The Guernsey Jumper

The knitting industry in Guernsey dates right back to the beginning of the 16th century, when licenses then allowed the import of wool from England to the island. At its peak, it is thought that 10,000 pairs of wool stockings left Guernsey's shores every single week. Not surprisingly, given its superior quality, Queen Elizabeth even owned some Guernsey knitwear and Mary Queen of Scots wore Guernsey wool at her execution - yikes.

The Guernsey, as the Guernsey jumper is simply known, was first used by the island's fishermen. These hardy folk travelled thousands of miles throughout the cold oceans. They needed warm, comfortable clothing that was resistant to the rough and cold seas they often found themselves in.

So the Guernsey was born. This famous jumper is still well known for its warmth, tight knit and rain resistant quality.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Royal Navy workforce wore the Guernsey - and that's how the traditional Guernsey cam to be dyed Navy Blue. Before this it was simply the colour that came off the backs of sheep!

The traditional Guernsey has many more stories to tell. How about how the jumper is made and all of the reasons why? It hasn't got all of those quirky features for nothing. The sections at the top of the sleeves, ribbed on both sides, represents the rope ladder of a ship. There's more - the seams on the shoulders represent rope, while the panel of garter stitches represents the breaking of waves. The Guernsey is knitted with tight stitches from twisted wool, which provides the ability to cope with sea spray and harsh weather.

Guernseys were knitted by the women (generally the men's wives) from fishing and farming families when many earned money from the sea and land. The pattern has been handed down from generation to generation and the skills passed down also.

Traditional Guernseys are produced using historic techniques - these have been tried and tested for hundreds of years. The result? A strong and lasting jumper that holds its shape better the longer it is owned.

Guernsey jumpers are still available from local shops in Guernsey and bought by tourists from around the world. They are often also still given as gifts to royalty. The Guernsey is hundreds of years old and is one the longest lasting traditions that Guernsey has produced, along with Guernsey French and Bean Jar. Long live the Guernsey jumper!

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