Seigneurs & Feudal Rule Europe's last Feudal state Sark's own model of feudalism was unique and notably different from that of Medieval feudalism in other parts of the continent at that time. ​ Unlike Lords elsewhere, the Seigneur did not have serfs serving him, nor were his Tenants poor peasants. The Tenants of Sark were land owning farmers, heirs of the 40 prominent families that Helier DeCarteret brought over from Jersey in 1565 to colonise and defend the island on behalf of the Crown. ​ When the Fief changed hands and was bought by a wealthy Guernsey family, ties with Jersey began to diminish and many ancestors of the original Jersey families decided to leave Sark. Industrial shifts occurring in Europe saw prosperity come to Guernsey and Jersey but Sark's lack of a decent harbour, amongst other things, meant that Sark did not prosper in the same way. ​ The agricultural community of Sark began to suffer and anti-feudal sentiments echoing those of Revolutionists elsewhere were wide-spread. From the late 1700's the people of Sark protested the rights and powers of the Seigneur and, due to the unique make-up of the political system on Sark, were relatively successful. ​ As for how Sark came to be the last feudal state in Europe, one could say that the the island's small and insular existence created a feudal microcosm, whereby the unique system was able to resolve matters more effectively. The disparities between rich and poor, powerful and powerless, were less than in larger places and perhaps this helped to keep full blown revolution at bay. ​ Sark moved to a system of democracy in 2008, not because the feudal system was broken but because Chief Pleas wished to bring Sark in line with the rest of the world and abide by human rights and other laws to better serve the community. To learn more about Sark's current government visit the Chief Pleas website. CHIEF PLEAS John Carteret 2nd 1715 - 1720 William Thomas Collings 1853 - 1882 Dame Sybil Hathaway 1927 - 1974 Michael Beaumont 1974 - 2016 Seigneural Timeline Helier DeCarteret 1565-1578 Hellier, Seigneur of Saint Ouen in Jersey, came to Sark in 1563, intent on re-cultivating the island and ridding it of pirates. He was rewarded by being granted the fief in 1565 by Elizabeth I . YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... HISTORICAL SITES AND BUILDINGS SARK AND THE WAR YEARS MEET THE SARK LOCALS

Fl ora on Sar k Barren to blossoming! Virtually no records of Sark’s profusion of wildflowers were kept before the nineteenth century. In 1564 Helier de Carteret would have found the island a windswept plateau covered in brambles, bracken and furze with valleys devoid of trees. ​ Today, Sark boasts spectacular, colourful displays of wild flowers, both native and foreign. The island is home to rare species of plants and flowers found in few other places in the world, let alone the British Isles. ​ Each season brings forth different foliage, making Sark's landscape varied, ever-changing and a joy to observe all year round. Wild Flowers in Spring In spring the predominant wild flowers are Bluebells, Red Campion and the White Three-cornered Leek, introduced from the Mediterranean and known locally as wild garlic, which has a triangular stem and a distinctive garlicky smell when crushed. Bluebells can be mainly found blanketing the slopes of Dixcart valley, Port Du Moulin woods, Bluebell woods and on L'Epercquerie Common. ​ The cliff paths and field banks all over the island burst into life with a profusion of Primroses, Dog Violets and Celandines. The bright yellow Gorse, with its sumptuous coconut t y scent, starts to flower in earnest at this time of year and reminds us all that Summer is coming! Vibrant hues of Summer In Summer the white flowers of the Sea Campion coat the slopes and tops of the cliffs. They meet with Foxgloves and Oxeye Daisies, which are also to be seen all over the island, vibrant against the blue hues of the sea. Thrift, Thyme, Rock Samphire and the rarer Golden Samphire appear within the rocky hill sides above the bays. ​ The distinctive Giant Echium grows to over 8 feet tall and soars into view in the most unlikely places. This species was introduced from the Canary Islands, and is now only found in the wild on La Palma island at 2000 feet in the cloud zone laurel forest. All over the island the banks and hedgerows are full of small blue Sheep’s-bit and Honeysuckle, with its delightful scent drifting on a summer breeze. Berries in Autumn Come Autumn, sometimes even in late Summer, the various berries make their appearance. Blackberry picking and jam making is a popular pastime as the berries grow wild in many spots around the island and are easily accessible to all. Paired with local apples its crumble heaven! Along with the Blackberries come the Sloe berries, although not edible they are excellent for making Sloe Gin or Vodka for a festive treat. Bottle up a batch and let sit for a year, makes the perfect Sark Christmas gift. The Winter months Although Winter may see the end of the wild flowers the landscape is far from dreary. The ferns and bracken have now turned and the deep rusty red of the headlands meets strikingly with the steely blue of the sea. ​ In many ways the colours around Sark actually appear deeper and richer in the Winter light, without the brightness of the sun washing them out. ​ Before long the Daffodils rear their jolly yellow heads along the roadsides, brightening even the dullest of days. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... GUIDE TO BAYS AND BEACHES SARK ISLAND CLIMATE GUIDED WILD FLOWER WALKS

