The 19th century in newspaper cuttings 1814

19th century Jersey
From the newspapers in 1814

The Chronique de Jersey, one of our sources for this page, launched on 1 January 1814

Our history of 19th century Jersey from newspaper cuttings has reached a period of great growth and diversification in Jersey, fuelled by an influx of English immigrants.

This page is part of a project launched by Jerripedia in 2024 to chronicle the history of Jersey through the 19th century using news cuttings from most of the newspapers published during those 100 years.
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This page links to separate pages giving year by year coverage from 1800 onwards in the publications active at the time

This was an extremely important year for newspaper publishing in Jersey, with the launch of Chronique de Jersey on 1 January. It was a far more professional publication than the Gazette de l'Ile de Jersey and Gazette de Cesaree with which it was initially in competition. The former would fold within the year and the latter lasted until 1819. However, after being largely absent from the Société Jersiaise collection in recent years, the Gazette de l'Ile de Jersey published by Philippe Mourant, is again available to contribute to the 1814 history.

The Chronique would continue in publication until 1959, making it the longest-lasting publication to serve the community. The Evening Post (later Jersey Evening Post) is currently (2024) 134 years old, with another 11 to go to catch up with the Chronique, which quickly became established as the main source of local news.

January

Why another newspaper?

Why did the island need another newspaper, the Chronique asked in its debut edition. Its answer was that the existing publications were tied to one political party or another and not edited by independent persons.

The Chronique would provide a voice for free discussion and an up-to-date answer to all questions. Eight hundred copies of the paper were distributed on launch day.

It took a few editions for the Chronique to show an interest in current local news, the Jersey column consisting initially of only the Harbour arrivals during the week.

St Aubin unrest

Several soldiers from the troops which had embarked some days earlier returned to land at St Aubin, where the majority became drunk and committed all manner of disorders. The police were called to re-establish calm and with the assistance of a detachment of the 81st Regiment were able to seize the culprits and were able to detain them until they could be returned to the transports.

These soldiers were 'slaves' (probably pressed men) and were among those who had been whipped some weeks ago. They threatened to return ashore, not only to mistrait the habitants but also to set fire to St Aubin.

Alarmed by these repeated threats the residents decided to arm themselves to defend their properties. In consequence the Constable, after representations from Centenier Le Feuvre and several residents, having searched in vain for the commanding officer of the 81st Regiment, addressed Colonel Pipon, who permitted the South-West Militia Regiment to arm.

At 9pm, with thick fog, the sentries believed that the soldiers were returning to carry out their threats. They called out but did not get any reply from the men who continued in a tight column. When they were 20 feet away they were told that if they did not respond the guard would open fire. Someone then fired, followed by a discharge of several shots.

A soldier, part of a patrol coming from the Fort, was hit twice and badly wounded, but is not in danger.

Bible Society

A list of subscribers at the first meeting of the Bible Society was headed by the Lieut-Governonr, Lieut-General Don, and was continued in the next edition of the newspaper.

Town conditions

Letters were published in the Chronique on the 8th, signed by many town residents, complaining about the condition of the brook from Pierre Poignand's house to the beach and also bad state of the Rue de Froid Vent (Regent Road) and calling on the parish and Vingtaine de la Ville to finance improvements.

On the 12th an assembly of the Vingtaine decided that 10,000 livres, a quarter of the proceeds from the sale of land below Pier Road would be placed in an English annuity at three per cent, in the names of Thomas Le Breton, Edouard Durell and Charles Chevalier, trustees. Interest from this sum and £20,000 already possessed by the Vingtaine would be applied to discharge its debts.

It was also agreed to pave over the small brook from Mr Poignand's house to the beach and part of Rue de Froid Vent.

New Constable

On the 8th Philippe Gaudin was sworn in as the new Constable of St Saviour, an appointment which clearly met with the approval of the Chronique. He replaced Philippe Le Vavasseur dit Durell, who had been in office for seven years, and would serve a single term until replaced by Abraham Gaudin in 1817. Abraham Gaudin was elected on the 8th as Centenier to replace Jean Godfray.

