the other, per- haps to allow the blood of the victim to run off into sacred vessels placed to receive it. The cromlechs and kist-vaens are often used indiscri- minately for the same monument, though they differ ma- terially, the cromlech having neither sides nor ends, but consisting of one immense stone, inclined a little and sup- ported by others : these have more of a sepulchral character than the kist-vaen. The obelisks are the most simple of all druidical monu- ments ; they consist of one stone set perpendicular in the earth, and are generally of immense size : they were, perhaps, set up to commemorate remarkable events, and were actually worshipped in early pagan times. The cairns, or cairneds, are immense conical piles of loose stones, thrown together, with a fla«t one at the top, on which fires were kindled on the eves of May day and the first of November, for the purpose of sacrifice. On those days, all other fires throughout the kingdom were extinguished, and rekindled from the sacred fires, for which the Druids received considerable emoluments. / 112 GUERNSEY. There are, in Guernsey, several monuments of Celtic erection. The first worthy of notice is situated on the top of an eminence, to the north of L'Ancresse common, about half a mile from the Vale church. This is a cromlech of curious structure, consisting of five cumbent stones ad- joining each other, varying in size from twenty-five to ten tons in weight, covering an area twenty-nine feet long and nearly twelve feet in width, at the western end, which is semicircular, narrowing to an entrance at the east of about eight feet : these five stones are supported by others, at different distances, and the upper slabs have an inclination towards the east. This monument was only discovered in 1812, it having been covered in a heap of sand, either drifted thither or collected by the early christians, to abo- lish the rites of idolatry. The interior of this cromlech was carefully excavated, under the inspection of sir John Doyle, late lieutenant-governor, and, when at the depth of twelve feet, three antique vessels were found, with a quan- tity of human teeth and bones bearing evident marks of fire, which so far prove that the monument was sepulchral, if not used as an altar for sacrifice ; but the most probable conjecture is, that it served both purposes, and that to a greater extent than the single slab cromlechs, each being sufficiently large to sacrifice more victims than one j and the natural inclination of the stones, adapted for collect- ing the blood, is very evident in this monument, which is called the Druid's Temple. The next, which is called the Druid's Altar, is also a cromlech, situated at Norman point, about three quarters of a mile to the north-west of the Vale castle. It is also composed of five cumbent stones, supported similar to the former ; but, from recent examination, it appears to have had more than five, constituting a monument of much greater extent than that on L'Ancresse : the largest, weighing 27 tons, 2 cwt. 1 qr. 61b., is supported by seven GUERNSEY. 113 upright stones, and the next stone smaller diminishing in size to the last. These have an inclination to the east, similar to the former, and were, no doubt, used for the same purposes. It is to be observed, that round this mo- nument there are visible traces of a druidical circle, formed by large stones set perpendicular. In the Vale church yard, opposite the western door, there is a cromlech of one slab, supported by other stones : this is of much smaller dimensions than the last mentioned. Also in the centre of the common there is a small one, composed of a slab and two stones supporting it. Opposite the small island of Lihou there is one about fifteen tons in weight, which, if explored, it is probable more than one stone may be found. At a cottage, near this spot, is a stone bearing every resemblance to a rocking stone drawn from its balance ; and, although not noticed by any antiquary, is well worthy the attention of the cu- rious : this stone cannot be less than seventy five tons in weight. The only remaining Celtic monument noticed is an obe- lisk, situated half a mile from St. Peter' s-in-the- Wood, in a field bordering the high road : it is a block of granite placed erect, twelvefeetin height and five in breadth. Should the northern coast of the island be explored, especially in the sandy districts, many monuments may yet be disco- vered, which have long been hid from human observation. CATEL. The Catel parish is bounded on the north by the Vale, on the east by St. Andrew's, on the south by St. Saviour's, and on the west by Vazon and Cobo bays ; it contains six thousand seven hundred vergees, or two thousand seven hundred and thirteen English acres, and rated at sixteen thousand three hundred and twenty-five quarters wheat rent. By the census of 1831, it contains one thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven inhabitants, nine hundred and 114 GUERNSEY. thirty-eight males and nine hundred and ninety -nine fe- males 5 two hundred and eighty-seven inhabited houses, eleven uninhabited ; three hundred and fifty -seven families, two hundred and seven employed in agriculture, ninety-three in trade and mechanical pursuits, and fifty- one independent families. The church is built upon the site of an old castle erected by the piratical invaders of the island, about the middle of the eleventh century, called the Chateau du Grand Geoffrey. It is a plain gothic building supported by buttresses with a lofty spire, a low tower and pinnacles, and was conse- crated by the prior of the Vale, under the sanction of the bishop of Coutance, on the twenty-fifth of August, one thousand two hundred and three, with all the pomp ofxthe Ttomish church and with more than ordinary expenditure, after the ceremony, which was similar to that given under the article Vale : the ceremony being ended, large gifts, presents and offerings were made to this holy place, both in gold and silver, and there was distributed bread to the amount of sixty-seven quarters of wheat, twenty fat oxen and twenty fat cows, and one hundred head of small cattle, eight tons of cider and six of wine, all in honor of the great God creator of heaven and earth. All the ensigns of the island were displayed, the bells rung ; organs, drums and other instruments of music sounding in great rejoicing forty days and forty nights. The present incumbent is the reverend Havilland Durand. Fairs. — Near the Catel church there is a quarterly fair held on the principal festival days, but that at Midsummer is the most frequented, when there is usually a good show of horned cattle, which are purchased chiefly for exportation. Premiums are awarded by the agricultural society of the island to the owners of the finest bulls and heifers. Peat. — That part of the parish, bordering Vason bay, yields a considerable quantity of peat, which is dried and GUERNSEY. ] 15 used as fuel ; this part is supposed to have been originally a forest, there having been found trunks of trees and layers of leaves many feet under the sand. The Fiefs. — The principal fief is that of Le Comte, about one half of which lies in this parish j the other half is situated in the parishes of St. Saviour, the Vale, and St. Peter-in-the- Wood. The tenants of this fief were formerly bound to convey the corn, due to the signior, on board a vessel, the mariners were to be found by the tenantry to navigate the vessel either to Cherbourg or Mount St. Michael, in Normandy, and not only land the cargo for the use of the lord, but return to the island with such things as he might think proper. Three sous was char- ged by the lord of this fief, on the marriage of any tenant's daughter, and before the ceremony the bride must have leave to enter the marriage state from the said lord or superior of the fief. A court is held three times a year, it consists of a senes- chal, eight vavasors, a procuror fiscal, three prevosts, a grenier, serjeant and receiver j the seal of this fief with those of the royal court and fief St. Michael are the only seals acknowledged in the Approbation des Lois. Schools. — There are two free schools in this parish, one for boys and the other for girls, endowed by Mrs. De Jersey and lord De Saumarez ; there is a house and a salary of twenty-two pounds ten shillings to the master, and thirteen pounds to the mistress. There are also two Sun- day schools, containing about one hundred and eighty scholars. Chapel. — There is one methodist chapel capable of con- taining three hundred persons. The registry of this parish commenced in the year 1674. CHAPTER X, Brief description of the Parishes of St. Saviour, Forest, and Torteval. ST. SAVIOUR'S. St. Saviour's parish is bounded on the north by the Catel, on the east by St. Andrew's, on the south by St. Peter- in-the-Wood, and on the west by La Perelle Bay ; it con- tains three thousand nine hundred and seventy vergees, or one thousand six hundred and seven acres English, and rated at five thousand five hundred and fifty- six quarters wheat rent. By the census of 1831, it contains one thou- sand and seventy-three inhabitants, five hundred and seventeen males and five hundred and fifty-six females ; two hundred and one inhabited houses, eleven uninhabited ; two hundred and twenty-five families, one hundred and sixty-seven employed in agriculture ; thirty-nine in trade and mechanical pursuits and nineteen living independently. The church was consecrated in 1154, it is a gothic building standing on an elevated spot, the tower is lofty with embattled parapet, the spire is short and constructed so as to withstand the impetuosity of the gales. Part of the king's fief and that of he Comte lie in this parish besides many of small extent. The chapel of St. Apoline, or Apolinaire, which is evi- dently of much higher antiquity than the church, is situated in this parish ; it is now a barn, or rather woodhouse ; the interior of this building is arched with stone and the ex- terior roof bears strong marks of the ravages of time, this chapel is close to the main road leading to King's Mills in the farm of Mr. Lenfestey. The priory of Lihou, situated on a small island of that name, was consecrated in August, 1114: this monastery fell with the other religious houses at the general dissolu- tion, and the only part now remaining is a portion of one GUERNSEY. 117 of its walls, with two natural baths adjoining, which the nuns and other devotees may have used. ANTIQUITIES. A tomb was discovered in the parish of St. Saviour, in 1818, by some planters on the farm of Mr. Thomas Laine ; the grave was six feet nine inches in length, walled on each side 3 at the bottom, on the left side, were found a sabre in a steel scabbard, a pike lance with a handle of cedar wood, and a small brass ornament ; this was supposed to have been the tomb of some war chief, perhaps a roraan ; there were no bones, owing to the admission of air from the surface, which naturally caused a rapid decomposition, but the situation of the arms in the grave is a strong pre- sumptive proof that they lay by the side of their wearer. A vase was discovered in the same field, by the planters, a few days after, about fifteen inches from the surface ; it was full of black clayish earth, supposed to have been the ashes of some hero of distinction. On stones near those spots are apparently inscriptions which, if decipher- ed, would yield a satisfactory account of the antiquities discovered 5 these antiquities are still in the possession of Mr. Lain£, who feels proud in shewing them to the curious. A purse of leather containing about seven hundred coins, the greater part silver pennies, and the rest copper, were found in 1829, by a person digging in afield called Le Cdtillon, at Rocquaine : the coins were of the reigns of Phi- lip, king of France, and Edward II., king of England. Near the same spot where the purse was found, is a very ancient stone with the impressions of two human feet, which tradition says, was the place where two abbesses had a rencounter to settle a dispute, the one lady of Lihou and the other the lady of St. Peter's. Perhaps no part of the island has been more encroached on than this quarter ; the Hanois rocks were, no doubt, once attached : at low tides the traces of roads are seen, 118 GUERNSEY. and on one of the rocks was lately found the iron hook of a gate hinge. Chapels. — There are three chapels in St. Saviour's parish j a methodist, calvinist, and baptist, all well at- tended. The inhabitants also support a charity school. THE FOREST. The Forest parish is bounded on the north by St. Andrew's, on the east by St. Martin's, on the south by the sea, and on the west by St. Peter-in-the-Wood and St. Sa- viour's: itcontainstwothousandthreehundredandseventy- nine vergees, or nine hundred and sixty-three English acres, and is rated at two thousand four hundred and twenty quarters wheat rent. According to the census of 1831, its population is six hundred and ninety -five : viz. three hundred and fifty-five males and three hundred and forty females j one hundred and forty-five families ; one hundred and seventeen inha- bited houses, three uninhabited ; ninety-five families employed in agriculture, thirty in trade and mechanical arts, and eighteen living independently. The Forest church is a gothic building bearing strong indications of poverty, the roof seems to have been origi- nally small stones imbedded in mortar, part of which still remains, but the recent repairs have consisted in adding tiles ; the living is united to Torteval, but the parishes are distinct, one clergyman performing the service of both 3 the church was consecrated on the third day of September, 1163, by Silvester de Brunievre, bishop of Coutance, and dedicated to St. Margaret. The present clergyman is the reverend Edward Mourant. There was a methodist chapel erected here in 1814, capable of containing two hundred and fifty persons. Religious meetings are also held periodically in the school- room, where the duties are performed by a layman of the established church. GUERNSEY. 119 There was an endowed school established in 174 J, by the parishioners, with a salary to the master of twelve quarters, the instructions arefrench, writing and arithmetic. The register of this parish commenced in the year 1700. TORTEVAL. The parish of Torteval is divided into two parts by a strip of St. Peter-in-the-Wood, the eastern division is bounded on the north east and west by that parish, and on the south by the ocean. The western part is bounded on the east by St. Peter-in-the-Wood, and on the south, west and north by the ocean. It contains one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four verg£es, or seven hundred and fifty-one acres English, and rated at one thousand and five quarters wheat rent. By the census of 1831, it contains three hundred and seventy- eight inhabitants j two hundred males and one hundred and seventy-eight females ; seventy-two inhabited houses, six uninhabited; seventy eight families ; forty one employed in agriculture, twenty-two in trade and mechanical pursuits, and fifteen living independently. The church, which is dedicated to St. Philip, was con- secrated on the first day of November, 1130. The fol- lowing is reported of its origin : it is said to have been built by Philip De Carteret, a native of the island of Jersey, who encountering a dreadful storm at sea made a vow, that if Providence should spare his life, he would build a church on the first land to which he came. The vessel miraculously made the harbour in Rocquaine bay, about midnight on the thirteenth day of September, 1129, and he accordingly performed his vow by erecting the church ; this edifice falling to decay, a new church has been recently erected : it is a neat building in the gothic style, with a tower and lofty spire, a part of the latter was blown down, but will be shortly replaced. The fiefs in this parish are small j the principal are the fiefs of St. Michael, Galliard and Lihou. 120 GUERNSEY. The present officiating minister is the reverend Edward Mourant. A little to the west of Prevote point at the foot of a rocky steep, is a natural cavern called La Cave Mahie ; it is about two hundred feet in length and forty or fifty feet wide ; the vaulted roof is irregular, rising from six or eight to fifty or sixty in height, the bottom is broken and uneven ; whether this is an excavation made by the sea or of volcanic origin has not been decided ; the roof exhibits many stalachial formations which are very unusual in the absence of lime, which has been found in no part of the island. Schools.— -There is an endowed school for boys in Tor- teval, who receive instruction in french, writing and arith- metic j it was endowed by Mr. Le Marchant in 1 723 : salary, eight pounds five shillings per annum, to the mas- ter. There is a Sunday school attached to the church, consisting of seventy scholars and upwards. CHAPTER XL Brief description of the Parishes of St. Peter-in-the-Wood, St. Martin, and St. Andrew. St. Peter-in-the-Wood is bounded on the north and north-east by St. Saviour's, on the east by the Forest, on the south by the sea, and part of Torteval, and on the west by Torteval, Rocquaine and Le Ree -, it contains three thousand five hundred and eighty vergdes, or one thousand four hundred and forty- nine English acres, and is rated at five thousand five hundred and forty seven quarters wheat rent. By the census of 1831, it contains one thousand one hundred and ninety-one inhabitants : viz. five hundred and seventy-five males, and six hundred and sixteen females ; two hundred and eighteen inhabited houses, sixteen uninhabited $ two hundred and sixty-four GUERNSEY. 121 families, two hundred employed in agriculture, fifty-eight in business, and six living independently. The church of St. Peter is one of the neatest structures in the island ; it is a plain gothic building supported by buttresses, tastefully arranged, and its tower, with castellated parapet, has a very fine effect ; the cemetery is large and the parsonage house, lately renovated, has an appearance of domestic comfort : the church was consecrated by Bar- tholomew Bassel, bishop of Coutance, the twenty-ninth day of June, 1 1 67. The present clergyman is the reverend Tho- mas Brock. The king's fiefs of St. Michael, Suart, Cou- ture, Corbinettes, Galliard, and Lihou, run into this pa- rish, besides many other small fiefs. There was a chapel erected in 1813, capable of contain- ing three hundred and fifty persons. There w r as a Sunday school established in 1814, for instruction in French. There were also two free schools endowed by queen Eli- zabeth, in 1564, which, together with other benefactions, yield a salary to the master, £17 ; and mistress, £,\7 per annum : the boys are taught French only, and the girls French, knitting and needlework. The register of this parish commenced in the year 1625, ST. MARTIN'S. St. Martin's parish is bounded on the north and north- east by St. Peter-Port, on the east and south by the ocean, and on the west by the Forest and St. Andrew's : it con- tains four thousand one hundred and ninety vergees, or one thousand one hundred and ninety six English acres; ar • d it is rated at eight thousand two hundred and twenty- five quarters wheat rent. According to the census of 1831, its population is one thousand six hundred and fifty-two : viz. seven hundred and ninety-six males, and eight hundred and fifty-six fe- males ; two hundred and seventy inhabited houses, four- teen uninhabited ; three hundred and sixty-six families, 122 GUERNSEY. one hundred and thirty-seven employed in agriculture, one hundred and four in trade and manufactures, and one hundred and twenty-five independent families. St. Martin's church is a low gothic building with a tower, pinnacles, and a lofty spire, the interior presenting a few ancient monuments : it was consecrated by Bersabel le Blanc, bishop of Coutance, in February, 1 1 99, with all the pomp of feudal and baronial times j crowds of persons, from England and France, assembled to witness the cere- mony, amongst whom were the governors of Rennes, Hon- fleur, Caen, Totness, Southampton, together with eighty- four feudal lords, each displaying his banner ; the cere- mony is similar to that of the town church, and requires no repetition. The registry of this parish commenced in the year 1660. Besides the king's fief, running into this parish, the principal is that of Sausmarez, containing three hundred and seventy -five vergees and one perch ; the lords of this manor were castellans of the castle of Jer- bourg, now entirely demolished. The present incumbent is the reveretid Richard Potenger. There was a methodist chapel erected in this parish, in the year 1819, capable of containing three hundred and seventy-five persons : service in French. There is also a calvinistical chapel, containing about the same number. There are two Sunday schools and a parochial day school, endowed by queen Elizabeth, in 1564 : salary, eleven pounds per annum, or eleven quarters wheat rent. ST. ANDREW'S. St. Andrew's parish is bounded on the extreme north by the Vale, on the east by St. Peter-Port and St. Martin's, on the south by the Forest, and on the west by St. Sa- viour's and the Catel. It contains two thousand six hun- dred and eighty vergdes, or one thousand and eighty-six English acres : it is rated at six thousand, three hundred and sixty-three quarters wheat rent. By the census of GUERNSEY. 123 1831, it contains one thousand and eleven inhabitants: four hundred and ninety-one males, and five hundred and twenty females ; one hundred and sixty-nine houses inha- bited, eight uninhabited : one hundred and ninety-six fa- milies ; one hundred and fifteen employed in agriculture, forty-nine in trade and handicraft, and thirty-two living independently. The church is a plain low gothic building, supported by buttresses, with a castellated tower at the west ; it was consecrated by the abbot of St. Michael, under the autho- rity of the bishop of Coutance, on the first day of October, 1284. The rectors of this parish have long held a field for the service of performing mass, when the seigneur of the fief of St. Helena holds his court ; but, since the re- formation, the Lord's prayer has been used in its stead. The king's fief in this parish is extensive, containing many tenants and houses. There is a methodist chapel in St. Andrew's, capable of containing two hundred and eighty persons : there is also a calvinist chapel of lesser dimen- sions. There was a Sunday school established in 1816, for instructions in French, carefully superintended by the rector. A day school for boys and girls was endowed in 1741, and augmented in ]823 : the master has a salary of sixteen pounds fifteen shillings, and the mistress ten pounds five shillings per annum. The children are instructed in French, English, writing and arithmetic ; the girls have the addition of needlework, knitting and marking. The register of St. Andrew's commenced in the year 1575, and the present incumbent is the reverend Thomas Grut. CHAPTER XII. Kings Revenue. Guernsey Weights and Measures. States Dues on Shipping. Prices of Provisions. The King's Revenue consists of the great tithes of all corn, grain and flax, the growth of the island, and in some parts the champart is also levied ; first, the tenth sheaf for tithe, and the eleventh for champart, when the fief belongs to the crown ; champart implies that part reserved by the lords of the manors and fiefs, by way of chief rent, which are generally let out or farmed, at certain rates, by pri- vate individuals. The chief rents, and rents paid in corn and money, with the customs, anchorage, tonnage on vessels, wrecks at sea, amercements of court, forfeitures in estates, goods, chattels, &c, constitute the chief revenues of the crown in the island of Guernsey. The church revenues consist of the small tithes and champart, together with norvals, or tithe on lands, brought under cultivation since the catholic exactions, and they are different in almost every parish. St. Peter's Port— A seventh of tithe and champart. St. Martin's.— do. do. The Forest.— A ninth of tithe and champart. Torteval.— A third of tithe. St. Andrew's. — A fourth of both. St. Peter-in-the Wood.— A third of tithe. St. Saviour's. — The norvals and tenths reckoned about 6D0 sheaves. The Cfttel.— Ninth of tithe, or the full tithe of a certain portion of the parish. The Vale.— Five of the king's tithe only. St. Sampson's. — Five of both. Formerly, the tenth sheaf was set apart for tithe ; but farmers agreeing to stack the whole growth in the field, have, for their trouble, to count the eleventh sheaf for tithe, and the twelfth for champart. The disme, or tithe of grain and flax being the king's revenue, and when the champart also belongs to the crown they are both col- lected together/ and the rector in each parish has from it the proportion above stated j but he is not allowed out of champart payable to the lords of fiefs in private hands. GUERNSEY. 125 The rector has also the full disme or tenth part of all the apples, pears, cider, honey, calves, colts, pigs, lambs, geese and fish ; but no tithe whatever is due either to the crown or rector for hay, clover, lucerne, potatoes, parsnips, cab- bages or other vegetables. At every period of church history the secular clergy of Guernsey have never enjoyed their just rights : during papal authority the great tithes went to the Norman mo- nasteries, the clergy receiving only the small tithes ; and to this, for a certain period, they were justly entitled, when we take into consideration the vast sums expended in the erection of churches and chapels, the principal part of which was furnished from the coffers of religious houses in the sees of Dol and Coutance. But, at the reforma- tion, when the church revenues were seized, a reform of many abuses was naturally expected ; on the contrary, however, the clergy of the island received no temporal advantage from a change of masters : the church revenues were seized ! but to what were they applied ? not to the remedy of abuses, but annexed to the revenues of the crown. Thus, the clergy of the island are still deprived of their just immunities ; treated as in the dark ages of papal despotism, without enjoying a single privilege which they did not possess prior to the reformation. At the present, with the exception of the town parish, the emo- luments of the rectories are scarcely equal to the smallest curacies in England. Surely this, in an age of reform, calls loudly for redress ! And, if a bill were presented to the British parliament, a part, if not the whole of the great tithes would, in justice, revert from the crown to the church. The question might naturally be put : How is the gover- nor to be paid ? Let an additional duty be put on all spi- rits and wines consumed in the island, which would not be felt by the opulent, and would have a very beneficial ten- dency on the morals of the lower orders of the community. M* 126 GUERNSEY. GUERNSEY WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Le poids de Paris ancien, (ancient Paris weight,) or le poids de marc, which is the Amsterdam and Guernsey- weight : 24 grains 1 denier. 3 deniers 1 gros. 8 gros 1 once. 8 onces 1 marc. n f 1 pound or livre, l_ marcs s . \ (poids de marc, or Guernsey lb.) 533|- grains of the above weight are equal to 1 English ounce avoirdupois ; and the English cwt, or 1 12 lb., is equal to 103^|-lb. Guernsey, or 1031b. 1 marc. 4 oz. 6 gros 1 denier 13^- grains ; and 1001b. Guernsey weight are equal to 1071b. 14 oz. 6^-VoV drams avoirdupois: hence 3203 lb. Guernsey weight are equivalent to 34561b. English avoirdupois weight. LAND MEASURE. 21 feet square (English). . 1 square perch. 40 square perches 1 square verge'e. 4 square vergees 1 square acre. 5 square acres 1 square bouvee. In some manors, the vergee consists of 36 perches, called petite mesure. The acre and bouvee are only used for the division of manors. The Irish acre is exactly 4 Guernsey vergees. One Guernsey perch is equal to \-^hr, or 1 perch 1 684^4 square feet English ; and 1 English acre is equal to 2-f-f, or 2 vergees 18 perches 342 square feet Guernsey: hence, 121 Guernsey perches are equivalent to 196 English perches, and 49 English acres are equal to 121 Guernsey vergees. LIQUID MEASURE. 2 pints 1 quart. 2 quarts 1 pot (pottle). 2 pots 1 gallon. 52 \ gallons 1 Bordeaux or claret hogshead. The Guernsey gallon is 12| per cent, larger than the English gallon, (wine measure,) that was formerly in use, and which contained 231 cubic inches ; and 6^ per cent, smaller than the imperial gallon now in use, which con- tains 277*274 cubic inches. — Eight Guernsey gallons are GUERNSEY. 127 equal to 9 English wine gallons, old measure, and 7\ gal- lons imperial measure. CORN MEASURE. 5 quints I denerel. 3 denerels 1 cabot. 6 denerels 1 bushel. 4 bushels 1 quarter. This is called grande mesure, and is in use in buying and selling, and for the payment of ordinary corn rents. There is also a petite mesure, used in some manors for the payment of manorial rents. 5 denerels I bushel. 4 bushels 1 quarter. The Guernsey bushel is struck for wheat, and ten of these bushels are reckoned equal to the English quarter of eight bushels, Winchester measure. Barley and oats are sold in the same bushel, but heaped up ; and when so heaped, are equal to the Winchester bushel. Ten Guernsey bushels are equal to 7*75584 bushels, or 7\ bushels, imperial measure, nearly. STATES DUES ON SHIPPING. Vessels registered in this island, and belonging to natives, or to persons naturalized by ordinances of the royal court, pa}^ nothing ; all others pay as follows : Anchorage. Chainage. Vessels under 10 tons . . 0s. 6d. . . 0s. 6d. „ from 10 to 20 „ .. 10.. 1 20 to 30 to 40 to 50 to 60 0s. 6d. 10.. 10 16.. 16 2 0.. 2 3 0.. 3 4 0.. 4 5 0.. 5 6 0.. 6 7 0.. 7 7 6.. 7 6 from 200 to 250 „ . . 8 . . 8 „ from 250 to 300 and above 9 0.. 9 Vessels coming into the harbour pay anchorage and chainage ; the chainage is not paid by those who do not come into it. from from from from from from from from 30 40 50 60 to 80 80 to 100 100 to 150 150 to 200 128 GUERNSEY. Tonnage. — British vessels, not registered here, pay 6d. per ton on all goods landed and loaded. — Foreign vessels pay 6d. per ton on the tonnage of the vessel, measured as British tonnage. — British vessels coming from any French port, pay 6d. per ton on the tonnage of the vessel. — Fishing vessels and yachts pay no dues of any kind, excepting the pass. — Coals landed here pay 3 doubles (§ of a penny) per quarter. — Vessels exporting coals pay no tonnage dues. — All wines landed here, whether for inhabitants or strangers' account, pay a duty of fifteen sous per ton to the States. The following is a list of articles with their prices, by which strangers can draw a comparative conclusion as to the rates and charges with those in England. Articles of British manufacture are nearly the same in price as in England, but foreign productions are pur- chased at a much lower rate. PROVISIONS, &c. s. d. s. Bread per lb. . 1 to Beef , ..0 5..0 „ ..0 5..0 „ ..0 5..0 „ ..0 4..0 2 9.. 4 Beef. Mutton . Veal. . . . Pork Turkeys, each. Ducks & Fowls, per couple 2 . . 3 Capons „ 3 0..4 Rabbits „ 1 2 . . 1 Hares, each 2 0..2 Partridges, per brace 2 0..2 Snipes, per couple 8 . . 1 Woodcocks, each l 0..1 Geese „ 2 0..2 Butter per lb 9..1 Candles ,, Moulds „ Double refined Sugar ,, Single ditto. „ Moist ditto. ,, Coffee „ Cocoa „ Best Milk Chocolate. „ lv Teas.— Gunpowder. ., Ef^ne Hyson ,. Hyine Bloom „ go: 'son Skin „ Twtuchong „ Con&wiky „ Soap rou , Coals, c •■' » English per quarter of ten l _, bushels J Iwo, 5, 6 o 7 5 3. 1 0. 10. 1 6, 7 o, 5 0. WINES PER DOZEN, BOTTLES NOT INCLUDED. s. d. s. d. Spanish Red 9 0..10 St. George 6 0.. 9 Port 12 0..25 Sherry 18 0..25 Madeira 12 25 Teneriffe 10 0..16 Champagne 30 Sauterne 20 Vin de Grave 8 Bonrdeaux and Claret . . 7 Muscatell 10 Malaga 6 Marsella 12 Picardon 12 Ampurdam 10 Greache 8 Liqueurs, per bottle. . 2 Cordials ,, ..0 Brandy Cette. . . . per gal. 3 Best Cognac ,, 5 Hollands , 3 English Gin ,, 3 Rum, West India.. „ 3 Old Jamaica „ 4 Ennishone Whiskey ,, 4 Guernsey Beer. . . ,, London Porter... per doz.4 Cider „ 4 Cider, per hogshead 25 43 30 10 30 15 12 18 15 15 3 6 , 3 6 3 6 4 6 5 10 5 5 30 great advantages to the English are, the Guernsey lb. £° , "j nearly- 18 oz. English, and the English money premium of 7 \ per cent., or Is. 6d. in the pound. CHAPTER XIII. De Jardiris excursion to Naples in search of a stud. In an old book, now out of print and very scarce, pub- lished in 1590, entitled " Morgans Feats of the Cardinals," is the following ludicrous account of the midnight ramble of a gentleman, sent from the island of Guernsey to Na- ples, in Italy, to buy horses. " The seigniour Grenville, of the isle of Sernia, or as it is now called Guarnezey, sent Monsieur De Jardin, his friend, to Naples, with three hundred pieces of money to buy horses ; being arrived there, as he was standing the next evening in the gate of the inn, playing with his purse of gold out of one hand into the other, he was observed by a young courtezan, who wanted neither wit nor beauty. The next morning she sent one of her spies privately, to enquire who such a gentleman was, his business, and what other circumstances could advantage her desire ? Being informed of particulars whereon to found her plot, she dispatched away one of her emissaries, a cunning gipsey, to acquaint him that a lady of quality, and a relation of his, entreated the favor of a visit from him. The crafty decoy hovered at a distance till De Jardin came out, who, as his custom was standing at the gate alone, she with a modesty as counterfeit as her innocence, asked if Monsieur De Jardin was within ? Yes, Belle Demoiselle, says he, my name is so. Seignior, says she, my Lady commands me to let you know she has the honour to be related to you, and if it is not too great a condescension, she begs you would spare half an hour from your more important affairs, and bestow it upon her. De Jardin was not much surprized at so obliging an invitation, for though he knew of none of his relations who either wore the title of lady or lived in Italy, yet presuming upon the comeliness of his person, and taking mein, imagined it was some lady 130 GUERNSEY. of quality who was enamoured of him, and with this pre- tence courted an opportunity of discovering her passion : Madam, says he, I could wish myself worthy of so great a blessing as I now receive, and since a ready submission to your lady's commands is the best proof I can give of my zeal and affection to her service, I will this very mo- ment pay my devotion to her. De Jardin, without going into his lodgings, went directly along with her, who led him along several cross streets and by-ways, until they came to the house, which, in the front, appeared fair and reputable. At the door a person attended, who conducted De Jardin into a room richly furnished, both for plea- sure and state. As soon as the lady was acquainted that Monsieur De Jardin was below, she descended with a grace portly and majestic, which, lest it should strike too great an awe and distance upon her tender kinsman, she sweetened with an affectionate familiarity and respect. The wily courtezan wove her net so fine, his dull eye could not discover the least thread, she displayed her pedigree with so much artifice, that his obscure name was now derived from one of the most noble houses in all Italy, of which she had the honor to be no inconsiderable branch, all of which his pride and folly easily credited. Supper being done, De Jardin considering it grew late and he was a stranger to the streets, was ready, with a large harangue of thanks, to take leave of so honorable a kins- woman j " pray cousin, says she, tho' I am well assured your reception here has been too ordinary for your merit, yet I must flatter myself so far, that my house can afford you equal accommodation to that of your inn, and if you rob me of your company to night, you have not that es- teem for me I am so ambitious of." De Jardin, whose better genius was then out of the way, accepted of it. The lady called for a flask of Florence, and recommended the glass to him, titled with some magnifico's health, all GUERNSEY. 