The church in Jersey
The church in Jersey
For centuries the Church in Jersey was the dominant influence on the life of the community, more important in many ways than the Royal Court and more powerful than the Seigneurs of the Fiefs, who were most reluctant to fall out with the Church, which had the ultimate sanction of excommunication, the terror of every God-fearing Christian. Islanders respected as well as feared the clergy, who were often the best educated memers of their community.
Parish churches
The foundation of the Church in Jersey was the 12 parish churches, all thought to have been built around the 11th and 12th centuries.
For many centuries these churches were the hub of parish life and had great influence in the island.
Even after Jersey split from Normandy the Church continued to be responsible to the Bishop of Coutances for many years.
The Rectors represented their parishes in the States alongside the Contables until 1948
Main subjects
- From the early Christians to the 21st Century - a timeline of church development in Jersey
- From the Vikings to Winchester, a brief history of the church in Jersey
- A Church history from a Jersey Archive presentation
- Deans of Jersey
- Church of England
- The evolution of the parish churches
- Roman Catholic Church
- Methodist Church
- Jesuits
- Salvation Army
- Other denominations
- Canon law
- The 'Glass Church'
Prominent clergymen
Many clergymen have made major contributions to Jerseylife, and some have been highly controversial. Here are the biographies of some of the most renowned clergymen who were either born in the island or spent the major part of their careers in Jersey.
- Jacques Amy, Dean of Guernsey sacked for treatment of alleged heretic
- Richard Averty, priest hanged for killing baby
- George Orange Balleine, appointed Dean against the States' wishes
- David Bandinel, reforming Dean
- Jacques Bandinel, Rector of St Mary
- Daniel Brevint, Presbyterian and Dean of Lincoln
- Samuel de la Place, Rector and early doctor
- Jean de Quetteville, Methodist pioneer
- Thomas de Soulemont, Dean and secretary to Henry VIII
- Edouard Dupre, Dean and Magot politician
- Pierre Faleyse, 14th century Dean
- Philippe Filleul, controversial Rector of St Helier
- Francois Jeune, headmaster, Dean of Jersey and Bishop of Peterborough
- William Corbet Le Breton, Dean and father of Lillie Langtry
- Clement Le Couteur, Dean for 42 years
- Francois Le Couteur, Rector, participant in The Battle of Jersey, cider expert and designer of Jersey's road system
- Richard Mabon, Dean
- Francois Payn, Dean for 46 years but rarely in Jersey
- Roger Walden, Rector of St Helier and subsequently Archbishop of Canterbury
- Bishop Trelawny