< Home Chief Pleas Building The original Boys School. The Chief Pleas building was originally the Boys' School and later became the co-ed Senior School. Today the building houses Sark's court room and Parliament, Chief Pleas, which sat for the first time in 1579, consisting of the Seigneur and the Tenants. Until the 1920s only the Tenants and the Seigneur had a seat in Chief Pleas. Residents appealed to the Lieutenant Governor in Guernsey and finally in 1954 12 People’s Deputies were elected. Sark remained the last feudal state in existence in Europe until 2008 when the Island changed its constitution to form a new democracy.

Southwest Route Starts at Visitor Centre Ends at Visitor Centre Highlights are Historical Sites, and Pilcher Monument. The Route A leisurely stroll with 'monumental' view s! Begin your walk at the Visitor Centre. Follow the main road westward, past the historical buildings of Le Manoir and the Mill . At Vaurocque crossroad go straight through and continue walking, passing Beauregard duck pond . After the pond, follow the road to the left and then to the right after the stone cottage. Follow the road to Pilcher Monument for a rest stop at the picnic tables and to take in the magnificent views. Head back along the same road, this time following the path to the right of the stone cottage. Just past the cottage, turn right and follow the trail southward through fields with sea views. ​ ​ Where the trail meets the main road cross over and go straight down Dixcart Lane , taking a left at Stocks Hotel and passing the Smugglers Bar. Head up through the meadows back to the Visitor Centre. Distance 3 km Incline Fair Approx. Time 1 hour

< Back Seaview Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Self Catering About This lovely quaint granite cottage over 300 years old has been sympathetically updated to provide a cosy, homely comfortable retreat retaining its charm and character. Accommodation comprises of: Ground floor double bedroom, lounge, kitchen diner, bathroom/WC, shower room/utility, large conservatory, (log burner in the lounge). Upstairs accessed by a narrow stairway, large double bedroom through which a further twin room all with stunning views. The cottage offers a large secluded garden. Terms per night £160.00 (min 2 night stay) Terms per week £1,120.00 (min 2 night stay) Please call or text Gina for availability. All linen & towels included. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Contact ​ +44 (0) 7781 105 619 Visit Website Location

< Back Stable Cottage Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 2 Self Catering About A cosy self-contained cottage – ideal for a couple – set on one side of an old Sark farm, Stable Cottage is less than five minutes by bike or an eight-minute stroll from the Village. Fully equipped – including hair-dryer and ironing board – the cottage consists of a lounge/dining room, kitchen, double bedroom and en-suite bathroom with bath and power-shower. The conservatory, with its outlook across the farmyard, has a wooden table and chairs, providing a refreshing alternative for eating and relaxing. A newly installed central heating system ensures that the cottage is comfortably warm when needed and never short of hot water. Sheltered and sunny positions can be found throughout the day in both the private garden and in the grassy farmyard where benches, outside dining tables, chairs and sun-loungers are available. The whole property is secluded, private and very quiet with just the owners’ cottage sharing the extensive grounds. The beach at Grève de la Ville is very close and beach towels are provided. The adjacent shed is available for the storage for such things as bikes, fishing tackle and snorkel gear. Bookings during the main season are from Saturday to Saturday, though accommodation can be tailored around the long weekend at Easter-time. We ask that guests do not smoke inside the cottage. The owners – Pat and Peter – run a smallholding that includes free-range geese and hens, so sorry, we can’t accommodate dogs, but will supply complimentary eggs, when available. Stable Cottage can accommodate total of 2 people. Terms per week: £460.00 to £490.00 Contact cunneen@cwgsy.net +44 (0) 1481 832 038 Visit Website Location