131 within the circle of his own relations. It now grew bed- time and De Jardin was attended to his apartment by the lady and two of her servants, who, after a solemn good night, withdrew to her own. De Jardin being undressed, as he was stepping into bed, the wine began to rumble in his stomach, which was physically prepared for the pur- pose, asking one of the servants for a convenient easement, he was directed into a little room adjoining — his business required haste. Boldly stepping in, a board which lay designedly loose, gave way, and down he dropped to the bottom, which had certainly bruised him to a jelly, had not the softness of the carpet prevented the danger of the fall. As soon as he recovered himself from the fright, (for hurt he had none, but what was above stairs,) he cried out for help, but nobody answered, tho' he heard his kins- woman's voice very merry and loud. They were too busy in ransacking his pockets, where they found the prize they wanted, with bulk unbroken. In this great distress he at last discovered a wall which parted it from the street ; this he endeavoured to scale, but with often slips, mired himself over head and ears. But good fortune had not quite forsaken him, at last he conquered it, and found himself in the middle of the street. By the light of the moon, he guessed at the house, and with the clapper rung so loud a peal upon the door, that a grim fellow opened a window and asked " what drunken royster gave that un- mannerly alarm ?" " I am sir, says he, the lady's cousin." Sirrah, says he, you are an impudent liar, I know no such person, begone in time, or you will too late repent this saucy affront. At this, De Jardin, heard the watch a coming, which forced him to break off the dialogue and secure himself. As he was looking for shelter, he spied an open bulk, where, in the day-time, a cobler and an herb- woman kept their shop. Creeping in as far as he could to conceal himself, until the watch was gone by, 132 GUERNSEY. three fellows who that night designed to rob a cardinal's tomb, who was lately buried in the great church, had here hid their tools, and now came for them. De Jardin, hearing men talk, lay close, when one of them groping for the instruments, and often complaining of a horrible stench, at last catched De Jardin by the leg ; the fright was equal on both sides, but the fellow had the courage to pull him out and see what sort of a creature lay dor- mant there. De Jardin had no reason to be ashamed of his clothes, his shirt was the worst, which was so offensive they forced him to denude, and considering he might be of use to them in their present design, and had possibly overheard part of their discourse, they obliged him to go along with them. Notwithstanding he was now as naked as ever he was born, yet the filth was thick crusted upon his skin, and the smell so noisome they could not endure it. For this one of them thought of a proper remedy : hard by there was a deep pond, with a long sweep and a bucket at the end of it, hither brought they De Jardin, and put him into the bucket and let him down into the pond, and told him as soon as he had washed himself clean he must pull the rope and they would draw him up. Whilst they staid for De Jardin, the watch came, it being very hot, to refresh themselves with some water, the only element that could be had at that late hour. His com- panions were forced to run for it, and the watch had now laid down their cloaks andhalberts and drew up the bucket. De Jardin with a sudden spring leapt ashore, which struck such a panic of fear upon them that they fled, and left the pillage of the field, their cloaks and halberts, to De Jardin and his comrades. Having now closed company again, they went directly to the Cardinal's tomb, and raised up the heavy marble ; but a dispute arose who should go in ; — one said he would not, "Nor I," says De Jardin, " No" says one of them, GUERNSEY* 133 wont you ? but you shall, what did we bring you here for else ? By consent they forced De Jardin to go in, who reached them out his mitre, his crosier, and pulled off his gold fringed gloves, which were richly embroidered j he had heard them talk much of a diamond ring of great value ) this he slipt off, and put upon his own finger, to secure something for fear of the worst ; they still bid him look for the ring, he told them he could find none, they must come in, if they either suspected his honor or his honesty, and look for it themselves. I am sure, says one, it is said he had a very rich ring, feel upon t'other hand 5 while they were thus arguing the case, they heard a sudden noise in the church which they suspected might be some of the officers : this frightened them so that away they run, and let the stone fall down and left poor De Jardin intombed with the dead cardinal. This was a misfortune a thousand times worse than any that had yet befallen him : it was impossible for him to raise up the stone, and if he made a noise to discover himself, he should certainly be executed for sacrilege and robbing the dead, or else lie there and starve, or be poisoned with the stench of the corrupting body. It fortuned that the noise which frightened his companions, was from some persons then breaking into the church upon the same design. When they came to the tomb they raised up the marble, and strongly under- propped it, and put the same question which was before, each person unwilling to go in, " what," says a bold fellow, ■' are you afraid the dead cardinal should bite you ? I'll go in." As he was letting himself down De Jardin catched fast hold of his legs : the fellow frighted out of his wits, cried out " Help, help, the cardinal has caught me by the legs," and struggling got out, and followed his companions, who every step he made expected the cardinal should catch him by his pole. This gave De Jardin an opportunity, who immediately quitted the church the same way he came 134 GUERNSEY. in, and with one of the watchmen's cloaks walked about till morning. When it was light he inquired out his inn, where he borrowed some clothes and gave them a relation of his misfortunes, but not a word of the ring. That evening he left Naples and set forward on his return for Guernsey, without the purchase of horse's tail, and though he had lost his money and clothes, he had a ring, whose value balanced the account." In a very curious old Latin book, printed above two hun- dred years ago in Holland, is the following singular epitaph by an ancient king of France, upon himself, who is said to have died here in obscurity. The title of the book is i( Camerarii Meditationes historicae." " Postremo' memorabile est Epitaphium regis Galliae qui in insula Sernije incognitus moriebatur miram vicis- situdinam vitse humanss continens." " Risi, ploro ; fui, non sum ; studui, reqniesco, , Lusi, non ludo ; cecini, nunc mutio ; pavi Corpus, alo vermes, vigilavi ; dormio ; dixi Salve ; dico, vale ; rapui, rapior ; superavi, Vincor ; certavi, pace utor ; jure ego vixi, Jure igitur morior ; non obsto, obstare nequirem; Terra fui quondam, rursus sum terra; nihil sum, Terra caduca vale, vermes salvete, recumbo !" COMMERCIAL DIRECTORY. Academies and Schools. Not otherwise described are Day Schools. Berry William, (gents', boarding and day) Allez-street. Boykett Charles & Miss, New-st. Charriere Mrs., Clifton. De Jausserand Sophia, Candie rd. De Joux Rev. J. M. (classical) Haute Ville. Dorey John, Bordage street. Fleure Lawrence, Mount Durant. Gould Th., (gentlemen's boarding and day) New-street. Hannaford Emma and Elizabeth, (ladies bdg. & day) Cordier hill. Hayes Miss, Allez-street. Hayes Rev. Philip, (gentlemen's boarding and day) Cornish lane. Hossack Daniel, Pedvin-street. Infant School. — Berthelot-st. Rev. Jonathan Porter, master. Irving C, l. l. d. (gentlemen's boarding and day) Berthelot-st. Martin the Misses, Mount Durant. National School (boys) Clifton steps.— James Hayward, master. National School (girls) Clifton steps. — Anna Sanders, mistress. Pkstalozzian Infant School, Union-st.— Jos. Porter, master. Pyke Ann, St. James'-street. Queen Elizabeth College,— Grange road. Principal— Rev. William Lewis Davies, m. a. Vice Principal. — Rev. Charles J. Belin, b. a. masters. Classical.— Rev. D. Dobree, m.a. Mathematical. Rev.C.Tayler,B. a. Loiver School. — Henry Drnry. Upper French. — Louis Nicolas Le Ceurtois. Lower French. — William Boully. Commercial School.H. Northcote. Drawing fy Surveying. — Thomas Compton. Clerk. — James Du Port. Sanford , Mansell-street. Simon F., Paris street. St. Dalmas Miss, Allez-street. Sunday Schools, Clifton steps. Taylor Mrs. & Miss, St. George-st. Town Parish School, Glatney, Thomas Machon, master. Walkhem, (mathematical & com- mercial) Mill street. Advocates. De Jersey Charles (His Majesty's Attorney General) Manor-st. De Sausmarez John Thomas (His Majesty's Sol. Gen.) Manor-st. Falla Thomas J. B., Manor-street. Jeremie Peter, Le Marchant-st. MacCulloch Robert, Manor-st. Radford George Robert, b. a. l. l. Cornet-street. [chant-st. Tupper Henry, b. a. b. l. Le Mar- Auctioneers. Cochrane John, Church-street. Davis Thomas, Haute Ville. Gallienne J. Le Boutillier'sArcade Harrison Thomas (and furniture broker) Cornish lane. Kaines H. Le Boutillier'sArcade. Redstone W. ditto. Bakers. Alexandre Jas. St. George street. AngebinConstance, LeBoutillier's Baker & Martel, Esplde., Glatney. Balcke Mary, Smith-street. Davy W., Battle lane. Day Thomas, Country Mansell. Flight John, Country Mansell. Gallienne Ch. Bordage street. Gibaut Nicholas, Country Mansell. Goray Mrs., Pollet-street. Greenway Francis, Park-street. Heaume Nicholas, High-street. Langdon N., Pollet-street. Le Mesurier John, Mill street. Le Page Mrs. Paris street. Longneuf Louis, Pollet-street. Mahy Mrs. Havilland street. Mauger John, Fountain-street. Moore William, Cornet-street. Payne George, Pollet-street. Pescott Benjamin, St. Sampson's. Priaulx C, Cornet-street. Queripel Thomas, Hauteville. Roussel , Cornet street. 136 GUERNSEY. Rowdon J., Esplanade, Glatney. Sarre Mrs. Mount Durant. Wells Thomas, Mansell-street. Wincey Richard, Market place. Bankers. Guernsey Banking Company. — Priaulx, Le Marchant, Rougier and Co., High-street— (draw on De Lisle, Janvrin and De Lisle, and Samuel Dobr£e and Sons, London ; and on Mrs. Widow Thomas De Lisle & Co. & Mal- let, Freres & Co. Paris.) Open from ten to three. Savings' Bank, States' House, St. Peter's court. James Du Port, clerk. Attendance on Saturdays from eleven till one. Baths. HOT, COLD, AND SHOWER. Bennett Mrs. Jane, Pollet-street. Marshall Mrs. Elizabeth, Royal Yacht Hotel, Grand Carrefoiir. Bed-feather Dealers. Dorey Daniel and Co. (and ropes, &c.) Quay. Le Nepveu Francis, Fountain-st. Le Roux Mary, Fountain-street. Blacksmiths. (See also Whitesmiths.) Allez Nicholas, Pollet-street. Billin James, Esplanade, Glatney. Foard, Park-street. Follett John, St. George-street. Gardner John, Longstore. Gaudion John, St. Sampson's. Ingrouille John, St. Sampson's. Jamouneau S. Salter-st., Glatney. Jones <& Potter, Strand. Liez Lewis, Country Mansell. Mallen Peter, Bordage-street. Martin John (& whitesmith, &c,) Esplanade, Glatney. Orchard John, Esplanade,Glatney Orchard John, Park-street. Smithard Wm. (ironfonnder and whitesmith, &c.) Truchot lane. Block. and Pump Makers. Sleque Joshua, Quay. Snow Thomas, North pier. Trout Richard, Quay. Boat Builders. (See also Ship Builders. J Allez J„ Vale. Bichard Charles, Vale. De Garis Nicholas, Vale. Domaille Nicholas, Vale. DnfourT. St. Peter's-in-the-Wood Mitchell Samuel, North pier. Oxford Edward, South beach. Sauvarin John, Vale. Booksellers and Stationers. Barbet Matthew, High-street. Brouard H. (&binder) Bordage-st GreensladeThs. Grand Carrefour. Hamilton William Henrv (& bin- der) Mill-street. Hancock W. (& binder) Pollet-st. Manger Nicholas, Bordage-st. MaugerThomas James (& binder) Constitution steps,Market-place Moss Matthew, High-street. Redstone W. Arcade. Short J. (& binder) States* arcade. Boot and Shoe Makers. Arscott R. Pollet street. Barnes Thomas, Pollet-street. Batiste Thomas, Fountain-street. Bayler R., Tanquoel passage. Bird S. Canichers. Bourgaise T. St. Sampson's. Bury John, Mill-street. Cox'John, Church street. Cox Samuel Drake, Market-place. Crapp Joseph, Pollet-street. Daddo W. <*c G. Fountain-street. De Jersey Nicholas, Tower hill. De Moulpied, Pedvin street. Dunn Samuel, Mansell-street. Dyeson John, St. Sampson's. Edwards John, Pollet-street. Ford John, Pollet-street. French Ab. Berthelot-street. French H, Church street. GambleWilliam, Havilland-street. Gibant Peter, St. Sampson's. Giles Thomas, Salter-street. Gliddon Arthur, Fountain-street. Grieve Robert, Mansell-street. Haddy Joseph, Smith-street. Hall R., Pollet street. Lane T., Le Boutillier's Arcade. Lath J., Le Boutillier's Arcade. Le Huray & Gruchy (and leather cutters) Fountain-street. GUERNSEY. 137 Le Messnrier, N« Fountain street. Le Pelley Nicholas & Son, High-st. Lynch Charles, Hautevilie. Many John, Mill-street. Masters Robert, Cornet street. Mogford William, Vauvert road. Morris James, Market street. Needham Arnold, Market place. Ogier Thos. & Son, Market-place. Ozanne John, Vauvert road. Quick William, Mansell-street. Renie John, Carrefour. Renouf John, Mansell-street. Robotham Luke, Smith-street. Ross W. Mansell street. Ryan Thomas, Bordage street. Sarre Daniel, Mill-street. Sauvarin Peter, St. Sampson's. Tayler George, Mansell-street. Touzeau Joseph, Cornet street. Valpy C. Cornet street. Wilcock, Park-street. Williams T. Le Marchant street. Youlton James, Haute Ville. Brass Founders. Martin John, Esplanade, Glatney. Smith John, Cornet-street. Braziers # Tin-plate /Workers. (See also Ironmongers.) De Caen John, Fountain-street. Gautier Daniel, Country Mansell. Goubert John, Pollet-street. Hele John, Market place. Noel John, Market place. Nosworthy A. Salter-st. Glatney. Taudevin Joseph, High street. Brewers. Bevan, L. C. Hougue a la Perre. Gullick Joseph, Vaulorens. Holditch Sam., Truchot Brewery. Kellaway G. Park street. Mansell Fk. jun. Country Mansell. Paul John, Mount Durant. Symes Jon. W., Vauvert road. Brick Makers 8$ Lime Burners. Bichard Thomas, Fort Arrive. Blondel Thomas, St. Andrew's. Brice William, Park-street. Brouard John, Glatney. Gullick Joseph, New Ground. M'Crindell W. Bordage-street. Rouget Peter, Foulon. Thoume Samuel, St. Martin's^ Butchers. IN THE MEAT MARKET. 9 Baskfill Chas. 4 Baskfill James 23 Biddlecom W. 17 Croft Thomas. 15 Croft James. 29 De Putron J. 2 Foote George. 35 Foote John. 11 Fudge James. 5 Gardner John 34 Gardner J. jn. 33 Hammond W. 3 Hannam M. 7 Hayes W. 20 Kennell W. 24 Lambert G. 1 Lamble F. 12 Lamble F.jn. 28 Le Marchant 30LePatourelJ. 22 Male Stephen 10 Manning Jas. 26 Martin Thos. 36 MordauntJas. 13 Mordaunt T. 8 Mordaunt W. 16 Palmer Thos. 18 Radden W. 25 Robert Peter 27 Robin John 31 Turner John 32 Waterman C. 19 Waterman P. 21 Waterman R. 6 Waterman S. 14 Widdicombe Cabinet Makers. De Leree Thomas, Park-street. Dowdney William, Tower hill. Farrar Franeis, Mansell-street. Fisher John, Cornet-street. Fisher F. M. Smith-street. Guille Richard, Pedvin-street. Kaines Henry, Arcade. Morris John, Smith-street. Pengelley John, Vauvert road. Turner William, High-street. Wakley William, Grange road. Walden Henry, St. George-street Wyburn J. Salter-street, Glatney. Carpenters, Painters, Glaziers, and Builders. Marked thus * are Builders. Berne John, Pedvin-street. *Brouard John, Candie road. Chant & Manger, Havilland-st. *Chaseau J. & Son, Forestlane. Cheminant N. & J. Paris-street. Day Peter, Park-street. *De Moulpied T. Grange road. *De Putron Daniel, Fountain-st, *De Putron Matthew, Mansell-st. Gallienne John, St. George-st, Goodfellow R. Bordage street. *Goodwin Samuel, New-street. *Guilbert Th. Union street. *Kendrick J. Little St. John-st. Le Huray William, Pedvin-street. Le Maitre James (^nd shipwright) St. Sampson's. 138 GUERNSEY. *Le Messurier Abraham, Mill-st. *Lihou Peter, Candie road. Martin Thos. & Nic, Pedvin-st. *Mollet Daniel, Union-street. Pallot Peter, Pedvin-street, Pen»elley Thomas, Vauvert road. RichardsJ. Cornet street. Roberge Wm. Delancey. Robin Thomas, Mount Durant. *Stacey William, Cornish lane. Stevenson W., Clifton steps. Tardif John (and tile merchant) Mansell place. *TardifW. & J., Bordage-street. Wilson John, Mansell-street. Carvers and Gilders. Grut George, Cornet-street. Rougier D., Bordage-street. Cement Manufacturers. Bichard Thomas, St. Saviour's. Drilliot Thomas, Catel. Mauger James, Manor Mill. China, Glass and Earthenware Dealers. Domaille Thomas, Pollet-street. Du Frocq John, Mansell street. DuFrocq Thomas, New place. John Edward, Truchot lane. Machon Nicholas, Mansell-street. Maillard Mary, Glatney. Martel James, Country Mansell. Murphy Margaret, Fountain-st. Renouf Charles, Country Mansell. Roddy Rachel, Market place. Chymists and Druggists. Cumber Henry (cupper and den- tist) Le Boutillier's Arcade. Davey & Co.. High street. Le Cras Abraham. Mill street. Lioult, Bordage street. Olivier, Mansell street. O'Neil Murphy fy Co. Esplanade, Glatney. Sinclair Henry, Church street. Vaudin James", Fountain street. Weston & Co. Market street. Clothes Salesmen. Burns Patrick, Market place. Jervois Benjamin, Marketplace. Le Mesurier A. G. Market place. Levy Mark, Cornet street. Coach Makers & Wheelwrights, (See also Wheelwrights.) Barnicoat J., Park street. Roberts T. Truchot lane. Touzeau, P. Esplanade, Glatney, Coal Merchants. Be Garis & Co. Bordage street. Guilbert John, Quay. Harris Peter H. High street. Mahy Nicholas, Quay. Marquand Isaac, Quay. Manger J. (& iron mercht.) Quay, Naftel Ferdinand, Bordage-st. Ozanne John, Quay. Pill John & Son, Quay. Confectioners. Domaille Thomas, Arcade. Lyons William S. High street. Consuls — Vice. Belgium, Fr. DePutrou, Highst. Brazils, John Mellish, High-st. France, D.M'Culloch,Hte.Ville. Naples & Sicily, and consuls for Hanover & Denmark, Harry Dobree & Son, Truchot. Prussia 6c Holland, John Le Marchant, Pollet street. Russia, J. Collings, North Pier. Spain & Portugal, J. Prianlx, Cornet street. Sweden, J. La Serre, Smith st. Coopers. Gosselin George Lucas, Quay. Knight Daniel -(& States gauger) Plaiderie. Martin John, South beach. Renouf J. & Son, South beach. Renouf James, (and bottler) Col- lege street. Touzeau John, St. James' street. Corn Merchants. Carr6 Henry, Mill lane. Cox Samuel Drake, Bordage st. De La Rue Peter, Market place, Gauvain Peter, Glatney. Greenway Francis, Park street. Guerin Elias& Son, Bordage st. Gullick Joseph, Vaulorens. Mellish John, High street. Robin Nicholas, High street. GUERNSEY. 139 Distillers. Jeremie § Co. Long store. Younger R. B., Terres. Dyers and Scourers. Angel John, St. George street. De BuignyAime, Country Mansell De Jersey Thomas, Fountain st. De La Mare John, Pedvin street. De La Mare Thomas, Pedvin st. Hamilton N. Bordage street. Lozey John Francis, Mill street. Fancy Repositories. De Jersey <5f Baxter, Market place Henry E. (& perfumery) High st. Jaury Louis, Market street. Le Lacheur Elizabeth, Le Boutil- lier's Arcade. Lenetrel Zelie, Fountain street. Massonneau Le Lacheur (& per- fumery) High street. Naftel Paul (artist's) Le Boutil- lier's Arcade. Fire, %c, Office Agents. Alliance, J.Bonamy, Bordage st. Atlas, Fred. C. Lukis, High st. British Commercial (life) Mat. Barbet, High street. County, J. Marquand, Manor st. Eagle, Henry Tupper, Le Mar- chant street. Hamburgh Co.'s Harry Dobree and Son, Truchot. LondonUnion, J.Arnold, High st. Norwich Union, (fire) Matthew Barbet. High street. Phosnix, William S. Sheppard, High street. Provident (life) J. Marquand, Manor street. Royal Exchange, John Mellish, High street. Sun, J. Barbet, jun., Pedvin st. West of England, Peter Solbe, Cordier hill. Grocers. (See also Grocers Wine and Spirit Merchants.) David Mrs. High street. Desperques Mrs. High street. Eraud Deputy Sheriffs Stephen Martin, 3 Js. Barbet, Jun., Deputy Serjeant, States Offices, St. Peter's Court, Cornet-street. Constable, or Police Office. Douzaine Room. Impost Office, David Mac Cul- loch and Henry A. Mansell, Re- ceivers of the Imposts. Pier Office, John De Carteret, Harbour Master and Receiver of Spirit Licenses ; Peter Col las, Deputy Harbour Master and Con- stable of the Harbour. Supervisor and Treasurer of the States' Office. James Du Port, Assistarit Supervisor. Custom House, Cornet- Street. James Pulling, Principal Officer. John Radford, Comptroller, or Prin- cipal Officer. Thomas Collier, Tide Surveyor. !&§&,$■■****-» Town Hospital, Hospital-Lane. Thomas Mauger, Master. Fanny Grey, First Mistress. Mary Lihou, Second Mistress. Joseph Renouf, Schoolmaster. Elizabeth Guillard, Schoolmistress. Assembly Rooms, Market-place, —Anthony Rosetti, Manager. Gaol, New-street. — Stephen Bar- bet, Jun., Keeper. Gas Works, Amballes road. — Tho- mas Snowden Peckston, Engi- . neer and Manager; James Moriis, Foreman. Government House, Smith-st. — Peter Bredthafft, Secretary to the Lieutenant-Governor. Independent Club Reading Room, Grand Carrefour. Meat and Fish Markets, Mar- ket-pla. — Js. Frecker, Constable, Mechanics' Institution, High- street, P. Le Roy, Librarian. PRINTED BY S. BARBET, SMITH-STREET. Supplement TO THE GUERNSEY GUIDE. FIRST TOUR. Tour from the Carrefour, through Le Boutillier^s Arcade, to the Markets, from thence to Fort- George, retrograding down Hauteville, passing Trinity Chapel to Colborne-road, by Petite-Mar che into Grange-road to town. Jacob has given in the Jlnnals of Guernsey, a clear descrip- tive tour in town and its environs ; but, as many alterations have, within these last few years taken place, we shall only follow him in some instances where we think most advisable. Supposing the traveller to be in lodgings either at New-Town, or sojourning at Marshall's, Payne's, Jones' or Tozer's Hotel, in either case, High-street will be probably his first debut, at the top of which is the shop of Mr Greenslade, an opulent grocer and spirit merchant, as also the General Post-Office, with many spacious shops in every line of business ; in passing through an archway on the right, about two thirds of the way down High-street, yOu arrive at Le Boutillier's Arcade. This was originally intended to have been the site of the fish-mar- ket, but that being abandoned the present was commenced and when completed will form by far the most eligible part of the town for commercial purposes. The projector, Mr Le Boutillier, has been most indefatigable in his exertions to accomplish his design and has met with almost unsurmount- able difficulties which he has at last overcome, and we antici- pate his reaping ultimately a fruitful harvest for the spirit evinced. This Arcade, when completed, will have four en- trances, two from High-street, and the opposite angles. On leaving Le Boutillier's Arcade, you proceed to the Markets, which are well worthy the attention of the stranger : 1 2 GUERNSEY. here are also the Assembly Rooms and the States-' Arcade. In the gallery of the latter are a public Reading Saloon and a Library, where the tourist may lounge away an idle hour, and obtain every information relative to the islands. The stranger's attention may be arrested in his promenade, by observing in the streets among the houses, several water- mills, worked without the appearance of a fountain-head, which is kept subterraneous and perhaps in no country is the small quantity of that element turned to so great an advantage as in St. Peter-Port. For a description of the Town Church, College, Royal Court House, Hospital, Jail, and every public building, we refer the reader to the article under their respective heads. After having examined the public buildings, we shall lead the stranger from the Markets past the Town Church, on the ascent to the Southward, up Cornet-street, and continue to George-road, at the top of which there is one of the finest views in the island, embracing the Town, St. Sampson's and the Small Russel passage to the North ; St. Martin's Church and vil age to the South West ; the Catel Church and wind- mill to 1 the West. The next object is Fort-George, which you enter by a gate well guarded in time of war ; the Royal Engineer Office to the left and the road leading to the fort to the right. On entering the fort it is necessary to send your name to the Officer com- manding. On your admission, you will find the barracks ar- ranged in form of a square, completely under cover of the works, which on your ascending the ramps, you will find a square, composed of four regular bastions, connected by cur- tains with a ravelin to the South and West and a counter- guard to the South- West. These, with the surrounding bat- teries, form objects worthy the attention of the stranger. From the ramparts you have the most extensive land and sea prospect in the island. In a clear day, you can distinctly per- ceive the Caskets, Alderney, Cape la Hogue and a lono; range of French coast, Herm, Jethou, Sark and Jersey. On leaving the fort, by turning to the right, you arrive at the armoury which is well worthy of notice. Having now passed consider- able time in this part of your tour, you become retrograde, and at your arrival at the gate, in order to vary the scene, you turn to the right, and passing the Royal Engineer Office and the house of the Storekeeper, you pass another gate, and in GUERNSEY. O front you have a fine view of the Town and the adjacent ob- jects. There is also a parade and the Artillery Barracks a little to the South. A retrograde movement will be again ne- cessary to Hauteville until you come to Pedvin-street, on emerging from which you may change the scene by proceed- ing past Trinity Chapel towards the Colborne-road. You will pass two water-mills, and the neat cottage residence of Captain Symes. You will observe on your right, at the summit of Mount-Durand, Rozel-house and grounds, the property of Thomas Carey, Esq. On proceeding to the right, you will arrive at the mansion of James Mac Culloch, Esq. called Pierre-Percee. At the extremity of this road are two roads, one leading to the town direct, the other right and left either to Mount-Durand or Mount-Row. The road passing Col- borne-Place, called the Petite-Marche, is the most inviting. From this you see Mount-Durand House, the residence of John Allaire, Esq. On the left is a splendid mansion lately erected by Thomas Gosselin, Esq. and on the same side, a little farther Belmont, belonging to William Brock, Esq. Nearly opposite, to the right, is a row of respectable houses leading to the seat of Sir Thomas Saumarez. A little nearer town is Beaumont- Lodge, the, residence of Dr. Hutchesson, and near to which is the house of Peter De Jersey, Esq. On the left is Choisi, the house of John Maingy, Esq. commanding a view of the Grange-road. On turning townwards, you leave on the left, the house of Major De Havilland, the house of Charles De Jersey, Esq. the King's Attorney-General, Rev. Richard Poten- ger, Mrs Bourne, Mrs Brock, Savery Brock, Esq., F. C. Lukis, Esq. and Mr. Clugas, with several others, are pleasantly situ- ated on the Grange-Road, leading to the town. The College on the left, the house of John Collings, Esq. and St. James' Church are the only remaining buildings worthy of notice. You now enter the town by way of Smith-street and arrive at the Carrefour, from whence you originally set out. SECOND TOUR. Second Tour in the Town of St. Peter-Port and its environs. The last circuit of the town may be accomplished by passing Government House, Ann's place and Candie road to the New 4 GUERNSEY. Burying Ground on the left, and Candie House, the residence of Mrs. Mourant, turn to the right, you are conducted into a beautiful public promenade called l'Hyvreuse, or the New Ground, which was purchased by the inhabitants about forty years ago. This spot of ground is divided into two unequal parts, the lower planted with trees forming regular avenues with gravel walks kept in the best possible order ; the . upper is perfectly level and served as a parade for the gar- rison during the war, and is still used by the royal regiments of militia on field days, as also for that noble sport, the game of cricket. This ground stands high, commanding an extensive land and sea prospect ; to the East of the New Ground stands Castle Carey, the residence of J. Carey, Esq., which from the Russel, has a most magnificent appearance ; the interior of this building is fitted up in the neatest style, and the castellated exterior reflects credit on the architect for his taste and skill in the harmony of proportions. The castle from the sea, has every appearance of standing' in the midst of an extensive domain ; the ornamental timber of the New Ground and neighbouring estates concealing all other objects, tend to confirm the idea. Beau Sejour, the seat of Harry Dobree, Esq., is pleas- antly situated to the North of the New Ground, commanding the most picturesque views. The house is a plain, neat building, possessing every internal convenience without any external pomp. The grounds are tastefully laid out and well sheltered by surrounding plantations ; this, in the summer season, although contiguous to the town, has the most rural appearance possible ; the walks winding to a great extent, present at every opening, a varied and extensive landscape. The whole coast and inland parts, from the Grand Rock to the extreme North of the island, with every object on the ocean for many leagues, the Caskets in the day and the lights at night, are distinctly perceptible ; Alderney, Cape La Hogue, and a considerable range of the French coast, together with Jersey, Serk, Herm and Jethou. are all seen with pleasing effect from the mansion and grounds of Beau Sejour. On leaving the New Ground, you will arrive at upper Vauvert Road, leading to a row of respectable houses, erected on the site of Amherst Barracks, which were removed at the peace : here, the North coast, with the adjoining islands, GUERNSEY. O present themselves ; and by continuing down the roads, with Vale church and windmills in the distance, you pass between the brick kilns of Messrs. Bichard and Brouard ; at the ter- mination of the descent you arrive shortly at the Bouet dis- tillery : about one hundred yards before you approach this, on the left is a narrow cart road leading to the Marsh Castle. The Marsh Castle, commonly called Ivy Castle, from its ruins being covered with ivy, is situated about a mile North of the town of St. Peter-Port, in a low marshy situation. The object of the engineer who arranged the works of this castle was, no doubt, to strengthen the defence of the place, by throwing in artificial obstacles when required, and no place could be better situated than Marsh Castle for that purpose ; for when necessity required, the whole of the ditches could with the greatest facility be inundated from an adjoining rivulet ; and when the cause of alarm was removed, the water could be removed also, by sluices constructed for that purpose. In this manner, the ditches were wet or dry at pleasure, stagnation was prevented, and instead of ague and its concomitant diseases, the place was rendered pecu- liarly healthy, being well sheltered from the prevailing winds and enjoying the sea breezes, with a plentiful supply of forage, gave to this place, previous to the invention of gun- powder, a decided superiority over any other part of the island. This castle, with all its standing works, is so similar to the Baronial castles erected in different parts of Britain, that the antiquary, or minute observer may trace the former strength and utility of this venerable ruin from the principal outlines which yet remain. On approaching Marsh Castle, the outer ditch is still perfect in formation, and the wall of the outer ballium is still standing, in most places, seven feet in height, enclosing a space of eleven vergees. This space was of vast service in former times, when the island was infested with pirates ; the whole inhabitants of the adjacent country flocked thither with their herds, families and effects, so that they were com- pletely sheltered from the ravages of those marauders, till they retired. On passing the outer gate and crossing the outer ballium, you arrive at a ditch, which could be made wet or dry, at the will of the Governor ; over this, as well as the outer ditch, were formerly drawbridges. The wall of the inner ballium 1* GUERNSEY. is still ten feet in height, strongly flanked with circular towers. This wall extends round the summit of a conical hill, about fourteen feet above the level of the outer ballium, enclosing a space of two acres : within this wall was a dry ditch, partly traceable, which surrounded the keep or dungeon. In most baronial castles, the keep being the citadel or last retreat of the garrison, generally stood in the centre and con- sisted of a square tower of four or five storys, with turrets at each angle for the staircases and well ; on the second story were the state rooms of the Governor, lighted by small chinks, which served as embrasures for the bow and arrow ; the rooms in the different storys were generally vaulted and di- vided by strong arches for the convenience of the Governor. The top of the keep was a platform, surmounted by an em- battled parapet, from which the garrison on watch could command the surrrounding works and adjacent country. Within the walls of the inner ballium stood the barracks, houses for resident artificers, and a chapel ; the last named is the only building now standing ; it is of an oblong form with vaulted stone ceiling, and its external roof bears evident marks of dilapidation. Some have considered this castle of Danish origin, on ac- count of its oval form, without any contrivance for flanks, which the Normans seldom omitted in their fortifications ; but this small eminence admitted of no choice, the whole summit of the hill is possessed by the wall, leaving no lodgement for the assaillants, which flanks would have, no doubt, afforded. Thus, in tracing a fort, the nature of the ground must always be considered, and the most that can be made of the part to be defended ; and in this castle you will find no want of skill in the engineer, who arranged his works with much judgment, according to the mode of warfare used at that remote period. This castle is always in possession of the Governor of the is- land for the time being ; but it has long ceased to become their permanent residence. Having visited this venerable ruin, and in order to diversify the scene, we would recommend the stranger to return to the town by the shore. On the left, and a few hundred yards from the distillery is the Albion Hotel, kept by Mr. Be van, where parties may obtain at the shortest notice, refreshments in the metropolitan style. The latest London papers are here to be found, and clean English fare can be procured not inferior to GUERNSEY. 7 any in the island. Bevan's homebrewed beer, is not only for the consumption of his hotel, but is supplied to families in all parts of the island, who esteem it in quality and flavor nearly allied to the best English ales. On leaving Albion Hotel, you proceed to the left, till you arrive at the road leading to the town ; you will pass a strong battery on the left with a martello tower on the right, near Marine Cottage. Nearly opposite to this house, on the beach, at high- water mark, is the public place of execution, and although this summary mode of hastening mortals to a world of spirits, to their honor, seldom happens to a native, yet some examples for glaring crimes committed by foreigners have been made. The last execution which took place was that of a French monster named Beasse, for the murder of his illegitimate male infant ; assisted, as is geneially supposed, by the inhuman mother who escaped the capital punishment by being banished the island. Beasse was possessed of consider- able landed property in Guernsey, which on his execution be- came forfeited to the Crown. It has been recently sold, rea- lizing more than two thousand pounds. You next arrive at the Long-Store, a building used as a military depot ; but now the emporium of the Royal Militia Artillery field pieces. Passing towards Glatney, you arrive at the ship yard called the Piette, where vessels of two and three hundred tons burthen are built. On reaching Glatney, the Esplanade lately formed leaves a space much frequented as a promenade, by the respectable part of the community. This leading along the beach, commands at all times the busy scene of the. harbour, the islands of Serk, Herm and Jersey. In Glatney is the daily parochial school, founded and en- dowed by Queen Elizabeth for the poorer classes. In proceeding to the Pollet, you pass the hot and cold baths erected at a considerable expense, with every conveniency. From thence up Pollet-street to the Carrefour at the top of High-street. Having brought the traveller home, we take our leave till the morrow. GUERNSEY, THIRD TOUR. Pedestrian tour from Clarence Battery, round the shore to Moulin Huet Bay, returning by Sausmarez Manor to St. Peter-Port. In passing between Fort George and the sea to Clarence Bat- tery, there is nothing to be noticed but the extensive marine view. At Clarence battery, which is rather peninsular, projecting into Fort Bay, you have an extensive range of the rugged coast, with Doyle's monument on the furthest visible point. In pursuing a pedestrian route amongst this wild scenery, you may remark many abrupt precipices of vast height ; the land above beautifully broken into ravines and fertile spots. From the landmark approaching Fermain bay, you come abruptly upon a martello tower and a strong battery, a chain of which continue visible at intervals along the whole coast.* In des- cending from this precipice, you will find the bay exceedingly beautiful ; the sea roaring with a general surge seems to threaten the impending rocks, whilst, on the left, at low water, a cavern of some extent has been formed by the washing of the ocean, which may in time be excavated to a still greater extent. Fermain bay having a fine sand bottom, is undoubtedly the best bathing place in the whole island ; and were bathing machines to be provided, it might be rendered a most eligible watering place, at a very limited expence. To the right of the tower, is a well-watered valley, verdant at every period of the year ; and in the extreme distance, the upper part is well wooded, giving a fine contrast to the bar- ren rocks. On leaving Fermain bay, the foot path, though well formed by the numerous visitors to this part of the coast, yet it is often impeded by the natural furze, which claims this part of the island as its own, to the entire exclu- sion of every other production. After passing a rugged hill, you will find on your descent a fertile valley, yielding an abundance of herbage to the grazing cattle : this is also water- ed with a rivulet of excellent water, which falls into the sea circuitously without a murmur, so natural to its local position. On the face of a projecting rock, is a target, visible from Clarence battery, serving as a mark for practise in artillery. GUERNSEY. 9 After marking the vast irregularities of the rocks, with the wild screams of the gull and other aquatic birds, on proceed- ing over another abrupt eminence, you will find yourself, on passing over a verdant field, near the base of Doyle's monu- ment. This is a pillar built of granite, accessible internally by a flight of steps winding circuitously to its summit, from whence, on a projecting stone gallery, secured by iron railing, you can survey almost every prominent object in the island. This monument, which is ninety-six feet in height, was erected by the States, as a tribute of gratitude for the many improvements made by Sir John Doyle, during his residence as Lieutenant Governor : — over the entrance is written the word Doyle, and under it. Pub. Grat. Although the indentations of most of the bays are distinctly seen from this elevation, yet their characteristic grandeur is lost without pursuing your route as near to the precipices as possible. The next object is Jerbourg barracks, near to which once stood a strong castle, of which scarcely a remnant is left. This castle was originally the Fort George of the island ; here in the middle ages the whole of the inhabitants took shelter from the pirates, on the least alarm being made. This castle was originally erected on the site of a Roman encampment, the ditches of which are partly visible, although the castle has gone to decay ; this was a place of great trust ; the castellans, during the latter period of its existence, were the Lords of the manor of Sausmarez, in St. Martin's. After taking a survey of the expanse of ocean from Jer- bourg barracks, on turning to the right, you approach Moulin Huet Bay, by far the most bold and rugged scenery in the island. The overhanging precipice indented with fissures, the detached rocks washed, and daily diminishing in all directions, by the impetuous waves, naturally call to our recollection the vicissitudes of all sublunary things ; here, even the rocks have been thrown down and carried away in solution, particle after particle, until they disappear and no longer exist but in the re- collection of former times. To descend to the bay, through winding foot-paths, is a task of no ordinary exertion, and when satiated with gazing on the devastations below, you will find the prospect from this place exceedingly different from the lanscape left behind. Here there is nothing but the wide expanse of ocean and the 10 GUERNSEY. firmament, without a single distant object to relieve the scene. On the Northern and Eastern coast, the neighbouring islets seem to share With you equal local privations, and a species of sympathy from contiguity rushes on the mind, whilst in the bay of Moulin Huet you seem to stand alone in the scale of creation ; here the mineral kingdom predominates, without a vestige of animated nature to cheer the barren gloom. The difficulty in returning from the abyss below, is equally fatiguing as in the descent. On gaining the summit and pur- suing the foot-path to the left, along the margin of the preci- pice, you shortly arrive at a road leading up a valley clothed with a few scattered trees, furze and green herbage. A little from the shore, you will find, near a water-mill, a small rivulet which before its concentration in the mill-pond, is usefully and ingeniously employed in irrigating the brow of the ravine. This spot, without moisture, in a dry season would remain barren ; but by this mode of communicating the necessary humidity, it is exceedingly productive in raising several suc- cessive crops which are either converted into hay or rendered available to the grazing of cattle. From this to St. Martin's road you pass through a small sheltered hamlet with well stocked orchards principally of ci- der apples and an abundant supply of vegetables of every kind. The next object worthy of notice is Sausmarez Manor- house, the residence of Thomas De Sausmarez, Esq. late At- torney-General. It is a place of great antiquity ; the manor being a fief in the same family nearly three hundred years. There are several rooms hung with tapestry, the subjects are from Ovid's Metamorphosis, and the collection of family paintings is very extensive. In your progress towards town, a little from this manor, to the right, is the residence of Daniel De Lisle Brock, Esq. Bailiff of the island ; the house is a neat modern building, with a portico in front, and the land tastefully laid out with thriving plantations of trees, as a shelter from the keen easterly winds. The next object, prior to your reaching town, is Fort-George, which has been already described. GUERNSEY. 