Prisoners return

On the 9th Captain Philippe Dolbel and Philippe Mourant arrived back in the island after being held captive in French prisons, the former for nine years and the latter for four. They escaped from Longwy on 19 December, accompanied by an Alderney man and an Englishman. The men travelled across Flanders and Brabant, arriving at Waalwyck in Holland, leaving Schevelen for Great Yarmouth on 19 January, and eventually travelling to Jersey.

This story indicates the risks faced by privateers. By no means all of them returned home with captured vessels. Philippe Dolbel and Philippe Mourant at least survived an attack by a French vessel, but the former was languishing in a French prison partly while the country was at peace with England, but unwilling to agree to any exchange of prisoners.

The escapers were able to report that Capt Le Vesconte and his son; Capt Le Gresley, and crewmen Slous, Becquet, Montbrun, Asplet, Le Geyt, Benest, Messervy, Romeril, Alexandre, Amy, Le Brun, Clement Laffoley, Bechervaise and Hacquoil are still at Longwy, in perfect health.

Snow

On the 8th and 9th there was a snowfall as great as any seen in the island for many years. There was considerable damage to trees in the countryside, mainly in orchards, where many trees have been totally lost.

Licences

A St Helier parish assembly on the 19th considered applications for public house licences for the current year. One hundred existing licences were supported but out of a large number of new applications, only 23 were recommended to the licensing assembly.

School accounts

The first half year accounts for the school established in 1813 for educating the infant poor showed an income of £269 52 93 for the boys' department from donations to establish the school and annual subscriptions, with a balance of £21 left after the initial expenses of sending the headmaster, George Mathew, to London for training in the new system of education in use; purchase of books; the costs of keeping the former public school running until the new one opened; and materials and labour for fitting up the two school rooms. Mr Mathew received £50 for a half year's salary and lodgings. The female department opened in November and half a year's salary for the mistress - £20 - and other minor expenses left a balance of £44 8s 3d.

Drowning

On the night of the 25th Sergeant Hemmings of the 3rd Royal Veteran Battalion was crossing the causeway to Elizabeth Castle despite it having closed when he was swept away by the incoming tide and drowned.

February

Fake banknotes

Charles Hocquard, of St John was brought before the Royal Court charged with forging the signatures of several people and the issue of false banknotes. Despite his lawyer's plea, he was remanded in custody, having been told by the Lieut-Bailiff that the serious crime of which he was accused would attract a sentence of death in England.

Immediately afterwards, his wife, Anne, nee Le Sueur was brought before the Court accused of being her husband's accomplice, accused of circulating fake notes. She was also remanded to the prison.

A report was made to the Court the following week by the Deputy Viscount that, despite the clear instructions of Thomas Duhamel, Constable of St Helier, that Hocquard was to have no contact with anybody, he had been permitted by the jailor, Thomas Labey, to meet his wife, resulting in a very noisy altercation. The Court decided by a majority that Labey should be dismissed and voted to replace him with Joseph Farley. In a long letter published in the Chronique of 26 February Labey defended himself, saying that he was not guilty of any of the claims made against him by the Deputy Viscount and had been given no opportunity to put his side of the affair to the Royal Court.

Charles Hocquard was eventually sentenced to an hour in the pillory and to have his right ear cut off by the executioner.

Banknotes

After hearing of the inconvenience being experienced by the public due to the large number of banknotes in circulation, partly without any guarantee and difficult to exchange, appointed a committee to look into the situation.

Coal measures

Thomas Duhamel, Constable of St Helier, produced an Act of his parish assembly recommending a means to remedy defects in coal measures. The act was lodged au Greffe.

Escaped prisoner

Captain Charles Perchard arrived in the island on the 18th, having been rescued a month ago from French prisons, where he had been held for two years. He had been held at Arras and was being transferred to Tours. He managed to reach Holland and five days after leaving prison he was taken on board Admiral Young's ship.

He has reported that there are still 30 Jersey prisoners, of whom he remembered the following names:

Capt Josue Hocquard, Thomas Germain, Jean Le Scelleur, Philippe Renouf, Joseph Renouf, Philippe Romeril, Jean Nicolle, Philippe Marett, Edouard Le Greslet, TEhomas Tourgie, Philippe Carrel, Philippe Othon, Philippe Vibert and Philippe Le Montays.