< Home Creux Harbour Opened in 1588 for easier access to Jersey. The original entrance to the bay was blasted through the rock in 1588 and still remains today. The main entrance, along with the protective harbour wall, was not built until 1866. Creux Harbour allowed easy access to Jersey which was important in the 16th century as Sark's first Seigneur originated from St Ouen in Jersey. Today the harbour is mainly used by local fishermen & visiting boats. It is also a much loved swimming spot at high tide in the big natural pool.

Attractions on Sark La Seigneurie Gardens Set between flower-strewn granite walls and the towers and crenellations of one of the most historic buildings in Sark, La Seigneurie Gardens provide a tranquil contrast to the windswept wildness of the island’s beautiful coast. The walled garden is over-flowing with fascinating flowers and shrubs and the beautiful granite walls shelter many plants that can only survive under glass in other parts of the British Isles. War-Time Exhibition The exhibition is held in the old Island Hall, near St Peter’s Church. The Hall was used during the Occupation for most, if not all, community gatherings. It was here that the Dame gave her speech discouraging islanders from evacuating at the outset of the occupation and where islanders listened to Winston Churchill declaring the end of the war over the radio. The old Hall was also used during the intervening period by locals and Germans alike for social events such as drama group plays and indoor sports. Sark Community Dairy As well as being a fully functioning commercial dairy farm, the Sark Community Dairy is a place where locals and visitors alike can learn about dairy farming and the milk production process. ​ Live milking can be watched from the viewing platform everyday at 5pm, is free and open to all. ​ The on-site milk vending machine supplies fresh Sark milk and is open 24/7. Sark Playground Located next to the Methodist Chapel , the Sark Playground offers a variety of exciting play equipment for small and big kids. ​ With benches, picnic tables and lots of open green space, the playground is also a wonderful community picnic spot. Mon Plaisir grocery store is located opposite the playground for snacks and drinks. Buddhist Rock Carving Chosen for its hard-wearing granite, this stone was carved out for the Millennium by a Tibetan Monk at the request of a lover of Sark. The inscription is a sacred Buddhist mantra, "Hail the jewel in the heart of the lotus " and offers protection against evil. ​ The large stone sits proudly at the end of L'Epercquerie headland, facing westward towards the other islands of Herm, Jethou and Guernsey. Sark Observatory With a cleverly sliding rooftop, the Sark Observatory houses a state of the art telescope for viewing Sark's incredible starry night sky and planetary displays. ​ Run by members of the Sark Ast ronomy Society (SAstr oS), visitors may book a guided session to use the telescope and learn about Sark's night sky. Heritage Room Run by La Société Sercquaise, the Heritage room is a museum-like space filled with interesting and rare artefacts and information relating to Sark's history, heritage, natural environment and culture. ​ Here you will find a library, collections, displays and a herbarium as well as temporary exhibitions. ​ Entry into the Heritage Room is free. Island Hall & Community Center The Island Hall and Community Centre houses a fantastic cafe and upstairs bar with balcony overlooking the Millennium Sports Field, as well as several other rooms that can be hired out by the hour. ​ These rooms include the Toplis Room, with snooker table, the Board room, with table tennis and tv, and the main Hall, with full sized badminton court and projection facilities. ​ Beauregard Duck Pond This unassuming little duck pond comes to life every Good Friday when the community comes out to sail toy boats and eat hot cross buns in the Spring sun! ​ The tradition of Good Friday boat sailing can be traced back at least a hundred years but the activity can be enjoyed any day of the year. Sark Henge Sark Henge was built in 2015 to commemorate the 450 year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I granting the Fief of Sark to Helier De Carteret, Seigneur of St Ouen, on 6th August 1565. Nine stones of Jersey granite, previously used by Helier’s tenants as gate hinges to enclose their fields, were erected in a ring to represent the nine medieval territories: Fort, Moinerie, Ville, Valette, Avant le Creux, Dixcart, Bourel, Beauregard, Petit Sercq. Each of the nine stones is aligned with a local landmark or by the sun, marking the winter and summer solstice and the spring and autumn equinox. Cider Barn Originally built as a house in the 1560s, this building is possibly one of the oldest on Sark still standing. Later known as the Pressoir , the house was used for cider making in the 1620s, complete with a press and horse-drawn crusher. Further additions in Victorian times included a hay loft and hatch. ​ The derelict barn was restored by La Société Sercquaise in 2013 and is now used as an archaeological display room cum community space for exhibitions, workshops and traditional veillies . YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... SHOPS AND ACTIVITIES FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