11 FOURTH TOUR. Tour from St. Peter-Port to St. Martin's, Saint's Bay, Petit-bo Bay, St. Peter in the wood, Torteval, Rocquaine, St. Saviour's, St. Andrew's and St. Peter Port In passing Fort George, the residence of the Bailiff, and Saus- marez manor, already noticed ; the first road to the left leads you through a scattered hamlet to Saint's bay, only separated by a promontory from that of Moulin Huet. This bay takes its name from having been the chosen retreat of Arch- bishop Mauger, uncle to William the Conqueror, when exiled from his episcopal see ; this circumstance alone, when view- ing the haunts of sanctity, will lead to a train of reflection ; — here the near relative of the greatest monarch in Europe leaves the highest church preferment to become a recluse : no place could have been better selected ; here vanity made no inroads on devotion and sanctity, nor did the fear of offending monarchy form any portion of his thoughts. The period of his exile is not stated, and history is equally silent as to the nature of his offence ; but in that fickle age, the smallest crimes were often visited with the severest punishments ; in- trigue formed a great portion of their policy and paved the way to preferment, in which the bonds of friendship and the ties of relationship were often violated. At this dark age, the members of the same family often espoused different interests ; the Romish church had passed the meridian of her purity, and began to wane, and, like the States of Greece and Rome, rose to the highest pitch of refinement, till avarice, with all its train of concomitant vices, made an imperceptible inroad upon the best laws and the most just administrations ; vice, at last, instead of being beheld with abhorrence, became familiar to observation ; the sinews of justice became lax, and like a ship, about to founder ; the helm of state became ungovernable, and the fickle bark was at last a complete wreck. The dawn of Reform began to shed its feeble rays on Britain — the power of the Pope became gradually abridged from a despotic sway to a very limited monarchy — both as regards territory and popular veneration. Whether the impetuous ocean has removed by its encroach- ments the cell of this devotee, or the hand of time has mould- ered the materials, must remain undeveloped ; certain it is, that not a trace of its ruins remain to mark the spot of its 12 GUERNSEY. existence ; but the name of the bay alone will perpetuate the memory of the bishop more permanent and lasting than monuments of marble. On passing the martello tower, and winding round the ex- treme point, you have a full view of Moullin Huet, the de- tached rocks in the bay, and Doyle's monument ; the next promontory projects considerably into the sea, overhanging in some places, and time will eventually remove it from the landscape ; the currents in this place set in exceedingly strong and in tempestuous weather, large ledges of rock' are often driven into the deep, allowing fresh action on enclosed argil- laceous matter, masses of which also disappear during obser- vation. From this projecting precipice, you have a full view of Petit-bo bay, the Forest church, Moye point, the Corbiere, and a long range of coast. The traveller may now become retrograde towards the vil- lage of St. Martin, in which stands the church, given under its respective article. The village consists mostly of scattered cottages and strong stone buildings, rather mean in appear- ance ; on the entrance to the church-yard, the gate post pre- sents a specimen of rude sculpture, in form of a terminus, which is either a monument of art in the early ages, or the feeble effort of some more recent sculptors. Having in- spected the church and cemetery, there is little else worthy of notice. From St. Martin's to the Forest, the land on both sides of the road, is level, and fertile in corn and other grains, pars- nips, &c. ; the quickset fences of furze, which are cut down every third year, serve either as fuel for the baker in town, or used in home consumption. The second road to the left, will lead through a deep ravine to two water-mills, employed in the manufacture of paper and flour ; the mill ponds, a mar- tello tower, and the opening to Petit-bo bay, have a very fine effect ; on the other hand, the Forest church and village, with the relief of a few trees, give a pleasing diversity. Having made a survey of the bay, your next objects are the church and village, for a description of which see the article Forest parish. On proceeding towards St. Peter-in-the~Wood,the land be- comes more sterile, with the exception of spots where extra cultivation has produced proportionate crops ; on the left, is Plaisance, the seat of John De Lisle, Esq. In a field adjoin- ing the road, about half a mile from the church, you will find GUERNSEY. 13 a Celtic obelisk of granite, standing erect about twelve feet in height : this is one of the most perfect monuments of its class in the island ; the church and parsonage of St. Peter in the wood are pleasantly situated. For particulars see that parish. The road from St. Peter in the wood to Torteval, commands a most extensive marine view ; the hills are extremely bar- ren ; but the vallies in which the villages are situated, present a rich appearance. A stranger is generally impressed with the idea that no human being has ventured to make a perma- nent settlement in this place, from the houses and hamlets being concealed in the ravines ; but this situation is natural when we take into account that those retreats afford conceal- ment and shelter from the piratical attacks so often made in former times, by marauders landing on the coast in quest of plunder ; and this being at a great distance from Marsh Castle and that of Jerbourg, they had to depend on conceal- ment rather than resistance for the safety of their property. After inspecting the church, described under the article Torte- val Parish, the next object of your attention is the cave near Prevot point ; at some distance from this eminence, you will have a full view of the Hanoi s rocks, where the Boreas frigate was lost with most of the crew : those rocks, though now at a distance, once joined the main land, — the traces of a cart road and the iron hinge of a gate recently found there tend to confirm the supposition. On descending to the bay of Rocquaine, you will observe the inroads made on the island by the sea, many acres of no doubt good land have been washed away ; but an accumulation of sand is now forming which may in time wrest from the ocean a portion of that which has been taken away. A forest is said to have formerly existed to the North of this bay ; the title deeds of Mr Eleazar Le Marchant show clearly that the tenants of his manor were formerly, on paying a small fine or duty, duly permitted to feed their pigs in the forests of the Vazon : stumps of trees have ol 3o been found at the Gouboe, a rock under low water mark, and within the memory of several inhabitants of the island in 1737, gardens formerly stood near that rock. Tra- dition of a still higher antiquity relates that the hermit of Herm was accustomed to cross from his cell to St. Sampson's by means of a drawbridge. Having explored Rocquaine bay as far as Le Ree barracks, 2 14 GUERNSEY. the traveller, in order to diversify the scene, is recommended to return to town by way of St. Saviour's and St. Andrew's. From Le Ree, the road to St. Saviour's is on a gradual ascent ; t 1 island of Lihou and the Western coast may be seen to advantage ; the church of St. Saviour's, which stands in an elevated spot, is described under the article Parish of St. Saviour's. On leaving St. Saviour's, the Vauxbelets, the seat of F. Mansell, Esq., stands on the left, and a little further, the manor house of St. Helena, the country residence of W. De Jersey, Esq. ; from the church, which you will find under the article of St. Andrew's parish, there is a road leading to St. Peter-Port, where you will pass many seats visited in the first tour. FIFTH TOUR. From St. Peter-Port to St. Sampson's, Vale, Lancresse, Grande Rocque, Saumarez, St. George, retrograding by the Rohais to Town. In proceeding from St. Peter-Port to St. Sampson's, you pass down the Pollet, through the Esplanade to Belgrave bay. The Grandes Maisons on the left, is an edifice of considerable antiquity, with its Saxon doorways and windows, coeval with the erections of the eleventh century. St. Sampson's church deserves your particular attention ; the harbour, between this edifice and Vale castle, is commodious and well sheltered, bidding fair to rival that of St. Peter-Port. In this parish is Gearing's Hotel, famous for its teas, ham, eggs, &c, with an excellent garden for the accommodation of parties. Vale castle stands at a short distance from the village of St. Samp- son's, on a commanding spot ; near the hill on which it is situated, you will observe a small cementery, where, during the plague which raged in Guernsey many years ago, persons dying of that malady were interred in this spot, without dis- tinction of rank. Having inspected the Vale castle, the stranger will return to the village and proceed to East Vale road, near which stands a Druid's altar, already noticed ; and in diverging to the North, you will have a full view of Fort Doyle and several GUERNSEY. 15 imartello towers towards Lancresse bay, which at a small ex- pence, might be rendered available as a harbour in time of war : at this bay, on a rising ground to the South, you will discover a druidical monument, and in crossing the race course, you easily trace the wall of chapel St. Michael, and the cottage standing, no doubt, a remnant of the cells belonging to that venerable building. Having inspected Vale church and cemetery, at the West end you will perceive a druidical kistvaen in good preservation, and on the common, another of lesser dimensions : to the West of the church, is Grand Havre, from which the Braye du Valle was inundated ; but since the embankment has been made, the sand has accumu- lated to a great extent, by which means in a few years, that vast bay may become arable land. Leaving the Vale church on Saumarez road, the fourth turning to the right hand will lead you to Grande Rocque, — the scenery here is exceedingly pleasant, the opening of Cobo bay at any season of the year is peculiarly delightful ; to the right you will remark every where great accumulations of sand, and it is natural to infer that since the Braye du Valle was enclosed, the currents have taken a different direction, yielding dry land instead of ocean. The last road from Cobo bay leads you to the lower Catel road, and past the country seat of Lord De Saumarez ; tins mansion, from the lowness of its situation, commands a limited prospect : the edifice is neat and uniform, being of modern erection ; the parterre and grounds, with fish ponds and weeping willows in front, are tastefully laid out, and the spreading elms afford shelter from the prevailing winds. The next mansion is that of St. George, the residence of Colonel Guille, Aide-de-Camp to his Majesty, and one of the Jurats of the Royal Court. This house is a neat, modern edifice, with grounds laid out in the English style, and in point of tasteful arrangement stands unrivalled by any similar attempt in the Island of Guernsey. The shrubberies mixed with useful and ornamental timber ; the ponds with weeping willows ; the urns and statues present, as a whole, at all sea- sons, a fresh and varied landscape, at once rich and pleasing. At a short distance from the parterre, near a fish pond, is a well, with a stone cross, at some distance from which once stood the famous Chapel of St. George, an oratory belonging to the Abbey of Mount St. Michael ; the well for ages was far famed for many miraculous virtues it possessed, and in the dark 16 GUERNSEY. ages of popery, yielded to the Priests more than their fixed fees : the barren amongst the natives, and the sister island, as well as foreigners flocked thither, and on drinking the wa- ters of this well, nine successive morning's fasting, without either accosting or being accosted by any person in their way thither, they became as fruitful vines : but so rigidly obser- vant was this Saint of the rules of taciturnity that any devotee making an inroad on his rule, suffered certain pains and pen- alties ; curses and execrations, which could only be removed, and that with great difficulty, by the payment of certain sums of money. The young maidens on presenting a piece of money nine successive times, (if on the same day it mattered little) they had assurances of matrimonial alliances within nine times nine weeks, and by looking into the well on pay- ing the last piece, they saw, or fancied they saw, the image of their intended husbands reflected in the water : should the image be an acquaintance, which was generally the case, the original was summoned before St. George, and the Priest declared the destinies of Heaven as to his future happiness in the lawful bonds of matrimony. So great was the ascen- dency of the clergy over the minds of the laity, that their fiat was generally imperative. Many maladies, as before observ- ed, were curable by drinking or washing with this water, dis- eases of the eye were at once removed, the blind often received their sight : on several occasions the wrinkles of old age disap- peared in a few days, and several sages of antiquity, from a free use of this water, and a liberal allowance to the funds, have walked out quite renovated in all the bloom of youth. An old lady from Lihou left at the door an ass heavily laden and approached the Oratory on crutches ; her eyes were dim with extreme age, her limbs refused to perform their wonton functions : she brought with her sufficient gifts and fees for the occasion , and in less than three months, from a free use of the waters, she became completely renovated, assumed an air of youth, had her vision, teeth and hair resto- red, and returned to Lihou so metamorphosed, that the beast on which she rode scarcely knew her, and what was worse she was nearly disinherited by her next of kin, who had sei- zed upon her patrimonial estate and denied her identity. Spectres of various degrees of deformity often visited this cell at the melancholy hour of midnight, when the destinies of many were duly decided either by the frowns or smiles of GUERNSEY. 17 the friar, none but the holy were safe in this sacred place ; noises indescribable, yells, groans and murmurings, were the signals of the approaching spectre : marked attention and si- lence were enjoined by the priest ; indubitable destruction awaited the transgressor, or double fees were necessary to ap- pease the wrath off the enfuriated demon who approached from the valley and shadow of death, enjoining silence on all mor- tals within this his domain. Adjoining the chapel of St. George was a cemetery : the bones of the saints from which served as valuable relics in the working of miracles, foretelling future events, removing witch- craft, &e. A singular tale is related of one of those relics. A female of devout habits had disappeared from her friends and was found after a long search near the Hanois rocks in the bay of Roequaine, deprived of life by some unknown hand : she was an only daughter and much lamented by her parents, who were said to have been inconsolable at her loss, and to have died of grief. The mangled body was buried in the ce- metery of St. George, and her ghost continued to haunt the spot, to the terror of many, sometimes assuming the human form, ghastly in appearance, with bleeding wounds, and utter- ing piteous cries ; at other times in a winding sheet, emerging from a coffin, bearing the cross supported by rosaries and other terrestrial habilliments : it often became an serial be- ing with head and shoulders and wings, flying like a se- raph, and on several occasions assumed the naked human skeleton with phosphoric bones, yielding a glimmering light in the dark, of terrific grandeur. But when the midnight hour arrived, aftej* uttering a hollow groan accompanied with loud peals of thunder, the spirit gradually disappeared on the tomb of the deceased, when after a rustling wind, the stillness of death reigned on the spot for several successive hours. That the dark deed of murder, however secretly perpetrated, can seldom be concealed for any length of time, is miraculous- ly evinced by the sequel of the present narrative. It happen- ed after the lapse of several years, that the grave of this unfortunate woman was opened for the reception of another inmate : when one of the spectators examined a bone with marks of violence, which had been thrown out, andjpassing it round the crowd of mourners, it got into the hands of a person who had never been suspected of the murder ; but the moment it was in his possession, the dry bone yielded a stream of blood 2* 18 GUERNSEY* to the horror of all present : the culprit was so struck with ter- ror, that he made a full confession of the inhuman murder, to- gether with the manner of its perpetration : he was duly tri- ed in a few weeks from the discovery, and executed at St. An- drew's ; after which period the apparition ceased to visit its nocturnal haunts in the cemetery of St. George : the Orato- ries of St. Germain and St. Ann, near to that of St. George,had each their sacred well : but. either from the lack of records or sufficient skill on the part of their priest ; the whole has escaped the page of history, without having hoarded up a single miracle, love or ghost story to enrich their legends. From St. George to St. Peter-Port, you will observe the Catel Hospital and Church to the right, with the whole range of the Vale and St, Sampson's to the left, which, with several intervening cottages, form the principal objects till you arrive at Ivy Gate, one mile from the Town Church ; but as the traveller must by this time be fatigued with his tour, he may leave this spot for future investigation. SIXTH TOUR. From St. Peter-Port to King's Mills, St. Saviour's, he Ree, Richmond, Island of Lihon, bach through St. Andrew's to Town. At the entrance to Rohais, one mile from town, Ivy Gate will attract attention ; the principal arch is of Saxon origin, as well as the two postern entrances : the direct road dividing a spacious lawn is now common to four well built modern houses inhabited by families of distinction : this will lead you in a direct line to a venerable building at the bottom of a verdant valley bordering a fish pond ; and from its situation and ori- ginal extent, must have either been conventual, or the residence of some ancient manorial lord. The primitive building form- ing an extensive quadrangle, entered by two massy Saxon portals : the out-buildings, of which some traces are left, formed the necessary offices, and the garden walls bear evident marks of antiquity coeval with the building itself, which is now occupied by a farmer. On returning through the lawn to the Rohais road, you will observe in the extreme left on an emi- GUERNSEY. 19 nence, the elegant modern mansion of Colonel De Havilland with a colonade in front, supported by massy Ionian pillars ; the steps leading to the portico and hall are of the finest marble highly polished ; the interior arrangements are of the most convenient description, and furniture superb. The Co- lonel amassed a princely fortune in India, and returned to spend the evening of his days in his native isle. In leaving the lower road to the Catel church, you will pass the residence of Captain Bainbrigge to the left ; the valley in front is pleasant, and the house is well sheltered by surround- ing trees ; Catel church, as has been already observed, was erected on the site of an ancient castle built by piratical intru- ders ; but no part of the structure now remains. Passing Colonel GuihVs and turning to the left, we arrive at the King's Mills, which village is pleasantly situated at the lower part of a beautiful valley leading to St. Andrew's, a\id is well wooded and sheltered from the prevailing winds ; here the orange comes to full perfection in the open air, Mr. Moullin has one fine tree with a Southern aspect, on which is generally a profusion of fruit ; in winter, when the weather is fine, the succession of crop is kept up ; but when frost sets in it is matted over, and has seldom failed in yielding an abundant produce for many years. In the village is a respectable inn, kept by Mr. Carrington, and at the distance of a mile and a half, the house of Mr. Alexander, noted for the excellence of its accommodation as a rural hotel ; the wines are good, and refreshments may be had at a short notice with reasonable charges. On returning to the Grande Rue road, you soon arrive at a village containing many good houses with extensive orchards and gardens ; the first building on the right, nearly opposite Colonel Mansell's residence, is the chapel of St. Apoline or Apolmaire, one of the oldest oratories in Guernsey, supposed to have been erected long before any of the parochial churches ; it is an oblong building with a Saxon doorway, and the win- dows, which are built up externally, still exhibit the Saxon arch ; the ceiling is a strong stone arch nearly semi-circular, strengthened by an immense load of building, forming a solid angular roof, which is rudely covered with tiling. This cha- pel, since the dissolution of monastic buildings, has been shamefully degraded, having served the successive offices of a barn, wood-house and cider-cellar, at the will of the farmer. 20 GUERNSEY. At a short distance from this village, the traveller will have a full view of Le Ree barracks and the island of Lihou ; near the barracks is a druidical altar, forming a compound cromlech of smaller dimensions than those on Lancresse, but of the same class. Near to a small cottage to the left, is a stone of im- mense size, which has never been noticed by the antiquary, owing, perhaps, to its being enclosed in a certain degree from the road ; this, from its form and situation, was. no doubt, at one period a rocking stone, used in druidical rites ; but now thrown from its balance. From this situation, you have a full view of Rocquaine bay, Torteval and the Hanois rocks. Should the tide prove favourable, the traveller will find a tolerable road or rather causeway, leading from Le Ree to the island of Lihou ; but as the tide approaches this causeway in two directions, great care must be taken to leave the island in time, otherwise they must remain the course of a tide, and the accommodations at the small house are not of the most in- viting nature. The ruins of the chapel will next draw your attention, — a small remnant now only remains ; the building has shared the same fate as the impositions practised at the period of its decay. Near the chapel are to be seen several hewn baths, said to have been miraculously formed by the eddy of the tide. The bishop of Coutance recommends the chapel to the charitable in the following prayer : — " We re- commend thee to every testator and testatrix, so that they may remembeT to support and uphold thee, and those who will have thee in their care, to whom we give express command to invoke night and day the blessing of God upon all religious and charitable persons who will contribute to thy maintenance." The bishop took this opportunity of adding to the temporal munificence of the establishment, invoking blessings only on such as then contributed or should thereafter add to its funds. After taking a general survey of the islet, the traveller will find little else worthy his attention, and having on a former tour visited the Southern district, we advise the traveller to return by way of King's Mills to St. Andrew's ; this short distance will at once break the monotony of marine prospects, and he will find himself embosomed in a beautiful valley, rich- ly ornamented with timber ; so much so, that he will at once suppose himself transported to some inland county in England, where studied art had placed every tree in a fixed position. On leaving St. Andrew's, already noticed, you will arrive at GUERNSEY. 21 the Bailiff's cross, and afterwards at an old Saxon mansion, to which a melancholy tale is attached. The Bailiff's Cross, and Execution of Gautier de la Salle, first Bailiff of Guernsey, in 1284. About a mile from St. Peter-Port, in the parish of St. An- drew's, near a place called the Bailiff's cross, was the former place of execution for criminals condemned by the Royal Court. Near this spot is an ancient Saxon edifice, gloomy in the ex- treme, where you could imagine the place at once well suited to the perpetration of crime in the dark ages. A traditionary tale, considered authentic by all classes in Guernsey, will so far confirm, or rather heighten the feeling of first impressions. This place was the residence of Gautier de la Salle, the first Bailiff on record in the island, who possessed a large estate contiguous, called La Petite Ville ; here the Bailiff lived in affluence, and attended to his magisterial duties with almost despotic power. A poor man, named Massey, was possessed of a vergee of land, at the back of the Bailiff's house, who had a right of draw- ing water from a well on the Bailiff's premises, which seems to have greatly annoyed him, that after in vain attempting to get from Massey this little inheritance, he formed the horrible design of taking away the poor man's life ; to effect his pur- pose, he hid some plate in a rick of corn, and accused Massey of the theft, and so clear was the evidence adduced against him, that he was condemned to suffer death for the double crime of Theft and Larceny. On the day fixed for Massey' s execution, it seems the Bailiff before his departure from home,to attend the execution of his victim, gave orders for the removal of one of his ricks into his barn, and the men mistaking the one pointed out, set to work, on the one in which the plate was concealed, which was soon discovered, and a messenger was dispatched with all speed to the court, then assembled to attend the execution of poor Massey. The man hastily cried out, " The plate is found ;" and the Bailiff being taken unawares exclaimed, ' That was not the rick I told you to remove, I knew it was there," or words to that effect, which at once proved his guilty design. Massey 2*2 GUERNSEY. was restored to his friends ; and much to the credit of the is- land, the Baliff was sentenced to the same death which he intended for this innocent man. A stone is still to be seen near a place called the Yauquedor, upon which a cross is rudely cut, said to be the spot where the Bailiff received the sacrament near the foot of the gallows. The place still bears the name of the Bailiff's Cross, and his estate, which was forfeited to the Crown, is still known by the name of La Ville au Roi. One part of the narrative is imperfect ; viz., whether the Bai- liff was allowed a regular trial, or was, from the plenitude of his own confession, dealt with in a summary manner like a second "Haiman," remains untold ; certain it is, however, that he suffered that ignominious death which his crimes richly merited ; and that Massey, notwithstanding the cricking of his own neck, played the " rogue's march " with great glee on that melancholy occasion. When the Bailiff was duly hanged, and laid in his grave, both of which ceremonies took place on the same day, Massey of course, naturally expected " to have lived under his vine and fig-tree," without any one to make him afraid ; but in this he was egregiously mistaken ; for no sooner had he reached home, and going for the purpose of drawing water, than the image of De La Salle stood between him and the well with dreadful aspect ; his arms were pinioned, the contour of his visage in the agonies of death, was distinctly formed on the white cap which still covered his countenance. A terrific being was in close attendance, supposed to have been his Satanic Majesty, with dragon form, a barbed tongue and tail, his head unproportionably large, his open jaws thickly set with a treble row of frightful fangs ; fire was emitted from his mouth with brimstone odour, and his wings yielded per- petual sound. The buckets fell from poor Massey's hands — he became convulsed — profuse perspiration bedewed his whole frame, produced by mental excitement. On proceeding to town, to avoid a recurrence, the image of De La Salle always preceded him ; and although it had all the appearance of corporeal matter, yet it occupied no space and yielded no shadow. Human nature at last became so exhausted by expo- sure to perpetual scenes of this nature, that Massey sold his small patrimonial estate, and the manes of La Salle, as if satisfied with the result, never haunted him afterwards ; but confined its nocturnal freaks and rambles to the precincts of the old mansion, which it continues to haunt to this day. GUERNSEY. 23 The clergy, the laity, the sacred, the profane hear it without distinction ; and although centuries have rolled on, genera- tion succeeding generation, yet De La Salle keeps possession of his domain, whoever the landlord may be. To such a length has the belief in supernatural agency been carried in Guernsey, that any thing seen in the dark and dusk of the evening, which cannot be clearly accounted for through the natural medium of the senses, it is at once denounced to be either the Devil or De La Salle. And this is perhaps the only instance on record, in this or any other country, where hanging has not effectually cured all incentives to theft, mur- der, or avaricious propensities. FINIS. THE STRANGERS* GITIRE TO THE ISLAND OF JERSEY, CONTAINING ITS HISTORY, SITUATION, EXTENT, POPULATION, LAWS, MANNERS, CUSTOMS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AMUSEMENTS, CLIMATE, AND PRODUCTIOiNS. TOGETHER WITH ITS GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY, AND A COMPLETE COMMERCIAL DIRECTORY. EMBELLISHED WITH A MAP OF JERSEY, GUERNSEY : PUBLISHED BY J. E. COLLINS, STATES' ARCADE LIBRARY, AND MAY BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS. PRINTED BY T. J. MAUGER. 1833. PREFACE As daily alterations are making in the various departments of Trade, together with many local improvements in the Is- land of Jersey, it is a matter of primary importance to the Stranger to have an accurate detail, according to the present existence of things, without being compelled to wade through a mass of obsolete and irrelevant matter. The leading feature of this Work is to give within its limits as much crude matter as the space will permit, admit- ting nothing trivial, and omitting nothing which the scientific traveller may wish to ascertain. The Publisher has endeavoured to give in detail the history of Jersey from the earliest period ; its manners, laws and observances, not generally known ; together with the Geology and Mineralogy of the Island ; its public Buildings, Trade, Commerce, Manufactures and Antiquities : to which is added, a complete Commercial Directory. In writing this Guide the Publisher availed himself of the best works, from which he has gleaned much valuable infor- mation, viz., from the late Rev. P. Falle's History, Captain Lyte's and Doctor Heylins Compendium, and also from Le Lievre's Guide. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. General observations, situation, extent, population, &c 5 CHAPTER II. Descriptive view of the Town of St. Helier's and its various in- stitutions .... 15 CHAPTER III. Promenade in the Town and environs of St. Helier, with a des- criptive account of St. Lawrence, St. Peter, St. Brelade, St. Oaen and St. Mary 35 CHAPTER IV. Descriptive account of St. John, Trinity, St. Martin, Grouville, St. Clement and St. Saviour 53 CHAPTER V. The Island divided into a four days' excursion 71 CHAPTER VI. Constituted Authorities, Rules for the Courts, Population table, distances, consecrations, &c SO CHAPTER VII. A brief historical account of the Island of Jersey, civil and ec- clesiastical S6 CHAPTER VIII. Military defence, government, laws and customs 96 CHAPTER IX. Trade, Productions, Weights, Coins and Measures 106 CHAPTER X. Mineralogy 110 CHAPTER XI. Directory of all Tradesmen, Merchants and Shopkeepers of St. Helier 1 1 i CHAPTER XII. General Index and direction for sea-bathing , 125 ERRATA. Page 17, line 21, for ovr read hour. 8, — 1, for bbief read brief. 104, — 3, for bestowed read bestowing. — — 16, for now not attainable without read now only attainable with. 108, — 22, for is read are GUIDE THE ISLAND OF JERSEY. CHAPTER I. i GENERAL OBSERVATIONS, SITUATION, EXTENT, POPULA- TION, &c. Jersey is the most extensive of those Islands, which lie in the Bay formed by Cape La Hogue and Cape Frehel. It is situated in the English Channel, near the coast of Britany, and Normandy, in forty-nine degrees, sixteen minutes of North latitude, and two degrees twenty-two minutes of West longitude, from the meridian of London. It is from twelve to thirteen miles in length, and scarcely seven in breadth. Its distance from Southampton is one hundred and twenty miles : from Weymouth, eighty-five miles : from the Isle of Wight, ninety miles : from Plymouth, one hundred and twenty miles, and from Carteret or Port Bail, which are the two nearest French ports, is only fifteen miles : from Gran- ville, twenty-four miles, and from St. Malo, twenty-nine miles. It is also about sixteen miles and a half South South-East by the chart distance from Guernsey. It contains about sixty-two and a half square miles, and by a very accurate measurement, its superficies are between thirty-nine and forty-thousand acres, with a population of thirty-seven thou- sand persons. The Island is divided into twelve parishes ; those on the B* 6 JERSEY. North, are Trinity, St. John's, St. Mary's ; on the West, St. Ouen's, St. Brelade's, St. Peter's ; on the South, St. Lau- rence, St. Helier's, St. Saviour's ; on the East, St. Clement's, Grouville, and St. Martin's. All having a communication with the sea, which possibly arose from a singular pri- vilege once existing in the Island, from each of the churches, which in former days, were sanctuaries for those who after the commission of a capital offence, took refuge there, a path one perch in width, and called perquage, ran in a direct line to the sea, possessing the same power of protection as the church itself. Criminals, on abjuring their country, according to the practice of the time, were conducted in safety to the water, and thus enabled to quit the Island. The Reformation, which no longer allowed the church to be the sanctuary of vice, destroyed also the power of the perquages to shelter criminals from justice. They were seized by the crown in the time of Charles the Second. Jersey exhibits an inclined plane : part of its eastern coast commencing at Mont Orgueil, and the whole of its northern shore, form one continuous range of rocks, rising abruptly from the ocean, frequently to an elevation of from forty to fifty fathoms. It is a very probable conjecture, that many of the adjacent rocks were originally part of the Island itself. There is a legendary tradition, that this Island was once so contiguous to France, that persons passed over on a plank or bridge, paying a small toll to the Abbey of Coutance. Several circumstances give a colour to the probability, that, the whole of St. Michael's Bay, from Cape la Hogue to Cape Frehel, or the greater part of it, was once dry ground, either forming a portion of the main land or insulated. The conveyances to the Island are numerous. The follow- ing is a correct list of trading and passage vessels. His Majesty's Post Office Steam Packets, Flamer, Captain F. White ; Water sprite, Captain Robert White, and Ivanhoe, JERSEY. 7 Captain Comben, alternately leave Weymouth for Guernsey and Jersey, every Wednesday and Saturday eveuings, and return every Tuesday and Saturday mornings. — Rates of passage money to and from Weymouth, Guernsey and Jersey : Cabin passengers, each twenty-one shillings ; female servants, each, fifteen shillings ; male ditto, twelve shillings and six pence ; labourers, working mechanics or servants out of place, each, ten shillings ; soldiers or sailors, not on duty, each, five shillings ; paupers, with a pass, each, seven shil- lings and six pence ; children, under ten years of age, to be charged half the rates paid by their parents. Carriages, with four wheeels, each three pounds ; two wheels, thirty shillings. Horses, thirty shillings, Dogs, with owners, two shillings and six pence ; ditto, on freight, five shillings. Parcels of or under thirty pounds weight, two shillings and six pence ; ditto, above thirty pounds, one penny per pound. Cash, or bullion, one and half per cent. Rates of passage money between Guernsey and Jersey : cabin passengers, each, five shillings ; deck passengers, two shillings and six pence. The above rates to be paid in British money, and the freight of all parcels must be paid for at the time they are received on board. Ariadne, steamer, Captain Bazin, leaves Southampton for Guernsey and Jersey, after the arrival of the London and other coaches, every Tuesday evening, at six o'clock, and returns every Friday, except the weeks she goes to France, and arrives at Southampton Saturday, in time for the morn- ing coaches. Conveys passengers and merchandise. Fares to and from Southampton — main cabin, thirty shillings ; fore cabin, eighteen shillings : deck, ten shillings and six pence : freight, six pence per cubit foot. To and from Guernsey, five shillings ; deck, two shillings and six pence. Agents, Mr. Benest, Bond-Street, Jersey : Mr. Nicholas Peter Maingy, Burnt-Lane, Guernsey, and Mr. Le Feuvre, Southampton. 