Alderney

Alderney (Fr. Aurigny; Lat. Riduna), one of the Channel Islands, a dependency of Guernsey, attached to Great Britain since the Conquest, and separated from Cape La Hague by the dangerous Race of Alderney, 7 miles broad. Beyond it lie the Caskets, small outliers of the group. The island is not more than 3 or 4 miles in length, by about 2 miles in breadth. The coast is rocky, but the central parts abound in excellent pastures, and the breed of cows is famous. The internal government is conducted by a judge and six jurats, assisted by twelve douzeniers. The town of Alderney contains a 12th century church. The island is fortified; but the construction of a breakwater with a view to the establishment of a naval station has been abandoned.