Timeline

1200

John appoints Pierre de Preaux as 'Lord of the Isles'. Guernsey involved in wine trade between Gascony and England.

1204

Philip II of France invades Normandy and seizes the mainland but not Les Isles Normandes. Both sides try to seize control of the islands while islanders swear allegiance to the crown in return for privileges and protection. King John takes hostages from leading families to ensure this loyalty.

1205

Construction of Castle Cornet begins.

1207

The islands, now called Les Isles Anglo-Normandes, are brought back fully under the control of the English crown.

1212

Eustace the Monk deserts to Philippe of France with five of the King's galleys. He fails to capture Guernsey and Jersey but seizes Sark where he left a force of freebooters.

1214

Warden Philip d'Aubigny attacks Eustace's men on Sark and sent them as prisoners to Winchester. In thanks King John returns the hostages to the islands.

1215

Rights and privileges are formally granted to the Islands by King John.

1216

French led by Eustace the Monk seize the islands.

1217

Treaty of Lambeth between England and France meant Eustace would have to surrender the islands. Philip d'Aubigny catches up with Eustace, and beheads him on his own quarter-deck.

1250

Castle Cornet completed. Chateau de Marais and Chateau de Rocquaine (Fort Grey) are strengthened.

1254

Henry III claims title and takes the islands back from the wardens.

1259

Henry and French King Louis IX agree treaty which means the islands remain politically, administratively and economically part of Normandy but in the possession of the English Crown.

1272

Edward I becomes King and appoints Otto de Grandison as warden. He later becomes Lord of the Isles for life.

1275

St Peter Port Pier is built to protect ships and improve loading and unloading.

1279

Edward I sends a seal for use in both Guernsey and Jersey for legal documents.

1294

French raids kill a lot of Guernsey's population, destroy the new jetty built in St Peter Port, burn down the King's Mills and houses throughout the island. King Edward orders the building of La Tour Grand to protect the Royal Court House and the Royal Grange, the collecting point for his produce.