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During
the 800's Jersey was plundered again and again. Houses and chapels
were burnt down, and the Neolithic tombs were raided for treasure.
These
raids continued until 911 AD when France purchased peace with the
Vikings.
Political
allegiance
The
Channel Islands remained politically linked to Brittany until 933,
when they were seized and annexed to Normandy.
For
the next 270 years Jersey came under Norman rule. There is not a
lot known about Jersey during these years, but the legal system
set up by the Normans still exists today.
Jersey
remained part of the Anglo-Norman kingdom until 1204, when England
lost Normandy to King Philippe Auguste of France.
The
islands chose to remain loyal to the English crown, and the king
of England governed them as a separate entity.
Military
significance
From
1204 onwards Jersey became an important military post between France
and England. Mont Orgueil was built by the English as a Royal fortress
and military base.
There
was great unrest in Jersey for the next 120 years, mainly because
of political oppression and interference with the ancient customs
of the island.
The
Hundred Years War & Wars of the Roses
From
1337 to 1453 England and France were at war, and because of its
position Jersey was exposed to constant attacks. It was even occupied
during 1380.
Grosnez
Castle was probably built about this time, but was merely a moat,
a gatehouse and a wall.
Once
the Hundred Years War had ended, Jersey had a brief respite of peace
for 2 years. But in 1455 the Wars of the Roses flared up. The war
lasted until 1484, and Jersey was once again occupied - this time
for seven years, until England reclaimed the island in 1468.
Want
to know more? Come with us as we delve deeper into Jersey's history...
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