Friday, November 6, 2009

Conference on our Norman Heritage

The Bailiwick of Guernsey became part of Normandy in the year 933 and many remnants of Norman Law, as well a the local version of French 'Guernesaise' survive to this day. In common with many other locals, my own surname is one such legacy with roots in even earlier times.

This week saw a conference 'Rencontre de Droit Normand' arranged by our Royal Court to discuss, amongst other things, the 750th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris when King Henry III of England renounced control of Normandy to the French, but not the Channel Islands.

The Bailiffs of Jersey and Guernsey as well as lawyers and academics from France, the UK and the islands will discuss the impact of the Treaty since the middle ages and it's significance for the islands today.

Given the current constitution discussions, it is rather poignant that this anniversary should fall at this particular time.

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