The Channel Islands are an archipelago in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy. They include two Crown Dependencies: the Bailiwick of Jersey, which is the largest of the islands; and the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The term “Channel Islands” began to be used around 1830, possibly first by the Royal Navy as a collective name for the islands.
They are considered the remnants of the Duchy of Normandy and, although they are not part of the United Kingdom, the UK is responsible for the defence and international relations of the islands. The Crown dependencies are not members of the Commonwealth of Nations, nor have they ever been in the European Union. .
The two bailiwicks have been administered separately since the late 13th century. Each has its own independent laws, elections, and representative bodies.
Articles
Websites
YouTube
- Richard Philatelist: The Channel Islands Liberation Stamps
- Stamp Sleuth: Exploring the British Channel Islands Stamps
