TF Priaulx

Thomas Frederick “Freddie” de la Mare Priaulx (1906-1996) was a leading Guernsey historian

Early Years

TF Priaulx was born in the Isle of Wight in 1906, the son of Thomas Le Mesurier Priaulx and his wife Elsie. He was educated at St Saviours School and Les Vauxbelets College. His father died when he was 7 years old.

On leaving school, he started work in the offices of Advocate J E L Martel, as well as helping his mother and sister on the family farm at Les Prevosts.

Antiquarian

He became interested in island history during the 1930s, and joined La Société Guernesiaise, where he met Edith Carey, John Le Patourel and other local historians. In 1938, Freddie gave up his office job in order to spend more time pursuing his interests in the history of Guernsey, particularly local families and their houses.

World War II

He chose to remain in the island during the German Occupation of World War II. In 1942, he was deported to a concentration camp at Laufen in Germany, because of his English birth. He was released in 1945, and returned to the island.

Parish Administration

He also served the parish of St Saviours as a Constable (1939-42) and Douzenier (1947-51).