8 JERSEY. Lord Beresford, steamer, Captain Young, leaves Southamp- ton for Guernsey and Jersey, every Friday evening at six o'clock, after the arrival of the London and other coaches, and returns every Tuesday, except the weeks she goes to France, and arrives at Southampton Wednesday in time for the morning coaches. Conveys passengers and Merchandise. Fares, to and from Southampton — main cabin, thirty-shillings ; fore cabin, eighteen shillings ; deck, ten shillings and six pence ; freight, six pence per cubit foot. Agents, Mr. Struve, Jer- sey ; Mr. Barbet, Guernsey, and Mr. Clark, Southampton. His Majesty's steamers run the whole year, the private steamers run only from about the beginning of April to the end of October. There are many other vessels of minor importance that trade to and from Southampton, Portsmouth, Weymouth, Plymouth, Bristol, London, St. Malo, Granville, Regneville, and Guernsey, forming a regular communication twice or three times a week. It is not generally known that steam navigation now ex- ists between Jersey, Guernsey, and all parts of Great-Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Holland, &c. The Beresford and the Ariadne visit Jersey and Guernsey weekly ; and can turn over passengers to the Camilla, which regularly runs from Southampton to Havre. — The Sir Fran- cis Drake, steamer, plies between Plymouth and Guernsey, and communicates with steamers which pass round the Land's-End — proceed to Bristol, Dublin, &c. finally continue a trip to Bordeaux, and up the Levant, as far as Malta. Sea-sickness, which is so unpleasant to most people, tho* so healthful in its results, is often avoided by persons who take but little nourishment, and lie down on their side, such have been but slightly affected, while others have been very ill during the passage. JERSEY. 9 We lost sight, says a tourist, who visited Jersey in a sail- ing vessel, of the Needles at sun-set, there was little wind' but a heavy, weltering sea all night ; nevertheless, our bark drove merrily on her way, and at day-break the French coast was dimly visible through the haze of the morning. At dawn, the breeze died away; and as the tide set strong- ly against us, it was found necessary to let go an anchor, in order to prevent the current carrying us out of our course. The surface of the ocean, though furrowed by the long deep swell peculiar to seas of vast extent, looked as if oil had been poured upon it. The vessel too pitched prodigiously ; but neither foam, bubbles, nor spray, ruffled the glossy ex- panse. Wave after wave swept by in majesty, smooth and shining like mountains of molten crystal : and though the ocean was agitated to its profoundest depths, its convulsed bosom had a character of sublime serenity, which neither pen nor pencil could fully describe. To those who are unacquainted with the coast of Jersey, the navigation must be very dangerous, as rocks abound in almost every direction. Many of these are concealed at high water, and render the escape of the vessel, guided by an unskilful hand, or driven by the fury of the tempest, almost impossible, the powerful currents produced by the rocks, add much to the natural defence of the Island. No one approaching from the North, would imagine that it could be at all distinguished for its fertility. Rocks, to the h eighth of more than two hundred feet, rise perpendicularly from the sea, along the more Northern part of the Island, presenting a barrier perfectly inaccessible. This part of the Island cannot fail highly to gratify the admirer of sublime scenery. The rocks appear in every form of grotesque mag- nificence. The tremendous cliffs must fill the mind with the most solemn and awful emotions ; there is many a point here to which one might glance the eye, and repeat with propri- ety, the sentiments of the poet. There b2 10 JERSEY. Nature sits alone, Majestic on her craggy throne. But the Southern side of it presents one immense and beautiful Bay, whilst the internal landscape consists of cottages and mansions, rich woodlands, orchards and fields, cultivated by the hand of the husbandman, with streamlets and the finest rural scenery. Many a spot here would readily have suggested the beautiful lines of the English poet — admire, None more admires the painter's magic skill ; But imitative strokes can do no more Than please the eye ; sweet nature every sense ; The air salubrious of her lofty hills, The cheering fragrance of her dewy vales And music of her woods ; no works of man May rival these. Like Guernsey, and the other Norman Isles, Jersey was doubtless, peopled by the Celtic tribes residing on the neigh- bouring continent, to which, indeed, it is highly probable, they were once united. The present inhabitants pride them- selves on their descent from the warlike Normans, who under the celebrated Rollo, established themselves by the force of arms in the North of France in the ninth century. The Island was added to the dominion of Britain at the conquest. Many of the Islanders can boast of an unconquered name, and are gratified to recollect, that they originally gave a King to England, and not Eng-jand a Kins: to them. The climate of Jersey is exceedingly mild and very agree- able ; so much so, that some medical men, have given it as their opinion, that persons who are delicate in their health, would derive as much advantage from a visit to it, as they would do to the South of France. Camden says, that there was no business in Jersey for the physicians ; but Falle adds, that in his day, intemperance had produced gout, and many diseases. Frost never continues long in Jersey ; and it is rarely that snow lies more than a day or two on the ground. JERSEY. 11 Carnations, pinks, and spring flowers, often blossom during the winter months, the climate here being certainly milder than in England, it is not so cold in winter ; nor, on account of its sea breezes, so sultry in summer. Cases of consumption, however, are not unfrequent. There is not a spot, where the atmosphere is such that the inhabitants do not grow ill and die. The landing at St. Helier's, at high-water, is very good ; but when the tide is ebbed, it is not so pleasant, you mostly at low- water land on the rocks, or are carried on shore in gigs, carts, or sometimes on men's backs, as is often the case, in similar circumstances, in many parts of France. If the stranger were to form a judgment of the Island from a superficial view of the Western side, he would think the soil was miserably barren. This, however, is by no means the case. In many parts the roads are literally embowered by trees ; the country seems to be one vast orchard, pre- senting in the vernal season, a scene of indescribable beauty : — One boundless blush, one white-empurpled shower Of mingled blossoms. And, in Autumn, when they are loaded with blushing fruit, they do indeed render the landscape unique and delicious. The farm-houses, which are numerous, are built of stone ; commonly with blocks of granite ; they are thatched. This is also the case with the cottages of the poor. The inhabi- tants are generally of the middle stature, and have much of the courtesy of the French manners, a broken English is much spoken by the common people ; but by the better educated, tolerably well. The French is the language mostly used by natives. It is the language of the Bar, of the Pulpit, and of legal documents. The habits of the women are peculiar ; over a black stuff petticoat, they wear a kind of frock or bedgown, with black stockings, bonnet and shawl, but all peculiarities of dress are rapidly superseding by English 12 JERSEY. fashions. A large portion of the country people are assidu- ously engaged in the management of their cattle, small farms and orchards, present an aspect if not of oppulence, yet of general comfort and felicity ; very many indeed appear Rich in content, in nature's bounty rich. The lands produce from thirty to fifty shillings a vergee ; which is high, as about two vergees and a quarter make an English acre. The Island does not produce wheat enough for the wants of the population ; but this deficiency is easily remedied by importations from various parts of Russia, Prussia, &c. The people grow great quantities of carrots and parsnips ; but more especially of apples and potatoes. Parsnips furnish food for the cows and pigs in the winter. The principal stock of the Jersey farmer is composed of cows and poultry. Almost every one is so well acquainted with the excellencies of the Alderney cow, that it is unne- cessary to narrate them. They are generally tethered through- out the Island ; so that whilst the animal is enjoying one part of the field, the other is springing, and will soon af- ford her a fresh pasture. Most of the birds known in En- gland are common here excepting the nightingale. But there are no foxes, nor hedgehogs, nor badgers, and the pretty little squirrel is unknown as a wild animal. Though in Guern- sey there are neither toads nor moles, yet they abound in Jersey, — so that a recent tourist says, " Travelling the road from Grouville to St. Helier's after sun-set, myriads of these creatures were crossing the road in every direction." Li- zards also are very numerous, but some of these are ad- mired for their beauty. Falle says, that the greatest defor- mity of the Island in his day, was the incredible number of toads. Plees observes that its present deformity, is, "an incredible number of weeds." Neither of which are appli- JERSEY. 13 cable to the present day, toads and weeds there are cer- tainly, but not an incredible number. Roads intersect the country in every direction ; but there is a great want of hand-posts to guide the stranger in the right way. It is customary, especially in the country, when an enquirer demands the distance from one place to ano- ther, the answer is, half an hour, an hour, or two hours, but in the town of St. Helier's you would be answered by miles. Many, even of the wealthiest farmers, live in the plainest manner. Luxury seems not to have found its way, at least very extensively among them. The rooms of their houses are whitewashed, and the floors are not unfrequently of earth. Their furniture and food are also of the most frugal des- cription. The landowners, by their own industry, keep the roads in excellent repair ; there are no turnpikes in Jersey, nor none necessary. Every individual from seventeen to sixty-five years of age, is enrolled in the militia. The revenue is about ten thousand pounds, which is raised principally on wines and spirits that are imported ; on the licences to retail them ; and on harbour and anchorage duties. The States' debt is about eighty thousand pounds. The principal part was contracted during the last war, in putting the Island in a state of defence. Much land is entirely wasted by the numerous fences and hedgerows. Falle says they are great bulwarks of earth, raised with much labour and expence, six and eight feet high, sometimes more, answerably thick and solid, planted with quicksets or timber tree, many of them faced with stone, as you see the outside of a rampart in a fortification. The innumerable rocks round the Island produce great quantities of sea- weed, which affords a rich manure for the 14 JERSEY. ground. It is only allowed to be gathered at two particular periods of the year. Much, however is cast up by the sea which the poor people collect and sell to the farmers. They dry it in the same manner as hay. It is then put into ricks, and used as fuel ; the ashes are thrown on the land and are in a high degree beneficial. The periods of taking the vraic is a sort of harvest time to the country people. The principal beverage is cyder, of which they make im- mense quantities. They live in general more in the French style, rather than the English. Their seamen are numerous, hardy and adventurous. Their peasantry careful, orderly and industrious ; and their merchants very enterprising. JERSEY. 15 CHAPTER II. St. HELIER's AND ITS VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS. St. Helier's, so named from the patron saint of Jersey, who is said to have been murdered by the Normans in one of their piratical excursions, is the principal town in the Island. It differs little from the majority of many sea-ports in England, unless in the predominance of foreign names to be observed on many sign-boards, and the groups of Frenchwomen, distinguished by their fantastic head-dress, who perambulate the streets to dispose of their merchandise. The market, which for orderly arrangement and plenteous supply, is scarcely excelled in any quarter of His Majesty's dominions, is well worthy of a visit. A great many Norman women may be seen here, who come from Granville to dispose of their fowls, fish, eggs, fruit, and vegetables. Most of them, when seated at their stalls, are industriously em- ployed at their needles, when not occupied serving their customers. They are generally hard-featured, and their gro- tesque head-dress, parti-coloured kerchiefs, and short, clum- sily-plaited petticoats, give them an air not very congenial to an Englishman's taste. They are, however, clean, civil, and honorable in their traffic. The town of St. Helier's, which is the principal of the Island, is finely situated in the Eastern corner of St. Aubin's bay. It lies open to the warm southern breezes, but is sheltered by the hills on the other points. The houses are solid buildings of brick and stone, and in the English style. Thirty or forty years since, many of them, even in the principal streets, were covered with thatch. 16 JERSEY. St. Helier's Church is the best in the Island ; it was consecrated in 3341, and is of the Norman architecture ; it is the only one whichmerits examination. There is a good organ in it, and several handsome monuments of marble. Worship in the morning and evening in the French language, and in the afternoon in the English. St. Paul's Chapel, in New-Street, is a substantial edifice ; it has a portico in the Doric style, the columns of which are of Jersey granite. It was opened for divine service in 1818, and will contain one thousand persons. The officiating minister is the Rev. Archdeacon Mant. The episcopal service is performed in English at eleven in the morning, and half past two in the afternoon. Application for pews are to be made to Mr Baker, New-Street. St. James' Chapel, St. James's-Street. This elegant church, in the gothic style, was opened on Sunday the first of No- vember, 1829. The present officiating minister is the Rev. J. Currie. The episcopal service is performed in English, at eleven in the morning, and half-past three in the afternoon. There are two hundred free sittings, but applications for pews are to be made of Mr. T. O. Lyte, Hill-Street. Calvinist Chapel, Upper Halket-Place — officiating mi- nister Rev. F. Perrot. Service in French at half past ten in the morning and half past six in the evening. Zion Independent Chapel, Zion-Plaee — officiating mi- nister, Rev. T. Strntt. Service in English at eleven in the morning and half-past six in the evening. Albion Chapel, New-Street. English service for the Inde- pendents at eleven in the morning and half-past six in the evening — officiating minister Rev. T. Traveller. English service for the Baptists at three o'clock in the afternoon. Officiating minister Rev. T. Jarvis. Salem Baptist Chapel, Ann-Street — officiating minister, Rev. J. Carre. Service in French, at half-past ten in the morning and half-past six in the evening. JERSEY. 17 Wesley an Chapel, Peter-Street — Episcopal Service in English at eleven in the morning, and six in the evening. Methodist Chapel, Don-Street. Service in French at half past ten in the morning, and half past six in the evening. Primitive Methodists, Hemies — officiating Minister, Rev. Mr. Cousins. Service in English at eleven in the morning, and six in the evening. English Roman Catholic Chapel, Hue-Street. — offici- ating Minister, Rev. Mr. Ryan. Service at eight and eleven in the morning, and three in the afternoon. French Roman Catholic Chapel, Castle-Street — offici- ating Minister, Rev. M. Gaudin. Service at eight and ten in the morning, and three in the afternoon. Baptisms. — At the Town Church, children born in St. Helier's parish, are baptized on Sunday morning at nine o'clock, and on Wednesday and Friday before or after Service. Marriages. — If by Banns, the fees are from five to ten shillings ; by Licence, from ten shillings to five pounds, pay- able to the Dean. They are celebrated either at the Church or Residence of the parties, and the charges vary according to circumstances, and the our and place of solemnization. Stran- gers are required to enter into a Bond, and Foreigners mar- rying subjects of His Majesty, must first obtain permission of the Lieut. Governor. Burials. — There are three Burial grounds in the parish of St. Helier, under the jurisdiction of the Dean, but none be- longing to Llissenters. Charges for interment are as follow : — Breaking the ground for a Stranger, one Pound — Dean's fee ; rated inhabitants exempted. Officiating Clergyman, five shil- lings. Clerk, two shillings and sixpence. Sexton, two shil- lings and sixpence, at the Strangers' Ground, and at the ! New Ground, three shillings and four pence. Permission to erect a head stone, five shillings. Tomb stone from three to five pounds — Dean's fee. The Minister, Clerk and Sexton c 18 JERSEY. usually go to the house to accompany the corpse, and when scarfs, hat bands and gloves are given, they accept them. If Strangers of the Town are buried in the country, the fees are paid in every parish through which the corpse passes. Public Library. — This Library is situated in Library Place, at. the top of Broad-Street, and was founded by a na- tive of the Island, the Rev, Philip Falle, M. A. It* has about five thousand volumes in it, which include those more recently presented by Dr. Dumaresq and a few other indivi- duals. Many useful and valuable books are to be found a- mongst the number, particularly on theological subjects. The States have lately determined on expending one hundred per annum, to enrich the collection by the addition of modern works, and by supplying works in those branches of Litera- ture and Science in which it is most deficient. This sum, if judiciously applied, will, in course of a few years, render this Establishment of essential benefit to the Island. The sub- scription is only five shillings per annum ; no books are suf- fered to be removed from the Room, which is open three days in the week. The founder was chaplain to William the Third and has compiled the best history of the Isle which gave him birth. A house is provided for the Librarian ; over the Library door on a stone tablet, is the following inscription : — ANNO MDCCXXXVI. In Dei Optimi Maximi Gloriam, Religionis bonarumque Literarum. Adjumentum HOC MUSEUM, Propriis sumptibus extruxit, et Librorum in plerisque Facultatibus ; haud curta Supeilectile locupleravit, PHILIPPUS FALLE, pene Octogenarius, JERSEY. 19 hujus Insulse Indigena, Canonicus Dunelmensis, Oliam etiam Serenissimo Regi GULIELMO IIL a Sacris.* Royal Saloon Library. — This Establishment is spacious, and delightfully situated in the Royal Square. It has about ten thousand volumes of books, in the English and French Languages ; it is the principal circulating Library in the Is- land, and is patronized by all the leading families of distinction. Royal Saloon Reading Room, are the same premises as the above, and is the only public Reading Room in the Island. Its situation is unique ; it is much frequented by the princi- pal gentlemen of the town and country and by the visitors to the Island. The following Papers and Publications may there be seen, viz. : — The Times, Morning Herald, Morning Chronicle, Morning Post, The Courier, Standard, The Globe, Lloyd's List, Prince's Price Current, The Observer, John Bull, Bell's Life in London, Examiner, Spectator, Naval and Military Gazette, The Hamp- shire Telegraph, The Plymouth Herald, Hampshire Advertiser. French Papers, The Courrier Francois, Le National, Le Moniteur du Commerce, et Le Journal des Debats. Monthly Publications. — Blackwood's Magazine, United Service Journal, Monthly Magazine, New Monthly, Frazer's, Tait's Edinburgh, Metropolitan, Asiatic Journal, Court Maga- zine, Ladies, Zoological, Mirror, Olio, &c, Army List. * In the year 1736, to the Glory of Almighty God, and as a help to the study of Religion and useful Literature, Philip Falle, a native of this Island, almost eighty years of age, a canon of Durham, and formerly one of the Chaplains to His most Sacred Majesty, King William the Third, built this Library at his own expence, and enriched it with a liberal donation of books in the various arts and sciences. 20 JERSEY. Quarterly. — Edinburgh Review, Quarterly Review, West- minster Review, and Navy List. Royal Square.— This Square is beautifully paved, and is, without exception, the finest Promenade in Town. It contains the Statue of George the Second in a Roman Military Costume. This was formerly the Market place, and here Major Pier- son lost his life in his spirited defence of the Island in 1781. Royal Court. — On one side of the Royal Square stands the Court House ; it is a solid but plain structure, the only seat of Judicature in the Island, originally built in the year 1647, but much altered since that time. The Royal Court hold their sittings here on the ground floor, to which they are summoned by the bell at the top of the building, in the Belfry, with the crown over it, belonging to the structure. On one side of the spacious room in which they assemble, is a full-length portrait of George the Third, by a native, of the name of Jean ; and on the other side, a painting of General Conway, by Gainsborough, who, about half a century since, was Governor of the Island. The States of Jersey meet in a room above this ; and the other a- partments are used for different purposes, connected with the Government of the Island. Public Baths. — These are situated in Bath-Street, near the genera] Post-office ; they are kept by Mr. John Churchill. Hot and cold, salt and fresh water, as also shower baths, from seven in the morning till ten o'clock at night. The charges are extremely moderate, namely : — hot salt bath, two shillings ; cold do., one shilling ; fresh hot baths, one and sixpence, and shower baths, one shilling and sixpence. Hospital. — This building, situated in Gloucester- Street, has been erected, at different periods, on the site of the old one, which became a temporary Barrack in 1783, and by some accident caught fire. The North wing has been added, JERSEY. 21 through the medium of a grant from the late Charles Robin, Esq., a merchant of St. Aubin's. This edifice includes in it, accommodation for upwards of a hundred and fifty persons. The apartments are large and airy, and the sleeping rooms are fitted up with iron bedsteads. The Establishment is supported by a fund raised by legacies, by a rate levied on all the parishes, and by contributions. The Superintendant has no salary, further than the profits which he can make by farming the inmates at fourpence half-penny per diem a head, living rent free, having the use of a large garden, &c. There is a Chaplain appointed by the States, whose situation is worth about seventy pounds per annum. Prison — Nicholas Babot, Gaoler. — The Prison is a hand- some building, in an airy spot, at the West end of the Town. The cells for the male criminals are on the ground floor, and vaulted, each nine feet square, fourteen in height, has a grat- ed window and an aperture in the door. A space under an arcade is allowed them for exercise ; they have a common room with fire during the winter. Half the upper story, with separate staircase, is for the female criminals, who have a private yard for exercise. The Debtors occupy the remain- ing half of the top floor ; their rooms are from eleven to twelve feet square and well lighted, and an open yard in front of the building is for their exercise. There is a Cha- pel in the centre of the upper floor, a constant supply of good water and every convenience. The criminals are never fettered during incarceration nor trial, and may be visited by an order from the Sheriff. The Debtors on entering are al- lowed by their creditors ninepence three farthings a day, threepence of which is payable to the Governor, the remain- ing sixpence three farthings is for their support, and may be demanded every morning : on default of payment they are entitled to their discharge. Debtors can have their liberty from sun-rise to sun-set, on giving bail to the Deputy Vis- c 2 £2 JERSEY. count. Persons are allowed to visit them from sun-rise to sun-set. Prisoners are allowed an empty room, and can de- mand straw to lie on. The lower gate is opened every morning about seven o'clock, when the debtors are allowed to walk in the yard. Spirits and other accommodations are supplied by the Governor. The Deputy Viscount is master of the Prison, and all complaints or abuses should be addres- sed to him. The Governor has no salary — his gainings are from what he can save out of the daily sum allowed him for feeding the prisoners. The Market— Mr. Charles Huet, Constable. — The present Market-place is arranged in a particularly neat and convenient manner. Against three sides of the inclosure piazzas are erected, under which are seats allotted to those who sell eggs, butter, vegetables, &c. ; sufficient room is left for the pur- chasers to be also under shelter. The central buildings, which are on a similar plan, form two double rows of small shops occupied by the butchers, who are forbidden to expose their meat for sale elsewhere. The fourth side, in which are the principal entrances, fronts a wide and handsome street, called after the late Lieutenant Governor, Halkett-place, and is separated from it by a lofty iron railing ; a small space is walled off, and appointed for the sale of fish. In the imme- diate neighbourhood stands the Cattle Market, which is also well adapted to the purpose. Wednesdays and Saturdays are the two Market days, but the latter is the principal one ; and the supply of meat, poultry, fruit, and every description of vegetable produce, is generally excellent and abundant. The butter is much esteemed ; the beef, veal and pork are very good ; and the mutton much better than it was a few years ago, a superior breed of sheep having been introduced into the Island. During the winter wild fowl and game are brought in great plenty from France, and sold at a moderate rate. JERSEY. 23 Fish Market. — Most of the fish known in England are occasionally seen in the market ; but the haddock, the smelt, and the muscle are rarely, if ever to be seen : nor is cod frequently to be had. The rocks around Jersey swarm with congers, some of which are six feet in length. There are also four species of the squalas genus, including the squatina, or angel fish. These fish, except the angel fish, abound in the market, and are in great demand by the lower class of inhabitants. The mackerel season influences the price of meat. That fish is at times so low as sixpence per dozen. Soles and whitings are occasionally cheap in proportion. It is not un- common for the fishermen to find, in their net pilchards, ska- tes, mullets, turbots, John-a-dorris, and various kinds of flat fish : — John-a-dorris are sometimes sold at ninepence per pair, and fine turbot at tenpence per pound. The prawns, shrimps, escalopes, crabs and lobsters, to be had in the mar- ket, in their respective seasons, are of a most delicate and nutricious quality. Large crabs are to be had for from six- pence to tenpence each, and a lobster of great size at the price that will not exceed twopence per pound. Oysters will fetch but twopence per dozen, and still be the finest in the world ! The fish in most esteem is red mullet. Sea-carjjL is most abundant, and whiting-pollock by far the cheapest in proportion to its quality ; say, sixpence for a fish of from six to nine pounds weight. At times, the fish market is abun- dantly supplied ; so much so, that it often keeps down the price of meat, and it is of infinite benefit to the lower orders. Fort Regent, Mont de, la Ville, or the Town Hill, rises more than one hundred and fifty feet above high-water mark, at the South end of St. Heliers. — Thou hast charms Enchanting mount, which not the Local Love Too highly values, or the genial West Alone enamour'd views, for thou art own'd Supreme in loveliness in this our Isle, Profusely teeming with unrivall'd scenes. 24 JERSEY. When it was private property, there were gardens to its summit ; it was purchased by Government for the sum of eleven thousand, two hundred and eighty-six pounds sterling, as a site of a fortress which was finished about the year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and deemed im- pregnable. It is built of granite, is bomb proof and covers more than four acres of ground. It is affirmed that the most powerful fleet would be annihilated by its guns. There is room within its walls for five thousand men ; all that human art and strength could do, appear to have been called into service, to render this fortification inaccessible. Store houses are hewn out in the solid rock for the ammunition ; —the well, from which the Garrison is supplied with water, is two hundred and thirty-three feet deep, one hundred and ninety- five feet of which is bored through the solid stone. A dozen men can raise the water into cisterns, by means of a forcing pump, and they can bring up about six thousand gallons per day. This Citadel is said to have cost upwards of a million sterling ; the prospect from it, seaward, is magnificent, and includes a vast labyrinth of rocks, called the Violet Bank, which runs round the South-East corner of the Island. In such scenes as these the enthusiasm of the Poet cannot but be awakened. As on the ocean's shelvy shore, He listens to its solemn roar ; Beset with awful wonders round, Whilst sfia-birds scream with grating sound 5 And then the moon bursts from a cloud, Majestic, fair, sublime and proud. A signal-post, which communicates with others in the Is- land, gives information of every vessel which arrives. In levelling the surface of the Town Hill, in 1785, a Dru- idical Temple was discovered, which the States presented to Marshal Conway, who removed it to his seat, at Park-place, in Berkshire. New Theatre. — This edifice has been lately erected at the East end of the Town, and stands 'in the centre of a JERSEY. 25 crescent, a row of buildings very ornamental to the upper part of the Town, which for internal accommodation and ex- ternal appearance, is surpassed in very few places, of the like magnitude, in England. The Stage should he to life a faithful glass, Reflecting modes and manners as they pass ; If these appear extravagant to view, Blame not the Drama, the reflection'3 true. Literary and Scientific Institution was established in 1831, and now consists of between fifty and sixty mem- bers. It meets in its own hall every Tuesday evening, when a Lecture is given, and discussion on the subject of it follows. By a recent law, there are four Public Meetings in the year, besides the Anniversary ; and by a still more recent bye-law, the Lecturer for the evening is allowed the disposal (if he pleases) of twenty-five tickets. The Society has a rising mu- seum and apparatus. Last summer, under its direction, an exhibition of paintings, ancient and modern, was opened in the hall. The present office-bearers of the Society are Mr. SINGER, President. Mr. INGLIS, Vice-President. Col. TOUZEL, Treasurer. Mr. SAUNDERS, Secretary. COUNCIL. M. HAMMOND, Dr. BROHIER, Dr. HOOPER, Dr. LE COCQ, Rev. T. JARVIS, Mr. LE QUESNE. On either hand, Like a long wintry forest, groves of mast3 Shot up their spires ; the bellying sheet between Possess'd the breezy void. The boat, light skimming, stretch'd its oary wings, The roaring vessel rushed into the main. Harbour. — Beneath the Fort, on the South-West side, is a spacious Harbour, more than a quarter of a mile in length. It has a convenient Quay on each side, and will hold from 26 JERSEY. three to four hundred vessels ; it is unfortunately dry at low water ; the tide rises at times, at the mouth, to from forty to fifty feet. A spacious Quay has been recently erected, at an enormous expence, running from the upper end of the Pier, near the Town, in a straight line along the water, towards Mont Patibulaire, or Gallows Hill. This commodious Quay is one of the most delightful Promenades in the Island, pos- sessing an admirable marine Southerly view. It is intended to erect Houses or Warehouses along its line. Post Office — Mr. G. W. Le Geyt, Post Master, appoint- ed by the Post Master General. — The Office is situated in Minden Place, is open every day in the week from nine in the morning until nine in the evening, excepting the hours of Divine Service on Sundays. The Mails are conveyed by His Majesty's Post Office Steam Packets, and arrive every Sunday and Thursday ; are made up Monday and Friday evenings, and depart Tuesday aud Saturday mornings. The box is shut at nine, but Papers are admitted for a penny, Letters for twopence, and the mail entirely closed at eleven o'clock. Delivery of Papers for public Offices, Clubs, Read- ing Rooms, and Letters on the public service, half an hour, and all others, an hour and a half after the arrival of the bags at the Office. Papers and Letters are delivered in Town gratis, but in the Country are charged one penny each — Papers from England come free, as likewise Letters franked by Ministers of the Crown :— but the franking privilege of Parliament does not extend to the Islands, hence such Letters are chargeable with full postage from the place at which they are deposited ; nor will Petitions, addressed to either House, go to the Members of Parliament free of postage, although sent in covers open at the sides, and do not weigh more than six ounces, agreeable to 54, George III, 69. Let- ters cannot be franked from the Island. Papers are free to and from Guernsey, but to any part of Great Britain JERSEY. 27 and Ireland they are charged threepence, and to the Colonies one penny half-penny. The Clerks of the Foreign Post Office charge ten shillings and sixpence per quarter for forwarding Jersey Papers to France, the United Netherlands, Brazil, Monte Video, Buenos Ayres, Chili and Peru. The Royal Court of Jersey has no jurisdiction over His Majesty's Post Office, although Letters containing money have been at- tached for debt by its Sheriffs. By a warrant from one of the principal Secretaries of State, Letters may be detained and opened ; but if any person shall wilfully detain or open a Letter delivered to the Post Office, without such authority, he shall forfeit twenty pounds, and be incapable of having any future employment in the Post Office. All complaints must be addressed to the Secretary, Sir Francis Freeling. Lodges — Mechanical Lodge — Held at Miller's Royal Yacht Club Hotel and New London Tavern, every month. Farmer's Lodge — Held at Godfrey's Kent Coffee House, Halkett-street, first Monday evening, every month. Irish Lodge — Held at Strout's Navy and Friends, Wa- terloo-street, first Tuesday evening, every month. Odd Fellows Lodge — Held at Godfrey's Kent Coffee House, Halkett-street, every Tuesday. British Unity Society Sick Club — Held at Strout's Navy and Friends, every first Thursday in the month. Banks — Old Bank — Messrs. Godfrey & Co., Royal-Square. Commercial Bank — Janvrin, Durell, De Veulle and Co. Jersey Banking Company — Messrs. Nicolle, De Sainte- Croix, D'Auvergne, Le Quesne and Co., Broad-street. Country Bank — Messrs. Gibaut, Falla, Alexandre, Le Quesne and Co., 60, New-street. Their Notes are payable only in the Island, and its cur- rency — These Banks drawn on London and Paris. The rate of exchange varies according to circumstances ; it is usually on London from seven to eight per cent. 28 JERSEY. There are several smaller Banks in the Island which issue Notes equally guaranteed, agreeably to an Act of the States. — Bills are discounted by usurers according to risk, at from 2J to 5 per Month ! As the only interest of money recog- nized by law is 5 per cent per annum, borrowers may be discharged from their liabilities, by compelling lenders to ac- tion them before the Court for payment. National School. — Patron — His Ex. Maj. Gen. Thornton. President — Right Rev. Charles Rd. Lord Bishop of Winchester. Acting President — The Very Rev. the Dean of Jersey. Treasurer — Clement De Quetteville, Esq. Secretary — Thomas Lempriere, Esq. St. Helier's Parochail Sunday School. — Patron — The Right Reverend, the Lord Bishop of Winchester. President — The Very Reverend, the Dean of Jersey. Acting President — The Rev. the Rector of St. Helier's. Treasurer — Thomas Lempriere, Esq. Church Missionary Association — (Jersey District) — Ph. Marrett, jun., Esq., Treasurer ; Rev. P. Filled, Secretary. St. Rubin's Branch, formed July, 1824. Rev. P. Filleul, President; Ph. Marrett, jun., Esq., Trea- surer ; J. Gallichan, Esq., R. N., Secretary. St. Heliefs Ladies' Branch, formed 25th August, 1824. Mrs. Verner, Secretary ; Mrs. J. Le Couteur, Treasurer. District Committee of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge. — Patron — The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Winchester. President — His Excellency Major General Thornton, C. B. Treasurer — Thomas Lempriere, Esq. Secretary — Rev. Edward Falle. Female Auxiliary Bible Society — Patron — Right Ho- nourable Lord Teignmouth. — Patroness — Lady Teignmouth. — President — Mrs. General Le Couteur. — Treasurer — H. Gor- don. — Secretaries — C. E. Bedford and C. Pipon. JERSEY. 29 Benevolent Society. — Treasurer — Mr. Peter Pequin of Sand-street. — Secretaries — Messrs. J. Anthoine, Francis Guiton, jun., and A. Giffard. Philanthropic Society. — Patron — His Excellency Major General Thornton, C. B. — President — Sir Thomas Le Breton, Knt. — Vice-Presidents — The Very Rev. Dr. Hue, Dean, and Philip R. Lempriere, Esq.— Treasurer — Thomas Lempriere, Esq. — Physicians — Drs. Hooper and Brohier. — Secretaries — Messrs. M. Tate, New-street, and W. Saunders, Druggist, King-street. Seaman's Friend Society and Bethel Union. — Pre- sident — Capt. George Le Geyt, R. N. — Treasurer — Lieutenant Sainthil], R. N.— Secretary— Mr. J. Robertson, R. N. We have now mentioned many of the charitable Institu- tions, we cannot avoid stating that that useful Establishment the National School consists of about two hundred boys and one hundred and fifty girls, who are taught to read and write, and the first elements of arithmetic, with the addition in the female department, of plain needle work. The Parochial Sunday School contains three hundred boys and girls. There is also an Infant School into which chil- dren are admitted from two to six years of age. She feeds yon almshouse, neat, but void of state, Where age and want sit smiling at the gate ; Her portioned maids, apprenticed orphans blest, The young who labour, and the old who rest. Ts any sick ? — her hospital relieves, Prescribes, attends, the med'cine makes and gives. Town Fire Engines are kept at the Engine House, near the Town Church. Keys are kept, one by the Constable, one by each of the Centeniers, one at the Guard House, and one at Mr. James Bosdet's, Vine-street. Custom House. — This building is a private house, situ- ated well for the interests of commerce, being contiguous to D 30 JERSEY. the Quay, in the central part of Bond-street. It is neither remarkable for external appearance nor internal arrangement. Its officers are : — J. Durell, Esq., Principal ; Mr. Joseph Ri- der, Comptroller ; Mr. H. Warne, Waiter, Searcher, and Surveyor of British Shipping ; James Hardy and Joseph Beaton, Boatmen. Harbour Masters. — Mr. J. Lerrier, for St. Helier's ; Mr. J. Luce, St. Aubin's, and Mr. Philip Bertram, Mont Orgueil. Foreign Vice-Consuls. — Matthew Amiraux, Esq., for Sweden and Norway ; Mr. P. J. Simon, for France ; Nicholas Le Quesne, Esq., for Portugal ; Mr. John Moisson, jun., for the Netherlands and Spain ; A. De Ste.