Pierre was one of the most distinguished Guernseymen of the
Seventeenth Century showing bravery and tenacity in carrying out
his duties as a Jurat and Lieut.-Governor under Parliament
during a troublesome time. Despite the difference in language,
Pierre kept in touch with the Parliamentary leaders in England
in a marvellous manner. From time to time, he was selected by
the States to proceed to England to lay various matters and
complaints before the English Parliament and received on various
occasions thanks for the way in which he carriedout his duties.
Pierre was one of the notable figures in Guernsey history,
namely for his dramatic Escape in 1643 cutting through the
wooden floorboards with his knife along with two others whilst
imprisoned in Castle Cornet just intime to avoid death on the
gallows during the English Civil War. Also the lucky chance that
the cannon trained on them missed fire no fewer than six times
whilst they made their way back to the Island.
At the time of the escape, hewas acting as Sheriff having
previously been elected on 25 May 1639. Subsequently, he was
elected as Jurat on 22 Apr 1648. He had been acting as the
Island's representative in transmitting intelligence to, and
receiving orders from,Lord Warwick, who in his position as Lord
High Admiral, could govern the Island only by proxy.
There are many documents requesting various duties to be
performed by Pierre as follows:
The Authorities in Guernsey were worried for the safety of Sark,
fearing a raid from Jersey, as the Royalists had command of the
sea around the Channel Islands. Pierre was sent over there with
the following instructions:
10 January 1644
We pray you, in the name of the States, to repair to the Island
of Sark, and prevail on the soldiers, quartered there, to
continue firm in their duty. Remind them of our solicitude for
their welfare, which we have shown by obtaining one hundred
crowns for their own use, which shall be paid to them according
to our request. You will, moreover, re-establish the general
affairs of the island in such manner as your discretion and
prudence think fit, so as to create harmony and good will
between the inhabitants and the troops, for the benefit and
service of the King and Parliament. By so doing you will greatly
oblige your affectionate friends,
Robert Russel, Pierre de Beauvoir, Josias le Marchant, Thomas
Careye, Michael de Sausmarez, Jean Careye.
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The people of Guernsey were not united in their support of
Parliament, and Pierre was instructed on several occasions to
write to the Earlof Warwick asking for help in suppressing
local insurrections organized from Castle Cornet by Sir Peter
Osborne. On 12 Sep 1645, a Dutch vessel brought news that a
large Royalist fleet was assembling in Falmouth with the Channel
Islands as their objective. The Parliamentarian Commissioners
were extremely concerned and requested Pierre to go to England
to solicit help in repelling the anticipated attack. Robert
Russel, the resident Lieut.-Governor provided him with the
following passport:
13 September 1645
These are to certiffie you thatthis gentleman Capn Peter Carey
inhabitant of this Island of Guernzey hath bymany ample
demonstrations evidenced his affection and zeale to the
parliamentary cause, and the same hath at all tymes contributed
his utmost, both of power and ability, and is nowe by me
imployed to the parliament about some urgentaffaires which
concerne the wellfare and security of this place, wherefore it
is my desire that he may be permitted to passe with what shall
appartayne tohim both by sea and lande without any estoppall or
hindrance unto London, andfrom thence with like libertie to
returne again to this place, given under myhand and seale att
Guernzey aforesaid this 13th daye of September Ano Dni 1645.
Robt Russel.
To all admiralls viceadm.
Capn