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It all began
in 933 AD when the Channel Islands became part
of the Norman Realm. In 1066, the Duke of Normandy
landed his army in Sussex and became William I
of England. The Channel Islands, however, remained
part of the Duchy of Normandy and continued to
be governed as such.
When Continental
Normandy was lost in 1204 the Channel Islands
remained loyal to the King of England as the King
promised to rule the islands as though he was
the Duke of Normandy (i.e. observing the Duchy's
laws, customs and liberties). This arrangement
has been confirmed in charters of successive sovereigns
that have secured for the islands their own judiciaries
and freedom from the process of the English Courts.
Indeed the Islands are independent in all matters
with the exception of international representation
and defence for which the United Kingdom is responsible.
The islands
were the focal point of strife between England
and France for many years due to their allegiance
to England. At times, the French raided the islands
and gained temporary footholds and, as a consequence,
there are castles and fortresses around Guernsey
that were originally built as a protection against
invaders.
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