Isle of Guernsey Great Britain. School encyclopedia

Guernsey (Sarnia; English Bailiwick of Guernsey[ˈɡɜrnzi], fr. bailliage de Guernesey, Norman Guernési) is an island in the English Channel, part of the Channel Islands. Population 65,345 people (2012). The capital is St Peter Port. Official languages ​​English, French. Guernsey is a Crown Dependency of the British Crown, but is not part of Great Britain. In addition to the island of the same name, the crown possession of Guernsey includes the islands of Alderney, Herm, Djetu, Breku, Lihou, Burhu, Casquets, Ortaq, Crevichon, Ume and many small uninhabited islands and rocks.

Guernsey is not part of the EU, but is part of the EU customs territory.

Guernsey has its own domain.gg.

– (Wikipedia)

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Description

Guernsey is an island located in the English Channel, part of the Channel Islands archipelago. This state entity is home to just over 65 thousand people; its capital is called St. Peter Port. Here, two official languages ​​are established at the state level - English and French, and residents also use the local Guernsey dialect. The island of Guernsey has a special status of statehood; it is a Crown Dependency of the British Crown, but is not part of Great Britain. Another specific feature of Guernsey is that it is subject to EU customs jurisdiction, although it is not a member of the European Commonwealth. Guernsey even has its own internet domain - .gg.

The Crown Dependency of Guernsey also includes the islands of Alderney, Herm, Breco, Lihou, Burhu, Caskets, Ortac, Crevishrn, Ume and many uninhabited islets and rocks.

Among the Channel Islands, Guernsey is the second largest, with a total area of ​​63 square kilometers.

The history of Guernsey dates back to the 10th century, when in 933 the Channel Islands became part of the Duchy of Normandy, the political position of which was significantly strengthened after the ascension of William I, Duke of Normandy to the throne of England. In the 11th century Most of the Duchy of Normandy fell out of the possession of the English Crown, however, the Channel Islands continued to remain part of it

Guernsey has a case law system, the Constitution is unwritten, and local residents are guided by customs and statutes.

The head of the Crown Domain is considered to be the monarch of Great Britain, who appoints the governor and head of government - the bailiff. Legislative power in Guernsey belongs to parliament - the House of Estates, which consists of the bailiff, 45 deputies, 10 representatives of district councils, 2 representatives of Alderney, the attorney general, the attorney general and the secretary general of the court. There are no political parties in Guernsey; all deputies here are independent. Judicial power is exercised by the Royal Court.

Plant growing is popular among the local population; gardening and greenhouse floriculture are developed here; potatoes, tomatoes, and cauliflower are grown. Livestock farming is also popular; cattle and sheep are usually raised here. A significant part of the population is engaged in fishing, as well as oyster farming.

There is one in Guernsey, located in the Forest district. It was opened back in 1939. For example, in 2000, its passenger turnover amounted to more than 800 thousand passengers.

Tourism is developed in Guernsey; it is also an offshore zone, which is why this place is also commonly called a “tax paradise”.

On the coast of Guernsey there are many castles, forts, ancient fortresses, observation towers, reminiscent of the rich historical past of these places.

In Guernsey everything is different, not like in the rest of the world. It has its own pedestrian signs and non-standard license plates. The cozy, clean little streets of Guernsey touch and delight. And the silence, tranquility and peaceful atmosphere of the area create a feeling of comfort, safety and security.

Guernsey is an amazing place about which very little is known; this place is not yet overrun by crowds of tourists with cameras, so here you can enjoy authentic local traditions, customs, and sometimes even oddities.

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A detailed map and description of Guernsey are inextricably linked with each other. Find cities, interesting places, and a lot of other information. Check out our interactive map with places around you, get more detailed information, get to know the world better.

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“A piece of France that broke away from it, fell into the water and was picked up by the British,” Victor Hugo, the greatest French writer who lived on it for three years in exile, wrote about the island of Guernsey.

