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History and Government
History: Jersey has been inhabited for many thousands of years, as can be seen from the neolithic tomb at La Houge Bie. The Normans made the greatest impact on the Channel Islands, annexing them to the Duchy of Normandy during the tenth century. When William of Normandy gained the English crown in 1066, the Channel Islands became part of the Anglo-Norman realm; they were retained after the loss of Normandy in 1204. As a mark of his gratitude for their loyalty, King John granted Jersey its own constitution; this has been ratified by every successive monarch and the connection between the island and the English throne is expressed in the flag, which contains a crest surmounted by the Plantagenet crown.
Like its neighbours, Jersey has at various times been a haven for smugglers and pirates, and is also vulnerable to attack due to its proximity to France, so often Britain’s enemy in the past. The islanders fought off French invasions on many occasions, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries. One of the most serious threats, led by the Baron de Rullecourt, was repelled in 1781. The Channel Islands were occupied by the Germans during World War II. The mixture of languages – English, French and Norman-French – reflects the history of the island. Jersey has jealously guarded its independence since the war, although this has principally been manifested in the promotion of offshore finance and rigid controls on rights of residency. However, under pressure from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the government has instituted controls over its offshore financial sector.
Government: Jersey is not part of the United Kingdom, but is a direct dependency of the British crown with its own legislative and taxation systems which are an intriguing blend of Norman and English. The Jersey States Assembly, one of the oldest legislative bodies in the world, is composed of 12 Constables, 12 Senators and 29 Deputies (none of whom receives any remuneration for their services), as well as several non-voting officials, some of whom are appointed by the crown. The island’s laws are subject to ratification by the Privy Council, although this is little more than a formality.
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