20th century

Lost things: Guernsey granite fireplaces

La Maison Jean Sarre 1904, by Edith Carey, Priaulx Library Collection

General Oliver de Lancey William's only academic production, a notebook of a survey of old island houses he undertook in 1956, full of interesting observations, not just about fireplaces. It was presented to the Library in 1960. The photograph, taken by Edith Carey in 1904, is of La Maison Jean Sarre, 'an old house going to ruins near Bon Air, opposite L'Eree Schools, with a beautiful old carved granite chimney piece, with heads for corbels.'

Old Guernsey place names

The Star, June 15th, 1915. Not entirely accurate!

How women helped, 1919

From Sarnia's record in the Great War, published by The Star in 1919.

The Creux Mahie, October 1888

Creux Mahie guide Priaulx Library collection

The largest cave in Guernsey, once a major tourist attraction. From the Monthly Illustrated Journal, (Guernsey Magazine), October 1888, p. 85; and the cave in 1951, when a party of three including a press photographer go in search of bats there. The illustration is a detail looking out of the Creux Mahie from a small 19th century visitor's guide to the cave.

Charlie Chaplin

From the Guernsey Press of May 11th, 1939; 'Heard in the Bordage' by Stargazer.

Guernsey - The Pick of the Bunch: a tourist brochure from 1934

Cover of the Guernsey 1934 tourism brochure

The Priaulx Library has a great deal of ephemera amongst its collection, including tourist brochures. This is a particularly attractive example, from 1934, produced by the 'States' of Guernsey Advertising Committee' and printed by the Guernsey Press Co., Ltd. This 168-page brochure seems to have been written as a guide to Guernsey for both the potential holidaymaker and prospective resident.A full week in Guernsey, including return travel from London, seven nights accommodation, and three Motor Tours—£6-8-6!

The Clameur de Haro, by Dagonet

From G R Sims' comic Dagonet's Visit to Sark.

Bimbashi Garland

Major Herbert Garland (1880-1921) was an explosives expert and the author of a short romantic novel set in Guernsey entitled Diverse Affections; his life is much more interesting than his novel. The effects of the devastating techniques he pioneered in Arabia are still being felt today.

Letters acquired: Sebastopol, Topliss, McCrea

Frederick Barlow of the South Gloucestershires, by Buck, collection Museum of the South Gloucestershire Regiment

The Library acquired at an island auction summer 2013 three separate sets of letters and source materials of local interest.

Victor Hugo and Guernsey: Victor Hugo's coachmen

9th June 2017

Victor Hugo had a couple of favoured coachmen whom he used to drive him on his excursions around the island. Hugo had a few strictly prescribed routes, and would become almost anxious if pressed to deviate from them. This would sometimes prove tedious for his familial entourage, who would often accompany him; but Mme Drouet was always happy to indulge him. This is part of the Victor Hugo and Guernsey project. [By Dinah Bott]

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