his infinite wisdom suggested that he be granted Sark in return for providing a settlement on it and arranging it's defence.He was also to pay an annual rental of one twelfth of a knights fee, which is about £1.79 in todays money. The idea went down well, and letters of patent were granted to Helier and his heirs on the 6th August 1565 subject to there being at least 40 men who had sworn their allegiance to the English Crown on the island to protect it.

After reserving one sixth of the island for himself, cleverly, in order to attract the 40 men and their families he offered low rental leases on parcels of the remaining land large enough to support a family. But there being no such thing as a free lunch, there was a catch. Each tenant had to supply one man, armed with a musket, ammunition, and provisions, for the defence of the island.

So, in one strategic move, not had he fulfilled his obligation to the English crown to defend the island, he had also made an instant profit. Clever guys these De Carterets !

Of the first 40 tenants of Sark, 39 were either members of Helier's family or tenant farmers on his St. Ouen fief. One of these men was Jean Vibert, of whom you can read more here.