Shadows Over St Sampson
An Exhaustive Historical and Criminological Analysis of the 1912 Murder of John Brache Robert
1. The Edwardian Twilight
In 1912, Guernsey was a working island driven by two engines: agriculture and granite. St Sampson was the industrial heartbeat, scarred by quarries and populated by a transient workforce. The murder of John Brache Robert, a land-owning farmer, shattered the perceived immunity of the rural class, signaling that isolation now guaranteed vulnerability rather than privacy.
2. The Geography of Vulnerability: Les Canus
Les Canus sat on the borderlands. It was a transition zone between the bustle of The Bridge and the sandy heathland of L’Islet.
The Pre-existing Threat Matrix
Historical records indicate the area had been plagued by a “series of assaults and robberies.” The progression from robbery to murder suggests a predator was active in the district. The brutality of the murder implies a robbery that met resistance.
3. The Victim: M. John Brache Robert
| Name: | M. John Brache Robert |
| Status: | Solitary Farmer / Land Owner |
| Location: | Les Canus, St Sampson |
| Cause of Death: | Brutal homicide (Bludgeoning/Trauma) |
☠️ 5. Science & Superstition: The L’Islet Curse
The most distinguishing feature of this case is its link to the supernatural. In 1912, La Société Guernesiaise excavated a “cist-in-circle” burial at L’Islet. To the locals, disturbing a “pouquelaye” was sacrilege.
The narrative of the curse crystallized through a chilling coincidence:
- The Violation: The opening of the unique tomb.
- The Retribution: The sudden death of the lead excavator, Reverend G.E. Lee, on Nov 5th.
- The Collateral Damage: The brutal murder of John Brache Robert nearby.
📅 Chronology of Events (1911-1912)
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 1911 | Suicide of John Hutchinson | Sets tone of unease. |
| 1912 | Excavations at L’Islet | Discovery of tomb. |
| Nov 4-5, 1912 | Murder of John Robert | The primary crime. |
| Nov 5, 1912 | Death of Rev. G.E. Lee | Sparks “curse” rumor. |
| Dec 1912 | Inquest Conclusion | Verdict: “Person or persons unknown.” |
Conclusion: The Unsolved Legacy
The murder of John Brache Robert remains one of Guernsey’s most compelling cold cases. On a forensic level, it highlights the limitations of rural policing in 1912. On a cultural level, the “Curse of Les Canus” became a cautionary tale about modernity intruding upon tradition.
This case stands as a grim reminder that in the history of the Channel Islands, the landscape itself is often the primary witness—and the primary suspect.
Discover more from Guernsey Deep Dive
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
