Words fail me so far, I think I will only be able to describe the intrinsic beauty of Longueville Manor and the Island of Jersey once I am safely back home, sitting by the fire, with only memories of a glorious few days spent on the Channel Islands.
We sail home tomorrow, all of us will be incredibly sad to depart. We could have spent a month on this glorious island and not have had time to get bored. The sun has shone every day, giving the impression of Spring rather than the chill of Autumn.
We have learnt so much about this tiny, immaculate, part of the Uk which measures only 45 square miles.
Jersey emits a sense of calm not found in England, it feels safe for the kids to run around, the beaches are beautiful, the entire island is clothed in a cloak of quiet elegance.
Its history dates back to 700, when the first settlers were farmers from Brittany. But it was 1066, when William the Conqueror. of Normandy, gained the English Crown, after defeating the English at the Battle of Hastings, and the Channel Islands became part of the Anglo-Norman Realm.
In 1204, King John, of England, lost Normandy back to the French and the islanders had to choose either to pledge their loyalties to Normandy or remain with the English Crown. Clearly they chose the second option and with it were awarded rights and privileges which remain true to this day, the most famed being exemption from UK taxes.
However the essence of France still lingers, which gives Jersey a more international flavour and only adds to its beauty. During the 100 years war, the island was occupied by the French in 1380 for two years, and again in 1451-1468 during the War of the Roses. The final French attack was in 1781 during the Battle of Jersey, A young English officer, who perished in the fight, named Major Peirson kept the Island under English rule.
The next significant attack was in 1940, when during WWII, the Channel Islands were occupied by Germans for five years. This sad and terrible time for the Island is well document at the Jersey War Tunnels Experience. A place where you can be educated and humbled in a heartbeat.
And of course, where we are staying, has its own place in Jersey history. Longueville is an incredible place, a sanctuary of pure extravagance, a place to relax and perhaps shelter from the world a while.
During the second world war, the Manor was used as Officer’s quarters, but shortly after fell into decay.
Not the incredible presence you will see if you visit today….
Longueville Manor was recreated to the intense pitteresque beauty it is today when it was bought in 1949 by Sidney and Edith Lewis. By 1969 Longueville Manor was not only the first Jersey hotel to have all en-suite bedrooms, but also the first to have its own swimming pool.
The hotel has gone from strength to strength, and is officially the only 5* hotel on the Island.
It is the perfect place from which to explore Jersey, and the perfect place to take time out and relax with the kids.
But as I said, I am still enjoying the tranquility of Longueville, the peacefulness and variety of Jersey.
So there is more to follow….
But for now, a huge thanks to Jersey for allowing us to come and explore this exquisite Isle, and to Longueville Manor for hosting our incredible stay.