You say Lisia, I say Lesia

A letter in the Guernsey Press caught my eye recently:

Lisia is correct name for island
by Diane Ward

IN HIS letter published on 20 July, the Rev. Craske is, of course, quite correct in quoting from de la Borderie’s 19th century work on the Life of St Sampson, which shows the spelling of Guernsey’s Latin name as ‘Lesia’. However, the Roman Itinerarium Antoninum, which dates from the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD, shows the name of Guernsey as ‘Lisia’. Whilst the original document is no longer extant, the generally accepted authority on this document is Wesseling’s 1735 work. Perhaps we just have to put this slight conflict in spelling (‘Lisia’/'Lesia’) down to a transcription misunderstanding somewhere along the line.

Modern scholarship concludes that writers in the Middle Ages, with their limited access to information, were wrong in their attribution of ‘Sarnia’, itself a corruption of the name ‘Sarmia’ appearing on the 1406 map from Mont St Michel.

As for having to explain ‘Lisia’ to people from outside of the island, I seem to have spent a great deal of time over the years explaining just where Guernsey is located so I don’t think explaining the name is really a great deal.

I am just heartily relieved that children are now being taught the correct Latin name for Guernsey. All we need to do now is persuade journalists to use the correct name – particularly in their sports reporting because ‘Sarnia’, whilst Latin, is not another name for Guernsey.

Incidentally, this information is taken from Eleanore Browning’s (nee Ward) classics dissertation: Cum Asterice in Insulis Obeliscorum – A Study of the Channel Islands in Antiquity, a copy of which is available in the Priaulx Library (only the title is in Latin!).

Background Information and Discussion

So let us look at the background and see how right the author is.

In "Variation and Change in Mainland and Insular Norman" by Mari Jones, she notes that:

"Latin was first taken to the region that would become Normandy by the Roman armies of Julius Caesar during the first century BC. Caesar subjugated the local Celtic tribes, known as Gauls, who had lived there since the Bronze Age. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, in the fifth century, the mainland territory was invaded and settled by Germanic tribes, known as the Franks, under whose rule it formed part of Neustria, itself under the rule of the Frankish Merovingian dynasty between the sixth and eighth centuries. Between the late fourth and early seventh centuries, migration from the British Isles to Armorica created the region that was to be known as Brittany and it may be presumed that the Channel Islands formed part of this new entity, both linguistically and politically "

The Maritime Itinerary

But where do the Latin names of the Channel Islands come from? We have no texts which preserve both Latin and Norse names – a Rosetta stone – by which we can be certain of which name belongs to which Island.

The key here is the Maritime Itinerary produced under the time of the Emperor Antoninus. This found at the end of the land itinerary and is headed “ Imperatoris Antonini Augusti Itinerarium Maritimum”; it gives a few sea routes, measured usually in stadia but sometimes in miles.

http://www.romaeterna.org/antichi/itinerario/index.html

The earliest manuscript source is from the 7th century and has various inaccuracies, as we will see..

Escorialensis R II 18. Date: 7th century. Contents: 1.1-373.2 and 487.1- 529.6. This MS. thus includes the Maritime Itinerary but not the British section of the Land Itinerary

Between Britain and Gaul we have

Vecta, Riduna, Sarmia, Caesarea, Barsa, Lisia, Andium, Sicdelis, Uxantis, Sina, Vindilis, Siata, Arica

But where these are is unknown!

The Irish Version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius gives “The Isle of Wight” – and its Latin name “Vecta”. Vecta was a Latinisation of Wiht which became Wight. Other ancient texts also provide this parallelism. But we have nothing like this with the Channel Islands, and indeed an examination of the land routes also produces similar problems with identifications.

After Wight, it is it possible that Alderney is Riduna. In times past Sarmia, corrupted to Sarnia was attributed to Guernsey and Caesarea to Jersey, but this is now thought almost certainly to be wrong.

Modern attribution places Lisia as Guernsey and Andium as Jersey - hence the Jersey company Andium Homes. But this is just as likely to be wrong as right. We have no real bearings.

Another View

In "The History of the Island of Guernsey: Part of the Ancient Duchy of Normandy" by By William Berry, published in 1814, the author argues for the above listing. While widely criticised for his history in general, he makes a case for Barsa and Lisia because the text mentions a crossing by land.

