Guernsey Press

De Carterets celebrate Sark's first 450 years

SARK'S rich history was celebrated by descendants of the de Carteret family from around the world, as hundreds marked a milestone anniversary that links them with the island.

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They joined Sarkees, school children, dignitaries and visitors to honour the day 450 years ago, which saw the granting of the Royal Charter to Helier de Carteret by Queen Elizabeth I.

The charter, signed on 6 August 1565, established the structure of Sark, much of which remains to this day.

Early on Thursday, specially-invited guests and visitors took a trip back in time, courtesy of exhibitions in the Visitor Centre and the newly-converted cider barn, next to Le Manoir.

Jennifer Thomas, 67, whose grandfather was a de Carteret born in Sark, was visiting from Guernsey and had with her a family tree showing their links to the island.

'To think, not many people can say, 450 years ago they knew what their ancestors were doing,' she said. 'It is something to be extremely proud about.'

Pride was on full display in the Visitor Centre, with its exhibition of tapestry work produced by children from Sark School.

They had each produced a square for the tapestry and nine-year-old Joyce Adams had created her design around the boat belonging to fellow Sarkee, George Guille.

She later played two parts in the pageant about the signing of the Charter, with fellow Sark School pupils, and had been fascinated to learn about the history of her island.

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