Lihou is a tidal island situated off the north west coast of Guernsey. It is linked to L'Eree at low spring tides by a 570 metre long causeway, which is partially covered in slippery seaweed. The island is a haven for birds and dogs are not permitted on the island or the causeway to protect the wildlife.
The remains of the 12th century Benedictine Priory of Notre Dame de Lihou can be seen on Lihou. It was a dative priory, which meant that dues were collected for its mother house - Mont St Michel in Normandy. The church was decorated with limestone from Caen in Normandy. The priory buildings were extended in the 14th and 15th centuries and there was a dovecote, to provide pigeon meat for the monks. In 1302 John de L'Espine, who was one of the monks, was murdered by Thomas Le Roer, who was the servant of Prior Nicholas Baddes. Thomas Le Roer was caught and executed.
The priory, which only ever houses a couple of monks and their servants, was deserted after the Reformation and was destroyed in 1759 to prevent the French from occupying the island during the Napoleonic Wars.
Lihou changed hands many times and the farmhouse was used as target practice by the occupying Germans in World War 2. It was rebuilt in 1961 and can now be booked for use by groups.
The island was purchased by the States of Guernsey in 1995 to secure permanent access to it for residents and visitors to Guernsey.
Thrift in flower on the coast of Lihou
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