24th January 1934

Mainland-born bailiff dies in Jersey

News broke that Sir William Venables Vernon had died at his home in Jersey the previous night. He’d been 82 years old and suffering from bronchitis. Although not born in Jersey, his mother had brought him to the island in the mid-1800s following the death of his father.

Venables had been Bailiff of Jersey for almost half of his lifetime, with a 32-year tenure stretching from 1899 to 1931 following several decades working across government and the law, which were the ideal preparation for leading the island.

After his admission to the Jersey Bar in 1873 and becoming a member of the States of Jersey two years later, he acted as Greffier of the Royal Court and States, and Attorney-General.

Vernon’s death, although unfortunate, would not have been unexpected. He had tendered his resignation to the king just three years earlier, in mid-March 1931, on grounds of ill health and advancing years and, upon accepting it, the king had expressed his thanks for Vernon’s many years’ service.