The island of Guernsey (Sarnia) is located in the picturesque English Channel between France and England. Its area is 65 km2. It is the second largest of all the Channel Islands. The island of Guernsey is part of the Crown Dependency of Great Britain (the so-called Bailiwick of Guernsey), which also includes the islands Alderney, Sark, Jethu, Lihu And Herm. The total area of ​​these amazing islands is 78 km2.

Guernsey is officially recognized as an offshore zone. This implies partial or complete tax exemption for organizations registered in the territory of this state, as a result of which Guernsey is a fairly attractive country for doing business.

The official languages ​​of Guernsey are English and French. In some areas of the country you can also hear the Norman dialect, which is spoken by 2% of the population.

Climate and weather

The island of Guernsey has a mild temperate climate. Winters here are warm and summers are a little cool but sunny. The warmest period is from July to September. At this time the temperature averages +20 ºС. July is the sunniest month. The most precipitation falls in December - February. Temperatures on the island of Guernsey rarely drop below zero. Typically the coolest month is February. At this time in Guernsey the average temperature is +6 ºС.

Nature

The island of Guernsey is rich in flora and fauna. It's like you're in another world! The giant cliffs and intricate caves, mountain passes and stunning bays, sandy beaches and rocky shores amaze with their beauty. It is impossible to take your eyes off such magnificence!

Lush vegetation with many exotic species has turned this island into one fragrant garden, giving peace and tranquility. Flowering plants pamper tourists with their beauty and incredible aroma all year round. Due to the temperate climate, over 449 plant species grow on the island of Guernsey, including more than 100 types of flowers, various trees and shrubs. There is commercial flower growing on the island. The islanders are especially proud of the flower named Guernsey lily, which personifies this unusual and picturesque island.

The island's fauna is impressive. It is home to fanhihas or fruit bats, sea swallows, huge lizards up to 1 meter long, Philippine deer, coconut crabs, etc. The bay is home to more than a thousand species of fish: barracuda, swordfish, parrotfish, clownfish and many others. It is also home to stingrays and sharks, sea turtles and dolphins, whales and fur seals. The coastal waters are rich in coral reefs, mesmerizing with their beauty.

Attractions

Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands, which is the last center of Norman culture in its true manifestation. It has an ancient history. Several historical eras are intertwined in the architecture of Guernsey. Ancient churches and houses of the 12th-13th centuries coexist with modern buildings and structures. Since 1993, the island has had a program that is aimed at protecting the cultural and historical monuments and values ​​of the island, as well as the lands belonging to it.

Various architectural monuments of bygone times testify to the very rich military past of the island of Guernsey. The restoration of the famous Castle Cornet, which has an 800-year history. It is located on a small island near Guernsey and is connected to it by a pier. Now they are organized Maritime Museum and a museum telling the history of the castle itself. The coast of the island is decorated with mighty fortresses and forts, majestic castles and observation towers. They offer beautiful views of the island.

IN Guernsey is also worth visiting a number of the following attractions:

Randall Brewery with tasting of beer made according to ancient recipes;

• Fort Gray with a shipwreck museum;

  Telephone Museum;

  Museum of History and Art;

  jewelry studios;

  Diamond Museum;

  Sculpture Park;

  subtropical garden, as well as the gardens of the Cornet castle.

Nutrition

The island of Guernsey, like all the Channel Islands, is very popular among connoisseurs of delicious food. On the island you can enjoy always fresh fruits grown here.

Local cafes and restaurants prefer so-called “village cuisine” with a variety of dishes from fruits and vegetables and, of course, meat. Here you can also taste dishes from different parts of the world. The island has a variety of Indian, Thai, Italian, Spanish and French restaurants. Wherever you decide to have a snack, you will be overwhelmed by the abundance of succulent seafood. And those with a sweet tooth will be able to treat themselves to unusual desserts.

