The Jersey Corn Riots are now a public holiday in order to celebrate our modern-day democracy that began due to the corn riots back in 1769. At the time, workers in Jersey mainly grew wheat and corn, often using wheat to make bread and sometimes using it as currency, some of which would get exported off island. However, the more that the crops were exported, the less food their would be for the islanders which also caused the prices of the crops to increase. This caused the poor to struggle as they could no longer afford to eat.

Angered by this, 500 islanders made the decision to storm the Royal Court on 28th September 1769 with 13 demands in order to alleviate their struggles. These demands included:

• Lowering the price of wheat
• Ejecting foreigners off the island
• Sales tax should have a limit
• The Customs’ House officers be ejected

No-one died throughout the riot although many went armed with clubs and sticks and an usher was thrown over the court railing at some point during the riot.

Overall, the riot was successful and led to Code 1771 where the Royal Court had their legislative powers removed meaning only the States assembly could create laws from 1771 onwards which helped Jersey get on the road to a fairer society.