The industry was so large in the 1680s that 6,000 of the 14,000 population were employed as knitters! This resulted in lacking food production workers; rumour had it that men were banned from knitting in daylight hours, to encourage them to work on land & sea. In Sark and perhaps Guernsey too. By mid-1700s the industrial revolution started, and hand-knitted items couldn’t financially compete with factory-made items. Fewer knitters were needed, so focus turned to providing warm garments for sea workers.
Guernsey's fishermen wearing their jumper
Guernsey, closer to France than to the UK
After being handmade for years, local companies began commercial production of beloved guernsey in C20th. Incorporating traditional techniques, they brought jumpers to a new audience. Across the islands, the 3 producers of guernsey jumpers: Le Tricoteur, Guernsey Woollens and Channel Jumpers. Le Tricoteur were producing in 1964, after the founder’s product was admired on an American trip. In late 70s, peak production time, c400 hand knitters & 100,000 garments a year! Channel Jumpers opened in 1976, to revive the traditional sweater unproduced since WWI. During royal visits, they gifted guernseys to the Royals! Join heritage spinners on the Courtyard at the Folk and Costume Museum for a hands on demonstration, to see the island’s great textile heritage.
Join a local guide on a spooktacular evening walking tour. Hear real-life stories of hauntings, the infamous witch trials and Guernsey's most gruesome tales of punishment, torture & horror. Or go on a Seaweed Foraging Tour which teaches seaweed’s uses in farming, cosmetics, cooking & fashions.
Guernsey dairy cows
Built in 1796 to serve as the Lieutenant Governor's residence, this historic Old Government House Hotel has perfect sea views sitting on the hill in central St Peter Port, close to the quay side. Rich friends of ours loved the special food, traditional hospitality and beautifully designed rooms.
Old Government House Hotel
museums and gardens of Castle Cornet
WorldWideWriter
Castle Cornet has 4 historic gardens. Governor's Garden was planted in a formal C18th style, was designed to resemble a tapestry. The plants on display were chosen specifically for their ability to be clipped into a desired shape. Sutler's Garden was planted in 2 parts: a C16th herb and vegetable garden, and adjacent pleasure gardens. Lambert's Garden was named for castle prisoner Gen Sir John Lambert, the garden being where he cultivated medicinal and cooking herbs. The Master Gunner's Garden is displayed in a C19th domestic pattern, used for growing vegetables, fruits & herbs, with a closed area for small livestock
The Guernsey Literary Festival, now one of the biggest annual arts events in the Channel Islands, features 50+ events, including a full education and community programme. With the National Year of Reading, the 2026 Festival brings together a varied programme.
Spring comes 4 weeks earlier in Guernsey than the mainland, so beautiful island flora flourish in the La Seigneurie Estate gardens. Woodland walks go past the Monk's Well, duck pond and across the bridge to St Magloire's island placed by military engineer Seigneur. & an Amphitheatre.
Recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society, these gardens provide interest all year. Guernsey's mild climate allows plants that would typically need protection to grow to thrive in the outdoors at Sausmarez Manor. Wandering on the winding paths and jungle-like glades, discover many plants inc Giant Geraniums, Palm trees, Bamboos, Banana trees, Tree Ferns and Camellias. Saumarez Park was once part of the family's private estate, acquired following the death of 4th Lord de Saumarez in 1937. The award-winning Victorian walled garden eventually fell into a ruined state so since 2006, the garden has been tended in a community-based project, preserving the Victorian heritage.
Spring comes 4 weeks earlier in Guernsey than the mainland, so beautiful island flora flourish in the La Seigneurie Estate gardens. Woodland walks go past the Monk's Well, duck pond and across the bridge to St Magloire's island placed by military engineer Seigneur. & an Amphitheatre.
Recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society, these gardens provide interest all year. Guernsey's mild climate allows plants that would typically need protection to grow to thrive in the outdoors at Sausmarez Manor. Wandering on the winding paths and jungle-like glades, discover many plants inc Giant Geraniums, Palm trees, Bamboos, Banana trees, Tree Ferns and Camellias. Saumarez Park was once part of the family's private estate, acquired following the death of 4th Lord de Saumarez in 1937. The award-winning Victorian walled garden eventually fell into a ruined state so since 2006, the garden has been tended in a community-based project, preserving the Victorian heritage.
St Peter Port
The Telegraph
Offering views over St Peter Port harbour and across to Herm, Sark, Candie Garden is a late C19th public flower garden with global plants. Home to Britain’s late C18th heated glasshouses, the gardens have a museum, art gallery and cafe. Tour St Peter Port's Seafront Sunday where a busy market fills with local arts and crafts, produce, drinks & food in summer. Stroll the seafront and see a Victor Hugo statue, gifted from the French government with thanks.
Candie Gardens in St Peter Paul
Expedia
Guernsey has a land surface area of 63 km2 and supports c60,000 people. The traditional industries of fishing and agriculture used to contribute much to the island’s economy. Now the importance of agriculture is mainly associated with the preservation of the island’s own Guernsey dairy cow. Clearly my Guernsey history focused on knitteds, agriculture and gardens. Thanks to the History of the Guernsey.
