Plaque for former lieutenant governor unveiled

Sir John Doyle has been recognised by the blue plaque scheme

A blue plaque has been unveiled for one of Guernsey's most influential lieutenant governors.

Sir John Doyle was known for his ambitious engineering projects that permanently changed the geography of the island.

The plaque was unveiled by the Bailiff at the Old Government House Hotel, after a short ceremony recognising his achievements.

Sir John was nominated by Deputy Sue Aldwell who described him as a person as a person "crucial to Guernsey's history".

A section of a map from 1794 showing Guernsey as two islands with the Braye Du Valle running in between

Sir John became Lieutenant Governor in 1803 at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, when Guernsey was under threat of an invasion from France.

He is best known for his engineering project to reclaim the Braye du Valle from the sea, connecting it to the main island in 1808.

He also fortified Guernsey's coast with forts, and made major upgrades to the island's road system.

Sir John Doyle reclaimed the Braye du Valle from the sea making it easier for the island's garrison to respond to a landing in the north

Sue Laker, chief librarian at the Priaulx Library, said Sir John's impact was significant

Sue Laker, chief librarian at the Priaulx Library, said his time as the UK monarch's representative had a "massive impact" on the island.

"When you think, 'where would modern Guernsey be, if we didn't have Fort Road, Sausmarez Road, the roads out to L'Eree, the roads out to Vazon?' we wouldn't have the Bridge as it is today."

Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon unveiling the plaque

Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, current lieutenant governor of Guernsey, said: "He was a remarkable man.

"In a very long line of lieutenant governors, of extraordinarily distinguished people, Sir John Doyle stands out."

This will be the 14th blue plaque given to a notable person who had a lasting impact on Guernsey.

The most recent blue plaque unveiled was for Marie Randall, the island's first female Deputy.