I am interested in the number of members and descendants of these three families who migrated to Australia in the las half of the 1800s, almost all of whom settled in or near Melbourne, Victoria - on my present count there are at least six quite separate families who can trace their lineage back to one of these three Jersey names.

My Great-grandmother Amelia de Gruchy married twice, first to Jean Romeril, and then to her cousin Jean de Gruchy; she had one boy by each marriage, and both boys came out to Melbourne. Amelia's younger sister Sophy married George Le Couilliard, and at least 4 and possibly 5 of their 14 children migrated as well. Amelia's 2nd husband Jean de Gruchy had one brother who also came to Australia

The de Gruchy farm, La Carrière near Longueville in the parish of Grouville, was sold to George Le Cuoilliard about the time he married Sophy de Gruchy, and I wonder if anyone could tell me anything about the history of the farm and farmhouse, eg. how long it had been in the de Gruchy family, what previous owners it might have had, and who owns it now, its size and production figures, and any details which would help me to get a picture of the place and its development over the centuries.

I would be glad to hear from anyone who is also interested in the migration from Jersey to Australia in the 19th Century.

Got your message. I know of no connections to Austrailia to our family, however there is a Carriere family website at www.andre-carriere.qc.ca. If you click on the American flag you will get some info in English. You need to be a member to enter most of the site but Claude Carriere who created the site may be able to assist you.
Good luck

Dear Michael,
The Sophie de Gruchy you mentioned (who married George Le Couilliard) is my Great great great grandmother. They had a son Winter Alfred, who in turn had a son, Sydney George, who's son Colin Bowers Le Couilliard was my grandfather and who died in 1974 aged 58. Colin took over running the farm, La Carriere, growing potatoes, tomatoes and lettuces from his father,Sydney (who died in 1979). I have very fond memories growing up around the farm,even moving into it for several years in my early twenties. After my grandfather died in '74' the farm was rented out until eventually it's glasshouses became dangerous to use and only the surrounding cotils and meadows were used for grazing.
Unfortunately in 2006 (on Guy Fawkes / Bonfire night ) a stray firework from a neighbouring property set fire to one of the outbuildings which took control and spread throughout, burning all the farm's buildings. As you can imagine, this was devastating to me, my mother an rest of our family and we have only now been able o get the necessary planning permission and finances to rebuild it as it was, creating self catering holiday cottages out from the farm's granite barns and outbuildings.
I hope this messages reaches you ok, as I see that you posted it in 2003..
Regards

Helier John Falle