Rewards offered

A reward of 500 livres has been offered by the King's Advocate to bring to justice thieves who broke into the courtyard of Maison de Millbrook on the 14th and stole poultry, before gaining access to the house and removing six dozen knives and forks with ivory handles, footwear for the whole household and clothing. (see below in April for conviction)

The same reward has been offered by Sir John Dumaresq for information leading to the conviction of three 'ruffians' who stopped his carriage on the road at Beaumont on the 15th. There was nobody inside and the coachman galloped away between the 'highwaymen', one of whom struck out with a stick causing damage to the side of the carriage.

Robbers arrested

During the third week of February the Constable of St Helier and police officers arrested a number of people accused of thefts in various parts of the island. John Perryman, and English stonemason; Payne, a Veterans soldier; Willis, a Veterans soldier, his wife and 12-year-old son; John Trimm and his wife; and Anne Le Geyt are detained in prison. The Chronique reflected that the arrest of 'this gang of robbers' reflects the greatest honour on the Constable and police officers of St Helier, 'without whose activity and zeal these robbers would probably have scared more peaceful citizens'.

Privateer's return

On the 24th the privateer Venus, commanded by Captain Payn, returned from a cruise having suffered badly during an encounter with a French ship with 10 cannons and 80-100 crew. The Venus had one man killed and six wounded, three seriously. Jean Romeril, of St Lawrence, was killed; Lieut Philippe Le Brocq, James Benest and John Biggs were seriously injured; and Thomas Williams, Philippe Bisson and Robert Champion were less seriously injured.

French prince's visit

The Duc de Berry, a senior member of the French Royal Family, spent some time in the island during February and was entertained by the Lieut-Governor and other members of the administration. During his stay he paid a visit to the School for Educating the Infant Poor, accompanied by the Lieut-Governor and Lieut-Bailiff.

During his visit he observed a little girl with the naughty cap on and asked if he could seek her pardon, a request which was acceded to by Mrs Durell, the school mistress, much to the delight of the child, who made a very low courtesy.

March

Prisoner's return

Richard Roissier, who has been rescued from French prisons after nearly nine years, has arrived back in the island. He left Cambrai on the 15th of February and travelled to Holland where he embarked to return home. No prisoners remain at Cambray, having been transferred to Tours.

Thefts

Soldiers Gilbert Wilson and Edward Robinson, accused of two thefts at Jean Bonnel's Gorey shop and the house of Francois Gaudin, at Grouville, and having been found guilty, were, in view of their age, recommended for clemency. The Court eventually ordered that they be whipped until blood showed and banished permanently from the island, having been told that their crimes would normally attract a death sentence.

April

New roads

The States debated the completion of new roads in various parts of the island, requiring a rate of 30,000 livres. They also approved a lottery to improve the old market (Royal Square).

Pigs and goats

The number of pigs and goats roaming free on the island's roads, including in the town of St Helier, was causing such concern that the penalty for those owners whose animals were found at large, established at 3 livres in 1810, was increased to 15 livres.

Prisoners released

After a major release by the French government, during the week of 16 April 450 prisoners of war arrived from St Malo and Granville, of whom about 100 were residents of Jersey and Guernsey. The reason for this release became clear the following week when the peace between France and the allies was announced.

Fire

Marie, nee Le Gresley, widow of Jean Mauger and living in the house of Pierre Mauger in St Ouen, lost all her furniture in a fire on the 16th. Her cow also perished in the blaze.

Thefts

James Perriman, found guilty of having participated in the theft from Maison de Millbrook in February (see above), and several other thefts in St Peter, was sentenced to be whipped and permanently banned from the island. If he returned he would be hanged.

Thomas Lauzun, found guilty of stealing several watches from Francois Kerby's shop, was also sentenced to be whipped, and banned for seven years.

