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tips for travel to Jersey and England, about the island, Jersey web sites, more...

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Jersey is the largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands, about 14 miles off the coast of Normandy, France. It is an oblong block of granite four to five miles wide and about nine miles long. It has been continuously inhabited from about 2000 BC and has a wealth of history - neolithic tombs, magnificent castles, Napoleonic towers and fortifications from German occupation during World War ll. The Poindexters have a history here that dates back as early as 1250 with mentions of the name before that.

Jersey has been an Island for 8,000 years. The Normans made the greatest impact on the Channel Islands when they were part of the Duchy of Normandy in the 9th through 10th Centuries. When the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, gained the English crown in 1066 the Channel Islands became part of the Anglo-Norman realm. To this day the reining monarch in England is titles the "Duke of Normandy" in Jersey. To this day, tradition dictates that when the Duke arrives by boat for a visit, she is presented with a duck on a silver platter. See picture.

In 1204 King John lost Normandy to the French and the islanders had to choose: stay with Normandy or remain loyal to the English crown. They chose the latter and gained rights and privileges which to this day are not subject to the British Parliament but only to the Queen - or King - in council.

The constitutional relationship with the UK is the product of 900 years of custom and usage and is not affected by changes of government in the UK. This relationship has been confirmed by Royal Charters which over the centuries secured the independence of the Island's judicial system from the English courts and granted important privileges including freedom from UK taxes.

Over the centuries the island has fought off many invasions. In 1781 "The Battle of Jersey" took place when French troops attempted to take over the island under Baron du Rullecourt. A young English officer Major Pierson led the local militia to victory in the battle that took place in Jersey's Royal Square. During WWII the Channel Islands were the only part of Great Britain to be occupied by the Germans from 1940-1945.

The official language of Jersey is English, however, Jersey French is the native language of the Island and is a blend of Norse and Norman French. It is still spoken in the country districts. Until the 1960's French was still the official language of Jersey and to this day is still used by the court and legal professions. The dialect itself is called Jèrriais and those who speak it are called Jèrriais.

Planning a Trip to the Isle of Jersey or to England?

Then we suggest checking out our travel information page.

Maps of Jersey:

• Zoomable road map of the island and of St. Helier

PDA's Family History and Research Library

Be sure to visit the Jersey Section of our Family History and Research Library for Poingdestre history on Jersey.

Jersey Web Sites

Learn more about Jersey. We have collected links to make it easy for you to find web sites about Jersey. Included are links to web sites about Jersey genealogy, tourism and history. There is even a WebCam view overlooking St. Aubin's Bay an Bulwarks, with St. Aubin's Fort in the bay and Elizabeth Castle off in the far distance.

Jersey Calendars and Souvenirs:

Order Jersey Calendars and other souvenirs from Channel Islands Books Online. The 2003 calendars are available. You will leave the PDA web site with this link

A Collection of photos taken on Jersey

By various members of the PDA.

Music of Jersey

Including "Beautiful Jersey" (words, sheet music and recording) and link to more music and poetry.

Poindexter Coat of Arms

Read about our family crest. The one used by the PDA is similar to the basic crest used in Jersey.