Queen Vic visits Guernsey
Queen Victoria visited Guernsey this week in 1846, becoming the first reigning monarch to do so in six centuries. She hadn't given any warning of her arrival. The visit was a success nonetheless, and Victoria Tower was built to commemorate it. She returned a few years later once the tower had been completed.
Guernsey jails Oliver Reed
Actor Oliver Reed was jailed in Guernsey this week in 1984 after smashing a window at the Duke of Normandie hotel while standing in the car park wearing only his underwear. The Gladiator actor was kept in custody for a couple of days and said, on his release, that while he'd been treated well the food could have been better.
Churchill visits Guernsey
Winston Churchill came to Guernsey with his wife this week in 1913 but insisted on playing a round of golf at L’Ancresse before calling on the Lieutenant-Governor. He inspected the coastguard station, but otherwise confined himself to his boat before leaving the following morning.
Guernsey’s military government disbanded
The post-Occupation military government was disbanded this week in 1945, after just 90 days' operation. Guernsey's new Lieutenant-Governor, Major-General Philip Neame, arrived to take over from the military, and the guns that German forces had installed at Castle Cornet were fired in his honour.
Wesleyans celebrate centenary
Wesleyans celebrated 100 years on Guernsey this week in 1884 with a festival in Cambridge Park that the Star described as "a monster gathering of the Sunday School teachers and scholars of the various chapels in the islands".
Guernsey rewrites its rulebook
Guernsey's laws were completely overhauled this week in 1948 with new regulations covering everything from what to do if someone was physically incapable to vote to how many people should sit in the States of Deliberation. It also finally allowed elections to be held by secret ballot.
Philip de Saumarez discharged
Philip de Saumarez was discharged as a Jurat this week in 1879 after petitioning the Queen to be released on account of his failing hearing. The Queen pondered for 16 days before agreeing, but allowed him to keep all the privileges that the role entailed. He died, aged 84, in 1895.