Heritage - Fishing
The ocean has been the mainstay of the Guernsey economy for centuries and fish, whether fresh, salted or dried have been an invaluable commodity for export and local consumption. A regular fish market has always been a part of life in St Peter Port and an impressive market building was erected in 1830.
The fishing industry was threatened in the 16th century by Newfoundland cod and in the 19th century by the arrival of steam technology. Hundreds of Guernseymen turned to quarrying and horticulture but the industry lives on today, supplying the many local restaurants with fresh lobsters, crabs, brill, bass, skate and scallops, to name just some.
Link to www.goodfoodguernsey.gg
The Guernsey Jumper
The world famous Guernsey jumper was originally created for the Guernsey Fisherman. The skilled knitters of Guernsey developed the traditional ‘Guernsey’ which is known for its warmth and water repellent wool.
Exactly when the Guernsey was first knitted is unknown but a royal grant was obtained to import wool from England during the 15th Century and during the sixteenth century Guernsey’s were used when the New World of the Americas opened up. The Guernsey fishermen began to develop fisheries off the east coast of Canada and to pursue this perilous occupation, the fishermen needed warm and windproof clothing.
The original Guernsey was made from 5-ply inky, blue-black wool but other colours soon followed. Because the Guernsey is so tightly knitted, the garment's design and patterns provide insulation, as well as water and wind resistance.
Emblems were often knitted into the jumpers giving details of which family or which area the fisherman originated from. It is thought that this was used to identify fishermen who had been washed overboard so they could be returned home to their families for burial.
Guernsey’s have certain characteristics that define them. These hardwearing work clothes typically fit close to the body, accentuate the shoulders, and elongate the waist. Their reinforced gussets are diamond shaped, and the sweaters are traditionally knitted from the top down as that allows for easier repairs on the arms and elbows.
Mary Queen of Scots owned a Guernsey and also wore Guernsey stockings at her execution. At the time of the Napoleonic Wars, Admiral Lord Nelson ordered that the Guernsey be adopted as part of the uniform of the Royal Navy, and it was worn at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
ROCQUAINE REGATTA 01 Aug 2009 - 01 Aug 2009
The Rocquaine Regatta has a long and distinguished reputation for fun. A full day (and evening) of free entertainment and activities for both the young and young at heart, inc...
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CLASSIC CHANNEL REGATTA 04 Jul 2009 - 11 Jul 2009
It is hoped that 100 classic Yachts, from both France and Britain, will again take part in this Classic Channel Regatta. Yachts will race from Dartmouth to Dinard/St Malo and...
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