Guernsey

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is made up of a number of main islands as well as a few smaller islets. It is situated in the English Channel and, although Guernsey is geographically much closer to France than the UK, it is loyal to the British crown. Today the Bailiwick of Guernsey is self-governing, has its own currency and stamps and enjoys the same level of independence it has had since first becoming associated with England in 1066, when William II of Normandy defeated King Harold and the Duchy of Normandy and England became one. Prior to this the Channel Islands had been part of the Duchy since the mid-tenth century. Also belonging to Guernsey are the islands Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou and Lihou.

A favourable tax climate means that finance is now one of Guernsey’s main industries with many offshore banks, fund managers and insurance companies having a presence on the Island. The more traditional industries of flower growing, fishing and dairy farming still play an important part in Island life, contributing both to the varied economy and to the island's character.

In 1969 the States of Guernsey took over the running of postal services from the British government and began to design and produce its own stamps.

During the Briefmarken-Messe in Essen in May 2017 I left stamped envelopes at almost every foreign postal administration hoping they would send them back when they arrived home. The stamp shows the R.M. Underground Railway from 1927. It is part of a 2016 series for 500 years of postal history. Apparently I didn't pay enough postage because when the envelope arrived at my home there was a 9p stamp added to it. The priority label was also added by Guernsey Post.

Website of the philatelic service of Guernsey Post: guernseystamps.com.

Date sent: 11 May 2017

Date postmark: 17 May 2017

Date received: 19 May 2017

Number of days: 8

Envelope in collection: 85