Guernsey

Guernsey is an island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. It is a Crown dependency of the United Kingdom. As well as the island of Guernsey itself, the Bailiwick of Guernsey includes the islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm. Together with the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey forms a single self-governing jurisdiction. The Bailiwick's parliament, the States of Deliberation, meets bi-annually. The island of Guernsey is 28 miles (45 km) long and 14 miles (23 km) wide. It has a population of about 65,000. The climate is mild, with average temperatures of 10 °C (50 °F) in winter and 21 °C (70 °F) in summer. Guernsey is a popular tourist destination, with a variety of attractions including castles, museums, beaches and walks. The island is also home to a number of financial services companies. The island of Guernsey has a long history, dating back to the Roman era. The island was invaded by the Normans in 1066 and became a possession of the Duchy of Normandy. In 1204 it was annexed by France, but regained its independence in 1449. During the Reformation the island broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, and in 1569 it became a refuge for Huguenots fleeing persecution in France. In the 17th century, Guernsey became a haven for pirates, and in the 18th century it was occupied by the French. The island was restored to the British Crown in 1815. During the Second World War, Guernsey was occupied by the Germans and was used as a base for their naval fleet. The island was liberated by the British in 1945. Today, Guernsey is a prosperous and popular tourist destination.