thesteadyeddie

Hi, I'm new to the forums!

I'm a writer currently trying to research information on the history of the Channel Islands - specifically during the early 7th Century. My research materials have been restricted to the Internet and the reference section at Bristol Central Library, but I've found next to nothing about the Channel Islands (/Sarnia) during the Dark Ages.

Does anybody have any idea what was going on these islands during those times? Just knowledge of a population there would be really helpful, just so that I know that Chapters 1 and 2 haven't been a huge waste of time!

Help?

Salah

All I can say is I'd suppose they'd be Celtic in culture.

DreamWeaver

7th Century? Hard to say what was going on in Britain in the 7th Century let alone the Channel islands.

For that time period you are better off looking to the continent, try checking out University of Caen or the Bibliotheque Nationale.

Most of the things Ive read or know of concerning the channel isalnds is not until the Norman period.

Louise C

The islands were Christian at this time, having been converted in the 6th century, when several saints visited the island. probably the population was mainly engaged in farming and fishing. They were conquered by Vikings in the early 9th century.

authun

In the Antoine Itinery, Jersey is reputed to be Caesarea, Guernsey, Sarnia and Alderney, Riduna. They are essentially inhabited by Gauls who have adopted roman law and language. With the anglo saxon invasions of Britain and the Frankish invasions of Gaul, people from Amorica start fleeing to the Channel islands. We can't be sure but it appears to be a mix of gallic amoricans and 'british' bretons. Jersey becomes known as Angia and Guernsey as Lesia. From the mid 6th century to the viking age, the christian parishes are raided by saxons and, later, vikings. Eventually they were incorporated into the Duchy of Normandy where HRH Queen Elizabeth II is still toasted, 'The Queen, Our Duke'.

thesteadyeddie

Authun, thanks very much! It's surprising how little information I could find publicly, but you've really helped me out. The story is supposed to be set in 602, and I've been referring to the island by the old Roman name, Sarnia. Now at least I know that's wrong, and I can correct it accordingly. In fact, you've given me a few ideas as to how to change the plot for those first couple of chapters. Now, my research can focus on the church, and what kind of an influence a parish may have had over the local community, as well as it's operation.

Cheers!

authun

The islands are called the Lenur Islands around 602, according to this.

For research purposes, you'll probably get a lot of background info by reading about british migration from places like Cornwall to Amorica in Gaul, ie Britanny. The church does appear to keep sending people there.