-Croix, Esq., for Prussia ; J. De Ste.-Croix, Esq., for Hanover. Agent for Lloyds. — Thomas Mallet, Esq., Colomberie. Royal Greenwich Hospital. — Mr. P. Warne, Receiver. His Majesty's Receivers. — H. Touzel and Matthew Amiraux, Esqrs. Collectors of Duties on Wines and Spirits. — Messrs. Edward Nicolle and Ph. Le Geyt. — Auditor — Mr. Peter Warne. Inspector of Strangers and Granter of Passports. — Colonel Touzel, Government office, St. Saviour's. Agents to the Fire and Life Assurance Companies. — Sun, Fire and Life office, Mr. J. Le Ber, 18, Royal Square. — Royal Exchange office, J. Benest, Esq., 5, Bond- street. — Alliance office, P. Godfray, Esq, 25, Royal Square. — Phoenix, Fire and Life office, Mr. M. Tate, New-street. — Norwich Union office, Mr. P. Durell, 61, New-street. — West of England office, Mr. C. Kernot, 25, Halkett-place.— County Fire office, and Provident Life office, Mr. N. Westaway, 24, Don-street. — British Life office, Mr. D. Vonberg, Broad-street. —British Commercial Life office, Mr. C. Thoreau, Beause- jour. — Promoter, Life office, E. Marrett, Esq., Church- street. JERSEY. 31 — European, Life office, Mr. M. Amy, Queen-street.— Eagle, Life office, Mr. J. Blampied, Broad-street. Staff. — His Excellency Major General Thornton, C. B. ; Colonel Touzel, Military Secretary ; Major Fraser, Fort- Major and Adjutant. Ordnance Department. — Commanding Royal Engineers, Lieut.-Col. Lewis ; Commanding Officer Royal Artillery ; Captain Haultain ; Clerk of the works, Mr. John R. Mills ; Clerk, Mr. Bethel ; Overseer, Mr. John Le Sueur ; Store- keeper, J. Hammond, Esq. ; Master Gunner of Elizabeth Castle, Mr. Buckley ; Master Gunner of Fort Regent, Mr. K. Fowler; Master Armourer, Mr. J. Tait ; Surgeon, R. Cooke, Esq., M. D. ; Barrack Master, Captain R. Treeve. Royal Jersey Militia. — The Royal Jersey Militia con- sists of five regiments of Infantry, formed into six battalions. To each battalion is attached a company of Artillery. The Artillery companies are, upon occasions of exercise, formed into a battalion, which is armed with 24-pounders light, divided into six batteries. The whole is armed and clothed in uniform by Government, but do not receive pay. Every inhabitant, from the age of seventeen to sixty-five, bears arms, either as an officer or a private. The Militia Staff consists of an Inspector and assistant Inspectors, who are the Adjutants of their respective corps ; the whole Island force is under strict regulations, but though the Governor or Lieutenant-Governor appoints the officers, and has this force entirely under his own command, yet all complaints against individuals are judged' and punished by the Royal Court. Shipping. — The commerce of the Island has increased in so great a degree since the peace, that it now employs up- wards of two hundred and twenty vessels of various dimen- sions, belonging to the merchants and inhabitants of Jersey, 32 JERSEY. calculated at between twenty and twenty-five thousand tons, besides upwards of sixty thousand tons of English and Foreign vessels, that annually enter the harbours of the Island. Newspapers. — The inhabitants of Jersey have the advan- tage of no less than nine weekly Journals, conducted with considerable ability ; their names and days of publication are beneath : — British Press — Proprietors — Philip Payn and Co., Royal Square, published on Tuesday and Friday ; Chronique de Jersey — Proprietor — P. Perrot, Royal Square, published on Saturday ; English and Foreign News — Proprietor — x\braham Jones Le Cras, published on Friday, Office 5, Hope-street ; Gazette de Jersey — Proprietor — Philip Mourant, Royal Square, published on Saturday ; Jersey Times — Proprietors — Messrs. Kay and Co., Office on the South Pier, published on Tuesday and Friday ; Le Constitutional — Proprietor — Chadwick Le Lievre, 5, Halkett-place, published on Saturday ; L' Impartial — Proprietor — Francis Romeril, 7, Parade place, published on Wednesday ; Patriot — Proprietor — A. J. Le Cras, 5, Hope- street, published on Tuesday, and V Observateur Chretien — published on Saturday by J. Le Ber, 18, Royal Square. It will be distinguished by their names, the English from the French Papers. Boarding Houses. — Blanchard's family and commercial Boarding House, Halkett-place ; Mrs. Date's, 28, Don-street ; Mrs. FarrelPs, Mulcaster-street, and Wilkinson's family Board and Lodging House, Don-street. Hotels. — There are in the Town of St. Helier's, several respectable hotels, where the following lines are not inap- posite : — I fly from pnmp, I fly from state, I fly from falsehood's specious grin, Freedom I love, and form I hate, And choose my lodgings at an Inn. JERSEY. 33 British Hotel, Almond, Broad- street ; Old London Hotel, Mrs. Collins, North Pier ; New London Hotel, South Pier ; Union Hotel, Le Veslet, Royal Square ; York Hotel, Mrs. Le Gros, Royal Square ; Mrs. Paton's Commercial Hotel, Don- street ; Deal's Hotel, Pier Road ; Gregory's Hotel, Pier Road ; Market Inn, Brabin, Halkett-street, and several others of respectability. Oft the traveller lists The roar of that wild torrent, headlong dash'd O'er the rude precipice. Elizabeth Castle. — The bay of St. Aubin's is embraced by a crescent of smiling eminences, thickly sprinkled with villas and orchards. St. Helier's crouches at the bane of a lofty rock, which forms the Eastern cape ; St. Aubin's is similarly placed, near Noirmont point, the West-ward pro- montory ; and between the two stretches a sandy shelving beach, studded with martello towers. The centre of the bay is occupied by Elizabeth Castle, a fortress erected on a lofty insulated rock, the jagged pinnacles of which shoot up in grotesque array round the battlements. The Harbour is arti- ficial, but capacious and safe, and so completely commanded by the Castle as to be nearly inaccessible to an enemy. The rock on which this fortress is built, is nearly a mile in circuit. In time of war with France it was of great im- portance, and strongly garrisoned ; but now, not more than a solitary sentinel is to be seen pacing on the ramparts. The Barracks appear desolate ; the cannon are dismounted, and the grass has sprung up and flourishes in the courts, among the shot and shells and other implements of destruction. Esto perpetua. May this be the state of all such fortresses till time shall be no more. d2 34 JERSEY. An Abbey, dedicated to St. Elericus, once stood on the site of Elizabeth Castie ; the fortress was founded on the ruin of this edifice in 1551, in the reign of Edward the Sixth. There is a tradition that all the bells in the Island, except one to each church, were seized by authority, and ordered to be sold to defray in part the expence of its erection. The confiscated metal was shipped for St. Malo ; but the vessel was lost in leaving the harbour, to the triumph of every good catholic, who regarded the circumstance as a special mani- festation of Divine displeasure. If thou wouldst View this castle right, Go visit it by the pale moon-light, For the gay beams of lightsome day, Gild but to flout the ruins grey." The Hermitage of the Saint, from whom St Helier's has its name, is an insulated peak quite detached from the for- tifications. A small arched building of rude masonry, com- manding a noble view of the bay, having the resemblance of a watch tower, covers an excavation in the rock, which was the abode of this ascetic. Here indeed he was shut out from the world ; for little could be seen but the blue firmament and the expansive ocean ; or heard, besides the dashing of the mighty waters. The sea retires so low that it leaves a free passage to the Castle, which is called the bridge : but it is by no means pleasantly accessible on foot. JERSEY. 35 CHAPTER III. PROMENADE IN THE TOWN AND ENVIRONS OF ST. HELIER. To Visitors. — Having in the preceding pages given the stranger a thorough description of St. Helier's and its various institutions, we shall now proceed to treat him with a Pro- menade in Town and its environs, and as we walk along, we shall take occasional . opportunities of throwing in some other useful information, relative to the prices of provisions, the rent of houses, and the etc. etc. I love To lead the voyager bv breezy hills And soft retiring dales, by sniily lawns, Bold headlands dark with umbrage of the groves, By towns and villages, and mansions fair, And rocks magnificent. We shall suppose that a stranger arrives in the Island, and after having domesticated himself in one or other of the Hotels or boarding Houses, or in furnished Apartments, he is desirous of seeing in as short a time as possible, all that is worthy of being seen. The Town will not occupy many hours ; he will see a thriving bustling place, with good and well furnished shops ; he will be arrested by the Town Church, with its plain square tower, and if he enter it, he will see a tablet erected to the memory of Major Pierson, who fell at the head of his troops in defending the Island from the descent of the French in 1781. He will, no doubt, walk through the Market-place, and, if we mistake not, will admire its convenient structure ; and, if he has come from a 36 JERSEY. Northern country, he will be charmed with the fine display of fruits, vegetables and flowers, and not a little amused with the fantastic head dress of the Norman women ; and if he walk to the Eastern extremity of the Town, he will find handsome streets, that would do honour to any metropolis. The Iferrace, the crescent, and in the same locality, the very i'neat little theatre, with its handsome Greek portico and pediment ; and St. James's Church, a pretty modern gothic structure. All this will be accomplished in two hours, and if he has an hour to spare before dinner, let him occupy it in obtaining an appetite, by walking up the road that lies under Fort Regent, where he will have a beautiful view from the height, of the Town, Harbour, and Elizabeth Castle ; there the eye ranges over the beautiful expanse of St. Aubin's bay, surrounded by its range of finely wooded hills, sprin- kled with villages and cottages. The stranger having now been three hours on his feet, will sit down to dinner with a tolerable appetite ; and if it be the season, he will probably have placed before him, a John Dory with Lobster sauce, which, with as good roast beef as any in Old England, and an abundance of excellent fruit and vegetables, may convey to him a favourable impres- sion of the produce of Jersey. After dinner is usually an interlude, when one rather likes to talk, or skim over the pages of a book, than exert one's self. The stranger will, no doubt, ring the bell, and ask if there be a stranger's Guide in Jersey. Yes, there is one published at the Royal Saloon, which contains every thing a stranger ought to know. So the Guide through Jersey being brought, and the stranger tossing over with a smack, as nice a glass of claret as a man could wish to drink, will open the Guide just at this place and read Economy of Living in Jersey. — Why, says he, that is JERSEY. 37 just what I want to know ; and he reads as follows : — Butcher's meat, per pound of nearly eighteen ounces, sixpence to sixpence half-penny. Butter, on the average from April to October, tenpence ; from October to March, one shilling. Eggs, during the Summer months, fivepence and sixpence per dozen ; in Winter, from sevenpence to one shilling. Milk, twopence per quart. Bread, from one penny one far- thing to twopence per pound. Black tea, such as would sell in England at seven shillings to eight shillings, — three shillings and fourpence. Green tea, four shillings to six shillings. Gunpowder tea, six shillings and sixpence, Best loaf sugar, sixpence per pound. Moist sugar, from three- pence to fourpence. Currants, best Turkey, fourpence half- penny. Geese, two shillings to two shillings and sixpence each. Turkies, three shillings to four shillings and sixpence. Vegetables very abundant and cheap. Best cognac brandy, seven shillings per gallon. Cette, three shillings to three shillings and sixpence. Hollands, three shillings and sixpence. Best Jamaica rum, four shillings to five shillings per gallon. Best port and sherry wines, twenty-five shillings per dozen. Grave and Sauterne, from ten shillings to thirty shillings, Marsalla, twelve shillings. Clarets, from fifteen to fifty shil- lings. Good Burgundy, twenty-five shillings. Vin du pays, six shillings per dozen. By the time the stranger has read and pondered over this list, and probably come to a conclusion, that Jersey is the spot for a man with a small income, he feels inclined for another stroll ; and if the weather be fine, he will do well to look at the outside of the Town ; and first then, we recom- mend him to walk as before, towards the East, and asking for St. Saviour's road, turn into it ; and by this road he will be able to make a circuit of the Town. No one can walk along St. Saviour's road without being infinitely pleased with 38 JERSEY. the environs of St. Helier's ; fine wooded banks surround the J Town on all sides, and on the slopes and at their feet, pretty | a r houses, combining all the advantage of Town and Country, are seen scattered, with their excellent walled gardens, — and many of them with their green houses and vineries ; and by- the-bye, it may be as well to inform the stranger, that in warm seasons, excellent grapes reared under glass, but with- out artificial heat, may be bought at sixpence or sevenpence per pound, — and out-door grapes, of good quality, as low as two or three pence. . After proceeding about a mile along the St. Saviour's road, which all this time keeps upon a level, the road begins to ascend, turning a trifle to the right ; but if the stranger wishes only to make a circuit of the Town, he will turn to the left in place of ascending the hill, and this road will bring him back to St. Helier's, and will show him the grow- ing improvement of the Town, in the number of new de- tached houses, which are thickly scattered on both sides of the road. This promenade will occupy him about an hour and a half or two hours ; and the stranger will now have acquired a general idea of the Town and its environs, and be able in some degree, to make up his mind as to pros and cons. It is not improbable that during the afternoon's walk, the stranger, who possibly thinks of remaining some time in St. Helier's, may have made enquiries at some houses which are to let, as to rent and accommodation, and he will, no doubt, find the information he has previously received, cor- rect, as to the proportionably greater expence of house rent, than of living in Jersey. And before conducting the reader through the Island, let us add something respecting the general advantages which Jersey presents as a residence : — these are many and impor- tant ; and first of all we may mention cheapness of living. JERSEY. 39 ; This, in comparison with London, is great, in almost every I article of sustenance ; and, in comparison with the English counties, the saving is chiefly confined to exciseable articles, 'and to the absence of taxation. Those who have been ac- customed to keep house in London, and to pay rent, taxes and rates, incident to house keeping there, admit, that in the I Channel Islands, they can live equally well upon one half I the income ; and that those who have been accustomed to an English country life or to an English country Town, where, generally speaking, meat, bread, butter, milk, poultry and agricultural produce of all kinds, are scarcely higher than in Jersey, find that there is at least one fourth part saved by living in either of the Channel Islands, owing to the low price of exciseable commodities, such as groceries of all kinds, and wines and spirits. To all these advantages we would only add, the known healthiness of the Island, and the facilities it affords for sea bathing, which, although not so great as might be expected, are, nevertheless, such as will not be lost sight of by those whose health or inclinations dispose them towards it. We have now completely done with the town of St. Helier's, shall now proceed forthwith through the other eleven parishes, taking them in rotation as they appear on the map, noticing, as we pass along, the particularities and peculiarities of each place. The circumference of the Island, following the sinuosities of the coast, is forty-seven miles and a half ; it is indented by bays of different dimensions and depths, the most cele- brated of which are St. Aubin's, the mouth of which is nearly three miles across — St. Ouen's, which lies on the Western shores of the Island, and whose dimensions are still greater — Bouley, St. Catherine's and Grouville bays ; but besides these larger bays, the whole coast presents numerous small, and often 40 JERSEY. singularly beautiful bays, coves and inlets, such as Rozel or St. Brelade, and these, during the Summer months, are the favourite resorts of the very many pic-nic parties that frequent them. In describing the general appearance of the Island of Jersey, one would say, that wooded fertility is its chief characteris- tic ; from whatever height one looks down upon it, it pre- sents the effect of one continuous orchard ; and in walking or driving across the country, the stranger will find that the orchard is not its only produce, but that there is every where an under crop of luxuriant vegetation. The burdened fruit trees, the small enclosures, the general fertility, the tiny streams, and the numerous and substantial farm houses, could not but remind one of the many of the fertile and more level parts of Switzerland, were it not, that we occasionally catch through the orchard vistas, a glimpse of the blue and tremu- lous waters, that every where gird the landscape. St. LAWRENCE. St. Lawrence is the next parish Westward of St. Helier's. It is a very beautiful part of the Island, presenting to the eye of the tourist many rich landscapes ; the roads are commonly burdened with trees ; the solid farm houses, many of which have avenues of trees leading up to them, are very pretty. Its population, when the last census was taken in 1831, was two thousand and forty-three. The church was consecrated the fourth of January 1199 ; it is a structure which, perhaps more than any other religious edifice in Jersey, shows how little attention was paid in altering, to preserve a conformity with its original plan. Internally, this church presents a he- terogeneous mixture of painted and circular arches of simple JERSEY. 41 a nd ornamented reliefs ; the Eastern windows are light, and were formerly embellished with painted glass : much of this has been broken, and the fractured places have been repaired, at random ; it has neither steeple nor tower, though formerly, undoubtedly, it had one or the other. The flow Of nave and aisle, in unpretending guise, Was occupied by oaken benches, ranged In seemly rows ; the chancel only shewed Some inoffensive marks of earthly state And vain distinction. A capacious pew Of sculptured oak stood here, with drapery lined ; And marble monument were here displayed Upon the walls ; and on the floor beneath Sepulchred stones appeared, with emblems graven, And foot-worn epitaphs. St. PETER. St. Peter's. — Journeying still Westward, this parish is next to St. Lawrence's ; its population is two thousand one hundred and fifty. The church is one of the best in the Is- land. The school of St. Athanasius or Anastase, as Falle says, is in this parish ; it was endowed for the benefit of the children, belonging to the six Western parishes of the Island, and was founded in the reign of Henry the Seventh, by Vin- cent Jehy, a native of Jersey, but a merchant of Southamp- ton. It seems very inefficient, as the number of scholars is seldom more than half a score ; the annual revenue is said to be about twenty-five pounds. Many of the English choose this parish as a residence ; because, it is said it has not as much shade from the trees as the others. The parish church was consecrated in the year 1167, on the twenty-ninth day of June, the spire of which is the highest in Jersey ; it was many years since, injured by lightning, but has been repair- ed. On one of the buttresses, at the West end, are engraved 42 JERSEY. several blacksmith's implements, respecting which singular tablet no information can be procured : if a conjecture might be hazarded, it was placed there by some pious smith, who wished to perpetuate either his piety or ingenuity. About a mile to the Southward of the church, and almost on the verge of Les Quenvais, have been erected several large and handsome stone buildings for barracks : the apart- ments for the commissioned officers, the non-commissioned officers and the privates, are all detached from each other. The situation is elevated ; and an extensive level parade affords space for every evolution, and will contain a thousand men. From deep-embowering shades. Oft rising in the vale, or on this side Of gently sloping hills, or loftier placed, Crowning the woody eminence. It looks As though we owned a God, adored his power. Revered his wisdom, loved his mercy ; deemed He claims the empire of this lower world, And marks the deeds of its inhabitants. St. Peter's valley, which is not far from the church, is highly picturesque ; on one side runs a narrow road, at the foot of a rocky range, considerably elevated and sparingly supplied with verdure ; the other side of the valley is bound- ed by lofty hills, completely clothed with wood. These emi- nences, as the valley bends, present bold but well covered projections. The flat part of the valley is divided into mea- dows, and is marshy — a defect that, undoubtedly, might be remedied, as there is a sufficient, though gradual, descent towards the sea : in proof of this, at a mill in the valley? the stream of a rivulet turns a wheel of considerable mag- nitude. JERSEY. 43 St. BRELADE. St. Bre*,ade's is to the South of St. Peter's, and is the most barren soil in the Island, as it includes Noirmont and a part of that sandy tract called the Quenvais, The Towns of St. Helier's and St. Aubin's are situated on opposite sides of St. Aubin's bay. The walk from the one to the other is about four miles, and is very delightful. On the left, the eye is delighted with the beautiful bay to which the little Town of St. Aubin's gives name. On the right is the rich and fertile valley of St. Lawrence, abound- ing with neat cottages and charming landscapes. Some prefer the air of St. Aubin's to that of St. Helier's ; lodgings and house rent are usually cheaper in the former than the latter, and the situation is certainly more retired. There is a rock in St. Aubin's bay, called the Diamond Rock ; because a frigate of that name struck on it. The prospects from Noirmont Hill and Point, to the South of this Town, are very fine and extensive. St. Aubin's. — This is a little Town, situated in the afore- said parish. It possesses the advantage of a small pier, which was commenced at the close of the seventeenth cen- tury and completed in the year 1819 ; it is protected by a fortress mounting fourteen guns, which is surrounded by the water at high tide. The Town, though irregularly built, contains many houses, and was formerly inhabited by a large proportion of the richest merchants of the Island ; but the com- pletion of the very superior harbour at St. Helier's and its con- sequent increasing commercial importance, have contributed to withdraw from St. Aubin's many of its former wealthy inha- bitants. A small Market-place has been lately opened on a new plan, resembling that of St, Helier's. 44 JERSEY. Noirmont Point. — On the extremity of this point, which drops sharply from a considerable height, and terminates in a low rock, a martello tower is erected. The situation is judiciously chosen, as it guards the Western entrance of St. Aubin's bay ; and, at the same time, a range of coast towards St. Brelade's bay. The vingtaine of Noirmont, like St. Aubin's, constitutes another part of St. Brelade's parish ; it is a peninsula, bounded by high rocky cliffs, separating St. Brelade's bay from that of St. Aubin's. St. Brelade's Bay is a semi-circular basin, the regular contour of which is broken on its Eastern side, by a project- ing mass of rocks, and by which a second curve is made, forming a smaller bay. The whole is bounded on the land side by high rocky hills : those on the Northern and Eastern sides are full of vertical fissures, with, occasionally, others that are horizontal, so that they have something of a basaltic appearance, though they are entirely composed of sienite, in a state of extreme disintegration. These hoary cliffs are par- tially covered with fern, gorse, and a scanty herbage. The beach of the larger bay is a fine whitish sand, remarkably firm and smooth, and the shore declines very gradually. Being completely sheltered on three sides, this bay would make an excellent place for sea bathing. The smaller inlet has also next to the sea a beach of sand, but its exterior boundary is skirted with loose pebbles. This difference, on the same beach, arises from the following cause : the rocks, on the Western side, are in general compact, and very finely grained ; they are, therefore, of less ancient formation than those on the Eastern side, the granulation of which is ex« tremely coarse and friable. JERSEY. 45 it stands so quietly within the bound Of its low wall of grey and mossy stone, And, like a shepherd'' s peaceful flock around Its guardian gathered, — graves or tomb-stones strown Make their last narrow Vesting places known Who living loved it as a holy spot, And dying made their deep attachment shown, By wishing here to sleep when life was not, That so their turf or stone might keep them unforgot. St. Brelade's Church. — The situation of St. Brelade's church, the most ancient in the Island, is highly picturesque. It stands on one side of the beautiful bay, on the edge of the water, which at high tide, washes the boundaries of the burying ground. Though possessing no attempt at architec- tural ornament, it is still a singular and interesting object. In the church yard stands one of the chapels which were of an earlier date than any of the churches : it was called La Chapelle des Peeheurs. It retains no appearance of having been devoted to the service of God, and is con- verted into a store room, for the reception of the artillery of the district ; yet we must remember, as we behold it, that it was in these chapels that the sound of the Gospel was first heard, and the blessings of Christianity taught. On the * walls some remains of rude and ancient paintings, represent- ing scriptural subjects, are observable ; but the great anti- quity which some persons assign to them may be disputed. La Moye. — Upon an eminence above the church of St. Brelade, stands La Moye house, formerly the property of the Pipon family ; and upon a hillock in an adjoining field, is an old font of Mont Mado stone, which is supposed to have been removed from some church, probably from that of the parish in which it now stands, during the ascendance of the presbyterians, whose former influence may be remark- ed in the absence of baptismal fonts and communion tables from most of the churches, that of St. Helier amongst the number ; and, though no objection now exists to the intro- duction of them, yet the places where the latter should stand being for the most part occupied with pews which have be- e2 46 JERSEY. come private property, it has not been found possible to restore them, except in a very few instances. Black it stood, as Night — fierce as ten furies- Terrible as Hell. . Corbiere. — In nearly a line from Noirmont is the rock of Corbiere, forming the South- West extremity of the Island. It is well known to sailors, as a voyage in its neighbourhood is often very dangerous. The fantastic and inconstant outline of the Corbiere as you pass it, is a subject of surprise and admiration ; a sight that should not be lost by the passing stranger from one Island to the other. When first it is seen in the haze of the morning, it resembles a huge elephant supporting an em- battled tower ; a little after, it assumes a gigantic warrior in a recumbent posture, armed cap-a-pie ; anon, this apparition vanishes, and in its stead a form in miniature arises, with pigmy sentinels stationed on its ramparts. The precipices between the Corbiere and the bay of St. Aubin are no less worthy of notice than that promontory. They slope down to the water's edge in enormous protuberances, resembling billows of frozen lava, intersected by wide sinuous rifts, and present an interesting field for mineralogical research. St. OUEN. St. Ouen's. — This parish contains a population of one thousand nine hundred and sixteen persons. It occupies nearly one half of the Western coast, and is the largest parish in the Island. Within its district a considerable quan- tity of corn is grown. The Church was consecrated on the fourth of Sep- tember, 1180, and is situated in a lonely part of the parish, and appears as if sunk into the earth, as the principal JERSEY. 47 entrance goes down two steps, and the door case is remar- kably low. The only way of accounting for so unusual a circumstance is, by supposing the ground about the church to have been raised. The same winds that buried Les Quen- vais in sand may perhaps have been the cause. The church has a very low spire ; but there is not any thing respecting this edifice worth particularizing, and yet, Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire ; Hands that the rod of empire might have swayed, Or waked to ecstacy the living lyre. But knowledge to their eyes her ample pa?e Rich with the spoils of time did ne'er unroll ; Chill penury repressed their noble rage, And froze the genial current of their soul. Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife Their sober wishes never learned to stray ; Along the cool sequestered vale of life, They kept the noiseless tenor of their way. St. Ouen's Bay. — This inlet sweeps from l'Etacq to the Southward of La Rocco, a tower erected on a rock, about half a mile below high water mark, though dry as the tide recedes ; it is, however, at times, nearly inaccessible for several weeks, from the violent surf that breaks over the rough surface of low rocks, and that roars along the whole extent of this too frequently dangerous coast. In one part, and in only one, is a beautiful beach, free from the generally rugged character of this boisterous shore. Who happy treads that desert bay below Where ends the copse of yore. Fairer scenes Than those that lie beneath the raptured eye, This green isle knows not : ever varied, too, Is the rich prospect ; vallies softly sink And uplands swell, no level sameness tires ; While in the distance, happily disposed Sweeps round the bold blue sea. Part, if not the whole, of this extensive bay was once a fertile valley, in which grew a forest of stately oaks. Not possessing, like the Northern coast, a barrier of lofty rocks, 48 JERSEY. a sudden eruption of the sea inundated the vale, or a por- tion of it. A breach once effected, it soon became wider : by degrees the waves stripped off the rich soil, and laid its sylvan honours prostrate. These were, doubtless, in the first instance, the effects of a tremendous storm from the West- ward, to which point of the compass the whole bay is com- pletely exposed ; and, most probably, a succession of wintry gales completed the devastation. The former existence of a wood is sufficiently evident. After violent storms the flat rocks are frequently bared : at these times, many trunks of trees are discovered, chiefly near low water mark. Those stumps still cling to the rocks by their roots that pierce the clefts. The length of one trunk was, when found, fifteen feet in the main stem, and it measured from nine to ten feet in the girt : it then spread into two branches, each of of nearly the same length and substance as the stem itself. The remains of stone buildings are also sometimes disclosed. There is likewise a bed of peat in the bay ; but over it the waves frequently deposit a covering of sand ; it is, therefore, only occasionally visible. Near this spot is St. Ouen's pond of fresh water, being a portion of large open meadows, overflowed by the junction of several rivulets, thus forming a lake, in which there is good fishing ; part of this pond being reedy, affords shelter, during the winter season, to a considerable quantity of wild fowl. In one of the meadows near the pond, are three large blocks of stone ; doubtless, the remains of a Celtic monu- ment. Two of them are erect ; the other block lies on the ground, and is, apparently, only part of what it originally was : the end supposed to have been broken off, exhibits the appearance of a recent fracture. Grosnez. — From St. Ouen's bay, we pass by L'Etacq to Grosnez, which constitutes the North- Western boundary of JERSEY. 49 Jersey ; and, like other parts of the Northern line, its coast, notwithstanding a bluff appearance, is bristled' with angular points. No other way leads down the cliffs in this quarter, than those airy, meandering, and doubtful paths made by the feet of a few straggling sheep, that here and there crop the scanty herbage ; and the elevation of those cliffs is such that The murmuring surge That on the jagged points thus idly chafes Cannot be heard so high. To those who have sufficient courage to descend, the as- pect of the towering eminences is terrifyingly grand and aw- ful. Masses of grey rock, spotted with hoary mosses, pro- trude in wild magnificence, and seem ready to overwhelm the daring foot that profanes their sacred recesses. The spiry grass that finds, in shelving spots, a slender hold, serves just to cast a less dusky tint over the venerable pile. Scarcely can the astonished eye presume to look up : it trembles at having ventured down so far, ana shrinks with horror from the beetling acclivity, which seems to preclude every attempt to re-ascend from the chaos of broken rocks still below. Here no trifling object diverts the mind :— all is great — all is strikingly sublime. The precipitous cliff in solemn stillness frowning above, and casting a gloomy shade around. The hoarse waves of an expanded ocean, robed in its darkest blue, roaring below, and exciting a tremulous motion in the solid rock. Destruction threatens in various forms and on every side. The Castle. — At the extremity of the promontory are some trifling ruins, that bear the name of Grosnez Castle. One lonely turret, shatter'd and outworn, Stands venerably proud — too proud to mourn Its long la?t grandeur, 50 JERSEY. A small gate- way and two projecting angles, constitute the remains of a portal ; but loose fragments of stone, which are scattered about, denote that the original circumference of the walls must have been extensive. It is not known at what time or by whom this building was first constructed, and un- certainty seems to attach to the whole of its history. Tradi- tion, however, which has the weight of probability on its side, affirms it to have been occupied by Sir Philip De Carteret, as a defensive post against the Count de Maulevrier, when, after obtaining possession of Mont Orgueil and the neighbouring country, he attempted to gain the rest of the Island. If castles made of lyme and stone decaye, What sufetie is in bodies made of clay. Plemont. — From Grosnez, the next promontory is that of Plemont, which is so deeply intersected on each side, as to be joined to the main land by a very narrow isthmus : this has been cut down to a considerable depth, so that it is improperly termed an Island ; over the deep fosse is a draw- bridge, and close to it is placed a guard house, which, in time of last war, contained a small military detachment, to prevent any hostile access. The rock, on one side of the draw-bridge, drops in nearly a perpendicular line to the sea ; another, which is at least two hundred feet in height, is absolutely vertical ; has a sur- face equally level as an artificial wall, and glows with a splendid variety of beautiful tints, when reflecting the bright- ness of a clear morning sun. This place has long been celebrated for its caves ; they are chiefly on the Western side of a small inlet, of which the Eastern point is formed by the promontory of Plemont. The JERSEY. 51 usual descent to those caverns is on this side : the declivity is safe though steep : that of the hill which covers them is sel- dom used, and is said to be dangerous. The most remarkable caverns are at La Moye, Plemont, and Greve de Lecq, Few strangers make excursions to Jer- sey without visiting its caves ; and the far greater number are directed to go at once to Plemont without even hearing that Greve de Lecq is a cavern much more extensive than any other in the Island. St. MARY. St. Mary's. — It is one of the Northern parishes ; there is nothing remarkable in it, with the exception of a few chalybeate springs, and some beautiful shady walks, neither of which is much noticed. Its population is nine hundred and seventy-seven persons. The church was consecrated Oc- tober the fifth, 1320, stands rather in land, and is not an in- elegant structure ; but the neglected state into which the interior has been suffered to fall is much to be regretted, and is a reproach to the parish. On quitting the church one enters a romantic valley, serpentining between lofty swelling hills, richly clothed with fern and other wild shrubs, display- ing a lively verdure, on which the eye rests with pleasure. The valley is likewise shaded in different parts with groves of oak and fir. At length the winding path descends rapidly to a beautiful cave, called Greve de Lecq, Greve de Lecq's heauteous groves where verdant bowers Bend o'er the wanderer, lone musing, where The path, deep shaded, winds the rocky shore. And pleasant 'tis, amid the glowing noon, To saunter there — unasked — and note below. Majestic sailing the distant ship Slow moving, or the sea-bird winging wild His startled flight. 52 JERSEY. Passing the barracks along the Eastern extremity of the cave, there is a cavern of no great height, but extending in length one hundred feet. This subterraneous passage cannot be explored when the tide is up ; and when down, is ren- dered difficult and unpleasant, by pebbles forced by the ac- tion of the sea, into the mouth of the cave. There are other caves here, particularly one under the hill, which shelves ra- pidly on the Western side of the bay. By following the sinuosities of a narrow track that runs along the hill, by the very edge of the precipice, a path descends to the spot : the spot is an irregular opening, nearly twenty feet in height, but much narrower. The most interesting time for viewing this sublime spot, is when the tide has risen, so as to admit entering it in a boat* Solemn music here would produce a fine effect ; it would slowly vibrate through the deep recess, and the sounds, rendered full and yet softened by the water, would make every nerve thrill with the most delightful sen- sations. A pic-nic party could be accommodated at a house near the barracks in the culinary department, but they should go pro- vided with eatables, &c. All the caves should be reconnoitred by water and not by land. With a boat from Greve de Lecq, it would be easy to land close to every opening in the cliffs ; this would avoid scrambling over masses of rocks, or winding along narrow paths that skirt the edge of the precipices ; and thus the caves might be viewed before the receding tide would admit of proceeding to them by land : great caution would, how- ever, be necessary. A good offing must be preserved in doubling any of the sharp ledges, as in general, strong cur- rents and broken water are prevalent near those angles, es- pecially towards low ebb. — It is a spot Almost unknown — untrod ,■ — the traveller Must turn him from the broad and beaten track Of men to find it. JERSEY. 