Jethou, Private island in Channel Islands, United Kingdom
Jethou is a 44-acre private island located south of Herm, with a manor house and steep hills defining its landscape. It sits surrounded by two smaller offshore islands, Crevichon and Grande Fauconnière, forming an isolated group.
The island became part of Henry V's estate in 1416 and has remained Crown property since then. Over time it has been leased to various tenants, including writer Compton MacKenzie.
The name Jethou comes from the Viking term Keitholm, with the Norman suffix -hou meaning small island or small hill. This linguistic origin reflects the cultural connection between the island and its Norse and Norman heritage.
Access requires permission from the current tenant, as the island has been closed to visitors since 1970. Most travelers can only see it from passing boats or from nearby islands.
Hidden banknotes were found beneath wallpaper during manor house renovations, revealing the island's smuggling past. These concealed treasures suggest a secret economic history that lay beneath the surface.
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