"Why, when the people of Jersey spoke Norman French, traded with Normandy, had extended Norman families and were bound to the Norman diocese of Coutances, did they remain loyal to the English crown? This book, published to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Jersey's unique relationship with the Crown, sets out to answer that perennial question." "Unearthing a wealth of historical detail and local colour, Judith Everard and Sir James Holt examine the events leading up to the fateful year of 1204 - the year in which the English lost the duchy of Normandy, including the Channel Islands, to the French - and the fifty turbulent years that followed. Their research reveals just what made the islanders keep allegiance with King John, what measures the King took to maintain the islanders' loyalty, what actions were taken and institutions introduced to help them, and why the island was fought over again and again. Specially drawn maps and over forty superb illustrations of historic buildings, royal seals and effigies, and details from contemporary records also help to bring a remarkable era to life." "Complete with a foreword by the Bailiff of Jersey, this is the definitive record of a momentous period in Jersey's history and a welcome study of an island people with an exceptional heritage to celebrate."--BOOK JACKET.