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
The States of Jersey adopts Jèrriais as an official language
- The States of Jersey votes to allow the island's own language to be used in debated, alongside English.
- Read more…
HD Ferries confirms the end of all services
- HD Ferries provided express services between Jersey, Guernsey, Cherbourg and St Malo between 2007 and 2009.
- Read more…
Jersey’s wrists are slapped by the Home Office
- Jersey refused to pay for a census to be carried out when it felt that the only benefit would be to the mainland.
- Read more…
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…