Herm

Herm is the smallest inhabited the Channel Islands and part of the Bailiwick ( bailiwick ) Guernsey. The Channel Islands are not part of the United Kingdom nor crown colonies, but as Kronbesitzungen (English crown dependencies: bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey ) directly under the British Crown.

Geography

The island, with a population of 60 inhabitants (2002) is 2.4 km long and less than 800 meters wide. The northern half has sandy beaches, while the southern half is rocky. The towering cliffs to the south, reaching a height of 70 meters. The island Jethou lies immediately to the south. Small smaller islands and rocks usually a few hundred meters from the coast are Meulettes, Moulinet (south), Selle Rocque, Putrainez (southeast), Caquorobert ( East), Les Jacquet (northeast) and Hermetier (west).

Economy and Transport

As on the neighboring island of Sark are cars on the 2-km ² small island not permitted, in addition bicycles. The ban, however, circumvented by driving tractors and lawn mowers. The main source of income is tourism. Other income is received with the cultivation of vegetables and the occasional issue of own stamps.

The island is accessible from Guernsey by ship of the line.

The lease of the island was until mid-2008 owned by Adrian Heyworth. New tenants are John and Julia Singer, who live on Guernsey since 1990.

History

Herm was already inhabited during the Neolithic Age; on the island of a prehistoric grave chamber was discovered. In the 6th century a monastery was built. The name ' Herm ' is possibly derived from the hermits (English hermits ). Another possibility is deriving the ancient Nordic " ERM " because the island has the form of an arm. In the year 709 raged such a violent storm that the flat piece of land between Herm and Jethou was swept away and from an island whose two were.

In the year 933 the Channel Islands were annexed by the Duchy of Normandy. After the conquest of England in 1066, they were subject to the English royal family. Even after the English lost to Normandy in 1204, the Channel Islands remained in the possession of the English crown. As a result, the monks left gradually the island. Between 1570 and 1737 Herm served as a hunting ground for the governors of Guernsey.

During the 19th century was mined in a quarry granite to build on the other Channel Islands fortifications. The island was leased by the Crown to private individuals ( including Compton Mackenzie in 1920-1923 ) and was not usually accessible. Before the First World War, a colony of wallabies has been exposed here by the former tenant; none of the animals survived. The German army kept the island occupied during the Second World War.

Management

Administratively, is Herm, as well as the neighboring smaller island Jethou, a part of the community ( parish ) St. Peter Port, and, with Herm to St. Peter Port South electoral district. However, you belong to any of the four cantons of St. Peter Port.

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