Accommodation

The island has many excellent hotels of various categories. The choice is quite wide: from beach and family hotels to wellness hotels. Accommodation in them costs from 45 to 450 $ per room. There is only one five-star hotel on the island. But what! The Old Government Hotel and SPA considered one of the best hotels in Britain. You can also stay at a ranch - in rural houses with a fairly high level of service. The cost of living here per night will be about $130.

Entertainment and relaxation

The island of Guernsey is a walker's paradise! Winding mountain paths, rolling plains and coastal waters shimmering in the sunlight - every step, every turn of the path will open up new fabulous views before you. And many fortresses, ancient buildings and other historical monuments will plunge you into the mysterious world of the Middle Ages!

Art lovers need to go to the capital of Guernsey - Saint Peter Port. Art galleries and museums are concentrated here.

If you can vary your travel time, try to get to the island in early May. At this time (May 9th) Liberation Day is celebrated here and it is worth seeing. The grandiose fireworks displays and large-scale colorful processions will surely impress you. Extreme sports enthusiasts will be attracted by a variety of attractions.

The various festivals that are often held on the island will also surprise you with their scope: Donkey Parade, Spring Flower Week, Spring Walking Festival and etc.

Professional divers and surfers will not be bored on the island either. There's something for everyone here!

Purchases

Guernsey is a special duty-free territory. Therefore, do not miss the moment to engage in exciting and very profitable shopping! In the stores you can purchase high-quality goods that are tax-free. These include wines and tobacco products, exquisite jewelry, etc. In the Old Quarter of the capital of Guernsey, lovers of antiques can purchase magnificent antiques at a very reasonable price. You can bring home unique stamps as souvenirs.

Transport

There are two ways to get to Guernsey: by water transport on a ferry from the UK or by air.

The flight from London Gatwick Airport takes about 45 minutes. There is also an alternative option: by train to Weymouth (about 3 hours) and then by ferry to Guernsey (about 2 hours). It is also possible to travel to Guernsey by high speed catamarans from Weymouth and Poole. However, they do not operate in bad weather.

The airport connects Guernsey with cities in the UK (primarily London) and France (Grenoble, Geneva, Zurich, etc.), as well as with Germany, Ireland and Scotland.

Public transport on the island of Guernsey consists of buses and taxis. You can also rent a bicycle or car to get around Guernsey. Moreover, car rental is possible right at the airport. The cost of such a service will be from $25 per day. Be careful: traffic in Guernsey is on the left!

Connection

Guernsey currently operates on the GSM 900 communication standard. International roaming services are available to subscribers of the largest mobile operators. For calls within Guernsey and to other countries around the world, hotel guests can use a landline telephone installed in the room or at the reception. To access the Internet, many hotels provide Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge to all guests.

Why? Due to its geographical location.

The island of Guernsey is located in the English Channel and is part of the Channel Islands. It is the second largest of the Channel Islands and is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which consists of the islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm, Jethu and Lihu. The island is 14 km long, 8 km wide, and has an area of ​​63 km².
You can see the island of Guernsey on this map, at the very bottom. You immediately noticed that Guernsey is closer to France and belongs to the British Isles. Why?

The history associated with this began back in 933, when the Channel Islands became part of the Norman Crown. But in 1066 the Duke of Normandy stationed his army in Sussex and became King William I. His earldom of Normandy, including the Channel Islands, became the combined kingdom of England and Normandy. 138 years later, King John lost most of the Duchy of Normandy, but Guernsey and the other Channel Islands remained under the British Crown. During this time, the island developed its own system of government and parliamentary institutions, and today it is a self-governing territory.

State structure

Guernsey is a Crown Dependency of the British Crown, but is not part of Great Britain. What does it mean?
Crown lands(or Crown Dependencies) are possessions of the British Crown that are not part of the United Kingdom, but are not overseas territories. Crown lands never had the status of colonies. They are a self-governing territory. Crown lands are not included in the European Union. The Crown Lands together with the United Kingdom make up the British Isles. From the point of view of British nationality law, they are considered part of the United Kingdom. But they have the right to independently decide on issues of housing and employment (in this regard, UK residents are treated here on an equal basis with foreign citizens).