East Route Starts at The Harbours Ends at The Avenue Highlights are Sark Henge, Hog's Back & Coastal Views. The Route Great for having just arrived off the boat! From the bottom of Harbour Hill , begin walking up and take the first left hand path, veering left again at the signpost and following the stairs leading up to Les Laches . ​ When the path meets the main road turn right and after a short distance take a left off the road through a wooden gate, heading towards Derrible Bay and Sark Henge . At the pond (usually dry in Summer), Sark Henge is up to the left, perfect for a rest stop with amazing views. To the right is the path that leads to Hog's Back. ​ After viewing Sark Henge , follow the path leading to Hog's Back. Enjoy another rest stop at the cannon at the end of Hog's Back with panoramic sea views of both Derrible and Dixcart bays. Head back along the same path, taking the first left hand fork and a right when the path meets a lane. When the lane meets the main road, take a left and then right to the Avenue . Distance 3 km Incline Moderate Approx. Time 1hr 15mins

< Back La Chasse Marette Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Self Catering About A newly refurbished house. Central location opposite the church, five minutes walk from the village. Conveniently situated for access to beaches, shops and restaurants. Accommodates 6 persons (plus one child and one cot). One double room and one twin/double room with additional bed if needed. Both with en-suite shower rooms. Third twin room has a separate shower room/wc. Spacious lounge with TV and stunning views. Kitchen/diner with gas hob, electric oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, dish-washer. Utility room with washing machine. Central heating throughout. Free WiFi. Outside west facing deck with table, chairs and barbeque for summer evening dining. Very close to the Dark Skies Observatory. Star-gazing can be arranged. Terms per day: from £250.00 to £380.00 Terms per week from: £1,750.00 to £2,660.00 Sleeps 6 plus one infant and one child. Contact chassemarette@outlook.com +44 (0) 7577 574 036 Visit Website Location

< Back Clos A Jaon Glamping Bedrooms 8 Sleeps 48 Camping & Glamping About Glamping at Clos a Jaon gives you a comfortable and stylish base for exploring the island. Our Lotus Belle Stargazer tents sleep up to six and are equipped with electricity, lighting, proper beds, beanbags, fridge, kettle, hot plate, towels and bed linen. Clear panels in the roof allow you to admire Sark’s famous dark sky while you lie in bed. The new bathroom block nearby has toilets and showers as well as a launderette and washing up room. Each tent has its own barbecue and seating area and the large communal field has plenty of space for ball games and recreation. Each tent accommodates up to 6 persons: 1 Double bed 2 single beds 1 set campers bunk bed (can be made into a sofa if not needed as beds) Glamping per week-night: £190.00 Glamping per night Saturday & Sunday: £210.00 Contact closajaonsark@gmail.com +44 (0) 791 1710 976 Visit Website Location

< Home L'Epercquerie The original landing harbour. L'Epercquerie Common was used by the Monks on Sark between the 6th and 14th centuries to dry fish and conger eels on wooden stakes. The old Norman French word for stake was ‘perques’, thus giving the area the name it still bears today. L'Eperquerie Landing was the main port until Creux Harbour was opened in 1588. The Landing was vulnerable to invasion from the French and as such the headland was fortified. Remains of the fort walls, square bastion, archway and guardhouse still remain. At the time of the Occupation a family of 10 is said to have been living in the old guardhouse, La Garde.