Lihou
|
|
Lihou is a small island (7ha) that is part of the Channel Islands. The island was bought by the States of Guernsey in January 1995. As a tidal island Lihou is connected to Guernsey at low tide by a causeway. It is part of the Parish of St. Peter's.
On the island are the ruins of the priory of St. Mary which is believed to have been established by Benedictine monks in the 12th century. Until 1415 it was under the control of Mont Saint Michel and thereafter under Eton College until the Reformation when it was closed and fell into disrepair.
Vraic (seaweed) was harvested and dried on frames set up on the beach. A 1927 factory building produced iodine from seaweed. All traces of the industry disappeared during the German Occupation.
Lihou's bird and marine life makes it an important conservation area.
The house on Lihou was used for target practice by heavy artillery during the German occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II. It has now been rebuilt as accommodation for school groups, and is used as an Educational Resource.