The Journal of Jean Chevalier

Chevalier lived at the Northern end of the St Helier Royal Square (The Cock and Bottle today) throughout the period of the Civil War. He was a Royalist and supporter of the ruling De Carterets though was never afraid to comment when he felt mistakes were being made. He became very concerned by events in Jersey in 1642, so decided to keep a diary.

The original journal, written in the French of the day, was published by the Société Jersiaise in ninĒ volumes between 1906-1914. It has now been translated by Stéphanie Nicolle, former Attorney General, and is 'nearing publication.' This diary is a unique source of information on the people and events of the civil war, of interest both locally and in the UK. It complements the 'Diary of Samuel Pepys,’ referencing events unknown to many English historians, especially concerning the exile of the young Prince, later King Charles II and the efforts of George Carteret and his supporters to ensure his safety. Samuel Pepys on the other hand, started his diary at the Restoration, covering the eventful reign of Charles II.

We hope this presentation will engender interest for when Stéphanie's translation is published, anticipated towards the end of the year.

Jean Treleven is a former teacher and keen historian. She is a Blue Badge Guide and likes nothing more than sharing her enthusiasm for Jersey's history, geology 'and cows' with both locals and visitors to our Island. Jean's interest in the Civil War period developed while she was teaching in local primary schools, discovering Chevalier's diary and realising that this was an incredible resource that needed to be made more widely available. She is one of the members of the Société Jersiaise Publications' Committee who has been working with Stéphanie Nicolle to enable this to come to fruition.