Head of State- British monarch.
Head of the government- bailiff (in pre-revolutionary France, a representative of the king or lord), who is appointed by the monarch. The governor is also appointed by the monarch.
Constitution on the island Guernsey unwritten; partly statuses, partly customary and case law.
official languages: English, French, Guernsey dialect used.
Administrative division– 10 parishes (a church district of the population that has its own special church with a clergy. In a number of European countries, church parishes correspond in territorial scope to the smallest administrative-territorial units). Plus two islands.
Currency– the island’s own money: Guernsey pound.
Economy– crop farming (horticulture, greenhouse floriculture, viticulture, potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower), livestock farming (cattle, sheep), fishing (flounder, mackerel) and oyster farming.
Since the 1960s Offshore companies are registered on the island, which brings significant income to the island's residents.
Tourism is developed.
Capital– St. Peter Port.
Population– 63 thousand people. The majority of the population are Guernseyans - 61%, British 39%.
Climate– soft, moderate.
Religion– Protestants 70%, Catholics 20%.

State symbols

Flag- flag of the crown possession of the British Crown of Guernsey.
Adopted in 1985, it represents the flag of England with the yellow cross of William the Conqueror inside a red cross.

Coat of arms- is a red shield depicting three British lions. At the top of the coat of arms in the center there is a golden sprout. At the same time it resembles the coats of arms of Normandy, England and Jersey.

Nature

The islands contain many trees, shrubs and wild flowers. Decorative flowers are grown in special farms for commercial purposes. The forested areas are home to the Philippine sika deer, and towards the west you can find huge lizards. Some individuals grow up to a meter in length. Fur seals live on the northern coast of Guernsey, and you can see sea turtles, whales, and dolphins.

The island of Guernsey is known for its white beaches, clean sea air and friendly people.
Puffins live on Burhu Island. These funny birds, recognizable by their orange beaks, are carefully protected. The bird's body length is 30-35 cm, weight 450-500 g. The high, brightly colored beak is strongly compressed from the sides. The back is black, the underparts are white. Paws are orange-red. Puffins walk, fly, swim and dive well using their wings and paws.

The island is a bird sanctuary, so it is legally prohibited to go down to the island from March 15 to July 27. There is no permanent resident population on the island.

Attractions of the island of Guernsey

Castle Cornet

This castle was located on a tidal island, but is now connected to the mainland by the breakwater of St Peter Port Harbour.
The castle was built between 1206 and 1256. after the conquest of the islands by England. In 1339, the island was captured by France, the castle was destroyed, and the garrison was exterminated. In 1545-1548 it was restored and served as the residence of the Governor of Guernsey. In 1672, the castle's armory was struck by lightning and it was destroyed by an explosion, killing many people in it, including the governor's mother and wife.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the castle was included in the port fortification system, and in 1887, for the 50th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria, a yacht marina was built nearby, which served as a base for seaplanes during the First World War.
In 1945 the castle was handed over to the people of the island. Currently, it houses the Maritime Museum, the Castle History Museum, museums of military units based in Guernsey, as well as a restaurant and summer theater area.

Lihu Island

It is part of the Channel Islands to the west of the island. Guernsey. Its area is only 15.6 hectares. The house on Lihu Island was used as a target for artillery practice by the Third Reich during the occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II. Now the house has been rebuilt and is used as a school. Before the invasion, there was an iodine factory on the island, which was destroyed by the Germans.

Sausmarez Manor

House in St. Martin on the island. Guernsey. The date of its construction is the 13th century. Its top floor is still residential. This house has a rather long and complicated history, but now it is a favorite visiting place for island residents and tourists. A subtropical garden with many exotic plant species, two small lakes, and an ancient forest create an atmosphere of peace and freedom.
On the territory of Sausmarez Manor there is a park of sculptures, which are exhibited in the subtropical garden every year in the amount of about 200. The park usually opens in May.

