Quick search
CTRL+K
Quick search
CTRL+K
Saint Helier is the capital of the Channel Island of Jersey, which is an exotic natural gem located geographically close to metropolises such as London and Paris, but at the same time very far away. It is a place with beautiful nature, interesting sights, pure relaxation and idyllic towns.
Saint Helier has a real urban environment with shopping, café life and cultural offerings, and from here there is not far to the island’s many sights. They span neolithic monuments to the many World War II buildings. The war story is told in many places, just as the whole island is like a photo book with beautiful new sights and panoramas around every street corner.
Jersey, along with the rest of the Channel Islands, is also called the Tidal Islands, and that is not without reason. The difference between high and low tide is enormous, and the phenomenon is something that one does not forget since new small islands suddenly become accessible on foot after being isolated in the sea just a short time before.
St. Helier did not have a port until around 1700, and goods were transported here after unloading in St. Aubin. The first wharves sprang up in St. Helier around 1700, and this was around the so-called Havre Neuf, which is today called French Harbour and is the outermost part of the city’s inner harbour.
In 1733, the inn La Folie Inn opened, which subsequently had actual harbor basins established on each side. To the south, the expansion of French Harbour and to the north, English Harbour.
In 1786 it was decided to build a larger harbour, and four years later the establishment of North Quay, which is the western framework of the Old Harbour today, began. Merchants Quay, now called Commercial Buildings, was built from 1814. The outer harbour facilities, which are now Albert Harbour and Victoria Harbour, were added in the 1840s.
Old Harbour is one of those places where you can follow the tide. The harbour is completely dry at low tide, and the boats rest on the sandy bottom.
Jersey Museum is the place to get an overview of Jersey from Neolithic times to the present day. The development of the island state, its population and its industrial development are just some of the themes in the extensive exhibition. Among the objects you can see are, for example, gold finds from the Bronze Age, as well as many things that describe important themes on the island. The main emphasis is on recent times.
The old part of the museum building was built in 1818 as the home of wealthy shipping magnate Phillippe Nicolle. The house has been renovated to represent Victorian St. Helier. The interior has been restored to the 19th century and the furnishings are period-specific, with preserved gas lamps, which were installed here as one of the first on the island.
Royal Square is the centre of St Heliers and Jersey and has been the setting for several events throughout history. During the Battle of Jersey in 1781, French troops surprised Jersey’s governor, Moses Corbet, and he was taken to the Royal Court building in the square, from where he was to force the British garrisons to surrender. The French plan failed, and Royal Square instead became the scene of the subsequent, brief battles that resulted in a British victory.
In the centre of the square stands a gilded statue of King George II. It is said that the statue was erected after the king donated money for the development of the harbour around 1750. Below the statue’s base is a bronze plaque indicating the point from which distances in Jersey are measured.
Royal Square is St Helier’s former market square, and until 1802 its name was also The Old Market Square/Le Vieux Marchi.
On Royal Square you will find Jersey’s parliament, the States of Jersey. The States Chambers building was built in 1887; until then the institution had been located within the framework of the building next door; the Royal Courts building.
Historically, it was from the balcony of the State Chambers that Alexander Coutanche, Jersey’s Prime Minister, was informed of the German occupation in 1940. Five years later, he was able to proclaim liberation.
The House of Commons is the legislative body of Jersey. The presiding officer of the House is the Bailiff, who does not have the right to vote but who acts as the highest official on the island, excluding the English Lieutenant Governor, who is the monarch’s representative.
The name States of Jersey refers to the Estates, who originally represented the Crown.
In St. Aubin’s Bay off St. Helier lies the tidal island of l’Islet, which is accessible by land at low tide and by amphibious vehicle at high tide.
Before the current castle, monastic buildings were built on the site, which were transferred to the English crown at the Reformation. The ecclesiastical buildings were converted for military purposes.
In 1594, construction began on the actual castle, Elizabeth Castle, which was to strengthen the island’s defenses after the introduction of cannons into wars; the previous main fortress on Jersey, Mont Orgueil, was no longer capable of withstanding attack.
Construction work extended into the 17th century under Governor Sir Walter Raleigh, who named the site after Queen Elizabeth I. The new castle also became the governor’s new residence; it was also moved here from Mont Orgueil.
In the mid-17th century, there were hostilities around Elizabeth Castle, and in 1651 the ammunition depot, which was the site’s former medieval church, was destroyed. Today, a parade ground has been built on the site of the church.
Elizabeth Castle was also involved in the Battle of Jersey on 6 January 1781, when French troops, through cunning and surprise, forced the castle to formally surrender. However, the garrison fought on and won.
In 1923, Britain closed down Elizabeth Castle as a garrison, and the castle was given to Jersey and opened as a museum. In addition to the castle itself, various military effects can be seen, and various events are held at the castle on an ongoing basis.
At the Maritime Museum, you can experience Jersey’s historical and contemporary relationship with the surrounding sea. Boatbuilding, sailing and the elements of nature are central themes at the museum, which describes, for example, the impact of tides, wind and weather on the island and its people.
