Timeline

~8000BC

The end of the Ice Age separates the Islands from European mainland.

~6500BC

Settlements and farming begins Guernsey.

~4000BC

Neolithic people reside in the islands.

~2000BC

Defence earthworks built at Jerbourg.

~500BC

Islanders have reached the Iron Age.

~150AD

Romans settle in islands.

280

Roman Galley 'Asterix' destroyed by fire and sinks where the entrance to St Peter Harbour was later established.

520-550

St Sampson brings Christianity to Guernsey and established an oratory at the Eastern end of the Braye du Valle.

709

Tidal waves hit Vazon and separate the Hanois rocks from the mainland. 

867

Channel Islands ruled from Brittany.

~900

Islands suffer from Viking raids for the first time.

911

King Charles of the West Franks makes the chieftain of Clair-sur-Epte, Rollo, Duke of Normandy creating the Dukedom.

933

Contentin Peninsular including Les Isles Normandes (Channel Islands) is added to the Duchy by Duke William I (the Longsword).

1020

Guernsey is divided into two fiefs by Richard II, Duke of Normandy.

~1030

Fleet of Robert, Duke of Normandy and Father of William the Conqueror, guided to the safety of L'Ancresse (the anchorage) Bay by Guernsey fisherman after being caught in a storm north of the island.

~1050

St Sampson's Church is being built. Guernsey essentially part of the Diocese of Countances.

1057

Alderney is given to Geoffroi de Montbrai by Duke William of Normandy.

1066

Channel Islanders are part of the Norman Force which defeats Harold at Hastings and England is added to the Duchy.

1087

Following the death of William the Conqueror the Dukedom is passed to the eldest son Robert Curthose, William Rufus takes the English throne and third son Henry receives five thousand marks of silver.

~1092

Robert sells Contentin area including islands to Henry.