Heritage - Privateering
Guernsey’s St Peter Port harbour is strategically placed for privateering with its position in the English Channel. Its constitutional position is also important with having allegiance to the British Crown but largely outside the control of British customs authorities.
Guernsey privateers operated from 1689 and were more successful than Jersey ships as they outnumbered them by three to one.
The privateers, or armed merchantman, were licenced by the Crown with a 'Letter of Marque' to seize enemy ships in times of war.
Throughout the wars with France, and the American War of Independence, Guernsey captains used their knowledge of the rocks and reefs to disrupt coastal trade from Nantes, Bordeaux and La Rochelle. Goods destined for the Americas would often end up on sale in St Peter Port. The practice brought great wealth to the island but the last act of privateering took place in 1815 when the war with France ended.
Trade was the main activity in St Peter Port in peace and war and privateering was central to the success of St Peter Port as an entrepot.
ALDERNEY WEEK 01 Aug 2009 - 09 Aug 2009
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CLASSIC CHANNEL REGATTA 04 Jul 2009 - 11 Jul 2009
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