The Life of Samson

The "Life of Samson of Dol" is given in detail in Vita Sancti Samsonis, written sometime between 610 and 820 and based on earlier materials, and the main Island which he lands on in this is lists referred to as Lesia, the ancient Roman name for the Island. Given the historical attributions to St Samson in Guernsey, this makes it likely that Lesia is the Latin name for Guernsey, but of course, the Itinerary has Lisia.

Interestingly it mentions no other names found in this section of the Itinerary.

The Itinerary Revisited

But which is the more reliable source – the life of Samson or the Itinerary? In “Ireland and the Classical World”(2001) by Philip Freeman he notes how it is not wholly accurate. It states, for example (in translation):

Also in the Ocean sea that flows
between the Gauls and the Brittanic Isles:
the Orcade islands, three in number,
the island Clota in the Hivenione Sea.

And comments:

“The misplacement of the Orkneys and other islands in the sea between Gaul and Britain does not inspire confidence in the accuracy or textual transmission of this section of the Itinerary, and indeed, the passage as it survives is problematic. Mela and Ptolemy number the Orkneys at thirty (XXX), which Orosius expands to thirty-three (XXXIII).”" The three (III) Orcades here may be a corruption of either tradition. The line ‘insula Clota in Hivenione’ is even more puzzling..... In any event, the supposed island Clota is probably a misreading of the Scottish river name Clota (the Clyde) labeled on the sea on a source map and taken by the Itinerary author for an island.”

Now this is significant because this is the very itinerary where we find the Channel Islands!

The words in the Itinerary, as given in the édition by Wesseling (Amsterdam, 1735) a copy of which (originally belonging to Falle) is to be found in the Jersey Public Library, are as follows : —

But this is the same text which places the Orkney Islands somewhere between Gaul and Britain!

Given this I think we must not be too definite in taking the name Lisia as more authentic than Lesia for the name of Guernsey.

The Pool of Siloam

The Pool of Siloam lay undiscovered until 2004. Then a drainage repair crew, working on pipe maintenance south of the Old City of Jerusalem, uncovered large stone steps that had led to an ancient pool dating from the first century BC. Until then, a much smaller pool 50 metres north-west, at the end of Hezekiah’s Tunnel, had been regarded as the Pool of Siloam.

Josephus describes the waters of the Pool of Siloam as "sweet and abundant."

The Gospel of John tells how: "An angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."

This poem is about the pool, and the angel, and healing. It was written in 2004. The window is the stained glass window on the healing at the pool seen at St Aubin Methodist Church.

The Pool of Siloam

Wait, beside the still waters of my pool
Here come all, the believer and the fool
On paving, they lay down in pain to wait
For the hour to come, come not too late
I see them stretched out, aching limbs
Those with failing sight, vision dims
Simple folk, of understanding poor,
But seeking a way, to grasp my lore
Those possessed by inner demons bad
And those who have been driven mad
Come to my pool, seek healing here
Within this sacred place, I co-inhere
Then the time has come, I move unseen
And my touch heals where I have been
None more so, than sacred waters now
I touch them, they move not anyhow
But with ripple reaching out and on
With healing in motion thereupon
My appointed task, upon this spot
I bring restoration, cast not by lot
But by hidden providence behind
That which I show to humankind.

Pubs and Inns in Jersey in the 1960s

In 1966, under the "Four Square", publishers "New English Library" put out a small paperback called the "Four Square Holiday Guide to the Channel Islands". It was compiled by the late Peter Haining, and reflects a pre-decimal and bygone Channel Islands, just as tourism was ramping up to its giddy heights in the 1970s. Here's a brief extract.

Pubs and Inns in Jersey

The Harvest Barn (Valley des Vaux)

This is not the easiest of inns to find in Jersey, but once you have navigated the roads out from St. Helier and into the idyllic Valley des Vaux you will be glad you took the trouble.

The Harvest Barn was a 17th Century farmhouse which has been given a complete renovation and now boasts two splendid bars. The ground floor Lounge and Cocktail Bar has retained much of the original character of the farmhouse and has a magnificent granite fireplace. There is also a unique natural rock wall which trickles water down into a flower-decked pool. This always fascinates visitors - and also serves the useful purpose of keeping them cool in the heat of the Jersey summer. Upstairs in the second bar, the big windows provide fine views of the valley. Mine host, Charles Taylor, has made many friends among visitors and on display in the downstairs bar is his chain as a member of the International

Doghouse Club.
Old Theatre Tavern (St. Helier)

It is the claim of this tavern that its two bars, are the only theatre bars in the British Isles which are open to visitors each day from 10 a.m. The Tavern Bar on the lower floor has an old world atmosphere with a variety of spirit bottles suspended from the ceiling, while above the Goblet Bar offers its patrons free entertainment every day. The Old Theatre Tavern is situated next door to the Opera House in Gloucester Street, St. Helier.

