This Day in Guernsey History – June 24
Title: Victor Hugo’s Hauteville House Opens to the Public — June 24, 1927
On June 24th, 1927, Hauteville House, the former home of French literary giant Victor Hugo, officially opened its doors to the public for the first time. Perched on the heights of St. Peter Port, the house had been Hugo’s place of exile and inspiration from 1856 to 1870, during his opposition to Napoleon III’s regime.
It was here in Guernsey that Hugo wrote some of his most enduring works, including “Les Misérables” and “The Toilers of the Sea”, the latter dedicated to the people of the island. His ornate and symbolic decoration of the home reflected both his romanticism and political convictions.
The opening of Hauteville House as a public site marked an important step in preserving Guernsey’s literary and cultural heritage, as well as its ties to European history. Today, it remains one of the island’s most visited historic sites, a lasting testament to the deep connection between Hugo and Guernsey.
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