Alderney

Alderney (Fr. Aurigny, Lat. Riduna), a British island in the English Channel, 55 miles S. by E. of Portland Bill, 15 N.E. of Guernsey, 31 N. of Jersey, and 10 W. of Cape la Hogue. The Race of Alderney, or strait that separates it from the coast of Normandy, is very dangerous in stormy weather. The length of the island is $4\backslash frac\{1\}\{2\}$ miles; its extreme breadth, $1\backslash frac\{1\}\{2\}$ mile; and its area is 1962 acres, or 3 sq. m. The highest point is 281 feet above sea-level. To the S. the coast is bold and lofty; to the N. it descends, forming numerous small bays, one of which has been formed into a fine, though uncompleted, harbour, with a granite breakwater, at a cost, including strong fortifications, of more than £1,250,000. The Caskets are a small cluster of dangerous rocks, $6\backslash frac\{3\}\{4\}$ miles to the W., on which is a large lighthouse. The soil in the centre of the island is highly productive; and the Alderney cattle (see CATTLE), a small but handsome breed, have always been celebrated. The climate is mild and healthy, and good water abounds. Education to some extent is universal. The population was originally French, but half the inhabitants now speak English, and all understand it. Protestantism has prevailed here since the Reformation. Alderney is a dependency of Guernsey, and subject to the British crown. The civil power is vested in a judge appointed by the crown, and six jurats chosen by the people. These, with twelve popular representatives or douzeniers (who do not vote), constitute the local legislature. The 'town' of St Anne is situated in a picturesque valley near the centre of the island. It has an Albert memorial in the shape of a Gothic arch, and a cruciform church (1850) in the Early English style, with a tower 104 feet high. Pop. of island (1841) 1038; (1861) 4932; (1881) 2048; (1891) 1843. See CHANNEL ISLANDS.