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You can either read through this potted version of significant events in our island history or skip to the time line here for a generalised list of events and dates. |
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Two hundred thousand years ago, Jersey was part of the continental landmass of Europe and evidence of Neanderthal man has been found at La Cotte Cave in St. Brelades. Woolly mammoths roamed in this area and ancient man chased the creatures to their death over the cliffs of St. Brelades Bay. |
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(4850 - 2850 BC) As sea water levels began to rise at the end of the last ice age Jersey became an island and it was at this time that New Stone Age (Neolithic) man arrived here. The island was originally a little bigger than it appears today but coastal plains in the south-east and west were eroded over time. In St. Ouens (on the west of the island) deposits of peat, visible at low tide, together with fossilised acorns and hazlenuts indicate that this area was once a forest. These ancient people probably arrived here by coracle - small boats made of animal skin stretched over a framework of sticks and branches. Evidence suggests that these were an organised people because querns (stones used for grinding corn) have been discovered, indicating the planting of crops. Archaeological finds include elegant pottery bowls, flint implements and polished stone axes. Most surprisingly, some of these axes were produced from stones like jadeite, indicating that Neolithic man traded well beyond the island. Dotted all over Jersey are Neolithic tombs, called dolmens ('dol' a table and 'men' a stone) and menhirs ('men', a stone and 'hir', upright). The most outstanding example is undoubtedly at La Hougue Bie, which is still intact and covered by the original 14 metre mound. This is a very complex tomb and it is possible that human remains were left here for a short period before being disposed of elsewhere. |
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(AD 555) The first steps towards bringing Christianity to the Channel Islands were said to be taken by Saints Sampson, Magloire, Marcouf and Helier. It is Helier who is most remembered here because our capital bears his name - 'St. Helier'. Helibert (he later became known as 'Helier') originated in Belgium and came to the island in AD 540, living a solitary existence on L'Islet island in St. Aubins Bay. Tradition tells us that 15 years later, in AD 555, Norman invaders came across Helier praying and beheaded him. Marcouf founded a monastery on L'Islet island in Helier's memory. This was later replaced by Elizabeth Castle, but Helier's hermitage can still be visited at the Castle. |
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This timeline and the Jersey Crest graphic contained therein was designed and/or created by Jayne@jaynesjersey.com and is subject to copyright. All rights reserved. Permission must be sought before reproducing any of my work. I can be contacted at my e.mail address. |