Captain Grinnell's testimony, October 1778
An extremely interesting account from the enemy—at this point the Americans—of their view of Guernsey and its defences in 1778.
Descriptions of the islands
Daniel De Lisle Brock praises Guernsey
A speech of thanks by the Bailiff upon receiving a gift from the Country Parishes, presented to him as a mark of their esteem for his help in mitigating the effects of an injurious Corn Bill, proposed by the British Government. May 22 1823.
Sarnia
A poem from the Mercure newspaper, 20 October 1810.
Sark, 1890: Out of season
From The Star of 11th December 1890, an extract from 'The Channel Islands out of Season,' an article reprinted from the Manchester City News.
Sark, 1890: A photographer's holiday
This description of a holiday in Sark was written by a well known Methodist minister, Reverend Nehemiah Curnock, for the Methodist Recorder, of which he was the editor. It was reprinted in the Star in December, 1890. Curnock was taking photographs with a 'Kodak instantaneous' camera; he was in the forefront of technology, for Eastman had only patented it in September, 1889. The box camera took a 100-exposure film; the whole camera could be returned to the company for the photographs to be developed, or equipment could be bought to develop the pictures at home without a darkroom. The photograph is from the Library Colletion and shows La Collinette in 1936.
The Town Harbour, 1853-1923
How the sea-front looked seventy years ago, by 'Observer' (1923). The accompanying photograph, from the Library collection, is a detail from a panorama taken by Arsène Garnier of the harbour early in its rebuilding in 1857. The detail below shows the temporary cement mill erected for the works.
A bachelor's paradise: Guernsey ladies, October 1825
An extract from an article published in the Star of October 18, 1825. 'The observations that follow have been copied from The Morning Herald. They will tend to show what views some strangers are apt to form of our local peculiarities; if, indeed, they can be taken as the real views of the writer, which, from the incorrectness of his statements, and the exaggerated description he has given of advantages and disadvantages, beauties and defects, we more than doubt.' The young lady in the portrait is Anne Priaulx.1
The Grange in 1826
From Cochrane's Guide to the Island of Guernsey, published by the author in Market-Street, Guernsey, in 1826.
The Book of Sark
The Book of Sark: twenty-one reproductions in colour from the Royal Academy exhibits and other paintings in oil and water colours, by William Toplis; text by John Oxenham. Limited edition of 500 copies. Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1908. 98pp.
Guernsey in 1775 and in 1837
By Ferdinand Brock Tupper, in Duncan's The Guernsey and Jersey Magazine III (1837), pp. 233 ff.