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22 comments:
A fascinating journey through Guernsey’s heritage where centuries of knitting tradition, resilient maritime culture, flourishing gardens, and rich history are woven together as intricately as the island’s iconic guernsey jumper itself.
I am not sure if you included Victor Hugo's Hauteville House, the home of the writer in Guernsey. It shows tourists how the author of Les Misérables lived, and also displays some medieval-themed rooms that were the result of his creative designs. In the heart of St Peter Port, Hauteville House is the site for readers and anyone curious about Guernsey’s cultural heritage. Hugo spent 15 years in exile there, and wrote some of his most famous works.
All very interesting, Sounds like some fascinating places to visit. I was not aware of the knitting traditions.
The island looks fantastic, perhaps nicer than Jersey. I hadn't realised the islands are closer to France than England.
This was very interesting. I was familiar with Guernsey sweaters, and have even knitted one years ago, but I loved the story behind all the knitting. and the rest of the island too.
roentare
that knitting tradition was strong and wide spread, apparently. We here in Australia used to know that jumpers were often called guernseys or jerseys in the 1950s. But nowadays I only hear the word guernsey used for football players.
Joe
I only mentioned Frenchman Victor Hugo's connection with the island re his seafront statue, gifted from the French government! How ironic... since he didn't flee France until Emperor Napoleon III took power in a coup.
You are right... readers would love to see St Peter Port in general and Hauteville House in particular. I wonder if he didn't feel isolated from friends, family and colleagues for 15 years.
gluten Free
ahhh the knitting industry was vital. Starting way back in the 1500s, the knitting industry first produced garments for commercial sale and eventually made its name around the world.
Of course wealthier, more modern tourists love the beautiful coastline, lovely beaches and historic gardens.
Andrew
While Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency, the heritage remains deeply rooted in Old Normandy. Their Parliament operated until the late 19th century in French, and French was the official language of Guernsey until 1948.
Daily life is largely shaped by British institutions. Citizens are British nationals, the currency is British and the UK governs the island's defence and foreign affairs. Schools are run in English.
Erika,
Especially St Peter Port, on the island's east coast with views out to neighbouring islands. I particularly loved the cobbled streets, the 11th century Parish Church, excellent restaurants, tall merchant houses, stunning harbour, museums, seasonal markets and libraries.
Guernsey's museums tell many stories, exploring maritime history, culture, art and military eras. Here is of the best to explore during a visit: The Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum shows Guernsey’s maritime history. See artefacts from shipwrecks full of mystery and tragedy. Explore ship models, navigation tools, and interactive displays that bring sea life to life for anyone curious about the ocean’s powerful role in the island’s history.
Brittany Ferries
thank you. I love blogs that give specific details to help outsiders tour the sites they would appreciate. Especially since I love beaches, harbours, boats, ocean liners, the history of shipwrecks and coastal cliffs.
Looks a lovely Island, Hels. Interesting about the jumpers and cows.
Margaret
The food is amazing as well, especially if you like seafood, especially local crabs, lobsters, oysters and local sea snails. The Guernsey cows produce very rich, creamy milk, and stunning Guernsey Gâche
People warmly recommended Le Nautique Restaurant on the St. Peter Port waterfront.
Boa noite minha querida amiga Helen. Eu só tiro fotos. Não conheço a pintora, não tenho como lhe responder, o que você me perguntou no meu Blogger. Uma excelente noite de quarta-feira e um grande abraço do seu amigo carioca. Obrigado pela excelente aula de história e um matéria cheia de vários detalhes.
Luiz
The history of islands in or near the Mediterranean i not as well known as the countries they almost touch. So I have been to Italy, Greece, France and UK very often, but barely know the many beautiful islands like Sicily, Guernsey, Jersey, Corfu
It has a fascinating history.
diane
The arrival of foreign rule in a nation leads to significant social & political changes over society: changed languages , altered land arrangements, different labour preferences, new nationalist movements & cultural visions
In Guernsey we see that the changes led to The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between France and England when French forces attacked and often occupied Guernsey. No wonder the island's history was fascinating.
Hello Hels, I am sure that Guernsey is beautiful and fascinating if I found myself there. The Guernsey cattle are very famous for the special quality of their milk. I don't know about now so much, but there were special Guernsey dairies in the U.S. that only had those cows, and advertised with a special "Golden Guernsey" logo with a rounded jug. I just looked it up, and the American Guernsey Association is still active. Here is their website. Their famous logo is right above the large word EXPERIENCE when you open the page, at least on my browser: https://www.usguernsey.com/
--Jim
Parnassus
I had no idea about the special Guernsey dairies in the U.S and would have guessed that Americans would not have even known where the Channel Islands were. How amazing that the American Guernsey Association has busy since the late 19th century, had a special logo and is still active today.
I had a vague knowledge of the knitting and the cows and the sailors jumpers (guernseys)
I am thinking of the last person I knew who routinely called a jumper a guernsey, he'd be about 105 if he was still here.
Tough places create tough people. I'm sure that's still the case.
kylie
I don't think that Guernsey has tough weather; surrounded by the ocean it has mild summers and mild, windy winters.
But its geography in the south is often tough - untrustworthy tidal shifts, rugged coastal cliffs, steep inland valleys., rocky inlets.
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