Minquiers facts for kids
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Les Minquiers, Les Mîntchièrs, The Minkies
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La Maîtr' Île
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| Geography | |
| Location | English Channel |
| Coordinates | 48°57′00″N 2°07′59″W / 48.950°N 2.133°W |
| Major islands | Maîtresse Île / Maîtr' Île Les Maisons |
| Administration | |
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Jersey
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| Parish | Grouville |
| Demographics | |
| Population | none permanent |
| Official name: Les Minquiers, Jersey | |
| Designated: | 2 February 2005 |
| Reference #: | 1456 |
The Minquiers (also called Les Minquiers or "the Minkies") are a group of small islands and rocks. They are located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Jersey in the English Channel. These islands are part of the Bailiwick of Jersey. They are managed as part of the Parish of Grouville.
At low tide, the rocky area around the Minquiers is larger than Jersey itself. But when the tide is high, only a few main rocks stay above the water. The biggest of these is Maîtresse Île. It is about 50 meters (55 yards) long and 20 meters (22 yards) wide. This island has about ten stone cottages. These buildings are the most southerly ones in the British Isles. No one lives there permanently. However, fishermen, seaweed collectors, and boaters visit in the summer.
In August 2018, one of the buildings on the islands was sold. This was a rare event, as only five sales have happened in 50 years.
Contents
Understanding the Name Minquiers
The exact meaning of the name "Minquiers" is not fully known. It might come from an old Breton word, minihi, which means a safe place or sanctuary. Another idea is that it comes from minkier, meaning someone who sells fish.
Main Islands and Rocks
The Minquiers group includes several important islands and rocks:
- Maîtresse Île / Maîtr' Île
- Les Maisons
Other smaller parts of the group are:
- Le Niêsant
- Les Faucheurs
- La Haute Grune
A Look at Minquiers History
Thousands of years ago, during the last ice age, sea levels were much lower. At that time, the Channel Islands were high ground. They connected Europe and southern England.
Minquiers Becomes Part of Normandy
In 933 AD, the Duchy of Normandy took control of these islets. They also took the other Channel Islands and the nearby French coast. When William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, conquered England in 1066, the islands remained part of his Duchy. However, in 1204, the French King Philip Augustus took over mainland Normandy.
Later, in 1259, King Henry III of England showed respect to the French king for the Channel Islands. In 1360, King Edward III of England signed the Treaty of Brétigny. He gave up his claims to the French crown and Normandy. But he kept various other lands for England, including the Channel Islands.
An old encyclopedia from 1911 mentions Maîtresse Île. It says the island "affords a landing and shelter for fishermen."
End of World War II on Minquiers
A small group of German soldiers was on the Minquiers during World War II. They were among the very last to surrender in Europe. On May 23, 1945, a French fishing boat approached the island. A German soldier asked for help. He said they had been forgotten and wanted to surrender to the British. This was three weeks after the war in Europe officially ended on Victory Day.
Sad Event: Former French Prime Minister Disappears
In July 1970, something sad happened near the Minquiers. Félix Gaillard, a former Prime Minister of France, disappeared during a yacht trip. His body was found in the sea off Les Minquiers a few days later.
Solving the Island Ownership Dispute
In 1950, Britain and France went to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They wanted the court to decide which country owned the Minquiers and the Écréhous islands. French fishermen used the waters, but Jersey had been managing the islands. The court looked at historical records. On November 17, 1953, the ICJ decided that the islands belonged to Jersey (represented by the United Kingdom).
In 1998, some French people jokingly "invaded" the Minquiers. They did this on behalf of the "King of Patagonia". They said it was a response to the British presence in the Falkland Islands. However, the British flag was put back the very next day.
Minquiers in Books
The Minquiers are mentioned in detail by Victor Hugo in his novel Toilers of the Sea. He writes about how dangerous the islands are. He also says their total area is larger than Jersey itself. Hugo lived in both Guernsey and Jersey, so he knew a lot about the local stories.
The disagreement between Britain and France over Les Minquiers is also a part of Nancy Mitford's novel Don't Tell Alfred. It is shown as a small argument between "two old ladies" – France and Britain.
The Minquiers also appear in the adventure novel The Wreck of the Mary Deare by Hammond Innes. This book was also made into a film in 1959.
Protecting the Minquiers Environment
The Minquiers are a protected area under the Ramsar Convention. This means they are recognized as an important wetland.
Images for kids
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Minquiers from the North Jersey.
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Minquiers looking at inner basin from the South.
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Minquiers looking at inner basin from the South. This is of the transit looking east.
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Minquiers looking at inner basin from the South. This is of the transit looking east.
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Minquiers looking at inner basin from the South. This is of the transit looking east.
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Minquiers looking at inner basin from the South as the SE passage in taken towards Chaussey. This is of the transit looking east.
See also