May

Violent outrage

On Thursday 5th, Mrs Ashley, wife of the lieutenant of this name, sent her Servant Marie Brown, a Jersey girl, at 6pm to buy milk from a house in Dumaresq Lane. As she went out she was accosted by Lieut Steele, of the 18th Regiment, an intimate friend of Lieut Ashley, who frequently visited him, and asked to go to his lodgings to take a note for her master, which she did.

When she entered the parlour, Lieut Holmes was there and took her in his arms and forced her into an adjoining room and jumped with her on a bed. The girl defended herself with all force and cried out loud, finally escaping from the monster who threatened violence and taking refuge in a neighbouring house.

When she entered she fainted and remained in this state for eight hours. The Constable was called and called a surgeon who declared that he thought the girl's life was in danger. She fainted several times yesterday.

The Constable having been unable to arrest the officers, contacted the Commander in Chief, who had them arrested and brought before the Court.

Cattle importation

The States considered the old law which prohibited the introduction of cattle from France and decided that it needed to be revised if the Prince Regent gave Royal sanction. A committee was asked to look into the matter while the existing legislation remained in force.

Cider tax

The States imposed an increase in the tax on imported cider and also introduced a duty on imported beer and any brewed in the island for local consumption. It was argued that an import tax on cider would protect local suppliers and also provide money for the new prison without a rate being necessary.

Foreign traders

The Lieut-Bailiff Jean Dumaresq notified foreign merchants bringing food and other items to the island to sell that they were obliged to pay for a licence, the rate depending on the quality of their merchandise. Those who only brought chickens, eggs, fruit and vegetables had nothing to pay. The foreigners were also advised that the importation of cattle, cider and apples was prohibited.

Newfoundland convoys

Rear-Admiral Hargood wrote to the Chamber of Commerce advising that local vessels bound for Newfoundland should, in future, rendezvous at Spithead or Cork. Convoys would sail on 10 May, 15 June, 10 August, 10 September and 1 October.

Jurats elected

George Philippe Benest and Aaron de Ste Croix were elected with 952 votes and 555 respectively to fill the two vacancies on the Jurats' bench.

June

Foreign merchants

The Constable of St Helier presented a petition to the States signed by 100 retailers calling for foreigners to be prevented from retail sales in the island. A committee was formed to examine the issue.

On 3 June a foreigner called Hodey apeared before the Royal Court for selling a barrel of cider without a licence. The Court ordered the confiscation of the cider and a fine of 10 livres, plus costs.

July

Celebration

A St Helier parish assembly agreed to illuminate the town on the 12th for the proclamation of peace. The flank companies of the line and militia are to assemble in the Old Market Square for the purpose of firing a feu-de-joie.

Precedence

The Seigneur of St Ouen has been granted precedence as Jurat and will sit in the first seat on the bench.

New Lieut-Governor

Lieut-General Sir Tomkyns Hilgrove Turner took the oath of office as the new Lieut-Governor and Commander in Chief. It was reported at the time that he was a Jerseyman, but although his mother was undoubtedly born in the island, it seems that Sir Tomkyns was born in or near London. He was presented to the Prince Regent after his appointment and knighted. He left the island shortly after his swearing-in, and was expected to return in September.

August

General Don

The Chronique, having announced that its readers could expect full accounts of States sitting in future, reported in detail a debate on proposals to honour the departing Lieut-Governor, General George Don. The president spoke with fulsome praise of General Don and the benefits he had brought to the island , and it was proposed that a grand painting of the General should be produced to hang in the Chamber.

But senior Jurats spoke against the proposal, and regretted that it had been brought when a significant number of Members were absent in the vraicing season. After several long speeches a proposal that the issue should be lodged au Greffe (put to one side for later deliberation) was passed by 15 votes to six, with three abstentions.

A later meeting of the States was told that General Don had requested that the sum voted for his portrait should be put towards improving the roads. The Constable of St Helier remarked that it was strange that the General spoke of a sum voted, because nothing had yet been voted.

Prisoner dies

On the 21st Philippe Lempriere was put in prison by the Constable of St Helier accused of having forged the signature of Jacques Hammond on banknotes and put them into circulation. He appeared to be in perfect health when locked up but two days later he was found lifeless lying on his back.