The Stable Bar (St. Helier)

The oldest bar in Jersey, the Stable Bar has a quaintness all of its own. It is entered through a courtyard and hanging beneath its huge beams are all manner of riding equipment. The bar is part of the Angleterre Hotel in Gloucester Street. During the week a beat group and a trio entertain patrons alternately.

The Caribbean Bar (Havre des Pas)

One more example of how the best of another country has been introduced to Jersey to entertain tourists: This bar is modelled on Caribbean lines with a straw matting roof, bamboo supports and dozens of little birds dotted around in wickerwork cages. There is also a running fountain where visitors are asked to throw pennies to aid a local charity. During the evening you'll get a West Indian entertainer singing and playing the guitar while you drink.

La Folie Inn (St. Helier)

If you're a sailor (actual or armchair version - it doesn't matter which), this is the tavern for you. Here the seamen and sailors from the harbour - which the place overlooks from its position on South Pier - gather to talk of tides and ships. Unpretentious in appearance, La Folie Inn is a fund of information for all those who love the sea. The beer – local brewed - is good, too.

White Horse Inn (Havre Des Pas)

Overlooking the beach, the White Horse Inn stands command- ingly on a bend along the St. Clement's Road. So close to the sea, it is natural that the walls should be covered with nets and lobster pots to create a suitable fishing atmosphere. Running down to the beach at the rear of the premises is a Beer Garden where Mum and Dad can enjoy a mid-day drink while still watching the children playing on the sands.

Priory Inn (St. Clement)

This, we found, is the place to go if you want to hear the local patois (dialect) spoken. Jersey men and women from the surrounding small settlements and farms meet here to talk over their affairs - and there is something very attractive about their language, even if you can't understand it! The inn has a special "Vins Sans Eau" Bar where you can try French wines, and some fine examples of antique furniture.

Welcome Inn (Gorey)

A pleasant new inn where you can sit outside and enjoy the cool of the summer evening while you drink. Inside in the Lounge, a delightful fountain has been built which is bedecked with flowers and has coloured lights playing on its running water.

La Belle Etoile (St. John)

If you fancy yourself as an entertainer, this inn is the place to try out your skill. The proprietor holds regular talent competitions which provide immense fun for both those taking part and watching. If you wish to hide your light under a bushel, however, you can content yourself with dancing. For the homesick visitor there is a touch of England in the fact that this house sells draught Worthington beer. La Belle Etoile is situated not far from St. John's Church.

Forester's Arms (St. Aubin)

A real cosy, old-fashioned pub with lots of character. The building dates from 1717 and is popular with the locals. Look out for the fascinating cartoon story about the inn hanging in the public bar. Often passed-by by visitors, the Forester's Arms is well worth a halt and reminds one of a typical old rural English pub.

The Mermaid (St. Peter)

The Mermaid has our vote as one of the most charming inns of Jersey. Although it is situated in a little side road not far from Jersey Airport it has a tranquillity all of its own. The actual inn is situated alongside an ornamental lake which has a coy young mermaid sitting on a rock in the middle. There are two bars: the Poacher's Bar which is very olde-worlde with poaching equipment (guns, nets, traps, etc.) strung around the walls, and next door the Cabin Bar which is a complete contrast of gleaming brass and polished wood. At night visitors can either sit in'the tavern, illuminated by candles in champagne bottles, or stroll around the lake and see the extensive plantation of bamboo. If you do call in, try the house cocktail, "Mermaid Special".

Hansom Cab Bar (St. Helier)

Memories of the days of horseless carriages are conjured up in this cosy little bar on the stretch of road known as Colomberie. There are pictures of old Hansom Cabs on the walls and the bar itself is constructed of finely polished wood. The exterior, too, is suitably antique.

The Moorish Bar (St. Helier)

Already discovered by many visitors to the island, the Moorish Bar is to be found in the Grand Hotel on the Esplanade, which has been described as the "Dorchester" of the Channel Islands. The bar has been beautifully modelled on Moorish lines with splendid arches and exquisite carvings. It has made a speciality of the more exotic cocktails and short drinks.

