We conclude our multi-part series on the life of Harry Vardon, one of the greatest golfers in history. We rejoin him in New York City in 1900, on the brink of global fame. The boy from Grouville in Jersey would go on to ignite a wave of enthusiasm for golf in America. 

Vardon's life was a blend of professional triumph and heartbreaking personal tragedy. The world he knew has passed into history. Yet over a century since his six Open victories, his record stands unbroken. 

Harry Vardon was born in Jersey and went on to become one of the greatest golfers of all time. This episode continues his story of heartbreaking personal tragedy and breathtaking professional triumph. It opens in the mist-shrouded streets of St Helier and ends in the lavish opulence of the finest hotel in New York City. 

[Sensitivity warning: contains themes of baby loss and bereavement].

Harry Vardon grew up in poverty, in a tiny cottage in rural Jersey. He would live to become a legendary sportsman and a household name. Today he is remembered worldwide as a founding father of the modern game of golf.  In the previous episode, we met him as a small boy, on the day that strangers came to seize the common land around his home. They created the Royal Jersey Golf Club before his eyes - and the young lad was entranced. In this episode, Vardon's story continues.

Harry Vardon grew up in poverty, in a tiny cottage in rural Jersey. He would become a founding father of the modern game of golf.  He singlehandedly revolutionised its play; his innovative Vardon grip became the global standard. When he toured America, the world beat a path to his door. His duel with Francis Ouimet lit the touchpaper for the golf mania that would consume the USA in the twentieth century.

When Vardon took the radical step of sporting knickerbockers, the golfing world spun on a dime and embraced this novel fashion. With his obsessive practice regime, his consummate discipline, as much as his effortless style, Vardon was the shape of things to come. This is his story.

Beauport Bay is sublime. The golden sand, towering rock stack and shimmering sea form one of Jersey's most treasured landscapes. The Beauport headland, allowing exclusive access to the bay, was once given as a birthday gift to a very special Lady.

That lady was born Florence Rowe, daughter of a St Helier bookseller, but we know her better as Florence Boot. Her creative vision helped to establish the success of a British household name. Her generosity continues to shape the Island we know today. 

This week's story tells of a shocking Victorian tragedy that unfolded in Grouville Bay, Jersey. An expedition to collect vraic, or seaweed, ended in disaster. I have re-imagined this actual historical event from the perspective of a watcher, surveying with a telescope from the shore.

Today's episode is set in Jersey’s distant past, in the 6th century, in a world where legend and history blend. This is the story of Saint Helier, who gave his life for the people of the town that bears his name. 

Welcome to another episode of the History Islands. In this episode, we complete the story of Sir Walter Raleigh, the former Governor of Jersey, on his final, doomed journey. This story is taken from Jersey: Secrets of the Sea by Paul Darroch.

This week we follow Sir Walter Raleigh, the former Governor of Jersey, on his final, disastrous journey. Under The Line - Raleigh's Last Voyage is an extract from my second book, Jersey: Secrets of the Sea.