History of Guernsey St Saviour, St Pierre du Bois, Ste. Marie du Catel, and the Vale. The loss of Normandy by King John in 1204 isolated the Channel Islands from mainland Europe. Each time England and France went to war over the coming centuries, trade to and from the Channel Islands was restricted or banned and even when not officially at war, the island was repeatedly attacked by continental pirates and naval forces. Fortifications were improved in the Channel Islands, manned by professional soldiers and the Guernsey militia who would help to defend the Island for the next 600 years. Service was compulsory
Culture of Guernsey 19th-century novelty dance which also remains popular with costumed folklore groups in various parts of Europe. Some traditional folk songs such as "Jean, Gros Jean" and "J'ai perdu ma faumme" have survived. Groups such as "La Guaine du Vouêt" and "Les Dànsaeurs dé L'Assembllaïe D'Guernésiais" perform at events such as "Lé Viaer Marchi". According to Edith Carey (1903), the traditional "chifournie" had disappeared from Guernsey by the mid-nineteenth century. John Ireland settled for a time in Guernsey. Recently, Guernsey has hosted a live music event called Guernsey Live. This music festival has been one of the biggest events in the