The Portcullis Bar (St. Helier)

This bar on first entering gives the impression of having remained unchanged for centuries. The rows of shining tankards, the carved wooden figures supporting the bar and the murals above it - all combine to provide an ideal setting for an evening drink. The continental staff here are particularly adept at mixing a wide variety of cocktails - and give sound advice on new drinks to try. The silver candelabras and selection of old paintings which adorn the walls are also well worth your attention. The Portcullis Bar adjoins the Revere Hotel in Kensington Place.

Les Fontaines Tavern (Ronez Point)

In this pleasant old inn overlooking St. John's Bay there is one of the strangest potatoes to be found on the island: a freak which has grown in the shape of a man complete with arms, legs and head. The tavern was originally built as a farmhouse in the 15th Century, and several of the huge beams to be found in the main bar came from vessels shipwrecked in the bay. Also of interest is the enormous hearth which still contains an iron cooking cauldron. Draught bitter is available for the homesick drinker, apart from a selection of French wines.

Old Smugglers Inn (Ouaisne Bay)

After the tortuous, winding route down to the pocket- handkerchief-sized Ouaisne Bay, the visitor will feel in the right mood for a drink at this ancient inn. The bay was much frequented by smugglers in the past and the regulars at the Smugglers Inn are never slow to come up with a story about the area - for the price of a pint, of course. How true the tales are is anyone's guess. For those without cars, the Inn is at the terminus of the No. 16 bus.

Tartan Bar (Corbiere)

This bar - there are actually three - is part of the Seagrove Hotel and must rank among the most unusual new drinking spots on the island. The wall around the entrance is made of a whole variety of spirit bottles cemented together, while the Tartan Bar itself contains traditional Scottish weapons and the tartan of every clan. Adjoining the bar is the Vintage Lounge which has been covered from floor to ceiling with the labelled sides of 2,000 spirit crates; and beside it is the Wine Cave which has walls and ceiling covered in wine advertisements and a bar made out of hundreds of bottles. If these bars fail to satisfy your mood - which will be surprising - there is also the Starlight Room where there is a resident band for dancing.

The Birdcage (Havre Des Pas)

The proprietors of this spot, which is situated in the Sunshine Hotel, call it their "Gimmick Bar" - and not without good reason. The bar is dominated by a huge glass-enclosed wheel in which perch hundreds of multi-coloured budgerigars. The birds perform a variety of tricks in the wheel and also make it revolve. Most nights there is live entertainment with a difference - a recent popular star has been the girl guitarist, Jackie Renay.

Kum See Bar (L'Etacq)

This is yet another bar which sets out to capture the atmosphere of a foreign country in Jersey. The Kum See is part of L'Etacq Hotel - splendidly situated at the end of the Five Mile Road in St. Ouen's Bay. It has been decked out in traditional Chinese style with bamboo, all manner of Oriental furniture and several strange Eastern paintings. Apart from a whole range of drinks - including the usual'beer and spirits - the Kum See offers visitors dancing, variety and cabaret acts.

Lower Deck Bar (St. Helier)

Here's a chance to sink to the depths during a stay in the islands - by going into a bar which was originally a cellar beneath the street. Sited in Bath Street by the Royal Hotel the Lower Deck is tastefully furnished in a nautical style with beautiful wood panelled walls. You should try one of the rums here.

Old Court House (St. Aubin's Bay)

This superb old world hostelry overlooking the harbour is one place no visitor should miss. Built in the 17th Century (although parts of it date back to 1450), the Old Court House has two quite unique bars: the "Westward" and "Granite" cocktail bars. The bar counter in the "Westward" is actually a small boat which has been converted for the serving of drinks. The boat - a gig - was originally on the "J" Class schooner Westward (that's where the bar gets its name from) before finding this new, permanent home. The beams in the bar are timbers taken from old ships and the nautical flavour is completed by the girls in naval costume who serve the drinks. The "Granite" cocktail bar has walls built of Jersey granite, and its main feature is a 27 ft. deep well! This remains because of a condition laid down in the deeds of the Old Court House that states the well must be "kept open and pure for the free use of visiting mariners". The inn's restaurant next door is noted for its French cuisine.

L'Auberge du Nord (Nord)

This attractive little wayside tavern in the Jersey countryside has a special attraction for parents who feel like a leisurely drink during the day - there is a "Playbox" to keep the children happy for hours. This outbuilding contains rides and games and encourages the children to mix with other youngsters while the Mums and Dads enjoy a cocktail. In the tavern itself there is a quaint "Ship Room" with low beams, and upstairs an equally attractive Puncheon Bar. 