Fort Gray is a Genoese tower on the west coast of the island. Guernsey. It was built by the British in 1804 to defend against Napoleon's army.

Named after Charles Gray, who was Governor of Guernsey from 1797 to 1807. In 1891, the British War Office sold the fort to the island for £185. During World War II, Fort Gray was occupied by the Germans. Now there is a museum on the territory of the fort.

Fort Hommet

Built on the site of fortifications from 1680, it consists of the Martello Tower (1804), later Victorian additions and bunkers and casemates built by the Germans during the Second World War.
After the liberation of Guernsey in 1945, the British Army dismantled the fortifications. By the end of the 1940s, all metal and equipment, including weapons, were sent for scrap. More recently, the States of Guernsey restored part of the fort and it is now open to visitors, albeit with time restrictions.

Parish of St. Andrew on the island. Guernsey

Here is the smallest chapel in the world, resembling a huge toy. This is a miniature building, decorated with mosaics and surrounded by flowers.

The island of Guernsey in the novel by V. Hugo

Most of the events in Victor Hugo's novel "Toilers of the Sea" take place on the island of Guernsey. It describes the nature and sights of Guernsey in the first half of the 19th century, the life and customs of the island’s indigenous inhabitants.
Most of the events in the novel The Book and Potato Peel Pie Club by M. Schaeffer and E. Barrows also take place in Guernsey. The novel tells about war and post-war events in Guernsey.

Guernsey sweater

A type of knitted outerwear that originated on the island of Guernsey.
At the end of the 15th century. The island of Guernsey received a royal privilege to import English wool to Normandy and Spain and further export the final products. The first mention of the word guernsey as a designation of a special type of clothing outside the island dates back to 1851.
The Guernsey sweater was created for the needs of fishermen who needed warm, practical and relatively waterproof clothing. The Guernsey sweater has these qualities thanks to a special knitting method. A distinctive feature of the original Guernsey sweaters is a special method of seamless knitting with complete symmetry of the front and back halves, allowing it to be worn on either side. The patterns of the classic Guernsey sweater represent the everyday items of sailors: the seam on the shoulder is knitted in the form of a rope, the ribs of the upper part of the sleeve symbolize the rope ladder of the ship, the braids knitted along the shoulder seam and the bottom of the sweater symbolize the waves. One of the distinctive design details of knitwear is the diamond-shaped panels sewn into the armpits to facilitate movement.
Traditionally, sweaters were knitted by fishermen's wives; the craft of knitting sweaters was passed on from mother to daughter. Although sweaters are now partly made by machine, the final finishing is done by hand.

Guernsey sweaters are used by Her Majesty's armed forces. Nowadays they are part of the uniform of the Royal Navy and the British Army and have the corresponding colors. RRNLI crews based near the British Isles have been wearing Guernsey wool sweaters for many years.

Population of the country 65,228 people Territory of Guernsey 78 km² Located on the continent of Europe Capital of Guernsey St. Peter Port Money in Guernsey Guernsey pound Domain zone.gg Country telephone code +44-1481

Hotels

There is a large selection of hotels on the island: from resort hotels to affordable student hostels. Most hotels have adopted British traditions; in particular, breakfast is almost always included in the room price. Alternatively, you can stay in a boarding house. This is when local residents rent out three or four rooms in their own home.

Guernsey Climate: Temperate, with mild winters and cool summers. About 50% of the days a year are cloudy.

Attractions

The island is small, you can travel the length and breadth of it on a bicycle in a day; local attractions will be of interest to travelers who have traveled half of Europe.

Castle Cornet was built at the beginning of the 13th century. Its restoration has just recently been completed. The castle is the property of the people of the island, so entry to its territory is free. You can climb onto the tower, which offers a beautiful view of the entire island and the bay.

You can get to the neighboring tiny islands of Herm and Sark, where cars are prohibited and you can only travel by horse and bicycle.

Landscape of Guernsey:: Flat plateau with low hills in the south.

