Jean Poingdestre facts for kids
Jean Poingdestre (born in 1609, died in 1691) was an important person from Jersey. He strongly supported the Royalists during the English Civil War. This means he was on the side of King Charles I.
Contents
Jean Poingdestre's Early Life
Jean was born in a place called Grainville, in the parish of St Saviour, Jersey. He went to the University of Cambridge and later became a fellow at Exeter College, Oxford in 1636. He studied Classics, which included ancient Greek.
A Time of War
During the English Civil War, King Charles I offered Jean a job. He was asked to be the King's Latin Secretary. This job meant he would translate foreign documents for the King. It seems Jean did not take this job.
In 1648, Jean had to go back to Jersey for safety. He helped defend Elizabeth Castle in 1651. This was an important castle in Jersey.
Life After the War
After the war, the King was restored to power. This event is called the English Restoration. Jean Poingdestre then returned to England. Later, he became the Lieutenant Bailiff of Jersey. This was a very important legal and government role in Jersey. He held this position until he resigned in 1676.
His Important Book
While he was Lieutenant Bailiff, Jean Poingdestre wrote a famous book. It was called Cæsarea or A Discourse of the Island of Jersey. This book was a full study of Jersey. It covered the island's geography, its traditions, laws, and how it was governed. It also included local stories and information about trade.
What People Thought of Him
An English lawyer named William Trumbull visited Jersey in 1676. He met Jean Poingdestre. Trumbull said that Jean was very experienced and capable. He knew a lot about the English court. He also understood the laws of Jersey better than anyone else. Trumbull thought Jean was the best person to help write down all the laws of Jersey.
His Family in America
The Poindexter family in America comes from Jean's half-nephew, George Poindexter.
Sources
- Information about Jean Poingdestre from the Jersey Legal Information Board
- Cæsarea or A Discourse of the Island of Jersey, from the 1889 Société Jersiaise edition.
- Poindexter family website. It has an online version of Caesarea.
