Joan Stevens

Jersey has a remarkable history, especially during the many centuries since it became an exposed, surviving outpost of Duke William's Duchy, within sight of France yet attached to the English Crown. More than most mainland people, its inhabitants are fiercely conscious of their special identity and history, produced by the interaction of two cultures and two rich sources of tradition. Inspired by G R Balleine, and his History of the Island of Jersey, more research, both archival and archaeological, has been undertaken, producing this excellent book which has enlarged upon his extraordinary work.

Jersey has a remarkable history, especially during the many centuries since it became an exposed, surviving outpost of Duke William's Duchy, within sight of France yet attached to the English Crown. More than most mainland people, its inhabitants are fiercely conscious of their special identity and history, produced by the interaction of two cultures and two rich sources of tradition. Inspired by G. R. Balleine, and his History of the Island of Jersey, more research, both archival and archaeological, has been undertaken, producing this excellent book which has enlarged upon his extraordinary work.

As with the first volume, Mrs. Stevens has again furnished a wealth of information about the history of the island and its people as well as detailed historical and architectural notes on its buildings. There is also a series of chapters on the way of life of the islanders, followed by a study of some 250 houses of architectural interest. The period covered is from 1700 to the early years of the 20th century and its rich heritage will delight everybody with an interest in buildings of character. A vast quarry of information has been gathered together.