A history of Guernsey's churches

St Peter Port, or Town, Church is the heart of Anglicanism in Guernsey

Apart from fortifications the largest physical links Guernsey has with its Norman heritage are the parish churches.

They dominate the landscape and for hundreds of years have played a vital role at the very heart of island life.

They have seen the state religion change from Roman Catholic to Calvinism and on to the Church of England.

The Reformation came and went, decorative styles have come and gone but the buildings still stand.

Many of our island churches date back to the 13th Century and over the years they have undergone many changes.

Architect Andrew Dyke has a special relationship with many of the island churches, as both a Christian and through his work on them.

The Vale Church is linked with churches in France and Cornwall

He has a particular affinity for the Town Church as he oversaw the restoration of the roof originally built in the 15th Century.

The churches were originally constructed by local craftsmen under the guidance of master masons who travelled Europe designing and building churches.

Andrew said what stood today was "the culmination of many centuries of building work".

St Peter Port Church

St Sampson's Church

Vale Church

Castel Church

St Peter's Church

St Martin's Church

Forest Church