Beryl Pinel

Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 4pm

Meet Beryl and hear about life in rural Jersey during the Occupation years of the Second World War.

In 1943, Hamptonne was partially requisitioned by German troops. The Pinel family remained as tenant farmers, playing a vital role in maintaining food supplies for the Jersey community, and the German troops.

Beryl embodied resourcefulness and determination. Her unwavering resilience ensured that despite the hardships, her family and others reliant on Hamptonne continued to receive vital sustenance. With imported goods scarce and rationing a constant strain, farmers like the Pinels had to adapt to an environment where every crop, every egg and every piece of livestock carried heightened importance.

Farming under Occupation was no small feat. The German forces imposed strict controls, which included the requisition of livestock, equipment and harvested crops. Farmers were required to record and report their yields, often surrendering much of their produce to the occupying authorities. These controls made it immensely difficult to provide for their families, let alone support the wider community. Yet Beryl found ways to sustain morale and maintain a sense of hope among those around her. Working tirelessly from dawn to dusk, she carefully managed what little resources they had, innovating where she could.

Beryl’s ability to adapt and persevere during these dark times underscores the essential role of farmers in preserving not only food supplies, but also the spirit of the Island.

If meeting Beryl Pinel is going to be the highlight of your trip to Hamptonne Country Life Museum, please call +44 (0) 1534 863 955 before you visit to check that performances are confirmed for that date.