The Archaeology and Early History of the Channel Islands

Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney lie off the western coast of the Cotentin peninsula of Normandy in France and some 120km from mainland Britain. Strategically placed in the western channel, yet subject to very large tidal ranges and dangerous currents, the islands have been occupied for over 250,000 years. As a result they are rich in archaeological and historical sites and monuments.

Many excavations have taken place in recent decades, the results of which have contributed to new evidence, particularly in relation to the Mesolithic, Roman and medieval periods. This book describes the archaeological record of the Channel Islands from their early prehistory, through the Roman and medieval periods, to the present day.