29th January 2015
A familiar name is sworn in as Bailiff
William Bailhache was sworn in as the 87th bailiff of Jersey upon the retirement of his predecessor, Sir Michael Birt. He wasn’t the first Bailhache to assume the role, though: his brother, Sir Philip, had been Bailiff before him, for 15 years between 1994 and 2009.
If that wasn’t confusing enough, when Jersey’s new phone directory was published in April 2019, the Bailiff was listed not as Sir William Bailhache but the Right Honourable Earl John Fogarty. Around 6000 copies were distributed before the error was spotted. Comments on news stories about the mix up suggested that few residents used the phone book any more so it seems unlikely many would have noticed.
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Other events that occured in January
French troops launch the Battle of Jersey
- The Battle of Jersey in January 1781 saw 1400 French troops invade and attempt to take over the Channel Island. They were unsuccessful.
- Read more…
Jerriais poet Jean Dorey is born
- Jean Dorey was one of the most prolific writers working in the Jèrriais language, which he wrote alongside French and English.
- Read more…
Octogenarian murder suspect dies after court appearance
- An 82 year old accused of murdering his companion suffered a stroke after appearing in court and was rushed to hospital where he later died.
- Read more…
Mainland-born bailiff dies in Jersey
- William Vernon came to Jersey in his childhood and he eventually became Bailiff. He died, aged 82, in January 1934.
- Read more…
