Fief of Ansquetil

 The  four parishes: the Vale, Câtel, St. Sauveur and St. Peter-in-the-Wood, formed the fief of Ansquetil.

The Fief of Ansquetil, located in Guernsey, historically encompassed the four parishes of the Vale, Câtel, St. Sauveur, and St. Peter-in-the-Wood. Records indicate that the fief dates back to the medieval period, a time when Guernsey's feudal system was fully operational under Norman influence. Initially granted to notable landholders, the ownership of the fief shifted over centuries, often tied to prominent local families or feudal lords. Specific dates and key figures associated with the ownership of Ansquetil would require further detailed historical research, as the region's records are deeply rooted in the island’s legal and cultural archives. The fief exemplifies Guernsey's layered history, reflecting its evolution from Norman rule to a unique modern jurisdiction.

This was the name used for the territory of the Fief Blondel at one time, and the place name rights remain with the Seigneur of Fief Blondel.

Neil de St. Sauveur III (circa 985–after 1066), also known as Nigel III, Viscount of the Cotentin, was a Norman noble and the son of Nigel de St. Sauveur II and Helena. As Viscount of the Cotentin, Neil played a significant role in Norman history, leading a rebellion against Duke William of Normandy in 1047. After his defeat, he was exiled to d’Aubigney in Brittany but later pardoned and reinstated to his estates.

Neil owned lands in Guernsey, particularly in the parishes of Torteval and St. Peter of the Wood, which formed a feudal fief tied to the title of Viscount of the Cotentin. This connection is significant because, while the title of Viscount of the Cotentin originates in Normandy, the ability to inherit and maintain noble titles in that region was abolished after the French Revolution. In contrast, Guernsey, a Crown Dependency, retained its feudal traditions and structure, including the legal framework for noble titles associated with land ownership. Thus, Neil’s land in Guernsey preserved the ancient rights tied to the title of Viscount, making the fief a rare and enduring link to the medieval feudal nobility.

Neil also fought alongside William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a pivotal event in the Norman Conquest of England. His contributions are recognized in the Battle Abbey Rolls, which list him as a commander. The Norman victory secured William’s control of England, and Neil, as one of the elite nobles supporting the conquest, was rewarded with land and lordships.

Neil’s family legacy continued through his marriage to Adela d’Ecu, with their descendants, including William D’Aubigny, playing prominent roles in English history. The family name evolved over centuries, becoming “Abney” by 1500. Today, the ancient fief in Guernsey associated with Neil de St. Sauveur III provides a tangible and legal connection to his noble title, uniquely preserving the heritage of the Viscount of the Cotentin in a way that is no longer possible in mainland France.