Jersey β the largest of the Channel Islands β has been an island for around 6, years. Early inhabitation is evidenced by various neolithic monuments and hoards.
In the 10th century, Jersey became part of Normandy. When the Normans conquered England in the 11th century, Jersey remained a part of the Duchy of Normandy , but when Normandy and England were finally split in the 13th century, the Channel Islands remained loyal to the English Crown , splitting Jersey politically from mainland Normandy.
Due to the English kings' continuing claim to the Duchy of Normandy, Jersey's Norman political and legal structures remained after the split, which led to the establishment of self-governance as a Crown Dependency.
Between the 11th and 15th centuries, political tensions between England and France placed Jersey at the frontline of frequent wars. During the Tudor period, the English Crown split from the Roman Church and immigration to the island of French religious refugees led to the establishment of Calvinism as the major religion of the island. In , the Privy Council separated the powers of Governor and Bailiff , establishing that the Bailiff had sole jurisdiction over justice and civil affairs in the island.
During the English Civil War , Jersey remained more loyal to the Crown due to the loyalties of the de Carteret family, though the island was eventually captured by Parliamentarian forces. After restoration, the de Carterets were gifted land in the American colonies, establishing New Jersey.