53 CHAPTER IV. St. JOHN. St. John's is in the Northern part of Jersey, and from St. Mary's to the church of St. John's, is rich and wood- ed. The latter building was consecrated on the first of Au- gust, 1204, and the population of the parish amounts to one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, At a short distance from the church, a path leads down to the little harbour of Bonne Nuit, where there are bar- racks neatly constructed, and almost untenanted since the conclusion of the war. The granite quarries, for which the parish of St. John is especially celebrated, lie about three quarters of a mile to the North of the church, and deserve to be visited by every stranger. The cliffs from which this beautiful and very durable stone is obtained, are very exten- sive and almost wholly composed of it. The quarries are constantly worked, from the demand that exists for the stone ; they belong to different proprietors, and afford employment for a considerable number of men. That from Mont Mado is held in the most esteem, being the whitest and, perhaps, one of the hardest quality ; that from the quarry of La Perruque is also much valued, though somewhat darker in colour and less closely grained than that of Mont Mado. There are several other quarries, which produce excellent materials for building, though of less repute than those mentioned. The Mont Mado stone splits asunder with great regularity and beauty ; most of the public buildings and the mansions of the affluent are faced with it. It is both handsome and durable. F 54 JERSEY. In this parish and near the church, the traveller may be accommodated with good entertainment for man and horse. There are two or three good inns, especially that kept by Mr. Le Boutillier, adjoining the church yard, whose politeness and assiduity, for the comfort of his guests, cannot be exceeded. TRINITY. Trinity — La Petite Caesaree. — The Roman entrenchment is in this parish : the remains of it are but few. It is a large district, and contains a population, according to the census taken in 1831, of two thousand and ninety-eight persons, being an increase of only fifty during the previous ten years. The church was consecrated September the third, 1163 ; it has nothing particularly noticeable. A short and pleasant ride conducts us to the marine scenery at Boulay bay, which is delightful. This bay is, on the Northern coast, formed by rocks, which rise above two hundred feet from the sea. With great truth, standing on this eminence, would the reflecting and pious tourist exclaim — As from this rock at evening's purple time I view yon waves majestically roll, What awful wonder, and what drpad sublime Steals on the pensive stillness of my soul ! Boulay offers indeed a noble bay, but it labours under two evident and insurmountable disadvantages. Were a town to be built on the declivities, the ascent would be too steep for the purposes of foreign or even inland trade ; and the want of a running stream, and, perhaps, of spring water also, would be severely experienced. The States — the legis- lative assembly of Jersey, have lately given a considerable sum — about four or five thousand pounds — to construct a JERSEY. 55 pier at Boulay bay : it is now finished, and may be consi- dered only as the commencement of a more extensive work, necessary for the defence of all the surrounding Islands. The want of a good harbour, wherein the British squa- dron, employed during the war to watch the movements of the French navy, may occasionally find secure shelter, has frequently been felt. The extension of the present pier, a few hundred feet will form an excellent port, affording a sufficient depth of water to allow sloops and steam vessels, and even frigates of a larger class, to float in safety at any time of the tide, whilst all the other harbours are dry at its reflux ; and the roadstead in the bay itself, the easiest of access and the best anchorage of any in the vicinity of the Islands, offers, on account of its situation in view of Guern- sey, Alderney, and the coast of France, the most eligible station for the squadron. There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society where none intrudes. By the deep sea and music in its roar. To a contemplative mind the wild uncultivated scenes of nature afford satisfaction, equally with those of a more smil- ing aspect. The bleak mountain — the arid desert — the naked rock — and the expanded ocean — when not rendered uninter- esting by the monotonous continuity, become scenes of grati- fying reflection. We naturally contrast them with prospects differently featured, and the animated picture rises in all the beauty of variety. To a pious man the attributes of the Divinity are every where impressed. In one instance he is struck with awe, in another with veneration, in another with wonder, and in all with love and gratitude. In Jersey, which may be termed a miniature of the world, these effects may be continually produced. The scene changes at every step. The only wearisome repetition is that endless succes- 56 JERSEY. sion of narrow roads, overarched with trees, which, however pleasing when graced with the robe of novelty, tire by their uniform similarity, and perplex by their countless sinuosities Sfc MARTIN. St. Martin's, which is one of the Eastern parishes* contains several interesting objects worthy the tourist's atten- tion. The first place we shall notice is Rozel harbour, which is a small semi-circular basin, bounded by high rocks. This beautiful little port has a pier on a small scale, and affords a residence to a number of fishermen. The neigh- bouring barracks are beautifully situated, and in Summer time, are the rendezvous of pic-nic parties. These barracks were always occupied by troops during the war ; but are now, with the exception of a couple of artillerymen, unten- anted. The environs of Rozel harbour exhibit majestic rocks, frowning over dark glens, as if prepared to burst and over- whelm every thing below. And here and there a solitary tree, Or mossy stone or bank, with woodbines crowned. The solemn stillness of this scenery disposes the mind to contemplation, and naturally raisps it to hold " communion sweet and high" with that Almighty Being, at whose com- mand the convulsed nature produced those wonders. Here retired from the world's garish eye, the man of leisure may Look through nature up to nature's God; or, if enjoying only a temporary seclusion from the busy hum of men, may form plans of public utility, in either JERSEY, 57 , way employing his solitary hours in a manner suitable to , the dignity of a rational and immortal creature. Hail awful scenes that calm the troubled breast, And woo the weary to -profound repose! Here innocence may wander safe from foes, And contemplation soar on seraph wings. On a small cliff, close to the harbour, called Le Couperon, the most extensive druidical antiquity now existing in the Island, and which is supposed to have been a temple of that worship, is to be seen. It is composed of twenty*one stones of about the height of three feet, enclosing within an area somewhat oval, other blocks and masses that ap- pear to have once formed a poquelaye or cromlech of con- siderable size. Three flat slabs, each six feet in length, which are supposed to have been once united, are said to have rested formerly upon fourteen smaller supporters of about the height of two feet. Perhaps their present broken state is more attributable to wanton violence than to the injuries of time. Many masses of rock lie scattered about Le Couperon, and appear as if fallen from the heights above, or as protuber- ances rising above the plain ; or there might formerly have been more of the same idolatrous monuments, but time, and the uses to which the stones may occasionally have been applied, render their original destination very problematical. Continuing to follow the marine line, we sweep round several smaller inlets, forming coves along the coast ; passing Ver- clut to the bay of St. Catherine's, which is pretty, but has nothing remarkable. The shore of this bay is in some pla- ces broken by low rocks ; in others, it is pebbly. Among the stones are many steatites. The pebbles line the upper part of the beach :— towards low water mark the shore is sandy. Near this bay is one of the ancient Chapels in a dilapidated state. f2 58 JERSEY. Not far from St, Catherine's bay, and rather inland liet Anne Ville, with a few scattered houses. In one of the fields of this place is one of those vestiges of barbarism, called in Jersey Poquelaij, being a rough slab of rock originally pla- ced horizontally, and supported by several smaller pieces. The large stone measures three feet thick, ten broad, and fifteen long. Some of its former supporters have been removed, so that it reclines on the ground. This is the largest single block of Druidical monuments now remaining in the Island. It is equal in dimensions to the celebrated cromlechs at Poi- tiers, in France, which Toland conjectures to have been a rocking stone. A little to the Northward of a tower near this place, called Archirondel Tower, is a bed of pipe clay, which is seldom applied to any purpose, though said to be of excellent quality. It is overflowed at high water, and fre- quently covered by sand. A reverend pile, With bold projections and recesses deep ; Fronting the noon-tide sun. We paused to admire The pillared porch elaborately embossed, 'I he wide windows, with their mullions old, — The cornice richly fretted of grey stone. Mont Orgueil Castle. — The rock on which it stands is of an olive and red colour. It is a lofty conical rock, which forms the headland of Grouville bay, and i oat when first he came to the Island. By the tenure of ; this estate the owner is bound, whenever the King comes to the Island, to provide a horse of the like colour for the same occasion. The population of this parish is but one thousand two hundred and fifteen persons. St. SAVIOUR. St. Saviour. — The Government House is in this parish on the left, on ascending the hill from the Town, and is occupied by the Lieutenant Governor. In ancient and more turbulent times these officers principally resided in either Mont Orgueil or Elizabeth castle, and in latter times some house has generally been granted to them. When the Island Was invaded by Rullecourt in 1781, La Motte house was the seat of the Lieutenant Governor, and it was there that Major Corbet was taken prisoner. Since that time the house now occupied by Mr. Ramier Le Brocq was the Governor's dwelling, and the new row of buildings called Halkett-place, opposite the market, has been raised on the site of the garden; this property having been sold in 1823, the present more commodious and appropriate residence was purchased of F. Janvrin, Esq., by whom it was built : nearly opposite is d'Hautree, the property of Colonel Touzel. On the summit of the hill stands St. Saviour's church ; it was consecrated on the thirtieth of May, 1154. The cemetry of this church, from its high situation, is the favourite burial place of most of the respectable part of g2 , 70 JERSEY. the English residing in St. Helier's or its neighbourhood. It is the largest of the country churches, and, though the build- ing is somewhat defaced by the bad taste displayed in many of the alterations and repairs it has undergone, it still pos- sesses considerable beauty. Its situation is picturesque, and from the church yard, which is ornamented with some fine and luxuriant trees, an extensive view, comprising the Town of St. Helier's, the bay of St. Aubin's, and the rich scenery of the surrounding country is obtained. At no great distance from the church, on the same side, is the Manor house ; this property belongs to the Poingdestre family. In one of the bye roads that leads towards the North of the parish, is the free school of St. Manelier or St. Magloire, founded and endowed in the reign of Henry the Seventh, by John Neel, a native of the Island, and Dean of the chapel to Arthur, Prince of Wales. The endowment consists of a house, with a small portion of land, and thirty quarters of wheat rent. The number of scholars is usually not great. Near the school, at a spot called Les Landes Pallot, there formerly stood a rocking stone of a large size, and so accu- rately balanced that it was moved with the slightest effort : it was destroyed some years ago and broken up for building purposes. The population of St. Saviour's parish is two thousand one hundred and ninety-six persons. JERSEY. 71 CHAPTER V, EXCURSIONS ROUND THE ISLAND. Having thus led the tourist through the different parishes, the discriminate mind can divide it into such portions as circumstances or time will permit ; but should his time be limited, we propose, for his better accommodation, he should follow the instructions of four days' excursions, viz :> — FIRST DAY'S EXCURSION. The stranger has now passed some days very satisfactorily in Town ; and it is probable that he will be desirous of ex- tending his knowledge of the Island : for this, there are sufficient facilities. — Cars, some intended for four, others for six persons, are- to be hired in various parts of the Town, — the hire per day is generally seven shillings. It is imma- terial in which direction we begin our excursions ; we shall, therefore, at a venture, again turn to the East in lieu of the West, with the intention of visiting the little Town of Gorey and Mont Orgueil castle. There are two roads by Gorey, one nearer, and the other more distant from the sea. If no directions be given, the driver will take the former of these roads ; and, as both are beautiful, it is perhaps of little im- portance by which road Gorey is approached. We shall glance at both roads. Passing through George Town, about a quarter of a mile from St. Helier's, the former road runs in nearly a straight line for about a miie and a half through a level and fertile country, and then turning to the left it ascends a steep hill, — and a mile further descends to the 72 JERSEY. village and church of Grouville, whose retired and rural aspect is unusually pleasing. Soon after, at about a mile distant, Mont t)rgueil castle rises in view, in that imposing attitude which well suits its name ; and, as we approach nearer, its grey time-worn and massive walls, ivied in many places to the summit, rather increase than diminish the admiration and curiosity of the traveller. The building, however, which is in many places in a ruinous state, is well worthy of a visit, and an ascent to the summit will amply repay the labour of it. The view embraces the whole of Grouville and St. Catherine's bays, — the fine wooded range that as usual girds the central part of the Island, with the sea which washes the base of the castle, and the distant coast of France. The whole cur- ved line of the sea beach on the French coast is distinctly visible, and the cathedral of Coutance may be seen any clear day. Gorey, which lies close to the castle, although apparently an inconsiderable village, is of some importance, as the seat of the oyster fishery ; so that, during the oyster season, the sailing and arrival of the boats, and the bustle which the fishery creates on shore, present an agreeable and animating picture. The fishery is of considerable importance to the Island of Jersey, and supplies the English market to a large extent ; but although oysters are cheap in Jersey — generally one shilling per hundred — they are large, and of a very su- perior quality, the choicest being bought up -and sent to the English market. There are many picturesque rambles from Mont Orgueil castle among the rocks, and particularly a path along the coast, by which the traveller on foot may reach the beautiful bay of Rozel — the favourite locale of pic-nics ; and its great seclusion, picturesque features, and verdant borders, may indeed recommend it to the solitary lover of nature, as well as to the parties of pleasure that frequent it. JERSEY, 73 There are better and more direct roads to Rozel bay from St. Helier, by which a carriage may drive within a few hundred yards of the shore, and by which the visitor has only to walk across a little grass field, with many agreeable land and marine views opening around him ; one of these run from Gorey, where the stranger already is ; it mounts the hill above the village, and passing through a succession of fine fertile scenery, it reaches St. Martin's church, and from thence through the manor of Rozel to the charming bay that bears that name ; a path winds down the brow of a picturesque promontory, and thus gains the beach. Bar- racks, now untenanted, are beautifully situated a little way behind ; and in these a vacant room often shelters the pic- nic party from the noon-day heat. The stranger may also reach Rozel bay by another road direct from St. Helier. It will be recollected that we said there were two roads from St. Helier to Mont Orgueil castle, and that if no direc- tions were given to the driver of the car, he would go by that of which we have already spoken ; but if the direction be given to go or return by St. Clement's, the road taken will be different. In that case, you will pass, during the first mile, through the open ,and somewhat marshy meadow coun- try which skirts the sea ; but soon the scenery changes, and passing through the manor of Samarez, you will reach the village and church of St. Clement's. The interior of the churches will not repay the traveller who stops to examine them, though their situation is generally highly beautiful ; their plain towers or steeples, and ancient architecture are in excellent keeping, with the close and wooded scenery around them, and which has in itself an antique character, from the quantity of ivy which clings to the trunks of the trees, and the overarching trees that skirt the roads. This road joins the other at the village of Grouville, and then proceeds, as we have already detailed, to Gorey and Mont Orgueil. 74 JERSEY. The excursion to Mont Orgueil will occupy the greater part of the day, for one may while away an hour or two most agreeably in and about the old castle ; and the charm- ing views both over the Island and the sea, which are pre- sented in quick succession, will often induce the stranger to pause en route, By-the-bye, by no means let it be forgotten to enjoin the driver before quitting St. Heiier, to stop at that point on the road from which the view of Mont Orgueil castle is first caught. SECOND DAY'S EXCURSION. This day we would recommend a shorter excursion,— by St» Saviour's church as far as Prince's tower. Passing as before along the St. Saviour's road, to the point where, in making the circuit of the Town, we counselled the stranger to turn to the left, he must now follow the road up the hill ; and occasionally pausing and turning round, to catch a bird's eye view of the sea and Town, he will reach the entrance to Government house, the present residence of the Lieutenant Governor. About a half a mile further, ancl at the summit of the hill, he will find the church of St Sa- viour, one of the largest, and certainly the most beautifully situated of the Island churches. The stranger must not omit to enter the church yard, from the extremity of which an extensive and enchanting view is obtained over the Town, the adjoining country, and the bay of St. Aubin. Leaving the church yard, the high road must again be pursued for about a mile farther, and in order to reach Prince's tower, it is necessary to turn to the right, when after a short drive or walk of about half a mile, this interesting monument will be seen rising amid the amphitheatre of trees that surround it. JERSEY. 15 Flights of steps ascend the mound upon which the tower is built, and a circular staircase leads the visitor to the summit. There is no doubt, that from this elevation the best general view of the Island is obtained : the eye ranges delighted over its whole extent, and in every direction excepting one, the sea is seen embracing it. The general effect is that of an immense orchard, interspersed with meadow land, and dotted with villages, farm houses and cottages. The excursion to Prince's tower will agreeably occupy a long summer evening, — and in that case, the stranger may obtain there the refreshment of tea ; nor is it a small plea- sure on a sultry summer evening, to sit in one of the cool circular rooms of the tower, to sip the refreshing beverage, and to look from the windows upon the riant landscape that lies below, — the calm summer sea, and the distant line of the French coast that bounds it. The immediate vicinity of Prince's tower is prettily laid out with shrubs and flowers, and in certain seasons, the fine blow of blue Hydrangias cannot fail to delight the visitor. In returning from Prince's tower, we would counsel the stranger in Jersey to visit the nursery of Mr. Saunders, where he will find much to interest the Florist and the Hor- ticulturist ; it lies to the right of the high road in returning to St. Helier's, — and if the stranger be en voiture, the driver only requires to be instructed. THIRD DAY'S EXCURSION. This excursion may comprehend the Town of St. Aubin's and its surrounding scenery, and the beautiful little bay of St. Brelade's. To reach St. Aubin's the stranger passes through the lower part of St. Helier's ; and after leaving the Town the road passes underneath Gallows hill, a considerable elevation on 76 JERSEY. the right, overhanging the sea — so called, because it was there that four stone pillars which served as a gallows, formerly stood. The road, all the way from St. Helier's to St. Aubin's, runs close to the sea, and the traveller has therefore the choice of either following the road, or, if the tide be back, of proceeding by the fine hard sand, which stretches almost the whole of the way between St. Helier's and St. Aubin's. A walk or drive along the sea coast in Jersey presents attrac- tions that are scarcely to be found in any part of England, and may almost remind one of the shores of the Mediter- ranean ; for while in England, the vicinity of the sea is almost invariably distinguished by sterility, by open downs and sand hillocks ; in Jersey, the most luxuriant vegetation descends almost to high water mark. The whole of the road from St. Helier's to St. Aubin's is skirted by a range of beautiful heights, covered with wood and meadows, and every where presenting the aspect of perfect fertility. When the road leaves the sea shore, it ascends the eminence, upon the other side of which St. Aubin's is partly situated ; and having gained the top of the eminence, the stranger finds himself at the entrance of the little Town, where a steep and straggling street a°;ain descends to the sea. The situation of St. Aubin's is singularly beautiful, — partly lying on the sea shore, partly on the rocky and wooded emi- nence, that rises abruptly from the sea, and backed, and surrounded on three sides by a most fertile and picturesque country, St. Aubin's is a perfect picture of a quiet and some- what decayed Town. Formerly, the place was of more im- portance ; but the many advantages of St. Helier's, and its new and superior harbour, have changed the direction of trade. We recommend the stranger, before leaving St. Aubin's for St. Brelade's, to walk along the road that runs close to JERSEY. 77 the sea, beyond St. Aubin's. This is a charming promenade. The road skirts the wooded heights that rise above the sea ; and conducts the stranger through some of the sweetest scenes that the combination of wood, water and rock, are capable of producing. Returning to St Aubin's, the stranger must now take the road to St. Brelade, and a charming road it is ; he ascends in the funnel of a narrow valley, which, in its character, will again remind him of many parts of Switzerland ; and when after a short trajet of about a mile and a half, he descends upon St. Brelade, he will probably say, " well, this is one of the sweetest scenes I have ever beheld." It is a perfect picture of a retired Island bay, — and, flanked as it is, by picturesque wooded scenery, and with its one or two fishing huts, it leaves nothing to desire. The ancient church too, greatly adds to its beauty ; it stands within the bay, close to the water's edge, and a little elevated above the water, which at full tide bathes the rocks that flank the church- yard. La Moye house, standing upon an eminence above the church, adds also, to the agreeable features of the placid picture. FOURTH DAY'S EXCURSION. In a fourth day's excursion, we recommend the rocks and promontory of Plemont ; Greve-de-Lecq, and St. Peter's valley. To reach these objects of attraction, the Stranger passes as before along the road from St. Helier's to St. Au- bin's ; but he must turn to the right after having passed Millbrook, — and in less than a mile farther, he enters St. Peter's valley : most people are of opinion, that this valley is seen to the best advantage by descending it ; but we think 78 JERSEY. differently, — and whether in viewing this, or any other valley, we would always recommend the traveller to ascend, — for he is thus sure to pass from tamer to bolder, and more attractive scenery ; and it is besides obvious, that all the advantage of the views descending the valley, may be secured equally in ascending, by occasionally pausing and looking back. St. Peter's valley has certainly earned its high character deservedly ; it has ail the characteristics of picturesque beau- ty : it is narrow and deep, — bounded by fine acclivities diversified by wood, and green pasture land, and enlivened by the quiet music of a tiny rivulet. Neat cottages, clustered over with vines, and surrounded with flowers, are occasion- ally seen, — and the character of rural beauty is greatly heightened, by the cattle, that lie on the meadows, or feed on hill sides. The stranger will not fail to remark one fea- ture almost peculiar to Jersey scenery, — this is, the abun- dance of ivy, which entirely covers the trunk of every tree, — and which, heightening in summer, the richness of the land- scape, gives to it also in winter, an aspect which takes away from that season, its usual sterile character. Every w T here throughout the Island, this peculiar abundance of ivy is remarkable ; the banks of the road side, are invariably covered with it ; a tree is scarcely to be found destitute of it, — it covers every old building, and has even crept over the rocks that are washed by the waves, — thus giving to them the appearance of ruined ivied towers. After attaining the top of the valley, the stranger, for the next two or three miles, passes through a well enclosed fer- tile country, till he arrives within about a mile of the sea, when the trees are fewer, and more stunted ; stone walls take the place of hedges, and fern and heath begin to be substituted for grass. The stranger who has hired a car, JERSEY. 79 and who wishes to visit Plemont, will do well to desire the driver to stop at a small Inn, near the place ; here the tra- veller may alight, — and here too he may find a room, a table and table-cloth where he may spread his provisions ; and where he may purchase abundance of delicious cream to add another luxury to his repast. Having provided for satisfying the appetite which an ex- cursion to the rocks will infallibly produce, the stranger en- quires the road to the rocks and caves of Plemont. It is but a path across the open heathy heights that. skirt the sea, and after a somewhat scrambling walk, the rocks are attained without difficulty. Plemont Point, is a rocky promontory, about tw r o hundred and fifty feet in height, separated from the mainland of the Island, but connected with it by a bridge across the ravine. There is no danger in descending the rock, to the sea beach, and we advise the stranger to do so,— for the caves, although not any way re- markable in their structure, are yet worth a visit, — and the bold rugged rocks, and deep inlets and coves, present an interesting marine view. In stormy weather, the scene here is highly imposing, and the waves bounding into the caves, roar louder than the loudest thunder. From this point, Guernsey, and the other Islands, as well as the French coast, are distinctly visible. After scrambling among the rocks of Plemont, the stranger is seldom disinclined to partake of the repast, which his forethought has prepared. In returning from Plemont to St. Helier's, return by all means, by Greve-de-Lecq : the road is highly picturesque, — and the deep bay, which forms the outlet of the narrow val- ley through which the road descends, is of singular beauty, both owing to its own tranquil character, and to the charm- ing frame of wood and rock, in which it is almost enclosed. In returning to St. Helier's, the stranger passes through iho SO JERSEY. parishes, and by the churches of St. Mary and St. Lau- rence ; and will be every where delighted with the fertile country, which lies on every side. These four excursions, comprehend the greater part of that which a visitor whose time is limited can see ; but if he become a resident in the Island, even for a month or two, he must not be satisfied by following the high roads that cross the Island. He who would do more than glance at the Island, must plunge into the deep wooded lanes, that in a hundred directions intersect it. These descend into the ravines, and mount the acclivities, and conduct the stranger through the most fertile and often the most pictu- resque parts of the Island. On the hottest of summer days, a stranger might roam among these shady lanes without a ray of the sun ever reaching him, and might say, The sun was high in heaven,— yet not a ray Through the thick foliage of the branches shone ; But all without, was bright, and fair, and gay ; Green spots of beauty 'neath the sunshine lay,— And where the trees stood lighter, or alone, Oh it was sweet to see the checkered shade, The sunbeams falling through the foliage made ; To mark the graceful bending of the trees, And stirless leaves ; for, not the lightest breeze Came in the air, — save only, what might bring. The perfume of the sweet flowers blossoming. JERSEY. si CHAPTER VI. CONSTITUTED AUTHORITIES, RULES OF THE COURTS, POPULATION TABLE, DISTANCES FROM THE ROYAL SQUARE, CONSECRATIONS, &c. OFFICERS APFOINTED BY HIS MAJESTY. Governor. — The Right Honorable William Carr Beresford, Viscount Beresford, Baron of Albuera and Dungarvon, in the County of Waterford, G. C. B., G. C. H. ; Marquis of Campo Major, Earl of Frencoso, General of His Majesty's Land Forces, and Colonel of the 16th Regiment of Foot. Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-chief of the Forces of the Island,— His Excellency Major- General Thornton, C. B. Bailli. — Sir John De Veulle, Knight. Dean. — Very Rev. Corbet Hue, D. D., Rector of St. Helier. — Matthew Gosset, Esq., Viscount. — Thomas Le Breton, jun., Esq., Attorney-General. — J. W. Dupre, Esq., Advocate-General. THE STATES. His Excellency Major-General Thornton, Lieut. -Governor ; Sir John De Veulle, President, Bailli ; the twelve Jurats ; the Clergy ; the twelve Constables ; the King's Attorney- General ; the Solicitor-General ; the Deputy-Viscount ; the Greffier, Treasurer, and the Sheriffs. The King^s Attorney-General and the King's Solicitor- General have a right of sitting, but do not vote. h2 82 JERSEY. ROYAL COURT. Sir John De Veulle, Bailli ; Philip De Carteret, Esq., Lieutenant-Bailli. Jurats. — Charles Le Maistre, Esq., St. Ouen ; P. R. Lempriere, Esq., Rozel ; Ph. De Carteret, Esq., St. Helier ; Ph. Marrett, Esq., St. Lawrence ; Ph. Nicolle, jun., Esq., St. Helier ; G. Ph. Benest, Esq., St. Brelade ; — De Ste.- Croix, Esq., St. Helier ; Ph. D'Auvergne, Esq., St Ouen ; G. Bertram, Esq., St. Martin ; Nicholas Le Quesne, Esq., St. Helier ; Ed. L. Bisson, Esq., St. Lawrence. An election for a Jurat took place on the twentieth of September, 1831, in the room of J. Poingdestre, Esq., de- ceased ; but the eligibility of the candidate is contested. The Jurats are chosen for life by the inhabitants of the twelve parishes. King's Law Officers. — T. Le Breton, Esq., Attorney- General, 3, Halkett-place ; J. W. Dupre 3 Esq., Solicitor- General, 24, Royal-square ; Ph. Le Gallais, Esq., Deputy- Viscount, 18, Vine-street. Officers of the Royal Court. — Frs. Godfray, Esq., Greffiier, Office over the Royal Court ; J. Aubin, Esq., 16, Hill-street ; H. Godfray, jun., Esq., 18, Vine-street, Sheriffs. Advocates. — John Poingdestre, Esq., Vauxhall ; Philip Le Couteur, Esq., 16, Hill-street ; John Hammond, Esq., 1, .Queen-street ; Frs. Le Couteur, Esq., St. John ; Philip Marrett, Esq., St. Lawrence ; Frs. Godfray, Esq., 38, Halkett-place. Public Notaries. — Messrs. Joshua Pipon, Ann-street ; Philip Journeaux, 19, New-street ; Matthew Noel, St. Aubin's ; Thomas Le Breton, jun., 3, Halkett-place ; Philip Le Gallais, 18, Vine-street ; D. Janvrin, Commercial Bank; T. Mallet, Colomberie ; T. Falle, Colomberie ; John Blampied, 10, Broad-street ; George Burr, New-street, and Philip Godfray, Old Bank. JERSEY. 83 Surveyors.— Messrs. Matthew Noel, J. Monamy, P. Le Gallais, Frs. Le Maistre, Moreau Amy, C. De Ste-Croix, M. Poingdestre, J. B. Bosdet, Elias Le Gros, Ph. Pirouet, Ph. Messervy, J. Mourant, P. Bichard, Moses Gibaut, Chs. Ahier* and P. John Le Brun. Attornies. — Messrs. H. Godfray, 2, Hill-street ; Philip Journeaux, 19, New-street ; M. Noel, St. Peter's ; J. Mon- amy, St. Clement's ; J. Aubin, 16, Hill-street ; H. Godfray, jun., 18, Vine-street ; Ph. Le Gallais, 18, Vine-street ; W. G. Le Gallais, 10, Brook-street; M. Gibaut, 16, Hill-street; J. Aubin, jun., 1, Halkett-place ; Moreau Amy, 1, Queen- street ; John Blampied, 10, Broad-street ; C. De Ste.-Croix, 10, Brook-street ; T. De Ste.-Croix, St. Lawrence ; Philip Messervy, 6, Beresford-street ; J. Mourant, 18, Vine-street ; J. Tessier, 2, Royal-square ; P. J. Simon, 3, Halkett-place ; Frs. Le Maistre, 16, Broad-street ; Ph. Le Cras, Usher. RULES FOR THE ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY COURTS. The Spring term for the Extraordinary or Saturday Court commences the first Saturday after the eleventh of April, and concludes on the fifth of July. The Assize of the Court for Real Property, (Cour ^Heri- tage J, is on the first Thursday after the fourth of May. The Autumn term for the Extraordinary or Saturday Court commences on the first Saturday after the eleventh of Sep- tember, and concludes on the fifth of December. The Assize of the Court "for Real Property, (Cour d'Heri- tagej is on the Thursday which precedes the eleventh of October. The terms of the Ecclesiastical Court are the same as those of the Civil Court. 84 JERSEY. w 1 . P ^ J8 •i -3 1281 U J '^indoj OON^OON^C^rHHNoOO rHOOO^'-'iONaiOOiOCOfN r-iCOOOOOOOOOCOOCOOO O r-H p-H C-} r-H r- 1 r— I H (N H r-H lS8Il^oi 9p3UI9J 3TJJJ0 U9Jp -pqo pUB U9lUO^ •X9S 9JBUI 9l|l JO U9Jp}iq9 pUB U9j^[ # S9SSB[D Suip999J(I OAV} 9tp UI p9SIjd -UI09 IOU S9TJIIUBJ; •yBioipuBq^'sgjrn -OBjmiBtii 'gpB^ ui p9./C0[d LU9S9 1 \\ IUB .J •9IQ^[n9 U§B Ul p9AOjdlU9 %9iqD S9UIU1BJ; NCOOOOOOiCOCOCOiOiON OhhOOOOOiO)CO(MO) Oi^fMNOCDrHOOCDOOOlCr) (MCON0500rHOOO)0050N(N NhhOOhOOO)0)(00 QDl—li— li-Hr-Hr— ipHr-H COMOOhOCONOOONCDh QCOOiOOiOCOfMCOOOCOlO 0)00000105 05 0)00 10^ t^ r— I r— I — I r— I (OOOhmCO^OCOOI^H r-< 05 CO CO ^ m CO h (Ohh C^ r-H NCOOtOOO^NiMMO^^ iON^OoiOO)(NNO)COiOCO On-fr- 1 . — ' l — I ! — ! ■ — i i — ; i — . CDNCMIM^OONICCOIMCOCO ^iOCiOCON^MiO00Nr-i •sgsnoq pgjiqBquiUQ O O) CN r-i CO CO ■* •Suipnnq s9snoq jo jgquiQjsj •sgqiraBj jo jaqumjj S9snoq p9iiqBqaj OJ C.G0-^r , O'— ' r— ic^oocococoooioo^Oi CO^COCOCO-^^COCO^CNr-w CO NiOiO^ONCONN^^OO HOnOOOOiOCOtOMfl O) CO CO M O) CO CO C>: CO !M rH m to >>■£ *- to s 5 ^ ■Ki *£ S-J "^ ^ sj *2 *j -VS* -ij So" -hi JERSEY. 85 The following table gives the true distances, by measure- ments made by authority, from the Statue in the Royal- square, to different places in the Island : — Miles Figs. Yds. To St. Clement's Church — — 2 4 66 Grouville Barracks, by ditto — 4 99 Grouville Church — — — 2 6 66 Grouville Barracks — — — 3 3 132 Gorey — — — — 4 1 Mont Orgueil Castle — — 4 6 33 St. Saviour's Church — — 1 2 99 St. Martin's Church — — 3 6 66 Rozel Barracks — — — 5 6 Trinity Church — — — 3 6 Boulay Bay — — — 4 6 St. Peter's Church — — — 4 6 4 St. Ouen's Church — — — 6 2 St. Lawrence's Church — — 3 2 St. John's Church — — — 5 5 68 St. Mary's Church — — — 5 6 St. Brelade's Church — — 5 4 St. Aubin's Pier — — — 3 6 132 The twelve parish churches were consecrated at the fol- lowing periods : — That of St. Brelade — — May 27, A.D . 1111. St. Martin — — January 4, — 1116. St. Clement — September 29, — 1117. St. Ouen — September 4, — 1130. St. Saviour — — May 30, — 1154. Trinity — September 3, — 1163. St. Peter — — June 29, — 1167. St. Lawrence — — January 4, — 1199. St. John — — August 1, — 1204. Grouville — — August 25, — 1312. St. Mary — — October 5, — 1320. St. Helier — — August 15, — 1341. 86 JERSEY. CHAPTER VII BB1EF VIEW OF THE HISTORY OF JERSEY, CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL. Little is known of the Norman Isles previous to the time of Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy, to whom, and his heirs, Charles the Fourth of France, in 912, surrendered so large a portion of his dominions, that is worthy of record. From this chieftain six Dukes in succession retained the so- vereignty of these Islands. They were all renowned for their prowess in war, and for their wisdom in ruling their subjects in times of peace. These were succeeded by William the Conqueror, who ad- ded the Isles to the British crown ; and, with the exception of a short period whilst they were under the government of Robert his eldest son, they have been attached to it ever since ; and, of course, their history is blended with that of England. When Philip, King of France, seized on the province of Normandy, he endeavoured to make a conquest of the Nor- man Isles ; bat he met with so spirited an opposition, that he was not able to effect his purpose. King John, at this critical juncture, personally brought them aid from England, and fortified the points which were most vulnerable. He was so much pleased with the people both of Jersey and Guernsey, that he gave them a Constitution, which is still much valued by them, and regarded as the Magna Charta of their liber- ties. He also visited Jersey again about three years before his death. In the reign of Edward the First, the French again made JERSEY. 