La Moulin de Lecq (Greve de Lecq)

This inn, which was formerly the parish watermill and dates from the 12th Century, is probably one of the most fascinating places to drink on the island. It has been completely renovated, but retains' much of its old character, including the driving gear which soothes the patrons as it slowly revolves in the Mill Bar. Upstairs is the Granary Bar complete with old milling equipment and cushions made of old flour sacks. Customers are served by girls dressed in delightful French Breton costumes and among the famous people who have lingered here awhile are columnist Marjorie Proops, footballer Johnny Haynes and comedian Ted Ray. The inn specializes in strange cocktails such as "Fifi", "Animal Crackers", and "Highland Fling". In the main courtyard there is a novel "Children's Cocktail Bar" where the youngsters can buy soft drinks.

The Windmill Inn (St. Peter's)

This genuine windmill - now minus its sails - is the only one of its kind on the island to have been converted into three unique bars. Situated in a charming little country lane near St. Mary's church, the inn also has an extensive beer garden. Much of the original woodwork inside has been left untouched and provides a tasteful old world background.

Old Portelet Inn (Portelet)

Dating from 1606, this inn - which is one of the most famous on Jersey - boasts no fewer than 7 different bars, each one unique in its own way (e.g. Loft Bar and Stone Bar). The inn is also renowned for its splendid antique furniture and three special cocktails, "Fluffy Poodle", "Monkey up a Stick" and "Miss Jersey in a Bikini". Morning coffee, afternoon cream teas and a filling toasted fillet steak sandwich which costs only 4s. are served in the spacious gardens. Outside the main door there is a quaint wishing well where visitors can toss in a penny and make a wish. (This money, incidentally, is all given to the old people of Jersey.)

The Peirson (St. Helier)

This delightful old pub stands in the very heart of St. Helier facing on to Royal Square. It is named after Major F. Peirson, a young officer who was killed on the site during the ill-fated "Battle of Jersey" in 1781. A stone tablet set into the wall of the pub commemorates this event. Inside the building, proprietor Robert Parris has created a cosy atmosphere where locals and visitors can meet to discuss their various interests. In fact it is an ideal place to find out anything you want to know about Jersey.

Hotel du Soleil Levant (St. Helier)

This public house in Bath Street is one of the few free houses on Jersey and consequently offers a wide choice of spirits and beers - including Scotch Ale. It's a friendly place and any holiday-maker thinking about settling on Jersey could do worse than have a word with "mine host" John Ellis - as he is a member of the Jersey Housing Committee.

Moon Landings: A Personal Note

Moon Landings

Some personal notes I compiled to help with my interview on BBC Radio Jersey on 17 July 2019.

Do you remember the moon landing? (July 16, 1969 – July 24, 1969)

In the early hours of the morning, my father woke me up, and we went downstairs to watch our grainy 425 lines black and white TV set, and I saw the moment when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon's surface, in the Sea of Tranquility. This I have found out was at 02.56 GMT, nearly 20 minutes after first opening the hatch on the Eagle landing craft. That would have been nearly 4 am with British Summer Time. I remember being disappointed at the time at the poor quality of the pictures, but of course much better shots came later.

I also kept a scrap book, sadly lost, and I remember the graphic for the radio from the moon to the telephone at the White House, when President Nixon made a historic phone call to the astronauts on the moon. That telephone was just the same as ours, and the idea that an astronaut could “call home” to an ordinary telephone – the grey ones with dials - seemed pretty amazing.

What did that mission do for people’s interest in space?

I think it brought it very much to the forefront. I certainly had some astronomy books for my birthday. But I also think that for many people it was also something of a one-off, like the Coronation of Elizabeth I, which is why public interest waned as the Apollo programme went on. It was like watching a Coronation every year, somehow not as special as that first time – until the ill-fated Apollo 13, of course.

How did your own interest develop?

I think the whole of the late 60s and early 70s were an exciting time of scientific change. Harold Wilson had announced the “white hot technological revolution”. The space program road the crest of that wave of interest in science, and certainly inspired amateur astronomers.

But there were lots of other science programmes – Horizon, QED, Don’t Ask Me with Magnus Pyke, Tomorrow’s World with James Burke and Raymond Baxter. Dr Who became more hard science, and programmes like Doomwatch looked at the environmental dangers of technology. Early computers were just beginning. In the mid1970s, just as the moon landings were ending, I was with students going to Highlands on a Friday evening to link via a Teletype to a Honeywell Mainframe in Manchester.

