HOW much do you know about Jersey’s historic feudal system? How about the various manors on the Island?
Funding has been secured for a new research project into Jersey’s fiefs and fief-holders, which dates back to the medieval period.
A quarter-of-a-million pounds was successfully raised by private individuals, as well as financial support from Jersey Heritage, the Société Jersiaise and the Government of Jersey.
The feudal system had a hierarchical structure between the Crown, landowners and tenants.
Jersey Heritage explained that although financial advantage from Seigneurial rights were abolished in 1966, the obligations, customs and language attached to various titles still exist.
For example, properties described as ‘manors’ are a familiar part of Jersey’s landscape and seigneurs of landholdings, known as fiefs, attend the annual Assise d’Heritage.
The new research will focus on fiefs and fiefholders during the Middle Ages and early modern period up to the English Civil War (1642-1660).
It is expected to takes two years and will be led by Professor Daniel Power and a medieval history team at Swansea University.
Professor Power said: “‘The history of law and landholding in Jersey and the other Channel Islands provides a fascinating link between the medieval and early modern past and today.”
“The islands were culturally Norman yet separated politically from mainland Normandy from 1204 onwards, a context that allowed their institutions and legal culture to evolve in a unique way.”
Of his ambitions for the project, he added: “Rich archival evidence offers huge potential for research into Jersey’s system of fiefs and seigneurs.
“The generosity of Jersey donors is making possible this new research and is providing a valuable opportunity to place the history of Jersey within its broader Anglo-French and European context.”
John de Veulle, former chair of Jersey Heritage shared his gratitude for the funding into what he described as “an important aspect of Jersey’s history”.
“The Island’s feudal system dates back hundreds of years and still has an impact on Jersey today. It has not yet been thoroughly studied and it will be fascinating to see what the new research uncovers.”