87 an attack on these Islands, but were vigorously repulsed by the natives. In the time of Edward the Second considerable encroachments were made on the rights of the inhabitants ; but on a Petition being presented to Edward the Third they were restored to their former freedom. At this period, the French again invaded Jersey, and did a great deal of injury to the open country ; but they were repulsed before Mont Orgueil castle, and their fleet, shortly afterwards, was utterly defeated by the English. Another formidable invasion, a few years afterwards, also failed to subjugate the Island to the French dominion. But in the reign of Henry the Sixth, Surdeval, a Norman gentleman, with a French fore* 3 , contri- ved to gain the celebrated fortress above named, which they retained for some years ; but they never subdued more than half the Island to their authority. Philip De Carteret secu- red the castle of Grosnez, and by the aid of a fleet from England in the reign of Edward the Fourth, the fortress was again retaken from the French, |,and they were driven back to the Continent. Henry the Seventh, when Earl of Richmond, visited this Island ; when he came to the crown, he gave a new Char- ter to confirm the privileges of the inhabitants. In the reign of Henry the Eighth, Sir H. Vaughan, a creature of Cardinal Wolsey, was, through his influence, ap- pointed governor of the Island ; exercising his authority in a tyrannical manner, the Islanders were justly offended with him, and by spirited remonstrances at court they obtained a redress of their wrongs. In the reign of Edward the Sixth, the French took. and fortified the little Isle of Serk ; and from thence they made a descent on Jersey, at Boulay Bay, but were repulsed with great loss ; and Serk was retaken from them by a stratagem, The Norman Isles were faithful, so long as they were able. 88 JERSEY. ■ to the cause of the house of Stuart. During the Common- wealth, they considerably annoyed the Government of the Parliament, and the commerce of those, who acknowledged its authority. Jersey twice afforded a shelter to Charles the Second, when he was excluded from his other dominions ; which that prince, when he took possession of the crown gratefully acknowledged by a present to the States of the Island, of a silver mace, with a latin inscription on it, acknowledging their loyalty, and that of Sir G. and P. De Car- teret.* This record, however, is not readily observed, as it is at the foot of it. Elizabeth Castle was the only place that could be defended against the victorious arms of the Parliament. Here Sir George de Carteret, with a brave band of soldiers, main- tained a stand for the king for some time. But a shell, which struck the chapel, blew up the magazine, and killed more than forty of his best soldiers, compelled him to sur- render the fortress to the besiegers. Thus Jersey, in common with every other part of the British dominions, was brought under the Government of the Commonwealth. Jersey was now under the rule of arbitrary and oppres- sive governors, who probably where willing to punish the inhabitants for their loyalty and opposition. Haines extorted ♦INSCRIPTION ON THE MACE. Tali hand omnes dignatur honore. Carolus Secundus, Magnae Britanniae, Franciae, et Hibernae Rex serenissimus, affectum Regium erga Insulam de Jersey (in qua bis habuit receptum dum caeteris ditionibus exclude- retur) hocce monumento vere Regio posteris consecratum voluit. Jussitque ut deinceps Balivis praeferatur, in perpetuam memoriam fidei, turn augustissimo parenti Carolo primo, turn suae Majestati, saevientibus bellis civilibus, servatae a viris cla- rissimis, Philippo et Georgio de Carteret, equitibus auratis, hujus insulae Bali v. et Reg. Praefect. JERSEY. m money by the most illegal conduct, and the soldiery were suffered to indulge with impunity in every species of violence. But the faithful supporters of their Sovereign were yet to experience a happier season. The Restoration put an end to this system of tyranny ; and the Islanders looked forward to, and experienced, a long continuance of tranquillity. Charles was not ungrateful for their loyal attachment. Sir George De Carteret was advanced to honours and emolument, and admitted to the friendship of tne king. Elizabeth Castle, which had so long withstood his enemies, was repaired and greatly enlarged. The circumstances that led to the abdication of James the Second did not affect the tranquillity of Jersey ; and during the long series of years which intervened between the revo- lution and the reign of George the Third, no attempt was made by the powers of France to dispute the possession of the Island. But times pregnant with danger were then fast approach- ing. On the first of May, in the year 1779, when, from war having been but just declared between England and France, Jersey was comparatively unprepared, and contained a very small number of regular troops, a fleet arrived in St. Ouen's bay with a orce of nearly six thousand men, destined to invade the Island, under the command of the Prince of Nassau, and gave the first intimation of the com- mencement of hostilities between the two nations. A debar- kation was attempted ; but the enemy perceiving the opposi- tion likely to be experienced from the different corps of militia, who assembled on the alarm with the greatest ce- lerity, and a small body of troops of the line, which wa^ drawn up to resist their landing, returned to their ships, and resolved upon making the attempt in a different quarter. The vessels accordingly appeared in St. Brelade's bay, but the I 90 JERSEY. enemy, deterred by the same appearance of resistance, finally relinquished their design. Another attack was, however, soon meditated ; but the fleet which was purposed for the service having been defeat- ed by a British squadron, the plan was abandoned. But Jersey was destined to feel the effects of another en- terprize, which, though it failed in its ultimate success, at- tained a prosperous commencement. This, the most remarkable attack which has been made on Jersey in modern times, was in 1781. The French, having landed in the night, actually made their way to St. Helier's, without being observed by any one. They surprised the Lieut* Governor, Major Corbet, in his bed, made him prisoner, and compelled him to sign a capitulation. Alarm guns, however, were fired ; and Capt. Mulcaster, the principal engineer of the Island, contrived with a few troops, to gain possession of Elizabeth Castle, and determined to defend it to the last extremity. So that when the French General advanced, accompanied by the Governor, his prisoner, to demand entrance into the fortress, they were saluted by a cannon ball from the ramparts, which wounded many of them, and made the rest halt, and send a command in writing from Major Corbet, to deliver up the Castle. Capt. Mulcaster, without even looking at it, put it into his pocket. The French officer urged the surrender on the ground, that ten thousand more troops were about to land. Being unable to make any impression, they retreated with the hostile bands, to the Royal Square ; in the mean time, Major Pierson, having collected all the forces he could, advanced on St. Helier's. Baron Rullecourt sent to him to intreat him to submit to his force, to save the town, and the effusion of human blood, — especially as resistance, on account of the greatness of the French force was evidently JERSEY. 91 vain. " Go," said Major Pierson, " Go to your General, and tell him, that if he had twice ten thousand soldiers, the brave troops you have seen, are determined, in less than an \ hour, to drive him from his post." Thus disappointed in their hopes, and unable to force a submission, the French considered it most prudent to retire again to the town and concentrate their forces, that they might withstand an engagement which now appeared ine- i vitable. When Corbet was taken prisoner, the command de- , volved upon Major Pierson, and Rullecourt, desirous of ob- i taining an easy victory, and unwilling to hazard success, dispatched a messenger to him, exaggerating the number of his troops, and begging that, to spare unnecessary bloodshed, he would comply with Corbet's capitulation. To these terms Pierson was by no means inclined to accede, and de- termined that, as soon as the different detachments of his troops had reached their destined stations, the French should be attacked. The militia forces showed the utmost eagerness to com- mence the engagement, and their anxiety was not long res- trained : the various bodies soon moved on and advanced through different streets to the Market Place, where the French were assembled in the greatest force. The enemy were impetuously attacked ; but, though deprived of all hope of success, were determined nevertheless to offer a resolute opposition. Major Pierson was shot dead at the commence- ment of the engagement, but the ardour of the troops suf- fered no abatement ; the French were defeated ; a few of the survivors escaped to their vessels, and the rest were secured as prisoners. Their loss was very considerable amongst the number was Rullecourt ; and about eighty of the militia and regular forces were killed or wounded. 92 JERSEY. Many singular instances o p intrepidity are recorded of the Islanders during the conflict ; but the conduct of Corbet excited. ths utmost dissatisfaction, as at the least, irregular, unwarranted, and unsoldierlike. Upon the heavier charges of accusation brought against him, it would be now useless to descant : the sentence of a court-martial dismissed him from His Majesty's service ; but he afterwards obtained means of procuring a pension, though, upon what grounds of merit, it would be, perhaps, difficult to discover. Since this period, Jersey, though subject during the con- tinuance of hostilities between England and the gigantic O CO power of Napoleon, to many alarms, never suffered the ca- lamities of an attack ; and was able again to shelter a branch of royalty by affording an asylum to the Duke de Berri. The peace which has now quieted the fear of invasion, and freed the Islanders from constant anxiety, allows them to enjoy the undisturbed possession of those privileges, merited by a people who have shown themselves, on every occasion, able and ready to defend them. Major Pierson is buried in St. Helier's Church, under the pew of the Governor, where the States of the Island have erected a handsome marble monument to his memory. JERSEY. . 93 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. That Druidism was prevalent in the Norman Isles, as well as on the neighbouring Continent, is evident, from the ves- tiges which still remain in them of that dreadful supersti- tion ; some of which are to be seen in Jersey as well as in Guernsey. There is one at Anne Ville, and another at Le Couperon. St. Magloire was one of the earliest Missionaries to Jersey. His life appears to have been exemplary, and his preaching was certainly crowned with considerable success ; as he per- suaded the Governor, and the inhabitants generally, to re- nounce idolatry, and to receive baptism. The Normans built the twelve churches which are now ou the Island. From the time of Rollo, till the reign of Eliza- beth, they were under the jurisdiction of the Bishops of Coutance, in Normandy ; who with other ecclesiastics, deri- ved large revenues from these Isles. Henry the Eight seized on much of the church property, and it belongs to the Crown to the present period. In the reigns of Edward the Sixth, and of Elizabeth, popery was abolished, and the doctrines of the Reformation made their way generally among the people ; chiefly through the zeal of some of the French Protestants, who were driven from their native land by the hand of persecution. For many years they established the Presbyterian Church Govern- ment. Charles the First, at the entreaty of Archbishop Laud, granted revenues for the endowment of three fellowships in the University of Oxford, for the education of three cler- gymen for Guernsey and Jersey ; to which, Bishop Morley added five scholarships in Pembroke College ; and there is a legacy from a native of the Island, which is appropriated 12 94 JERSEY. to the same object. These Islands belong to the see of Winchester. But sometime before these grants were conferred, Laurence Baudain, of the parish of St. Martin, had bestowed thirty- two quarters of wheat rent, for the maintenance at either of the Universities of such poor scholars of Jersey as should be found deserving of encouragement, but unable to support the expence of a collegiate education, — a gift that has been of the greatest benefits to many of the most useful and res- pectable characters of the Island. To him, therefore, belongs the credit of having been the first to encourage the learning of the Islanders ; and, great as has been the liberality of other benefactors, it will not, perhaps, be denied that the gift of Laurence Baudain has at least equal claims on the grateful acknowledgement of his countrymen. There are two 'Free Grammar Schools, founded in the year 1498, called St. Magloire, or St. Manlier, and St. Anastase, under the direction of the Dean and Ministers ; but the endowments are too small to be of any material service, or to render the establishments able to effect the ori- ginal design. The two schools are situated at different ends of the Island, and are each intended for the accommodation of six parishes. The number of churches and chapels connected with the established church, is seventeen, including the chapel at the hospital ; the number of sittings contained in them, about twelve thousand. The want of a chapel at Gorey for the accommodation of the numbers who frequent the place du- ring the season of the oyster fishery, has long been severely felt ; and the erection of a suitable building is now completed. The services at St. Paul's and St. James's chapels are en- tirely in English ; and there is also an English service in St. Helier's church in the afternoon, which is attended by the troops in garrison. The churches are generally fully at- JERSEY. * 95 tended ; and though there is in the moral aspect of the Is- land, as elsewhere, much at which the christian must grieve, yet abundant and gratifying proofs are not wanting that the spirit of earnest and vital religion is present with many. The following are the names of the Deans of Jersey, since the year 1512. 1512.— Richard Mabon, ) _ 1543,-Jahn Paulet, $ Roman Cathollcs ' AFTER THE REFORMATION. 1620.— David Bandinel. 1729.— Francois Payn. 1661. — Philip Le Couteur. 1775. — Francois Le Breton. 1672.— Clem. Le Couteur. 1802.— Dr. Edward Dupre. 1714.— Thomas Le Breton. 1823.— Dr. Corbet Hue. ECCLESIASTICAL COURT. in 1833. Judge. — Very Rev. Corbet Hue, D. D., Dean. Assessors. — Rev. Geo. Balleine, St. Martin ; C. Duma- resq, A. B., St. Mary ; J. Mallet, Grouville ; G. Du Heaume, A. M., St. Lawrence ; John Thomas Ahier, Trinity ; Philip Filled, St. Peter ; Ed. Falle, A. M., St. Brelade ; Ph. Dupre, St. John ; Ed. Durell, A. M., St. Saviour ; Philip Aubin, A. M., St. Clement ; Philip Payn, St. Ouen. P. Le Gallais, Esq., Proctor ; C. De Ste. -Croix, Esq. Advocate ; J. W. Dupre, Esq., Greffier. 96 JERSEY. CHAPTER VIII. MILITARY DEFENCE, GOVERNMENT, LAWS, AND CUSTOMS. These are in almost all respects very similar to those of the sister Island of Guernsey. The militia of the Island forms six battalions of infantry, amounting to about two thousand men. All the inhabitants, from the age of seventeen to sixty-five, bear arms. Besides the castles and forts already noticed, there is a chain of towers and batteries around the Island. There are also signal posts on the most elevated positions, forming a general line of communication. The Governor is the principal officer in the Island. He receives, as his salary, the corn-tithes of ten parishes, which belong to the King. On suspicion of treason, with the con- sent of two Jurats, he can seize and imprison any inhabitant. No foreigner can enter the Island without his permission. His jurisdiction, however, is principally of a military nature. The fortresses and the soldiery are peculiarly subject to his controul. The Governor is not usually resident: the duties of the situation devolve on the Lieutenant Governor. The Court of Jurisdiction is composed of twelve Jurats and a Baillif, with the Clergy, and the Constables of the Island. The seat of the Baillif is raised above that of the Governor, because he is the representative of the King, and appointed by him. He keeps the public seal, but he must not use it without the consent of three Jurats. The Jurats are elected by the people on a Tuesday morning. They are chosen for life, but have no salary. The constable is the principal magistrate in every parish. The States of the Island are JERSEY. 97 composed of thirty-eight members, twenty-four of whom are chosen by the people. Lord Coke decided, that " the King's writ runneth not into these Isles," though his commission under the Great Seal does. An appeal may be made from the courts in Jersey or Guernsey to the King in Council ; but such an application is both tedious and expensive. Of the Laws, which embrace an infinite variety of local usages, it will not be expected that more than a very cur- sory notice should be taken. It will therefore only be re- quisite to relate some of the principal heads which may serve to show their nature and spirit. The laws of Jersey are composed of the customs of Nor- mandy ; of Charters given by different Sovereigns ; of Acts formed by the States, and confirmed by the Sovereign ; and of orders made by the King in Council. In 1771, the States compiled a body of laws, which were sanctioned by His Majesty George the Third, and now the States do not meet in a legislative capacity ; at least, not as they once did. There are some regulations respecting game, which are of little moment, as there is scarcely any left in the Island. Capital punishments are of rare occurrence. Forgery does not, as in England, subject the culprit to death. In 1814, a person found guilty of the crime, was sentenced to the pillory, and had the end of his right ear cut off*. The crimes punishable with death, which is inflicted by hanging, are murder, rape, arson, robbery on the high way, and burglary. * In the United States, criminals are put to labour, ac- cording to their sentences ; and things are so managed, that the produce not only maintains the labourers, but leaves a considerable profit to the State ; and the far greater part of them are reformed, and become valuable members of society. 98 JERSEY. When sentence of death is awarded by the court, it is al- ways carried into immediate execution, unless the condemned is recommended to the mercy of the King ; in which case, the punishment is deferred until the Royal pleasure is received. Whenever capital punishment is inflicted on a prisoner, or he is sentenced to the pillory or banishment for five or more years, his estate, real and personal, is forfeited to the crown. The laws in reference to rents, and the succession of pro- perty, are singular. From the great number of small farms, perhaps, arises much of that equal diffusion of comfort and enjoyment which are to be found in Jersey and Guernsey ; the extremes of poverty or wealth are seldom to be found. All encroachments on property, and all civil injuries, which require a prompt remedy, may be resisted by the Clameur de Haro, which is in force here as in Guernsey. The oppressed individual has only to call on the name of Rollo three times, and the aggressor is fordidden, at his peril, to attempt any thing further against him. Ha, means the call of a person in distress ; and Ro, is a contraction for the name of Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy. Haro there- fore, means "Rollo! help me!" Treason, as has been before observed, is reserved for the cognizance of the King in Council : the court not being com- petent to pronounce on the crime, or even to examine wit- nesses on the charge. Manslaughter by fine, imprisonment or banishment, accord- ing to circumstances. Cutting and maiming, termed Maihem in the old Norman code, subjects the offender to corporal punishment in addition, in aggravated cases. Larceny is punished by imprisonment, public whipping or banishment, at the discretion of the court. JERSEY. 99 Felo de se is followed by the confiscation of property, and the body is buried without the ceremonies of the church. Libel and slander are not prosecuted by indictment ; but the party aggrieved may either proceed with the King's Pro- cureur or Attorney General, in which case, the defendant, if found guilty, may be mulcted in a fine to the King and damages to the prosecutor, or an action may be brought on the case for civil damages alone ; in either mode of pro- ceeding, the defendant may plead a justification in bar of the action. Assaults may be prosecuted criminally when they are of a serious nature, or committed on the King's hi^h way ; the culprit is then fined and imprisoned : or the complainant may be joined with the Attorney General in the prosecution ; in which case a fine to the King is imposed without impri- sonment, and civil damages are given for the benefit of the injured party. There are also various laws which regulate the services of the militia. By these the Court has the power of impo- sing fines for neglect of duty, or inattention to discipline, and can proceed to imprisonment. Civil causes are also decided by laws which owe their origin to the Norman feudal system. Tenures are mostly fee simple. The law of inheritance with respect to the descent of estates does not vary in any great degree from that which in the time of Lyttleton was observed in England. In the division of property, the eldest son or daughter, in failure of male issue, is entitled to a certain portion of the estate, together with the principal house, to discharge the Seigneurial services and ground rent, payable in corn, imposed by the original Lords of the soil on its donation to a vassal, and to indemnify him for those military supplies which every estate is bound to furnish, ac- 100 JERSEY. cording to its extent, if the defence of the Island should require them. He is also to defray all other ground rents, which, although now payable in money, may have been due upon the estate for forty years ; but is privileged to claim the avenues leading to the principal house, to a certain num- ber of vergees of land, and to one on every ten compre- hended in the estate, as his right from primogeniture. These claims having been satisfied, two thirds of what remains are divided amongst all the sons, and one third amongst the daughters, in equal proportions ; each being charged with their respective portions of any other mortgages that may be due upon the property. That estates cannot be very large, when land must be thus divided, will be readily supposed. But the law, as it now exists, is not unproductive of considerable benefit. It tends to the increase of population by giving a more general competence, excites the independance of the people, and renders absolute poverty unfrequent. No real property is devisable by will. A widow claims as her dower one third of the estate own- ed by her husband. A widower enjoys at his wife's death, if there have been children, her real estate until he marries again ; but it then reverts to her next of kin, as it does if there has been no issue. A wife may reclaim at her husband's death, her estate, if sold or encumbered by him without her sanction being ex- pressed by a participation in the deed : should she die first, her heirs have the same privilege. A father cannot give, except during his life, a greater share of his landed property to any one child than the law specifies. His donation may be annulled by an action com- menced within a year and a day after his decease. JERSEY. 101 All sales of land belonging to minors may be revoked by them on coming of age. The holders of estates owe homage to the Lords of the Manors, and, when they are required, are obliged to deliver into the Baronial Court an account of the lands they possess under the penalty of a seizure of their property, to be held until the contempt is cleared. The Lords in collateral suc- cessions, enjoy the estate of the deceased for one year. The undisturbed possession of an estate for forty years forms a good and sufficient title. All title-deeds and mortgages are inserted in a register placed under the care of an officer duly appointed : the neglect of this insertion invalidates the mortgage. If an estate is overcharged with mortgages, the cessio bo- norum, or relinquishment of property, is allowed to the mort- gager. The mortgagees institute proceedings to establish their claims, which last for a year, during which time the Lord of the Manor holds the estate of the insolvent. It is then de- manded of the last mortgagee whether he will take the estate and make good all the preceding claims upon it ; if he re- fuses, his own claim upon the estate is altogether cancelled, and a similar offer is made to the next in succession ; and the estate continues to be rotatively so offered, until the overcharge having thus been cleared off, a mortgagee is found willing to take possession of the estate and guarantee the claims of the rest. But however hard this may appear upon the last creditors, it must be remembered that, all mortgages being registered, the charges due upon every estate are learnt with the greatest facility. The tenure of land purchased with cash only, cannot be considered stable until the expiration of a year and a day ; as in the intermediate time the nearest relations of the seller, or the Lord of the Manor, are privileged by the law of Re- K 102 JERSEY. traite, or Pre-emption, to take the estate from the buyer on repaying him the purchase money : but the lapse of time above specified debars them from the right. If, however, the estate is bought with rents, the sale is not to be questioned, as the law then views it as an exchange of real property, rather than as a purchase. Rents are a mortgage on estates. They were formerly ei- ther paid in corn or in money, varying according to the value of grain. But many dissensions having arisen from the nomination of the price to be paid by those who owed them, it was definitively fixed by an order of council that corn rents, with the exception of those due to the King's revenue, the church, the clergymen, and Lords of Manors, should for the future be discharged in money at the rate of two shil- lings and one penny per capital, a measure inferior in size to a Winchester bushel, or sixteen shillings and eight pence per quarter ; but in all deeds the term corn rents is still retained. The origin of this species of corn rent, which is of very ancient date, was occasioned by the poverty of the inhabi- tants and the scarcity of money. He who was unable to raise sufficient to pay the whole price of the land, was permitted to leave a certain portion of the amount secured on it, for which he paid interest with its produce. The utility of this law at length caused its extension to every description of real property, such as houses, &c. &c. It is now only required that one quarter of the purchase money of an estate shall be paid down ; the rest may remain in rents due upon it. This system may perhaps justly be considered as well cal- culated to stimulate exertion, as it holds out a prospect of property to be gained with a small capital, and to be retain- ed with attention and industry. A wife is entitled at the death of her husband, to half of his personal property, if he leaves no children ; but only to JERSEY. 103 one third if there should be issue. One third is then the portion of the children, and one third is disposable at the pleasure of the testator. A widower without children may distribute all his money in any way. The personal property of intestates is divided equally when there there are only sons, or only daughters ; but when there are both, the sons are entitled to two thirds, and the daughters share the remainder. In all collateral successions, the real and the unbequeathed personal property lapses to the nearest relations per capiie, and not per stirpe ; and to the males in exclusion of the females, in the same degree of relationship. Ten years is the term of limitation on actions of debt, and on bonds and other simple contracts. Inquests on sudden and accidental deaths are held, on a mandamus from the chief Magistrate, by the Vicomte and twelve Jurors who are summoned by him : whoever he choses for the service is compelled to attend. Lunatics, or those who are considered incapable of mana- ging their own affairs, may be deprived of the administra- tion of their property by an order of the court, which, however, is not granted until incapacity is fully proved by six principal people, inhabitants of the same parish, and com- petent to form a judgement. A curator is then chosen by seven of the nearest relatives of the lunatic, who are equally responsible with the person to whom the trust is committed for the due administration of the estate. Nuisances or encroachments on the King's high road are removed or prevented by the court, which annually holds views in three parishes, and is conducted by a sworn Jury to those parts where its interference is required. It can pro- ceed in a summary manner against offenders, and punish them by fine, the amount of which is discretionary. 104 JERSEY. The ecclesiastical laws, which are all founded on the Ca- nons of James the First, grant to the Dean the power of bestowed special licences for marriage ; he has also the entry and probate of wills, which must be registered in his office, and approved under his seal : and he gives letters of admi- nistration of the goods of intestates, dying without heirs of their body, to the next of kindred. Whatever may be the merit or the efficacy of the insular laws, it is much to be wished that they were arranged and collected. They are, with the exception of those relating to the church, to be sought for at present in volumes of an- cient customs, or are dispersed in numberless Orders of Coun- cil, or are to be drawn from precedents. The formation of a regular code would be of universal benefit. It would lay open an easier path to the knowledge of the laws, now not attainable without great difficulty, would facilitate the decisions of the Jurats, and remove many of those ambiguities which impede the administration of justice. But a distant hope that such good will be at last effected is all that can now be indulged in. It is reserved for those times when the heats of party spirit shall have subsided, and the States shall come to the patriotic determination of con- fiding to competent persons the task of arranging the whole body of judicial institutes. The inhabitants of Jersey estimate their property, income, rates, and rents, by quarters of wheat. A person who has sixty quarters of wheat per annum, is worth about fifty pounds a year ; and in a similar proportion. The people in general furnish, according to an equitable arrangement, their quota of horses and men for the repair of the roads. The tithes on apples and potatoes, with the fees for mar- JERSEY. 105 riages and funerals, are found sufficient for the maintenance of the clergy. The crown claims the tithe of the corn. There is an iron box, called Le Tronc, placed on the out- side of every church, with the following passage from Scrip- ture on a tablet over it, " Celui qui a pitie du pauvre prete a l'Eternel, qui lui rendra son bienfait." The product of these, with that of collections every Sunday at the church doors, is distributed quarterly. The parishes keep the par- sonage houses in repair. k2 106 JERSEY. CHAPTER IX. TRADE, PRODUCTIONS, COINS, MEASURES, &c i The Alderney or Norman cows are much and deservedly prized. They form a valuable branch of commerce to the inhabitants of Jersey. They commonly bring from eight to twelve or fourteen pounds each. There are at least, two hundred and twenty commercial vessels belonging to the inhabitants of this Island. Many of these, indeed, are employed as cutters, or in the coasting trade ; but a large number of them are employed in foreign trade to Newfoundland, South America, and other parts of the world. More than one thousand vessels on the average enter the ports of Jersey. Potatoes, cider, and apples, are the principal exports of the Islanders. Many thousands of hogsheads of cider are made annually : it forms the chief beverage of the inhabitants. Falle tells us, that in his day, every house which had an orchard, was pro- vided with a mill to grind the fruit, and all other imple- ments necessary to make this useful drink. It is affirmed, that they send at least one hundred and fifty thousand gal- lons every year to England, and as much as twenty thou- sand pounds of butter. Cheese is not made in Jersey. Fruits and vegetables of all kinds, and of the finest quality, are abundant. Many pigs are fed on parsnips and milk, and the meat is very excellent. Poultry is common, and very reasonable. A cabot of potatoes, that is, about forty pounds weight, may often be bought for sixpence. It is asserted, that eight hundred pounds of potatoes have been raised on forty-four feet of ground. About eight thousand tons are sent annually out of the Island. JERSEY. 107 Wines and spirits, as they are not subject to the excise duties, are very cheap in all the Norman Isles. Fish, of most kinds, are to be had here. The following, in their season, are common in the market, though not so abundant as might be expected : — red and grey mullet, of three or four pounds weight ; basse, from six to nine or ten pounds ; rock fish, soles, whiting, plaice, roackarel, and eels ; the conger eel, especially, is very plentiful : they are often caught of an enormous size. Here are also crabs, lobsters, and a one shelled fish called prmer, which is much esteem- ed. The razor fish also, abound in the sands around the rocks. There is a pier and harbour near Mont Orgueil castle, for the vessels which are engaged in oyster dredging. In the Spring, cutters arrive here from Essex and Kent, and carry away the young oysters. One of the finest productions of the Island is the Chau- montelle, a delicious pear, which sometimes exceed a pound weight. They have been sold in the Island for five guineas per hundred. There is a species of kale which is cultivated in the gar- dens, which is often five or six feet high. Some stalks have been sent to the Agricultural Society in England, which have been nine or ten feet long. It is supposed, that there are from eighty to one hundred thousand pounds in specie in circulation in Jersey. French coin was very common previously to the late war ; during which, the precious metals rose so much in value, . that nothing but copper was to met with in the Island ; excepting, indeed, a large issue of promissory notes, from the value of a shilling to a pound. The States, aware of the evil of such a currency, have issued three shilling and eighteen penny tokens to a consi- derable amount. The money now passing, consists of these 108 JERSEY. tokens, and of smooth pieces of silver, without any inscrip- tion on them. Many seem to be the old English shillings and sixpences. They are called francs, and half francs, which pass for eight pence and four pence each. There are well- marked francs also which pass for 10c?, and one pound notes in circulation. Both English and French coin are common ; and especially bits of copper, called liards, eight of which are the value of a penny. The current English shil- ling is worth thirteen pence of the Jersey currency. There is a difference in the weights and measures from those of England. Thirteen Jersey pounds are equal to four- teen pounds avoirdupoise. The quintal, or weight of one hundred and four Jersey pounds is about equal to the English hundred weight of one hundred and twelve pounds. There is no restraint to the foreign commerce of Jersey ; their trade, however, to Newfoundland, and South America, is very considerable. The principal manufacture is that of cider, of which it has been observed that large quantities are annually exported. Cordage, candles, and soap, are also made for Island use and exportation, and some iron-founderies have been established, two of which is considerable. The revenue of the Island is small, for its exigencies are not great. The harbours are kept in repair by the dues of anchorage, and an impot on spirits, which has long been es- tablished for that purpose. The first grant for this impot, which was then one sous per pottle, was in 1615, and was confirmed by Charles the First ; but the distractions of the kingdom prevented its receiving the authority of the great seal till 1649, when it was renewed by letters patent from Charles the Second. The public revenue is now chiefly de- rived from a new impot upon wines and spirits, and from a sum paid on obtaining licences for opening public houses. JERSEY. 109 The following is the amount of the impot or duty : On Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian wines, two pounds ten shillings per pipe. On French and Rhenish wines, one pound ten shillings per pipe. On spirits, one shilling per gallon. A publican who sells wines and spirits, pays annually for his licence, five pounds. The annual revenue of the Island, on the average, may be thus computed. Duty on wines and spirits ....... £7,250 Licences on public houses 500 Anchorage and harbour dues, &c, i o oca applied to the piers S ' Sterling— £10,000 The whole principle of taxation which is politic and just, speaks its own praisejand requires no eulogy. The amount raised is trifling, and no portion of it is laid upon the neces- saries of life, or bears upon the wants of the poorer classes. A state is happy, when its situation is such as to admit of this system, so conducive to the interest and welfare of its people, and to the increase and prosperity of its commerce ; and which, adding to the enjoyment of the natural advanta- ges of Jersey, causes it to be resorted to by strangers, and contributes to heighten that attachment to his soil which is felt by every native. 