What do you make of the claims that the moon landing was faked?
The idea made a fun Hollywood movie, but it really doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. Conspiracy theories get everywhere though – the Earth is Hollow, there are secret X-Files about aliens, ancient astronauts built Stonehenge and the Pyramids using antigravity. You name it, someone has a crackpot theory.

One of the best refutations came from a radio ham in the USA who listened in to the VHF signals transmitted between astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin and Collin. He had to keep realigning his antenna because of course the moon was moving in the night sky. That’s something anyone with a telescope sees too. I think that’s pretty solid independent proof.

Are you disappointed that we stopped going to the moon?
I’m disappointed that they never put Moonbases on the moon. You can’t keep going back and forth – it’s about 240,000 miles for a trip! you need structures with hydroponics and a proper base. There was a show called Moonbase 3 around this time with James Burke as special advisor which presented it in a very realistic way. I’m sad that never happened. It would have been a stepping stone to Mars. But China’s recent experiments with plants on the far side of the moon suggests they may be thinking of establishing a moon colony sometime.

Why did that happen?

The moon landings were always mostly political not scientific, although obviously they involved scientists. It was a mark of superior American technology, to show the Soviets, who had led the space race to that point, that America could do it better. Once that was established without a doubt, the funding was cut for other defence projects. About 400,000 people worked on the moon landing programme, at a cost at the time of $25bn. China is now trying to get to the moon, and again, it is mainly political. It’s saying “we are a major world power”.

Can you see objects humans have sent into space through telescopes?

Not that well at all! They can be seen better with the naked eye because of the field of view. Imagine trying to read a book with a microscope and find a fullstop. It would be tricky!

Do you take photos of space at the astronomy club?

Neil Mahrer, who’s our founder, takes photos – very nice ones of things like star clusters, Jupiter and its moons, and Saturn and its rings.

What’s the most incredible thing you’ve seen through a telescope?
I think it has to be Jupiter. The bands, the red spot, and like tiny specs of diamond, the four Galilean moons. It’s amazing. Although Saturn and its rings is also awesome.

Would you ever go into space?
I’m too old, and I hate flying anyway! If I could hop in a Tardis now, that would be another matter!

What do you make of the private sectors space endeavours? Space X etc?

It’s exciting, especially Space –X. That seems more reliable that Richard Branson’s efforts which looks more like something that just skims above the top of the atmosphere. It’s a show for tourists, whereas Space-X has commercial possibilities regarding the International Space Station, satellites etc.

Odd Facts:
Buzz Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name was Moon!


Recommended:
“First Man” is a fantastic movie, and I’d totally recommend that. Just as Dunkirk gave you that camera present point of view of that moment in history, so “First Man” does the same with the moon landings.


Apollo 13 is also a superb depiction of that time of crisis.


Did you know?

The original BBC commentary at blast off has mostly been wiped, part of a purge of expensive videotape at the BBC in the 1980s

Odd Facts
1. Saturn V is still the largest and most powerful rocket ever built

Standing at more than 100m (363ft), the Saturn V rocket burned some 20 tonnes of fuel a second at launch. Propellant accounted for 85% of its overall weight.

Saturn V weighed 2,800 tonnes and generated 34.5m Newtons (7.7m pounds) of thrust at launch.

That's enough to lift 130 tonnes into Earth orbit, and send 43 tonnes to the Moon - the equivalent weight of almost four London buses.

2. Apollo's crew compartment was about the same size as a large car

Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins spent eight days together travelling about half a million miles to the Moon and back in a space roughly the size of a large car.

The astronauts were strapped into bench-like "couches" during launch and landing in the Command Module, which measured 3.9m (12.8ft) at its widest point.

It was no place for the claustrophobic.

3. African-American women skilled in maths helped to work out the route to the Moon

In the pre-digital age, Nasa employed a large number of female mathematicians as "human computers". Many were African-Americans.

4. No-one knows where the Apollo 11 module is now

A total of 10 lunar modules were sent into space and six landed humans on the moon. Once used, the ascent stages of the capsules were jettisoned and either crash-landed on the moon, burned up in Earth's atmosphere, or - in one instance - went into orbit around the Sun. But where exactly they ended up is not known in every case.

Useful Facts and Figures
The Apollo 11 Moon landing happened on July 20 1969. Many people all around the world watched it live on TV, even late into the night. These people gathered to watch on a screen in Trafalgar Square, London.

By the time the crew landed back on Earth, the mission had taken just over a week: 8 days, 3 hours, 18 minutes, 35 seconds.

