Articles

The Library's unique collections are a treasure chest of unusual, interesting and sometimes surprising material just waiting to be found. This anthology, written by the Editor, is based on an eclectic selection of our archive. The author asserts her copyright on all material on the Priaulx Library website except where copyright of other authors is expressly notified. Permission to reproduce material from this website and full attribution to the author is required in all cases.

Trade & Commerce

High Street East; more reminiscences of the 1860s

From the Evening Press, Monday, December 9, 1940. Part Two. 'In the first article the shops from Smith Street to Church Square on the right hand side were dealt with; today we take the return journey, examining those premises which then occupied the east side of the street.'

New Channel Islands yard, July 1947

A long-felt want in the Channel Islands waters is to be met by the establishment of a boat-building yard at St Sampson's, Guernsey. Basil C de Guérin in Ship and Boat Builder, July 1947, from de Guérin Scrapbook H.

May 1813

From Le Miroir Politique.

Old High Street from the 1860s onwards

Recollections of a Guernsey lady, Evening Press, December 2nd, 1940. Part One.

January 1828

From the Star newspaper.

Explosion in Alderney, 10 September 1903

'Buildings Wrecked. Hayricks afire.' The Helcke fulminate of mercury works explodes. From The Star of September 11, 1903.

John Banister to Elisha Tupper, July 11, 1775

Elisha Tupper, son of Daniel, Priaulx Library collection

John Banister of Virginia describes the Boston Tea Party and the growing disaffection between Britain and New England, including the Battles of Lexington and Concord, to update his business associate, shipping magnate Elisha Tupper. The illustration, from the Priaulx Library collection, is of a miniature of Elisha (1720-1802), in the background of which a date, possibly 1785, is just discernible. The photograph was taken by or on behalf of Edith Carey, c. 1920.

The fur trade in 1761

From the London Chronicle , Vol. 9. Guernsey and Jersey are accused of helping the French to put British fur traders in Canada out of business; the claim is denied.

Captain Knapp and the Mayflower, February 1762

From The London Chronicle.

January 1816: Order-in-Council of February 1660

From the Gazette de Guernesey, January 6, 1816, respecting 'strangers' abusing their position by selling goods retail rather than wholesale and thus undermining the local economy. The 1660 letter from the Privy Council is in its original English: the Gazette provided a translation into French for the benefit of the malefactors, perhaps!

Search form