110 JERSEY. CHAPTER X. MINERALOGY. Jersey, as well as Guernsey, has been noticed, as to its Mineralogy, by Dr. M'Culloch, though not so particularly. There seems good ground for concluding, that all the Nor- man Isles are composed of secondary rocks, resting on a basis of solid granite. The whole of the Northern side of Jersey consists of this species of rock ; but the Southern is a mass of schistus resting upon it. Ochres, of different colours, are to be found ; but no trace of any metal, except iron and manganese. C. Konig, Esq., of the British Museum, has made the fol- lowing observations on this interesting subject. " The rocks of which the Island is composed, appear chiefly to belong to the trap and porphyry formations of the Werner. Granite, strictly speaking, is not observed here ; but sienite, a rock nearly related to it, is very common in the Island, and found in various states of freshness : it every where shows a ten- dency to subdivision. The nearest to granite is quarried from Mont Mado, which readily separates into distinct masses ; the blocks are indiscriminately angular, and of a more or less prismatic form. It is as hard as any granite ; of a close, and rather small grain ; the proportion of its feldspar, which is of a pale red colour, far exceeds that of the quartz and hornblende. " Another variety of this stone, equally hard and compact, is quarried at the Western side of St. Brelade's bay ; it separates more than the other into pieces of various sizes, some small, and wedge shaped. The sienite of Mont Mado is the most useful on this account. JERSEY. Ill " A beautiful variety of granite, like sienite, is found towards Noirmont Point, in which the feldspar, which is the greater part of the mass, is of a deep flesh and thick red colour, with large grains of white quartz, which is sometimes crystallized in it, and not unfrequently mixed with much massive thallite, or epidote, which here and there forms small veins. It juts out in huge masses, and is in some places overlaid by thick beds of loam, with imbedded blocks, ,and rolled pieces of the same rock, of which also innumera- ble rounded fragments are scattered about on the shore. In the bay of St. Brelade's it occurs with veins of common quartz, which is sometimes indistinctly crystallized. In this bay stands a small insulated rock of the same large grained sienite, in which may be seen enclosed a moveable rounded piece of the same mass, which partly projects from the hollow in which it is lodged. " The varieties of sinenite appear in some parts to pass into porphyry, in others into a kind of green stone, in a state of partial, or entire decomposition ; to this belongs the rock which forms the Town Hill. The well sunk from its top passes through from thirty to fifty feet of the rotten rock ; the rest, to the depth of two hundred and thirty-three feet, is in the fresh sienitic rock. Both these varieties of rock, have a seamed structure ; the direction of the seams in general is from South-West to North-East. The rifts of the fresh rock are often coated with common pyrites. " At Fremont, and its neighbourhood, we find abundance of compact feldspar, with disseminated quartz ; and also, here and there, with crystalline particles of flesh-red, common feldspar ; there are several varieties of it, both with regard to the colour of the mass, which is generally of a yellowish grey, and the particles of quartz and common feldspar im- bedded in it. The surface of Fremont is entirely covered 112 JERSEY. with masses and fragments of this rock in various states of disintegration ; they are all quite white, at least on the sur- face, and some are are almost entirely changed into kaolin. At the foot of Fremont, in Bonne-Nuit bay, there are several large rolled pieces of v the same decomposed rock. In going down the road, at the foot of Fremont, leading to Bonne-Nuit bay, we see on the left side, a bed of this por- phyritic rock laid upon ; it is fissured in all directions, and reddish brown on the rifts ; a deposition of loam, with large fragments and rolled pieces of the same rock rests on this porphyry bed. " The compact feldspar, in a completely disintegrated state, may be seen in going to Boulay bay, on the hills nearly to the Southward of the signal post ; on one side a great mass of it is laid bare, which, at first sight, has much the appearance of white lime stone. A curious variety of com- pact feldspar also occurs in masses in Boulay bay and its neighbourhood ; it is variously tinged by a green substance, which in some parts appears like green earth ; in others, like thallite, and even like serpentine. Some varieties are porphyritic, and of a pale green colour, passing into greyish white, with green spots. Boulay bay presents a very curious aspect by those quantities of large green stones, and the huge boulders of variegated porphyritic masses, partly dis- engaged, and partly still embedded in the loam ; but the most remarkable rock in this bay, quite up to La Coupe, and of which immense blocks lie scattered about, and stand out in their natural situation, is a pudding stone, the mass of which is the green thallite-like substance, sometimes pure dark green, sometimes pale, including pebbles, mostly of the por- phyritic rock above-mentioned, from very small ones to se- veral feet in diameter : this is a very fine rock, and bears some resemblance to the beautiful Egyptian breccia. It ap- JERSEY. 113 pears to be in connexion with another of a similar nature, which forms the high road in going from St. Martin's to Rozel harbour. This is a conglomerate, different from that in Boulay bay by the cementing mass, which presents but little of the green substance with which the other abounds ; its cement is in general of a ferrugino-argillaceous nature. This conglomerate appears to discontinue in St. Catherine's bay, where a porphyritic rock begins, which is partly not unlike that of Fremont ; but is also seen in a state of clay porphyry. It contains nests of green earth, and a green substance like thallite, but softer. "Besides green stone, both fresh and in various degrees of disintegration, which occurs in some parts as insulated mas- ses in connexion with the sienite, two other rocks, belonging to the trap formation, deserve to be mentioned ; the green porphyry, and the amygdaloid, which are seen in considera- ble beds at Roque Mollet, on the road leading to St. Saviour's, where both rocks are quarried, and employed for paving and the building of walls. The green porphyry has a blackish green base, in which are embedded slender prismatic crystals of feldspar, mostly decomposed ; and also, here and there small withered globules of what appears to be carbonate of lime. The amygdaloid consists of the same mass with that forming the base of the green porphyry, only that its colour has generally more of a bluish brown tint ; it contains small nodules of calcareous spar, and the cells are generally lined with green earth." 114 JERSEY. CHAPTER XL COMMERCIAL DIRECTORY OF THE TOWN OF ST. HELIER. ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS. Ahier, Philip, Sand-street Bluck, Misses, 7, Up. Don-street. Chevalier, P., 23, Queen-street. Cloke, W.*t'29, Ann-street. De Gruchy, Misses, 1 1, Hue-street. De La Croix, John, Vauxhall. Denziloe, M. K.,*t Church-street. Durell, Miss 42, Don-street Fiot, Rachel, Portland-place. Foot, S. 20, Don-street. Grey, C. & J.,*t Vauxhall. Griffiths, Th., Upper Don-street. Harris, Ann,*t George Town. Helmore, W., 25, Gloucester-st. Hill, Maria, *t 29, Halkett-place. Horlock,Charles,*tLa Motte-house Jane, Misses, 11, Don-street. La Cloche, *t Beresford-street. Le Gros, E., 4, Simon-place. Le Maistre,*t St. Aubin's. Lys, Misses,*t 26, La Motte. Mc.Arthur, Mrs Providence-street Mc. Donald, Geo., 9, Old-street. Mc Mahon,*t La Motte-street. Malfilatre, Mrs.* Hemery-place. Maltilatre, Mad.,* Corinthian Hall, New-street Malin & Napier, Misses, 10, Sligo- street. Nicholls, J.*t Vauxhall. Neel, Elias,*t Longueville. Picot, Joshua, 26. Queen-street. Postlewaite, 10, Belmont-road. Sinel, George, Zion-place. Stoyle & Howe, Misses, *t 27, Bath-street. Willement, Miss, 29, Columberie. Wright, Samuel, 36, King-street. Those marked thus * are Boarding, and those marks *f are Boarding and Day. AGENTS AND AUCTIONEERS. Amy, Moreau, to the European Fire Office, Hill-street. Benest, John, to the Ariadne, Steamer, and Royal Exchange Fire Office, Bond- street. Blampied, John, to the Eagle Fire Office, 10, Broad-street. Blanchard, (General and Commer- cial,) Commercial Buildings Burgess, J. H , (General and Com- mercial) Terrace. Butler, John, General, 7, New-st. Chevalier and Pike, London Tra- ders, 25, Don-street. Collyer, R., 6, Mulcaster-street. Coulman, Jas., Broker, 12 Cross- street. Durell, Ph., Norwich Union Fire Office, 61, New-street. De Ste. -Croix, Ph. Auctioneer, Royal-square. Fruing, W., to the English Copper Company, 2, Caledonia-Place- Hammond, John, to the Alliance Fire Office, 1 , Queen street. Jennings, J W., General, Hope-st Kernot, C, West of England Fire Office, 25, Halkett-place. Kaines, Auctioneer and Fruiterer, 12, Halkett-place. Le Ber, John, Commission and Sun Fire Office, 24, Royal-sq. Mallet, T., to Lloyd's, 41, Colomb. Malzard, Isaac, Commission, 43, Broad-street. Marrett, E., Southampton sailing Packets, and Promoter Fire Of- fice, Church-street. Millard, Henry, Auctioneer, Staf- fordshire Warehouse, Halkett-pl. JERSEY. 115 Ranwell, W., London Trader, B oval-square. Sims. Lyon, Commercial and Auc- tioneer, 16, Halkett-place. Struv6, G. to the Lord Beresfovd, Tate, M , to the Phoenix Fire Of- fice, New-street. Thoreau, C. P., to the British, Commercial, Life and Fire Of- fice, Trinity Road. Vonberg, to the British, Westmin- ster, and General Medical and Clerical Life and Fire Office, Auctioneer and Broker, Broad-st. Westaway, N., to the County Fire Offiee, and Builder, 24, Don-st. Westbrook, Wm., General, New- street. Wilkinson, Accountant, 22, Don- street. BAKERS AND CONFECTIONERS."' Abel, M. sen. 41, Halkett-place Abel, M., Beresford-street. Bertram, F., 19, Charles-street. Boyce, Hy.. Waterloo-street. Bolton, J., Confectioner, 21, Roy- al-square. Bolton, Thomas, Confectioner, 8, Charing-Cross. Burridge, J. Upper Don-street- Cabot, T., 43, King-street. Clark, E., Confectioner, 19, Queen- street. Clifford. J., 13, Charing-Cross. De Gruchy, J., 1, La Motte. De Gruchy, W., 4, Morier-lane. Du Feu, 23, Halkett place. Dujardin, H. , Pier-road. Durell, F., Hill-street. Esnouf, J., Don-road. Gaudin, H., Cheapside. Gill, 17, Charles-street. Joste, S., Confectioner, King-st. Laverty, 16, Dumaresq -street. Levens, T., George Town. Le Gallais, 1, Seaton-place. Le Sueur, P., 9, Parade place. Mc Lean, Ann, Pier. Much, T , 73, King-street Much, W., 15, Sand-street. Nicolle, C, King-street. Noel, P., 47, Hill-street. Pallot, 30. Devonshire-place. Parsons, 20, Providence-street. Renouf, J., 31, Halkett place. Rundle, E. W.. Sand-street. Stone, J., 12, Hill- street. Stone, R., Colomberie, Taylor, Ed., 3, Nelson- place. Trehen, G., 19, Parade-place. Webb, T , Confectioner, 2, Mul- caster-street. Wells, J. George Town. BOOKSELLERS AND STATIONERS. Bond, E., Royal square. Falle, P., 14, Royal square. Le Lievre, C, 6, Halkett-place. Marston, W., 39, Broadstreet. Mourant, P., Royal-square. Payn, Ph., Royal Saloon, Library, and Subscription Reading Room, Royal-square. Perrot, P., Royal square. BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS. Alford, 4, La Motte-street. Baptiste, J., 2, Mulcaster-street. Binet, J., 4, Vine-street. Bree, E., Bath-street. Burke, M., 31, Queen-street. Butler, F., 28, Colomberie. Ching, J., 16, Broad-street. Ching, W.,31, King-street. Connelly, F., 63, King-street. De Gruchy, E., 7, La Motte street. De Gruchy, J., 64, King-street. De La Haye, T., 70, King-street. Drew, J., Church-street. Ennis, A., 18, Charing Cross. Ereaux, J., 12. Queen-street. Gelender, J., 2, Pierson-place. Groizard, J., 5, Halkett-street. Hammond, F., 4, York-street. Jeune, J., 21, Hill-street. Johnson, D., 27, Queen-street. Le Maistre, T , 1. Conway -street Le Riche, T., 14, York-street. Le Scelleur, 20, Queen-street. Le Sueur, P., 3, Parade place. Letto, W., Seale-street. Mallet, J., 11. Sand-street. Matthews, J., 22, Sand-street. 116 JERSEY. Noel, E.,Cheapside. Remy, N., Dumaresq-street. Retallick, B , 59, King-street. Rippon, R., Peter-street. Sohier, C , 5, Charing-Cross. Sohier, P., Seale-street. Stiggins, T.. 29, Queen-street. Tewkesbury, R., ]3, Hue-street. BANKERS. Godfray, Hugh, Sons & Co, Old Bank. Royal-square, draw on De Lisle & Co , London. Janvrin & Co., Commercial Bank, Broad-street, draw on De Lisle & Co., London. Nicolle. De Ste.-Croix & Co., Jer- sey Banking Company, Broad - street, draw on J. Thomas, son, and Le Feuvre, London. BILLIARD ROOMS. Gregory, R., Pier Road. John, D. s Sen.. 3, Royal-square. BLOCK AND PUMP MAKERS. Dallain, Chs., Pier-road. Le Feuvre, G., Commercial Build- ings. Le Feuvre, Edward, Pier. Le Sueur, J. & G.. Pier. Terry, David, Pier. Valpy, G , Pier. BOARDING HOUSES. Blanchard, W.. 15, Halkett-place. Dates. H., 40, Bath -street. Farrel, E., 3, Mulcaster-street. BRAZIERS AND TIN PLATE WORK- ERS. Atherton, R., York-street. Aubin, T., 4, Broad street. Dupre, W , 15, Ann-street. Jouault, J., 18. Library-place. Le Capelain, Ph., and Copper Smith, 28, King-street. Le Cras, A., 1 1, Charing Cross. Mc. Donald, G., and hardware- man, 10, Hill street. Neel, John, 33, King street. Waldron, W., 30, Halkett-place. Watson. J., Don-street. White, J., 10, Library-place. BREWERS AND MALSTERS. Blandy & Co, Castle Bridge Brew- ery. Brown & Co., Beresford-street. De La Taste, Old James street. Matthews, C, Parade-place. Quirk, J. B. Old James-street. Turner, T., 7 & 9. Gloucester-st. BRICK MAKERS & LIME BURNERS. Brown, Robert, George Town. Champion, R., 2, Providence-st. Copp, E. T., Mont-a-1'Abbe. Jolin, D., jun., George Town. Le Sueur, Ph., 14, York-street. Machon, H., George Town. Norfolk, E., Sand-street. Robin, Samuel, St. Saviour. BRICKLAYERS AND PLASTERERS. De Gruchy, J,, 50, Bath-street. Durell, 10, Providence-street. Joslin, John, Ann-street. Mourant, P., 24 4 Le Geyt-street. Vardon, Thos , Union-street. Walkam, M., 21, Devonshire- plac. BUILDERS. Brown, Robert, George Town. Elliott, W. W., 47, King-street. Jacobs, B., Portland-place. Jacobs, J., Old James street. Machon, H., George Town. Philips. John, Philip's street. Way, Ed. J., 9, Crescent. Westaway, N , 24, Don street. BUTCHERS IN THE MARKET- 6, Beauchamp,M 34Le Boutillier,E . 4,Beaugie, J. 1 1, Le Brun, F. 29. Bellot, E. 20, Le Feuvre. J. 32, Binet, E. S, Le Geyt, Ab. 27,Blampied,J. !0,LeHucquet,T. 25. Bottomley, J.36.Le Maistre, P . 13, Cadoret, T. 14. Le Maistre, F. 19, De Faye, T. 22, Le Riche, T. 33, Dorey, J. 17. Le Sueur, J. 28, Fuller, H. 5, Le Sueur, J. JERSEY. 117 18, Gallichan, C. 3, Gallichan, J. 2, Gallichan, J. 21, Gallichan, P. Q, Godfray, C. 24, Graut, J. 23, Hodder, R. 15, Hubert, J. 38, LeBourdon,E. 39,LeBoutillier,E, 7,Monck, J 35, Noel, C 31. Picot, J 37, Picot, J 16, Renouf, C 40, Scott, John 9, Starck, E 12, Starck, P 1, Starck, T 30 Watts, B PORK BUTCHERS. Arrowsmith, 28, Queen-street Philips, H., 4, Charles-street Purkis, T., Hill-street Taylor, R., 33, Union-street CABINET MAKERS AND UPHOL- STERERS. Baker, James, 28, New-street Bender, Simon, 8, Hue street Bertram, F., 19, Charles street Bisson, J., 27, Berest'ord street Carrel, J., 9, Burrard street Clifford, J., 10, Burrard street Deslandes, H., 1, Parade place Dingle, Jos., 48, Don street Durell, H., 17, Beresford street Fauvel, G., 62, New stree Girardeau, J., Ann-street Guiton, John, 35, New street. Hutton, P., ! 1, B.urard street Kaines R., 16. Beresford street Le Gallais, R. 37, Broad street Le Marchant, M. Hiiigrove lane Le Marquand, F. 17, Don street Lyte, T. O. 37, Hill street Marrett, G. 5, La Motte street Mauger & Hutton, 45. Sand street Stead, W. T. >, King street Biard, 20, Halkett place Bisson, Ph. Charing Cross Boudier, E. 10, King street Can tw ell. F. Vauxhall Chevalier, J. 19, Parade place De Gruchy, 54, King street Guiton & Perchard, 30, King street Le Gros, C. 56, King stieet Le Maistre, E. Old street Marrett, E. 5, Hill street Marrett, J. 37, Queen sreet Metivier & Co. 62, King street 120 JERSEY. Nicolle, P. 5, Halkett place Poulston,^W. Colomberie De La Taste & Wright, 19, Royal square Faile & Ahier, 51, King street Francis, J. 8, King street Godfrey, Grey, Helleur & Co. Mul- casler street Grigriy, P. 41, King street Gruchy, J. 38, Halkett place Pow & Goff, King street. Ramier & Le Brocq, 6, King street Remon, J. 8, Seal street Rowland, J. 16, Queen street Smith, J. 20, Beresford street Turner, R. 22, Hill street LIVSRY STABLE KEEPERS. Bartlett, J. 28, La Matte street Beaton, R. Bath street Collins, M. Beresford street King, D. Mulcaster street Machon, J. Grove place Millar, Royal Yacht Club Hotel, Pier Sinel, J. New street Toogood, Beresford street Whinham, C. Don street MERCHANTS AMD SHIP OWNERS. Arthur, P. 53, New street- Bertram & Co. Commercial Build. Bichard & Le Sueur, Coie Cock, W. 33, Pier road De Gruchy, E. IP, Bond street De Quetteville, (Brothers,) Pier De Ste Croix, P. F. & J. 19, Com- mercial Buildings. Duhamel, T. & P. 11, Cross street Dupre, J. Pier road. Durell, C. Broad street Janvrin & Co. Broad street Janvrin, D. York street Janvrin, F. & Co. Commercial Buildings. Le Gros, G. Se Geyt street Le Quesne, N. Gloucester street Mahy, T. & Son, Bath street Nicolle, Commercial Buildings Quesnel, M. 9, Broad street Renouf, Ed. 15, Bond street Robin. James, Pier road Turner, T. Gloucester street MILLINERS AND STRAW HAT MAKERS. Barry, Misses, Broad street Bertheau, J. 8, Broad street Biard, E. 20, Halkett-place De Gruchy, S. 10, Vine street De Ste Croix, Mrs. King street Filleu), S. Colomberie Gailichan, E. 10, York street Godfrey, J. 25, Queen street Gruchy, 38, Haikett place Guiliei, M. 3, Charing Cross Hi!lman, P. 2, Queen street Le Brun, M. 25, Hill street Le Feuvre, M. 42, Don street Le Sueur, Charing Cross Marrett, Mrs. 1(3, Queen street Miilikin, M. Queen street Nicolle, 22, Charing Cross Pouclee, E. Philips street Poulson, J. 8, Don street Romeril, 7, Halkett place Rousse!, Misses, 41, Haikett place Smith, C. 48, King street Wocldridge, 20, King street NURSERY AND SEEDSMEN. Langelier, P. Library place Langelier, R. Clarendon road Saunders, 19, Halkett place PAIMTERS AND GLAZIERS. Davis, G. Don s-treet De La Htyc, 53, Hill street Groizard, P. Parade place Payn, J. 24, Queen street Drake, Cfs. 49, Hill street Guiilard, 21, Parade place Groizard, L. Royal square Shave, W. Parade place Snooke, J. 7, Belmont road Stone, B. 23, Bond street PLUMBERS. Esnouf and M'idford, Halkett St. Le Cms, 11, Charing; Cross Matthews, 32, Sand street Perchard, 15, Parade place Hardy, S. Peter street PRINTERS. Capelain, S. (Litho) 1, Hill street Le Livere, 6, Halkett place JERSEY 121 Le Cras, A. 5, Hope street Marston, W. 39, Broad street Mourant, P. Royal square Payn, Ph. Royal Saloon Perrot, Peter, Royal square Richardson, 1, Caledonia place Romeril, F. 7, Parade place Vonberg, D. Broad street PROFESSORS AND TEACHERS. Bellebon, (French and Italian), 1, Bath street Dyer, (Music), Ann street Fanning, Miss, (Music) 23, Royal . square Guiborel, (French and Drawing) 6, Regent road Hall, (Music and Dancing) Royal square Hopwood, J. (Classical) 19, Queen street Lott (Painting) 23, Gloucester st. Malfilatre, J. (French and Draw.) 4, Hemery row Postlewaite, (Classical) 10, Bel- mont road Reynolds, (Painting) 23, Royal sq. Rippou, (Music) Minden place Tagney, (Music) 40, Don street ROPE AND TWINE MAKERS. Balcam, J. 2, Queen street Barreau, B. 16, Vine street Boille, J. 9, Colomberie Durell, W. 4, Market place Mallet, T. 41, Colomberie Nicolle, Ed. Ropewalk SADDLERS, &C. I Davis, W. 2, York street Dodge, R. 14. Halkett place I Frost, J. 18, Halkett place Plowman, V. 12 Hill street Tregaskis, 9, Belmont road SAIL MAKERS. DeGaris& Co. Pier Gruchy, J. Pier Henry, John, Pier SHIP BUILDERS. Deslandes, Geo New Quay Esnouf, E. Castle Bridge Hampton, Geo. Commercial Bgs. Valpy, John, 21, Pier road SILVERSMlTHS,WATCHMAMERS,&C Anderson, J. 1, Halkett place Darner, J. 7, Library place De Gruchy, 2, Brook street Falle, T. 29, Beresford street Hamon, Geo. 48, King street Ireland, H, 23, King street Kerby, F. 10, Royal square Le Fortier, S. 17, King street Lee, H King street Plummer, S. 38, Parade place Quesnel, C. W. 9, Broad street Quesnel, J. Library place Sebire, A. P. 4, Broad street Toutain, L. D. 14, Library place SMITHS. Binet, Philip, Pier Bridges, J, 6 Waterloo street Connell, J. Cannon street Ennis, G. Commercial Buildings. Guy, J. Belmont road Jeffry, A. Burrard street La Croix, P. 28, Burrard street Le Boulanger, J. Trooper's yard Le Rossignol, J. Sand street Mc Allen, C. Commercial Build. Pointer, G. Providence street Stead, J. Chapel lane SOAP MAKERS AND TALLOW CHANDLERS. Bichard & Le Sueur, Coie Bosdet, J. 14. Vine street Le Gros, E. 26, New street Sorel, T. Dumaresq street Watts, Robert, 34, King straet STONE MASONS. Brown, J. 8, Providence street Cave, Matthew. Union street Gilbert, J. 50, Ann street Hiuchcliffe, J . Grove place Hincbcliffe, W. 35, Pier Road Jobe, W. Bath street Pixley, E. 14, Parade place TAVERNS AND PUBLIC HOUSES. Admiral, Davy, Sligo street Army and Fiiends,Godf ray, York st 122 JERSEY. Army and Friends, Mary Godfray, York street Basket of Flowers, Dory, Parade pi. Battle of Waterloo. Pique, Bond st. Beehive, Brown Vauxhall Beresford lnn,Renouf,Beresford st. Blue Pigeon, Falle, 6, Qufen st. Britannia, Le Bailly, Cheapside Britannia, Sarre, Castle Bridge British and Foreign, Labey, Hill- grove lane Brother's Inn,Le Feuvre, 34, Colom. Caesarea Inn, Hocquard, Cattle st. Carpenters' Arms Letto, Seal st. Carter and Friends, Noel, 10, Con- way street Carter's Inn, De La Cour, 8, Nel- son place Clarence, Godfray. Claremont rd. Cock aud Bottle, Gallichan, Royal square Crown and Anchor, Touzel, Glou- cester street Crown and Thistle, Finnie, Pier rd. Dolphin, Martin, Pier road 1). William, Homey, King street Engineer's Arms, Howe, Pier Fifteen Balls, Alexander, John st. Four Alls, Esmond, Hillgrove lane Fox and Goose, Kimber, 7, Hill st. Friends, De Grucby, Beresford st. Friends and Liberty, Falle, 9 ; Hope street Friend's Inn, Hubert, 38, New st. Gas Lights, Romeril, Bath street George III, Powel, John street Gloucester, Langlois, Conway st. Golden Anchor, Le Gros, Parade Grapes, Renouf, 33 Sand street Half Moon, Steen, Chape! lane Harp and Crown, Dickson. Pier rd. Harp and Crown, Djwer, Hillgrove lane Horse and Groom, Tucker, Ann st. King's Head, Beaz'y, Nelson place Jersey Inn, Bichard, Cheapside Kent Coffee House, Godfiay, Mar- ket place King's Arms, Touzel, Queen street Lord Nelson, La Folley, Cheapside Masons and Friends,Fallaize,Rose- ville street Mason's Arms, Horn, New street Military Arms, Nuttall, Pier road Navy and Friends, Stroud, Water- loo street Navy and Friends, Gallichan, 11, Beresford street Nelson and Jarvis, Hocquard, 26, Queen street Nelson's Arms, Poingdestre, Beres- ford street Old Farmer's Inn, De La Haye, 23, Parade Pensioners' A rms,Corcoran, Parade Plume of Feathers, Luce, York st. Plymouth Inn, Short, Bond sti eeE Queen Adelaide, Rickard, Minden place Rising Sun, L'Hotellier, 20, Broad street Robin Hood, Mc.Ateer, Mulcaster street Royal George, Lucas, Mulcaster st. Royal George, Machon, Cheapside Royal George, Renouf, Waterloo st. Royal Square Inn, Royal square Sailor's Arms. Hamon, Conway st, Sailor's Inn, Gould, Sand street Steam Packet, Peek, Pier road Swift Inn, Langlois, Market place Tailor's Arms, Touzel, 29, CoJom. Temperance Coffee House, Le Hardy, Halkett street Three Crowns, Squire, Hill street Three Tuns, Screaton, Wharf st. Town Batallion,Coutanche, Parade Tradesman's Inn, Sharland, Bur- rard street Traveller's Inn, Morris, 27, Hue St. True Briton, Smith, Union street Union, Down, Sligo street Union, Vardon, Cattle street Vine Inn, New street Waterloo, MKenzie, Conway st. Waterman's Arms, Frankard,Con- way street Weary Traveller, Bostock, Sand st Welcome Home, Boutillier, Bath st. Wellington inn. Cabot, York street Weigh-Bt idge Inn, Gallie, Nelson place Weymouth Inn, Hussey, Pier White Hart, Dunscombe, Moiier lane JERSEY. 123 TIMBER MERCHANTS. Authoine, J. 14, Commercial Build Deslandes, J. & Co. Commercial B. Guiton, J. 9, Sand street Le Bailly, J. Don street Monamy & Le Cornu, Caledonia, pi. Neel, 11, Castle street Robilliard, P. Sand street TOBACCONISTS. Anthoine, G. 2, Broad street Balcam, 2, Queen street Cochrane. T. King street D'Arthenay, P. 14, Queen street Deslandes, J. Commercial Build. Johnson, J. 22, Libia>y place Lipscombe. H. 16, Castle street Romeril, C. 7, Parade place Romeiil, G. 4, Seal street Sinel, P. 1, Nelson place Simonet P. SI, Broad street Sore I, T. Dumaresq street WHEELRIGHTS, &C Batters & Halfyard, Cannon street Beer, J. Don street Bowdidge. J 7, Burrard street Garland, W. 11, Charles street Smidden, W . 2, Providence street WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS. Cuming, W. Pier Durell, P. 61, New street Fauvel, C Colomberie Gabourel, .). 33, Colomberie Hemery Brothers, Hill street Millais, A. 35. Sand street Perchard, P. King street Stalker, 2, Winchester place MISCELLANEOUS. Adams W. Engraver, 4,Library pi. Elliot, M. Stay Maker, 47, King st. Evans, T. Cap Maker, 10, Libiary place. Hardy, J. Patten Maker, 32, Hal- kett street Hutton, H. Pianoforte Maker, 4, Chat !cj stieet. Matthews, Well sinker, 7, Provi- dence street Miiler, Brush Maker, 14, Halkett place Parkes, B. Fish Sauce and Pickle Warehouse. 25, Broad street Pow, J . K. Bottle and Glass Ware- house, Vauxhall Rutt, R. Optician, Bond street Sandford, W. Lath Maker, 16, Castle street Sheridan,Clothes Dea!er,29, Hill st. Symonds, J. W. Dentist, Bath st. Wright, J. Cutler, &c. Peter street JERSEY. 125 CHAPTER XII. SEA BATHING. Sea Bathing being often recommended by the faculty as a certain remedy for many diseases incident to the human frajne, which cannot be eradicated without recourse to this salutary specific ; it is, therefore, necessary to apprize the public of the best places for that purpose in both Islands. In Jersey, the sands of St. Aubin ; but more especially those of the bay of St. Clement and the rocks of Havre-des- pas, from their secluded situation, are admirably situated for that healthy recreation — sea bathing. In Guernsey, the rocks at the Terres, under Fort George, and those off Spurpoint, are particularly recommended to the* swimmer ; but those not in possession of that necessary ad- vantage and would perhaps prefer seclusion, we recommend the interesting walk to Fermain bay, which for bathing pur- poses, stands unrivalled in the Island ; having a fine sandy bottom, accessible by a beautiful road. The bays of Rocq- aine, Vazon,' Cobo, Grand Rocque and Lancresse afford every accommodation for bathing in the open ocean. DIRECTION FOR SEA-BATHING. TO THOSE WHO ARE ENJOINED THE USE OF SEA-BATHING, THE FOLLOWING HINTS MAY NOT BE UNWORTHY OF NOTICE. The most proper time for sea-bathing is early in the morn- ing, before which no exercise ought to be taken ; all previous fatigue tending* to diminish that force, which the fibres when contracted will otherwise have, of removing obstructions more effectually — one of the great ends sought for in bathing. To bathe late in the day, (more especially in hot weather,) will occasion great depression of the spirits, particularly in de- bilitated or paralytic persons. M 126 JERSEY. It is recommended on' the morning fasting, repletion being very improper before going into the sea, as it counteracts one of the effects we aim to procure by sea-bathing. Perfect repose of body and serenity of mind are equally suited to the use of this great remedy, giving it full force and efficacy. It is impossible to pronounce absolutely with what particu- lar constitutions and temperaments sea-bathing will, or will not agree ; experience only can ascertain, when it is or is not proper to each individual respectively. It may be said to agree perfectly, when soon after coming out of the sea the bathers find their spirits exhilirated, and feel an universal glow through the system. When the contrary to this happens to any, it may reason- ably be presumed, that a further perseverance in bathing would be in some degree prejudicial to such persons, and that they should desist, at least for some time from it. But as staying imprudently too long in the water, may sometimes occasion a temporary depression of the spirits, and bring on a chilliness or shivering for a time, a proper dis- tinction must be observed between the use and abuse of the remedy, sea-water being by no means (either respecting its external or internal use,) of an indifferent nature ; when ju- diciously managed, it does much good ; when unadvisedly and indiscriminately had recourse to, it may do much harm. Sea-bathing is useful in those cases where the energy of the vital principle should be increased, and where the strength of the muscles should be augmented ; it improves the appe- tite and promotes digestion. This is the purest exercise of health ! Thus life redoubles, and is oft preserved By the bold swimmer in the swift illapse Of accident disastrous. — Hence the limbs Knit into force ! and the same Itoman arm That rose victorious o'er the conquer'd earth, First learned, while tender, to subdue the wave! E'en from the body's purity — the mind Derives a secret, sympathetic aid ! The cold bath, were it made more use of in the education of youth, would be one of the most healthy exercises in the world ; it would make their bodies more than proof against the injuries of the air and weather, and would resemble what the poet tells us of Achilles, whom his mother Thetis dipped in the river Styx. Daily experience tells us we may inure JERSEY. 127 ourselves by custom to bear the extremities of the weather without injury ; the delicate, whose constitution is enfeebled, will find great benefit from a course of sea-bathing. Formed by the graces, loveliness itself Ye British fair ; When in your cheek the sultry season glows, Wherewith his ray the potent sun Has pierced the sea, and warm'd the chilling wave ! from the town Buried in smoke, and sleep, and noisome damp* ; Then issuing cheerful to your sports repair, And taste the consolation of the bath ! 1 E'en while you wanton underneath its wave, It every beauty softens ! every grace Brightens anew ! Cheered and expanded into perfect life. Rising you feel a general flush of health, And like the rose amid the morning dew Fresh from Aurora's hand, more sweetly glow. Invalids visiting Jersey, will find the following Gentlemen eminent in their professional avocations. SURGEONS. BROHTER HENRY, M. D. New street DICKSON EDWARD THOMPSON, 1 Grove place DURET ARMAND, 15 Queen street FIXOTT CHARLES, Beresford street HOOPER GEORGE, M. D. New street HUNT JOSEPH, Caledonia place JONES CHARLES, 20 La Motte street JONES CHARLES LAWRENCE, 18 La Motte street JONES GEORGE, M. 11 Pitt street KING RICHARDSON, Beresford street LE COCQ GEORGE, opposite the Crescent LE GROS JOHN, Trinity LOWE ALEXANDER, St. Peter's M'DOUGALL JAMES, Gorey MACLEAN JOSEPH, R. N. St. Aubin's NICOLLE EDOUARD, St. Martin POINGDESTRE CHARLES W. Dumaresq Street QUESNEL CHARLES, Library place SILCOCK— , George Town STRUVE GEORGE, 10 Crescent PADDOCK, Jun. 10 Halkett place 128 JERSEY. INDEX TO THE JERSEY GUIDE. CHAPTER I. Situation, extent 5 Distaaces to various ports in England and France — Divided into 12 parishes — Names of parishes 6 Privilege of sanctuary before the Reformation— Ceremony of quitting Jersey- Jersey so contiguous to France as persons to pass on a plank — Toll to the Abbey of Coutance— St. Michael's bay once a plain— Conveyances to Jersey — Rules of passage money, carriages, parcels, &c. — Rules of passage from Jersey to Guernsey— Time of steamers leaving — Agents 7 Conveyances continued — Directions to avoid sea-sickness 8 Observations on leaving the Needles for Jersey — Observations on approaching Jersey 9 Observations continued — The Aborigines — Climate of Jersey 10 Buildings — Customs, language — Dress of the country women 11 Value of lands and produce Cows, birds, toads, lizards, &c 12 Roads, the farmers' mode of living — Militia regulations — Revenue, States debt — Land warded by fences — Sea weed 13 Times to cut sea weed— Its convertion— Cider 14 CHAPTER II. St. Helier's — General description of — Imports from Granville, dress, &c 15 St. Helier's church— St. Paul's chapel— St. James' chapel— Calvinist chapel— Zion Independant chapel — Albion chapel — Salem Baptist chapel 16 Wesleyan chapel— Methodist chapel— Primitive Methodist chapel— English Ro- man Catholic chapel — French Roman Catholic chapel — Baptists' chapel — Marriages by banns— Burial grounds — Charges to strangers, &c 17 Charges to funerals passing through a parish — Publio Library — House for Li- barian — Inscription on Library door. 18 Royal Saloon Library— Royal Saloon Reading Room— List of Papers, Reviews, &c.,— Monthly Publications 19 Royal Square— Royal Court— (Description of)— Public Baths— Hospital— (Des- cription of) .. • .' 20 Prison — Description of •••• 21 Market for Meat 22 Fish 23 Fort Regent 24 The Theatre— Literary and Scientific Institution— Harbour 25 Post Office — regulations of ••• 26 Farmers' Masonic Lodge- -Mechanical Lodge— Irish Lodge— Odd Fellows Lodge — Country Bank and others 27 National School— St. Helier's Parochial School— Church Missionary Association —Society for promoting Christiau Knowledge— Female Auxiliary Bible So- cietv .. • ** Benevolent Society— Philanthropic Society— Seamen's Friend and Bethel Union — Fire Engines — Custom • - 29 Harbour Master— Foreign Vice-Consuls— Agents for Lloyd's— His Majesty's Receiver— Collector of Duties— Inspector of Strangers and Granter of Pass- ports— Agents to Insurance Companies ."""A"~" 3 ° Staff Officers— Ordnance Department— Royal Jersey Militia— The Militia Staff- Shipping 31 Newspapers, Boarding Houses— Hotels ** Elizabeth Castle ™ An Abbey prior to the erection of the Castle— Hermitage •>* CHAPTER III. Promenades in Town and Environs 35 Economy in Living ■■ ";:? Parish of St. Lawrence *Y ofSt. Peter 41 JERSEY. 129 Parish of St. Brelade— St. A ubin's described 43 Noirmont Point * St. Brelade's Church— La Moye fj (orbiere — >»t. Ouen *2 St. Ouen's Bay *£ Grosnez from St. Ouen's Bay ♦ *£ Grosnez Castle ** Plemont from Grosnez ™ St. Mary — parish of CHAPTER IV. St. John's— parish of ^3 Trinity parish and Church *>* St. Martin's — %% MontOrgueil Castle ™ Grouville Parish ™ Gorev — °t St. Margaret's Chapel \~''i\ mi X "' Vt" Stone erected to the memory of Soldiers who died by the hands of the French in 1781 °6 St. Clement's ■••• % Pontac ♦ •• b l St. Saviour's— Government House oy CHAPTER V. Excursion round the Island divided into four days— First day's excursion 7} Second day's excursion £4 Third — /•> Fourth — /' CHAPTER IV. Officers appointed by the Crown.. Lieutenant Governor ..Baillif and Dean.. The States . . .... ...... .. . • • 81 Jurats.. King's ; Law Officers— Officers of the Royal Court— Advocates.. Public Notaries 82 Surveyors. .Attornies. Rules, Ordinary and Extraordinary ..Assizes, Terms and Ecclesiastical Affairs.. Tables of Population, Inhabited Houses, &c 84 Distances from the Statue in the Royal Square to places of importance. .Time of consecration of the different Churches 85 CHAPTER VII. Civil and Ecclesiastical History of Jersey 86 Inscription on the Mace 88 Elizabeth Castle repaired ..Abdication of James II.. French Force in St. Ouen's Bay ..Finding a warm reception moved to St Brelade's bav 89 Obliged to return to France.. Another descent meditated . .The Fleet destroyed by an English Squadron. .French land in the night. .Surprised and took the Lieutenant Governor in bed at St. Helier's ..Capitulation signed.. Alarm guns fired.. Elizabeth Castle defended by Capt. Mulcaster 90 Duplicity of the French officer to intimidate. -Force defeated by Major Pierson's troops and the militia.. Major Pierson shot at the commencement ..A few fled, and the rest who escaped the carnage made prisoners of war ..Rullecourt slain. 91 Corbet dismissed His Majesty's service. .Afterwards obtained a pension.. Major Pierson buried and a monument erected to his memory 92 Ecclesiastical Affairs . Druidism, Monuments ..St. Magloire sent. .Twelve Churches built by the Normans. .From Rollo till the reign of Elizabeth, under the Bishop of Coutance ..Henry VIII. seized Revenue, annexing it to the Crown .Presbyterian Church Government ..Three Fellowships in the Univer- sity of Oxford.. Five Scholarships added by Bishop Morley, also a Legacy.. 93 Gift of Laurence Baudain..Free Grammar Schools.. Churches and Chapels.. English Service 94 Deans of Jersey ..Ecclesiastical Court 95 CHAPTER VIII. Military Defence, Government, Laws and Customs ..Towers and Batteries.. Governor .Lieutenant Governor.. The Royal Court, Jurats chosen for life.. 96 130 JERSEY. \ Appeal only to King in Council ..Charters granted ..Body of Laws compiled., forgery not a capital offence .The Pillory and the tip of the right ear cut off ..The capital offences are 97 Execution of sentence.. Estate, real and personal, forfeited to the Crown. Cla- meur de Haro Treason. Court not competent to judge ..Cutting and maiming ..Manslaughter ..Larceny 98 Felo de se confiscation.. Libel and Slander. .Assaults.. Militia laws.. Civil causes. Tenures mostly fee simple ..Laws of Inheritance 99 Laws of Primogeniture. .Divisions among sons and daughters -.Property not devisable by will. .Dower of Widows. .Widowers enjoy the property of their Widows only during life.. A father cannot give a greater portion to one child than to another 100 Baronial Courts ..Possession forty years forms a title. .Title deeds are registered ..Tenure of Lands not stable till after the purchase a year and a day 101 Rents are a mortgage on an estate .A wife is on the death of her husband en- titled to half his personal propeity 102 Ten years is the limitation on actions of debt.. Lunatics deprived of the adminis- tration of property 103 The Dean gives special licences for marriages.. The Dean enters probates of Wills.. Roads repaired by each furnishing his quota of horses 104 The tithes on apples, &c. support the Clergy, with fees for marriages andfunerals —The tithe on Corn belongs to the Crown . . . . . 105 CHAPTER IX. Trade, Productions, Coins, &c. ..Norman cows. Two hundred and twenty ves- sels belonging t) the Island .Cider exported and used at home.. Butter exported to England.. Ptes fed on parsnips.. Forty pounds of potatoes for sixpence.. Eighty thousand tons exported 106 Wine? and Spirits cheap. .Fish in abundance .Vessels for oyster dredging.. Chaumontelle pears five guineas per hundred.. Specie in circulation. The -•tates issue their own coin 107 Different weights and measures ..Trade to Newfoundland, &c ..Cordage, Candles and Soap exported ..The Harbour is lepaired by the Impost duties.. Public Revenue derived from Impost on Wines and Licences 108 List of Impost duty ..Buty on Wines and Spirits ..Licences of Public Houses.. Anchorage dues 109 CHAPTER X. (mineralogy). Secondary rocks Testing on granite.. Ochres of different colours.. Sienite 110 Granite like Sienite ..Varieties of Sienite passing into Porphyry ..Compact Feld- spar with Quartz Jj* Different rocks alternating 112 CHAPTER XI Academies and Schools.. Agents and Auctioneers 1J* Bakers and Confectioners. Booksellers and Stationers .Boot and Shoemakers. 115 Bankers. Billiard Rooms .Block and Pump makers. Boarding Houses .Bra- ziers and Tin men ..Brewers and Malsters Brick makers and Lime burners ^Bricklayers and Plasterers Builders Butchers in the Market • 116 Cabinet makers and Upholsterers Carpenters Carvers and Guilders Chair makers Chemists and Druggists Coal Merchants 11/ Coopers Corn Merchants and Millers Curriers and Leather Dealers Dyers Eating Houses Glass and China Dealers Grocers, Tea and Spirit Dealers.. 118 Gun makers Hair Dressers Hatters Inns and Hotels Iron Founders Iron- mongers Linen and Woollen Drapers and Tailors H» Livery Stable Keepers Milliners and Straw Hat makers Nursery and Seeds- men Painters and Glaziers Plumbers Printers '«(." Professors and Teachers Rope makers Saddlers, &c Sail makers Ship BuiMers Silver Smiths and Watch makers Smiths Soap makers and Tal- low Chandlers Stone Masons Taverns and Public Houses "W" Timber Merchants Tobacconists Wheelrights, &c. Wine and Spirit Mer- chants Miscellaneous CHAPTER XII. Directions for Sea Bathing and General Index THOMAS JAMES MAUGER, PRINTER, CONSTITUTION-STEPS, GUER NSEY. 9 %<$ iV •Y LIBRARY OF CONGRESS M IlllllillllllJIIlrt 022 122 307 A