History & Constitution

Constitution of the Bailiwick

The Bailiwick of Guernsey comprises the 3 main islands of Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, in addition to smaller ones including Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou and Lihou. Commonly described as a Crown Dependency and part of the Channel Islands (alongside Jersey), the Bailiwick is not part of the UK or the EU.

Originally part of the Duchy of Normandy, the Bailiwick's relationship with the English Crown was established in 1066 when Duke William also became King William I of England ("the Conqueror"). Although King John later lost the remainder of Normandy to Phillip Augustus of France in 1204, the link with the Channel Islands was not broken. The following centuries saw the grant of Royal Charters by a series of English monarchs (as successors to the Duke of Normandy) guaranteeing and extending the ancient rights and privileges of the Bailiwick.

Please click  here [310kb] for further information on the constitution on the Bailiwick.

For further information on the political system in Guernsey please click  here [302kb].