Interesting Facts about Jersey

Did You Know?

6 curious facts about Jersey.

The island of Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. These islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II.
The Queen of Spain visits Jersey every year.
The Jersey Battle of Flowers is now over 100 years old and was first staged in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII.
The Island of Jersey covers a compact 45 square miles (116 square kms), much of it unspoiled countryside.

Located some 100 miles (160 kms) south of mainland Britain, Jersey is the most southerly island of the British Isles. In fact, it’s much closer to France, lying just 14 miles (22 kms) from its coast.
The relationship between the Island and the American state of New Jersey can be traced back to the English Civil War. King Charles II twice took refuge in Jersey, first as Prince of Wales and then as exiled King of England. The Island’s loyalty was rewarded when King Charles gave Smith’s Island and some neighbouring islets off Virginia to Sir George Carteret with permission to settle. Sir George renamed them New Jersey. The original venture failed but a grant from the Duke of York in 1664 gave Carteret, Lord of the Manor of St Ouen, joint ownership of the territory now known as New Jersey.