"What is a Bailiwick?" Top 5 Page for this destination Guernsey by rexvaughan

Guernsey Travel Guide: 209 reviews and 496 photos

More than cows

About all I knew about Guernsey was that there was a cow with that name. I had to search a bit to find any cows, but had a great time there. These islands are variously called "royal peculiars" and "royal charters." They are technically not part of the UK or the EU, but do proudly owe allegiance to the Crown. One place I read that they refer to the Queen as "our Duke of Normandy." This year marks the 800th year of this allegiance, dating from the loss of Normandy by King John in 1204 when they were separated from the Duchy of Normandy and became a possession of the English Crown. In their local museum there are 19 royal charters which confirm the islands' rights and liberties. As I understand it, the 10 parishes on Guernsey are each represented in the government the head of which is called the "Bailiff." So that is what a "bailiwick" is as far as I know. The islands have been inhabited for centuries however and there is even a statue at St. Michael's church which dates from about 2500 BC.

Two Cross Flag

Guernsey Flag

The flag of Guernsey combines the red cross of St. George, the patron saint of England, with the yellow cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the St. George cross. While there seems to be no question of their loyalty to the British Crown, there is still some French flavor to be found. The airport is St. Pierre du Bois and you will find other French names and terms in common use.

Try spending this in London

One pound note

Further evidence of the independence of the Channel Islands is that both Jersey and Guernsey have their own currency. Theoretically it is interchangeable with British currency, but I would not count on having it accepted in the UK. If you enlarge the photo, I think you can see that it is titled "The States of Guernsey." However on the seal are the words "S'BALLIVIE INSUVLE DEGERNERE'/E" which I think are French for "Bailiwick of Guernsey." They also strike their own coins and the inscription on them is "The Bailiwick of Guernsey." I got an explanation from a local, but didn't understand it at the time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lovely landscapes, great museums, good food
Cons:Not cheap to get there
In a nutshell:An unknown gem

Last visit to Guernsey: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Oct 21, 2004
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Reviews (18)

Guernsey Tapestry Things to Do (6)

The citizens of Guernsey's millinium project was a 10-panel "tapestry" illustrating 10 centuries of local history.... more travel advice

Round towers Off The Beaten Path (2)

Guernsey has always been caught up in the struggles between Great Britain and the continental powers, especially France... more travel advice

Candie Gardens Things to Do (6)

This is St. Peter Port's best floral attraction and is a lovely haven in the midst of town. The garden originally was... more travel advice

Guernsey Museum Things to Do (6)

This is a small but excellent museum. It opened in 1977 and in 1979 was chosen as the British "Museum of the Year." Its... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Everyone seems to be here
Nightlife (1)
A Hoppin' Place
Hotels (1)
Quaint but nice
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Travelogues (5)

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Comments (31)

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jelw Apr 27, 2011 at 2:25 AM

lovely tips Rex.
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LoriPori Mar 28, 2010 at 7:59 AM

Enjoyed my virtual tour of Guernsey Rex esp. the Little Chapel and the Candie Gardens. I just know I would love snooping around the shops on High Street. Hope you're enjoying your weekend.
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rofl Nov 18, 2009 at 10:55 AM

definately worth visiting!!!
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valBlond Jul 23, 2009 at 7:24 AM

We don't call them toads we call them crappos from a guernsey donkey
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paul.guillou Jun 4, 2009 at 4:06 PM

This bar is now closed. Gone out of business.
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Arkeolog Apr 13, 2009 at 7:18 AM

Hi Rex, I had tried to visit Guernsey many times when I was living in Weymouth but I hadnt got luck:( Anyway you have a grat page here. I liked your tips so much. best wishes from Istanbul.
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Brightonsteve777 Apr 13, 2009 at 6:40 AM

The Strawberry Farm closed last year It was one of the better venues in the Island It is hoped they can open again in 2009 since the 1960s The Strawberry Farm has been Greenhouses with Strawberries I am not sure what else you would expect.
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jumpingnorman Feb 22, 2009 at 4:29 PM

Interesting place - Gernsey (never heard of it) --- and still don't know what bailiwick means --- the "favorite?"...greetings from Arizona, Norman :)
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deecat Sep 7, 2007 at 6:36 AM

Love the "Old Lady of the Cemetery"!The Little Chapel, the German Occupation Museum, and the Candie Gardens all appeal to me. The Guernsey Tapestry is fascinating. Great restaurant and hotel tips.
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disneytrip Apr 29, 2007 at 5:17 PM

I visited guernsey recently and the Strawberry Farm was a godsend when you have young kids, lots for them to do and the Strawberry Man (as the kids callled him ) was great, showed us how they grow and we even picked our own,