Discover 1,000 years of shared history, culture and connection
In 2027, Alderney joins communities across Europe to celebrate the Year of the Normans, marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror in Falaise, Normandy.
Across Europe, events will mark the occasion, while here in the Channel Islands we’ll celebrate the historic and cultural links that unite us with Normandy.
Alderney’s unique constitutional position dates back to its history as part of the Duchy of Normandy. When mainland Normandy was lost to France in 1204, the Channel Islands remained loyal to the English Crown.
Today, Alderney is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey and a Crown Dependency, not part of the United Kingdom. King Charles III is Alderney’s Head of State through this historic relationship with the Crown, sometimes reflected in the traditional title “Duke of Normandy.”
Alderney’s Norman Heritage
Just eight miles from the coast of Normandy, Alderney sits at the heart of this shared history. Traces of our Norman past can still be found across the island – from Longis Bay and place names such as Le Bourgage, to our legal traditions and heritage sites such as the Watermill.
Throughout 2027, Alderney will bring this story to life through a year-round programme of events, heritage, culture and experiences.
Highlights will include the Alderney Bayeux Tapestry Finaleand a Norman Island Trail, while existing festivals will embrace a Norman theme alongside music, theatre, exhibitions and projects led by island organisations and charities.
Come and discover Alderney’s Norman story – 1,000 years in the making.
