The Jersey Corn Riots is celebrated today as it is a celebration of our modern day democracy today. This began in 1769 when the corn riots took unfolded. Monday 27th September 2021 marks 250 years since the people of jersey protested against landowners.
A bad harvest in 1769 lead to the prices shooting up, many islanders were frustrated with the food shortages, higher prices and the unfair tax system leading to 500 islanders storming the Royal Court. The islanders rioted and protested with 13 demands for a fairer island.
Here are the 13 demands of the islanders:
• That the price of wheat be lowered and set at 20 sols per cabot.
• That foreigners be ejected from the Island.
• That his Majesty’s tithes be reduced to 20 sols per vergée.
• That the value of the liard coin be set to 4 per sol.
• That there should be a limit on the sales tax.
• That seigneurs stop enjoying the practice of champart (the right to every twelfth sheaf of corn or bundle of flax).
• That seigneurs end the right of ‘Jouir des Successions’(the right to enjoy anyone’s estate for a year and a day if they die without heirs).
• That branchage fines could no longer be imposed.
• That Rectors could no longer charge tithes except on apples.
• That charges against Captain Nicholas Fiott be dropped and that he be allowed to return to the Island without an inquiry.
• That the Customs’ House officers be ejected.
The power of protest
In September 1770, The code of laws were introduced to the island by Bentinck, Jerseys Lieutenant- Governor. These news laws aimed to make the law as fair as possible for everyone. These laws were laid down in 1771. The Jersey corn riots worked as a way of new fair life in Jersey for many years after.