Museums

House-Museum of Victor Hugo. In fact, it belonged to him from 1856-1870. It was purchased by the writer during his exile. This is a three-story mansion where you can see furniture and interiors of the 19th century, Hugo’s preserved personal belongings, and also take a walk or have a picnic in the cozy museum garden.

Guernsey has resources like: : Arable land.

Leisure

Guernsey is a great place to relax from the bustle of the city. Long walks or bike rides, leisurely time on the beach with a book, trips to art galleries and coffee shops. Recently, culinary tours have become widespread - these are tastings of local dishes coupled with cooking master classes.

In November, a wonderful holiday is held for tourists on the island - Tennerfest. This is when you can eat for £10 in local restaurants or cafes. The beginning of May (until the ninth) is marked by Liberation Day (like our Victory Day).

Transport

You can get to Guernsey by ferry from the UK or by plane from London (alternatively from Paris or Geneva).

Public transport - taxis and buses. You can rent a bicycle or a car.

Standard of living

The island of Guernsey, like Jersey, is located in the English Channel and is also a possession of Great Britain, while being a separate country. Guernsey is an offshore zone, making it an attractive country for doing business. Local residents are engaged in crop production, livestock farming, fishing, oyster farming, or working for the state. There is a low crime rate here.

Cities

Saint Peter Port is the capital of a miniature country. The city is somewhat similar to Riga: narrow streets coupled with medieval buildings create a certain atmosphere. Saint-Peters-Port - despite its miniature size, is very beautiful and well-groomed. The architecture suffered little from the German occupation, so there is a lot to see here.

Geography

Guernsey is the second largest (area - 63 km²) among the Channel Islands. Guernsey includes other small islands. The total area of ​​the entire territory occupies 78 km².

Story

Administrative division

There are 10 parishes on the island of Guernsey itself; in addition, a separate parish is the parish of St. Anne on the island of Alderney, which is part of this crown possession. The islands of Sark and Herm are not included in any of the parishes, being independent units within the Bailiwick.

Economy

Plant growing (gardening, greenhouse floriculture, viticulture, potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower) and livestock raising (cattle, sheep) are developed. Fishing (flounder, mackerel) and oyster farming are practiced.

Significant income brings residents of the island the status of a “tax paradise”: since the 1960s. Offshore companies are registered on the island. Tourism is also developed.

The island issues its own money, the Guernsey pound.

Attractions

In 1993, a program was launched to protect the military-historical values ​​of the island. The coastline of Guernsey is home to many castles, forts, fortresses and watchtowers that are a legacy of the island's rich military past, as it has been favored by its geographical location.

Island in culture

Most of the events in Victor Hugo's novel "Toilers of the Sea" take place on the island of Guernsey. It gives vivid descriptions of the nature and sights of Guernsey in the first half of the 19th century, as well as the life and customs of the island’s indigenous inhabitants.

Also, most of the events in the novel The Book and Potato Peel Pie Club (Schaeffer, Barrows) take place in Guernsey. The novel tells the story of war and post-war Guernsey.

The first mission in the computer game “Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty” takes place on the island of Guernsey.

