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During the
800's Jersey was plundered again and again. Houses and chapels were burnt
down, and the Neolithic tombs were raided for treasure.
These raids
continued until 911 AD when France purchased peace with the Vikings.
Political
allegiance
The Channel
Islands remained politically linked to Brittany until 933, when they were
seized and annexed to Normandy.
For the next
270 years Jersey came under Norman rule. There is not a lot known about
Jersey during these years, but the legal system set up by the Normans
still exists today.
Jersey remained
part of the Anglo-Norman kingdom until 1204, when England lost Normandy
to King Philippe Auguste of France.
The islands
chose to remain loyal to the English crown, and the king of England governed
them as a separate entity.
Military
significance
From 1204
onwards Jersey became an important military post between France and England.
Mont Orgueil was built by the English as a Royal fortress and military
base.
There was
great unrest in Jersey for the next 120 years, mainly because of political
oppression and interference with the ancient customs of the island.
The
Hundred Years War & Wars of the Roses
From 1337
to 1453 England and France were at war, and because of its position Jersey
was exposed to constant attacks. It was even occupied during 1380.
Grosnez Castle
was probably built about this time, but was merely a moat, a gatehouse
and a wall.
Once the
Hundred Years War had ended, Jersey had a brief respite of peace for 2
years. But in 1455 the Wars of the Roses flared up. The war lasted until
1484, and Jersey was once again occupied - this time for seven years,
until England reclaimed the island in 1468.
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