Flag of Guernsey cross by Pope Alexander II and flew it on his standard in the Battle of Hastings. Since 2000, a red ensign with the cross in the fly has been used as the government's civil ensign and as a blue ensign. Prior to 1985, Guernsey had no official unique flag and instead used the St George's Cross (the flag of England) as its flag when one was officially required. This came about after King Edward VIII granted consent for Guernsey to use the flag of England in 1936; during the German occupation of the Channel Islands, the residents were prevented from
Maritime history of the Channel Islands 1790, Guernsey merchants shipped low quality brandy to Madeira, where it was added to their wine to fortify it. Madeira wine becoming famous. Both Islands established Chambers of Commerce as the merchant families expanded and grew in wealth. Tupper, Priaulx, Le Marchant and De Jersey from Guernsey and Ste Croix, Robin, Janvrin and Hemery from Jersey, often intermarrying to avoid rivalry. Part ownership of ships show there were 1,238 people were owners of shares in the 19th Century including 280 mariners and 97 in ship related trades, but also included 55 farmers, 34 widows, 29 spinsters and 25 gentlemen. It