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Excerpt describing Guernsey

Prince Andrei stood on horseback on the battery, looking at the smoke of the gun from which the cannonball flew out. His eyes darted across the vast space. He only saw that the previously motionless masses of the French were swaying, and that there really was a battery to the left. The smoke has not yet cleared from it. Two French cavalry, probably adjutants, galloped along the mountain. A clearly visible small column of the enemy was moving downhill, probably to strengthen the chain. The smoke of the first shot had not yet cleared when another smoke and a shot appeared. The battle has begun. Prince Andrei turned his horse and galloped back to Grunt to look for Prince Bagration. Behind him, he heard the cannonade becoming more frequent and louder. Apparently, our people were starting to respond. Below, in the place where the envoys were passing, rifle shots were heard.
Le Marrois (Le Marierois), with a menacing letter from Bonaparte, had just galloped up to Murat, and the ashamed Murat, wanting to make amends for his mistake, immediately moved his troops to the center and bypassing both flanks, hoping to crush the insignificant one standing in front of him before the evening and before the arrival of the emperor. him, squad.
"Began! Here it is!" thought Prince Andrei, feeling how the blood began to flow more often to his heart. “But where? How will my Toulon be expressed? he thought.
Driving between the same companies that ate porridge and drank vodka a quarter of an hour ago, he saw everywhere the same quick movements of soldiers forming up and dismantling guns, and on all their faces he recognized the feeling of revival that was in his heart. "Began! Here it is! Scary and fun! " the face of every soldier and officer spoke.
Before he even reached the fortification under construction, he saw in the evening light of a cloudy autumn day horsemen moving towards him. The vanguard, in a burka and a cap with smashkas, rode on a white horse. It was Prince Bagration. Prince Andrei stopped, waiting for him. Prince Bagration stopped his horse and, recognizing Prince Andrei, nodded his head to him. He continued to look ahead while Prince Andrei told him what he saw.
Expression: “It has begun!” here it is!" it was even on the strong brown face of Prince Bagration with half-closed, dull, as if sleep-deprived eyes. Prince Andrey peered with restless curiosity into this motionless face, and he wanted to know whether he was thinking and feeling, and what he was thinking, what this man was feeling at that moment? “Is there anything at all there, behind that motionless face?” Prince Andrei asked himself, looking at him. Prince Bagration bowed his head as a sign of agreement to the words of Prince Andrey, and said: “Okay,” with such an expression, as if everything that happened and what was reported to him was exactly what he had already foreseen. Prince Andrei, out of breath from the speed of the ride, spoke quickly. Prince Bagration pronounced the words with his Eastern accent especially slowly, as if instilling that there was no need to rush. He, however, started to trot his horse towards Tushin's battery. Prince Andrei and his retinue went after him. Behind Prince Bagration were following: a retinue officer, the prince's personal adjutant, Zherkov, an orderly, an officer on duty on an anglicized beautiful horse and a civil servant, an auditor, who, out of curiosity, asked to go to battle. The auditor, a plump man with a full face, looked around with a naive smile of joy, shaking on his horse, presenting a strange appearance in his camelot overcoat on a Furshtat saddle among the hussars, Cossacks and adjutants.
“He wants to watch the battle,” Zherkov said to Bolkonsky, pointing to the auditor, “but his stomach hurts.”
“Well, that’s enough for you,” said the auditor with a beaming, naive and at the same time sly smile, as if he was flattered that he was the subject of Zherkov’s jokes, and as if he was deliberately trying to seem stupider than he really was.
“Tres drole, mon monsieur prince, [Very funny, my lord prince," said the officer on duty. (He remembered that in French they specifically say the title prince, and could not get it right.)
At this time they were all already approaching the Tushin battery, and a cannonball hit in front of them.
- Why did it fall? – the auditor asked, smiling naively.
“French flatbreads,” said Zherkov.
- This is what they hit you with, then? – asked the auditor. - What passion!
And he seemed to be blooming with pleasure. He had barely finished speaking when an unexpectedly terrible whistle was heard again, which suddenly stopped with a blow to something liquid, and sh sh sh slap - the Cossack, riding somewhat to the right and behind the auditor, collapsed with his horse to the ground. Zherkov and the duty officer bent down in their saddles and turned their horses away. The auditor stopped in front of the Cossack, examining him with attentive curiosity. The Cossack was dead, the horse was still struggling.
Prince Bagration, squinting, looked around and, seeing the cause of the confusion, turned away indifferently, as if saying: is it worth engaging in nonsense! He stopped his horse with the manner of a good rider, leaned over a little and straightened the sword that had caught on his cloak. The sword was old, not like the ones they used now. Prince Andrei remembered the story of how Suvorov in Italy presented his sword to Bagration, and at that moment this memory was especially pleasant to him. They drove up to the very battery where Bolkonsky stood when he was looking at the battlefield.