The average distance is about 240,000 miles. The true distance between the Earth and the Moon actually changes depending on their rotation - the orbit is not a perfect circle. When the Moon is the furthest away, it’s 252,088 miles away. When it's closest, the Moon is 225,623 miles away.

The three parts of the spaceship that went on the Moon mission were the Command Module Columbia, where the astronauts lived and worked; the Service Module which contained the food, oxygen and water tanks; and "Eagle" - the Lander which detached from Columbia and went down to the Moon's surface.

The rocket that took the Nasa astronauts to the Moon was called Saturn V. Saturn V stood 363 feet (110 meters) high - taller than the Statue of Liberty - and remains the most powerful rocket ever built, even though the last one flew in 1973.

Nasa stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It was started on October 1 1958 and is in charge of US science and technology that deals with aircraft or space.

Tranquility

50 years since the moon landing, and that first step on the moon. What else could I write about today? A memory that has remained over all the years of watching it on that grainy TV set. This poem takes it from Neil Armstrong's perspective.

Tranquility

Here is my vision, the joy of my heart
The landing so perilous, save by my art
Passed by rocky boulders, shaded in night
And finding the plain, so brilliant in light

Now comes the moment, the time of my word
Across all the nations, these phrases are heard
As down a ladder, and shaded from sun
I took just one more step, but this was the one

Against Earth’s strong gravity, our rocket took flight
This was our mission, and this our delight
A rocket so massive, in steel a high tower
Raising me heavenward, so mighty its power

On that fateful day, and heedless of praise
Such a moment in time, now and always:
Always in memory, in my beating heart
I took one small step, and that was my part

This was the glory, the victory won
Sea of Tranquility, now shadowed by sun
A man on the moon, and whatever befall,
I stepped on the surface, I came for us all

Sights to see, Places to Visit in Jersey in the 1960s

In 1966, under the "Four Square", publishers "New English Library" put out a small paperback called the "Four Square Holiday Guide to the Channel Islands". It was compiled by the late Peter Haining, and reflects a pre-decimal and bygone Channel Islands, just as tourism was ramping up to its giddy heights in the 1970s. Here's a brief extract.

Sights to see, Places to Visit

Jersey Zoo

The Zoo, in its beautiful old-world setting at Les Augres Manor at Trinity, is worth taking an afternoon off from the beach to visit. Established by writer and TV personality, Gerald Durrell, it contains animals from all over the world including tropical birds, snakes, bears, monkeys, two very engaging lions, and a friendly Marsh Mongoose, "Makai" who took part in the film "Call Me Bwana" with Bob Hope.

Durrell's purpose in creating the Zoo was to start a breeding colony for animals threatened with extinction and it has now been open to the public since 1959. It is also the headquarters of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust which has members all over the world. Younger visitors will recognize many of the animals from their television appearance with Gerald Durrell and they will also find plenty to fascinate them in the special "Pet's Corner". The Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to dusk seven days a week and there is a bus service direct from St. Helier.

Some Unusual Sights

St. Peter's Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of the island - particularly during the early summer when the lower parts are carpeted with yellow irises. When Queen Victoria visited Jersey and asked to be taken to the most beautiful area, this is where officials brought her; today, however, many tourists come to see the relics of the German Occupation which include a power station, three large ammunition tunnels going into the hillside (one is now used as a garage) and the Underground Hospital.

At the Beaumont Crossroads where most people enter the Valley is a cannon standing beneath an awning. This is one of the only six surviving cannons made in the 16th century by Owens of Houndsworth. The piece is 7 ft. long and fired shot weighing 21 lb. The inscription on the cannon tells its own story: “Jhon Owen Made This Pese Anno Dni 1551 For The Paryshe Of Saynt Peter In Jersse”.

St. Peter's Church is unusual for the fact that it was twice struck by lightning (1612 and 1843) - and on the second occasion the parish printed 275 special pound notes to pay for the repair of the damage! It can also claim to be the only church in the world which has a red light on the top of its spire to warn low flying aircraft!

Another church which was damaged by lightning - but in this instance THREE times - is Trinity Parish Church. In the building is a fine mural monument to Sir Edouard de Carteret, who was Usher of the Black Rod to Charles II.

Not far from the Church is one of those out of the way spots that may not be easy to find, but on discovery almost takes the viewer's breath away. The place is called, Egypt, but in no way does it resemble the Middle East country of the same name. In fact it is a community of little cottages scattered together in a small valley. The approach road winds down between the buildings and in most places is only just the width of a car. All around are gorse, broom, bracken and brambles growing in glorious confusion, presenting a contrast to the flatness of Trinity on one side and the majestic cliffs of Bouley Bay on the other. 

