24th February 1768
Jersey Chamber of Commerce is founded
It should be little surprise that, on an island, the driving force behind Jersey’s Chamber of Commerce would be its 18th century shipping magnates. Unhappy with the way the States was neglecting what they saw as their – and the island’s – vital interests, they formed a body that would have an interest in better representing their needs to those in power.
Although a Chamber of Commerce has no legislated power itself, the ability of its members to establish an agreed position – and stick to it – gives it enormous leverage, particularly as its membership grows. Thus, according to the Chamber’s own website, the Jersey body was able to lobby for better harbour facilities and to have a greater say in the fishing industry. Over its 250 years, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce has significantly widened its focus to encompass all parts of the island economy, including finance and tourism.
It remains the oldest Chamber in the Commonwealth, but is relatively sprightly when compared to the oldest in the world. That honour goes to the Chambre de Commerce, founded in Marseilles in 1599.
FREE Jersey history newsletter
Don't miss our weekly update on Jersey's fascinating history. We promise never to sell your data to anyone else, and there's a super-easy unsubscribe link on the bottom of each email so you can leave whenever you want.
Other events that occured in February
Mainlanders arrested on explosives charges
- Mainlanders arrested at a Jersey hotel were charged with possessing explosives and sent back to the UK for trial.
- 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…
Jersey author John Lemprière dies
- Lempriere's Bibliotheca Classica, published in 1788, was considered a standard text and definitive reference on classical mythology.
- Read more…
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…