24th July 1203
The Royal Militia of Jersey is formed
King John decreed that each Channel Island must gather sufficient men and money to defend itself from invasion and, on 24 July, plans were laid for a local militia that could take care of Jersey. After all, it was unlikely a force from the mainland would be able to reach the Channel Islands quicker than an invading army from France.
Although the Militia itself wasn’t formed on that day, it can trace its routes back to King John’s proclamation. It has been through various guises over the years but, in 1337 its existence as a militia was formalised, and it remained as such until 1946, despite leaving the island in 1939 prior to the Occupation. Although suspended after the war, it was re-formed as a Territorial Army regiment in 1987 and, in 2007, incorporated into the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers.
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Other events that occured in July
The British government offers St Catherine’s Breakwater to Jersey
- The States of Jersey officially accepted a ‘gift’ of St Catherine’s Breakwater from the British government in 1875.
- Read more…
Same-sex marriage becomes legal
- The States of Jersey voted in favour of marriage equality in February 2018 and the first same sex wedding took place in July.
- Read more…
Jersey Opera House is opened
- Jersey Opera House was opened in 1900 by Lillie Langtry. It was later a theatre and cinema, and was badly damaged by fire.
- Read more…
Jersey to France tunnel under discussion
- The States of Jersey revealed that it was discussing the construction of a 14-mile tunnel to link the island to mainland France.
- Read more…