During the Occupation Egypt was used by the Germans as a site for exercises and in doing this they destroyed what was surely the most unusual farmhouse in the world. For the occupier had built his own private ballroom adjoining the farmhouse! One can only guess what sort of an attraction that would have been today.

Jersey's Churches are all interesting in their own particular ways, but their histories are too long and complicated to be included in a guide of this nature. Let it suffice then to mention briefly a few of the more unusual ones.

At Leoville, for instance, there is an enormous Methodist Chapel which can hold close on 800 people. Behind it is the tiny granite chapel which was erected by the first converts to Methodism in the later part of the 18th century.

The Roman Catholic Church at St. Martin is also worth a call for here is buried Charles Edward Stuart, a descendant of the Young Pretender and said by his friends to have been the rightful King of England.

St. Saviour's Church, interesting as it is, has not the same attraction as the Rectory beside it. For it was here that the girl who grew up to be one of the world's great beauties, Lillie Langtry, was born in 1853. Lillie was the daughter of Dean Le Breton, the Rector, and old residents today will still recall their grandparents telling them about the "beautiful clergyman's daughter". Her career of being worshipped from afar by countless men began after her first ill-fated marriage to a wealthy Irishman. She visited London and was soon the subject of a poem by Oscar Wilde. Words were followed by paintings and in later years she was committed to canvas by no lesser artists than Millais, Leighton and Whistler.

Despite this adulation in England, Lillie was devoted to Jersey and when she married a second time the service took place at St. Saviour's Church. After her death her body was brought back to Jersey - by her own request - and she was buried in St. Saviour's Churchyard. Today an exquisitely executed bust which has captured the full light of her beauty looks down on her grave.

There is also a dramatic piece of history to be found in a somewhat neglected cemetery on St. John's Road. For here are buried several of the exiled Frenchmen who sought refuge on Jersey along with Victor Hugo. Their burial was performed with great ceremony - fellow exiles carrying the coffin through the streets preceded by a red flag. Before the graves were covered over, one of the mourners - often Hugo himself - would read a stirring ovation and denounce the tyranny of Louis Napoleon which had driven the deceased from his homeland.


No guide would be complete without a word about Jersey's abundance of ghosts. There's no guarantee given that the visitor will see one, but it is interesting listening to the locals talking about. spectres which have walked their lanes for centuries.

In St. Saviour's Parish they have actually named a road after a ghost - Rue de la Dame which runs into the Grands Vaux valley. The ghost is a lady dressed in white who is supposed to appear on certain nights of the year. There is another ghostly lady in white - allegedly - to be seen in the vicinity of an 11 ft. high stone at La Motte in St. Clement's. Because of this spectre the stone has been named La Dame Blanche.

Probably the most interesting ghost of all - again a lady in white (could all three be the same?) - has been reported in St. Lawrence. According to the legend whenever a peal of bells is heard in the lane which leads to Waterworks Valley a coach and six grey horses come galloping down the hill. In the coach sits a woman dressed in a bridal gown - but she has no face, only a grinning white skull. The reason for this, says the story, is that the woman drove to a church in St. Lawrence only to find that her groom had deserted her. Her reaction was to return home and commit suicide - so now she forever gallops the lanes looking for her faithless lover.

In the light of day these legends may seem laughable – but you try going to the locations in the depths of night!

Finally, which is the most unusual sight of all on Jersey? The strange little miniature tower carved with the words "La Frenaie" which stands at the crossroads of La Chasse in St. Martin's Parish undoubtedly qualifies for the award. The building could be either the entrance to an old fort or perhaps the parish "lock up" - and this idea is strengthened by the fact that the date 1626 is carved over the entrance. The truth of the matter, however, is that the "tower" is a fake and was actually built in 1900!

The creator was an eccentric islander, Constable Messervy, who was a great traveller and delighted in devising phoney antiques. The old man's house – called "Les Alpes" - is just 100 yards up the main road from the turret, and today examples of his strange hobby are still visible. During the time he lived in the magnificent white house he created a fake mountain (since levelled), an Egyptian sphinx, an Indian Elephant, and a full size Swiss Chalet. The chalet can be seen from the road, as can a weird monumental pillar covered with distorted figures. At one time the whole garden was a mass of fakes - but today there are still enough of them left to demonstrate the old man's strange genius for fraud!