On This Day in Guernsey — Tuesday, 29th July

📜 Key Historical Events

• 1851 — The first Guernsey Census using modern enumeration techniques is completed, counting 30,345 residents.
• 1902 — A fire breaks out in a St. Peter Port tannery, prompting improvements to the island’s early fire response system.
• 1942 — German occupiers enforce new curfews, prohibiting movement after 10pm without explicit papers.

👶 Births

• Jeanette Le Huray (b. 1886) — Author and diarist who captured the voice of Guernsey’s women through the early 20th century.

🕊️ Deaths

• Captain Alphonse Nicolle (d. 1925) — Sea captain remembered for navigating treacherous routes to Sark during winter gales.

📚 From the Archives

“July’s closing winds carried the scent of tar and fish oil down Cornet Street. The sailors said it meant a storm by Friday.”

🧙‍♀️ Local Legend or Lore

It is said that on this night, a lantern glowed steadily atop Pleinmont Tower for nearly an hour, though no man was seen tending it. Some say it was the watch of the lost ship *Écume des Jours*, reminding Guernsey of a debt unpaid.

☁️ Weather Memory

1917 — A heavy fog settled over the west coast, halting all shipping traffic and delaying mail delivery to Herm and Sark for three days.

📍 Place to Reflect

Les Cotils Overlook: On 29th July 1860, a crowd gathered here to witness a rare summer comet above Herm.

📖 Why It Matters

Guernsey’s deep story is not always told through battles or declarations—but in the soft flicker of curfews, hand-written censuses, and the quiet return of fishermen at dusk. Each day tells us something about the people who made this island what it is.

💡 Did You Know?

Guernsey’s census in 1851 revealed that over 4,000 residents were directly employed in the tomato-growing industry — more than fishing or finance at the time.

📚 Recommended Reading

“Tides of Memory: Personal Histories of Guernsey” by Ellen de Sausmarez includes first-hand stories from July 1942 residents under occupation.

🗓️ In 2025

The Guernsey Museum is hosting an exhibition titled “Everyday Islands: The Lives of July”, showcasing letters, photos, and tools used on summer days like this throughout history.

💬 Reader Prompt

Do you or your family have memories of Guernsey in July? Share them in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @GuernseyDeepDive.