Noblesse Oblige in the 20th century

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Donated to the Guernsey County Museum, in Cambridge, Ohio USA in 2025, these two documents represent a window into early settler lives. Rich context presents in the form of names, transactions and details that help descendants better understand their community and their ancestors. 

Presented by the Seigneur de Fantôme to the Chief County Historian of Guernsey County, these documents represent a continued, and growing, dialogue between the Island and her primary area of diaspora in North America. 

Original letter books, maintained by Peter de Havilland, Bailiff of Guernsey 1810-1821, were identified at public auction, by the Seigneur de Fantôme, in October 2024. After confirming their worthiness with experts from the Priaulx Library, a private negotiation with the Seller resulted in a purchase by Guernsey's Island Archives.

As much a success as securing the item, this effort was marked by greater collaboration with Insular leaders and the first-time public funds were leveraged - a meaningful evolution and sign of further success to come.

Guernsey made an out-sized impact on the New World. Its name is proudly carried by North American communities today - such as Guernsey County, Ohio or the Town of Guernsey, Wyoming - itself an Old West landmark. Additionally, at least one Canadian city, Sarnia Ontario (pictured), memorializes Guernsey with its name - "Sarnia" is the Romanized word for Guernsey.

Reconnecting with these populations is a priority and a passion-project for The Seigneur de  Fantôme - who himself resides in North America.

Guernsey County, Ohio was originally settled (in part) by several brave families of immigrants from the Isle of Guernsey. As much of the territory was still unsettled, significant land grants were issued directly from the US Federal Government, rather than from private sellers. 

In 1837, such a grant was made to one of these courageous settlers and in 2024 the Seigneur de Fantôme identified, purchased and donated it back to The Guernsey County Museums (Ohio) as a goodwill gesture from The Island and her People - cousins eager to reconnect after +200 years.

After an exhaustive search and application process, an American anthropology student, attending California State University Channel Islands, was awarded a full £5,000 scholarship to attend Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies (JICAS) in July 2024. This three-week course included classroom settings and Paleolithic excavation of the Channe Island dolmens.  

In partnership from the Seigneur of Poingdestre, this is the first of many students brought to study in Guernsey via private bursary. 

US National Bank Notes were United States currency banknotes issued by national banks chartered by the United States Government. The notes were usually backed by United States bonds and were deposited with the United States Treasury. 

In '24, the Seigneur de Fantôme donated two rare examples of this obsolete currency, minted on behalf of The Guernsey National Bank, to the insular Museum. Limited in number, these US banknotes carry physical reminders of the impact Guernseymen have had on the United States. 

A solid silver trophy, provided by Queen Victoria, and awarded to the winner of the Guernsey (horse) Races in 1886.  This hefty piece of tangible history bears hallmarks from London silversmiths and includes its original plinth. 

The Seigneur de Fantôme purchased this piece of Guernsey history at public auction and donated it to The Guernsey Museum in late 2023. It was mentioned in this Guernsey Press article.

A collection of 16th, 17th, 18th & 19th century vellum deeds, indentures and similar legal documents gathered from multiple sources. 

The Seigneur de  Fantôme purchased pursued and acquired this diverse collection of documents for donation to the Island Archives during late 2023.

This effort resulted in greater alignment with The Archives staff and some key learnings about how the public & private arms might work together. 

A solid silver trophy, originally presented to the winner of the 1860 Guernsey (sailing) Regatta - The Rover, owned by Stephen Barbet, publisher of Barbet's Guide to the Island of Guernsey. This smallish cup, bears hallmarks from London and is punctuated by high relief detail.

The Seigneur de  Fantôme purchased this piece of Guernsey history at public auction and donated it to The Guernsey Yacht Club in late 2023, where it will be re-plinthed and utilized as a historic trophy for future annual races.

An original, historic letter from the governor of Guernsey, John Ross, declaring the outbreak of cholera on the island - which went on to become the largest epidemic in Island history, claiming 103 lives in 22 days - to the Home Office minister, Viscount Melbourne, through his deputy George Lamb on 22 Oct 1832.

The Seigneur de  Fantôme purchased this critical piece of Guernsey history at public auction and donated it to The Archives in late 2022.