18th century

Memories of Peter Perchard

Anecdotes of Alderman Peter (Pierre) Perchard, from The Gentleman's Magazine, March, 1832, following a request for information by John Jacob, author of the Annals, and from April, 1834. Guernsey privateers at work, and how to get rich quick.

One brave soldier: the death of Thomas Falla, aged 18

Siege of Seringapatam by the Sutherland Highlanders from the Priaulx Library Collection

From the Diary of Colonel Bayly (1796-1830), of the 12th Regiment, p. 87. Thomas Falla was the son of the late Daniel Falla and Susanne Le Pelley, of the Maisons au Compte. His memorial is in St Sampson's Church. The picture above shows 'The Storming of Seringapatam, 4th May 1799 (Sutherland Highlanders),' from the Library Collection, and below is a photograph of the posthumous medal awarded to Thomas.

The will of Eleazar Le Marchant, 1716

Will of Eleazar le Marchant (died Grands Maisons, St Sampson's, Guernsey, 1716. Bailiff March 1705). Named are: Helier Perchard, Elie Perchard, Henry Bray, Martin de Gruchy N.P., Henry Bray Jnr., Elisha Dobree, John Dobrée (witnesses, lawyer); Eleazar and Joshua Le Marchant (nephews), Thomas and Joshua Le Marchant (great-nephews); Martha Le Marchant (sister); Peter Priaulx Snr (brother-in-law); Olympia Le Marchant (sister); Marie de Saumarez (wife). Translated from the French by Martin de Gruchy in 1717.

Jean Bonamy's will, 1746

Will of Mr Jean Bonamy, proved 1746. From the French in the Notebook of Peter Mollet, his relative. Jean Bonamy came from a wealthy family. He was the son of Samuel Bonamy and the brother of another Samuel Bonamy, who became Bailiff of Guernsey. Jean was born in 1710 and died in 1746 in Gibraltar; he was a Lieutenant in an English Regiment of Fusiliers at the time.

The Grange house sales, 1790/1

La Grange, from the Notebook of Peter Mollet, MS in the Library.

The Guernsey Lily again: De Beauvoir, Bonamy, and De Jersey

From Jacob's Annals, Volume II, pp. 170-1.

La Manie des sobriquets: late 18th century nicknames

From Edith Carey's Scrapbooks, Vol. I.; the Lukis MSS.

Merchants and Traders of 1711

A list of the names of the merchants operating in Guernsey who voluntarily paid tax towards expenses incurred by members of a States' Deputation to the King, in 1711, with the amount of tax they paid reflecting their income.

John Williams

John Williams, seaman, aged 25 years, five feet five inches high, dark complexion, black hair, slender made; has a scar on the back part of his head; is tatowed, and a native of Guernsey; speaks French.

Lilium Sarniense, or, a Description of the Guernsay-Lilly

Frontispiece of Douglas' Guernsay Lilly, 1725, in the Priaulx Library Collection

Lilium Sarniense, or, a Description of the Guernsay-Lilly. To which is added The Botanical Dissection of the Coffee Berry. With Figures. By Dr. James Douglas, Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London; and Fellow of the Royal Society. London: Printed by G. STRAHAN, at the Golden Ball, over-against the Royal Exchange, Cornhill. 1725.

Search form