History of Guernsey History of Guernsey The history of Guernsey stretches back to evidence of prehistoric habitation and settlement and encompasses the development of its modern society. Around 6000 BCE, rising sea created the English Channel and separated the Norman promontories that became the bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey from continental Europe. Neolithic farmers then settled on its coast and built the dolmens and menhirs found on the islands today. The island of Guernsey contains two sculpted menhirs of great archaeological interest, while the dolmen known as "L'Autel du Dehus" contains a dolmen deity known as "Le Gardien du Tombeau". The Roman occupation
Maritime history of the Channel Islands promise they would be fed and clothed. Jean Martell from Jersey established in 1715 the Cognac manufacturer Martell and established trading links with Guernsey. The Islands had an involvement in the slavery trade. Guernsey has identified 11 sailings, mainly from the Gambia, between 1741 and 1761, with 2,118 slaves taken and 1,800 delivered. The wine trade was very important, in 1771 Guernsey merchant, Le Marchant recorded 8,000 tons of claret shipped from Bordeaux to Ireland, noting it was usual to mix with ¼ of Spanish wines to make it suitable for the Irish market. By controlling the brandy trade from