18th February 1793
Jersey appoints its first postmaster
Charles William Le Geyt was Jersey’s first postmaster. His appointment had come without warning, and he required a certain amount of help finding his feet. Once he had done so, he held the position for 20 years, until retiring in his early 80s.
Le Geyt had previously had a successful career in the army and fought at the 1759 Battle of Minden, a decisive operation in the Seven Years’ War that saw Britain and Hannover take on forces from France and Saxony. France had invaded Hannover and attempted to impose a treaty of peace on Britain and Prussia, which was roundly rejected. Thus, Britain fought to liberate the city, and won a decisive victory in the town of Minden, after which St Helier’s Minden Place was named.
In this battle, Charles Le Geyt commanded a grenadier company of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, the Royal Hampshire Regiment and Royal Artillery – and his many years’ service in the army are recorded in several notable paintings of the man in uniform.
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Other events that occured in February
Murder appeal saves man’s life but results in his transportation
- A man who killed his lover in a suicide pact was spared hanging, but transported to Australia after his appeal.
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Lillie Langtry is buried in her parents’ tomb
- Jersey-born Lillie Langtry was a true celebrity, dating royals and starring on the stage, but she never forgot her roots.
- Read more…
Channel 4’s Time Team comes from Jersey
- Channel 4's Time Team programme dug for artefacts at Gorey Castle and visited Jersey War Tunnels in a programme broadcast in 2001.
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Wartime diplomat Arthur de la Mare is born
- Arthur de la Mare had a long and varied diplomatic career and was appointed High Commissioner of Singapore.
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