Surgeons found his chest very inflamed, with an unknown matter in the large intestine, but could not say whether that had been responsible for his death. An inquest returned a verdict of death 'by the visitation of God'.

September

School support

The Governor, Earl of Chatham, has agreed to subscribe ten guineas annually to the Institution for education the Infant Poor of the island.

The Seigneur of St John, retired as a Jurat on the grounds of age and infirmity, has also subscribed a pound a year, plus an initial two pounds, having been informed of the progressive improvement of the institution, by which many poor children, who were running through the streets of St Helier, begging and stealing, are now receiving a moral and religious education.

Fire

On the 11th the Trinity home of Charles Blampied, his wife and six children, was burned to the ground with all possessions lost. This was the second fire at the property in six weeks, the majority of the family's possessions having been rescued on the previous occasion. The Rector, Jean Thomas Ahier; Constable Philippe Le Maistre' Centenier Josue Deslandes; and Charles Marett and Philip Le Vesconte, launched an appeal for the public to support the family.

Cattle imported

Clement Renouf was brought before the Court charged with having brought five cows into the island from France. He was sentenced to pay a fine of 100 livres for each animal and they would be confiscated for the benefit of the poor of St Helier.

Death

His Majesty's Receiver-General for the past 43 years, Jacques Pipon, died on the 26th after being seriously ill for eight days. He is survived by five children.

October

Patronage

The new Lieut-Governor, Lieut-General Sir Hilgrove Turner was invited to become a patron and subscriber of the Society for Educating the Infant Poor, and Lady Turner was invited to become patroness of the female section of the school.

Gooseberry theft

Peter Clarke, aged 12, and Sarah Le Rossignol, aged 13, were accused before the Royal Court of having taken gooseberries from the St Helier garden of Josue Rondel on 24 May. Having been in prison for about five months, the Court decided that they should be released and their parents cautioned to take care of them.

Watches stolen

Thomas Donnevan, aged 13, was accused of entering C W Quesnel's shop with a fake key and stealing watches, etc, which were seized from him before he could leave. The boy, whose father was brought to the Court, was remanded in custody until sentence.

Woman attacked at home

Brothers George and Francois Gallichan were accused of breaking into the home of Elizabeth de Louche intending to rob her. They broke open the front door, attacked her and ripped her clothes. Two of her children escaped and sought help from Jean de La Cour. He and other witnesses were heard before the brothers were remanded in custody pending a further hearing.

Banknotes

The States passed legislation requiring anyone wishing to issue banknotes to first obtain a licence, having secured sufficient guarantees.

On the 26th the Lieut-Governor reviewed the youth of the island on the Parade. Prizes were awarded as follows:

Infantry: 1, Jean Mourant; 2, Thomas Remon; 3, Jean Machon, all of St Helier; 4, Philippe Le Brocq, of St Mary; 5, Jean Renouf and 6, Josue Le Gros, both of St Peter.

Artillery: 1, Joseph Beazely; 2 Philippe Machon, both of St Helier.

November

Election

A contested election for Constable of St Jean resulted in Pierre Dallain receiving 92 votes to J Nicolle's 90. Mr Nicolle challenged the result, arguing that if illegal votes for his opponent were removed, he would have won the election. The matter was adjourned for further discussion by the Court. The next sitting called for the rate book for the parish to be examined by the Greffier.

December

Elections

An election for Constable of St Martin resulted in the election of Mr Bertram, who obtained four more votes than Mr Nicolle, and will replace Mr Godfray. But the following day Mr Nicolle told the Royal Court that his opponent had employed illegal means to gain a majority. The opponents were required to appear before the Greffier to establish their claims.

So, too were the candidates in the election for Centenier, in which Philippe Bertram had obtained seven more votes than D Gaudin.

Sentence

The Gallichan brothers, who had been accused of breaking into the home of Elizabeth de Louche and assaulting her (see above) appeared in Court for sentence. Their advocate pointed out that they were intimate friends of the family and one of the accused was godfather of one of her children. They were drunk on the night in question.

The Procureur du Roi pointed out that they were fathers of their own families, whom they left to commit the crimes of which they were accused. They were both sentenced to two months in prison, the last fortnight on bread and water.