In the same place as the Maritime Museum, you can also admire the Occupation Tapestry, created by Jersey citizens as a reminder of the occupation and liberation during World War II. The tapestry depicts the history of the war, and the work was created by approximately 300 residents, who spent a total of more than 30,000 hours sewing the 7,500,000 stitches that make up the tapestry. The large work is divided into 12 panels, and each of Jersey’s 12 parishes was responsible for the creation of one of the panels.
Liberation Square is one of St Helier’s central squares and is a link between the central town and the harbour. The most striking feature of the square is the fine arrangement of fountains, benches and planting around a statue depicting some of Jersey’s citizens raising the British flag. The statue was erected in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation in 1945.
One of the dominant buildings in the square is the former St Helier railway station. The station dates from 1901 and was the starting point for the line to St Aubin and La Corbière to the west and southwest. The first line opened in 1870 between St Helier and St Aubin, and in 1899 the line reached La Corbière. The last train ran in 1936, and part of the line was later converted into a cycle path.
The Central Market in St. Helier, Jersey, is a bustling indoor market that has been a cornerstone of the community since its opening in 1882. This historic market is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and the wide variety of goods it offers. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the charming Victorian architecture, characterized by fine cast iron structures and intricate detailing that transport you back in time.
The market is a sensory delight, with stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal foods, and an array of colorful flowers. Local vendors proudly display their wares, from seasonal fruits and vegetables to freshly baked bread and pastries. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of blooming flowers, creating an inviting ambiance.
This church is the Anglican parish church of St Helier. The church, like the town, is named after the Belgian hermit Helier, who lived on an island in St. Aubins Bay and was canonized in the year 555. It is believed that the first chapel on this site was built at this time.
The oldest of the current church building dates from the 10th-11th centuries. Several extensions followed in the following centuries, including the tower in the 13th century.
Following the Reformation in the 1540s, this, like other Jersey churches, was greatly simplified in its interior to make it appear as Calvinist churches. During fighting in 1651, the parish church was damaged several times by cannonballs, but was subsequently repaired.
In the 19th century, the church and its cemetery were framed by the wall that can still be seen. Before this and the land acquisitions that took place at the same time, the cemetery faced the water.
St. Thomas’ Church is the largest church in Jersey, and its grand interior forms a beautiful church space. The church was built in the 1880s for the local French-speaking Catholic congregation. Until 1999, it was named after the Virgin Mary and is called the cathedral by some. However, it is formally subordinate to the cathedral in Portsmouth, England.
After the Reformation, the Catholic Church did not exist on Jersey until refugees from the French Revolution gradually reached a certain number, prompting priests to establish the first Catholic chapel in 1805. Today, the church serves everyone, not least Catholic immigrants from, for example, Poland and Portugal.
Beresford Fish Market, located in the heart of St. Helier, Jersey, has been an asset in the city since it first opened its doors in 1841. This historic market has long been a hub for seafood lovers, offering a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. The market’s enduring charm lies in its ability to blend tradition with modernity, creating a unique shopping experience that has stood the test of time.
As you enter Beresford Fish Market, you’re greeted by the sight of glistening fish and seafood displayed on ice, with vendors proudly showcasing their daily catches. The market is known for its high-quality offerings, including everything from locally caught shellfish and crustaceans to a diverse selection of fish. In addition to the fish shops, the market is home to several small restaurants and eateries that specialize in seafood dishes.
The town hall of St. Helier was built in French style, and it was completed in 1872. The building originally served as the headquarters for the St. Helier Fire Brigade until after the First World War. Following this period, the building transitioned to become the home of the city council, a role it continues to fulfill to this day.
In addition to its administrative functions, the town hall is a venue for a variety of private and public events. Its elegant rooms and historic charm make it a popular choice for weddings, conferences, and community gatherings. The largest and most notable room within the town hall is the Assembly Room.
The history of Jersey opera dates back to 1865, when Henry Cornwall built the Cornwall’s Royal Amphitheatre and Circus. The theatre burned down in 1899.
In 1900 the current building opened, now as an opera house. The opening performance was The Degenerates with Lillie Langtry from Jersey in the cast. After a fire in 1921, the opera house reopened the following year in a rebuilt version, which, among other things, had been designed to better show films, for which there was increasing interest.
In 1995, the state bought the opera, and after a thorough renovation of the building, the opera was able to reopen on July 9, 2000, which was the centennial of the first opera’s premiere.
South Hill is a hill with a lovely park, from which there is a beautiful view of the harbour of St. Helier and an extensive view along the entire south-east coast of Jersey.
Formerly known as Le Petit Mont de la Ville, the site was a fortified outpost of Fort Regent, which lies just north of the hill. The fortification consisted of 6” gun emplacements; they were removed in 1928 when the area was transferred to St. Helier.
Fort Regent is located on the Mount Bingham ridge in the centre of St. Helier and was therefore a suitable site for a fort, as the site was built from 1806 in anticipation of a possible war with Napoleonic France. The site was largely completed in 1814, and it was used as a British military installation until 1927. In 1940-1945, the German occupying forces used Fort Regent as barracks and installed anti-aircraft guns on the high ground.
After being sold in 1804, the Jersey government bought Fort Regent back in 1958 and for the first nine years the area was used as a coal depot. In 1967, the first proposals were made to transform the old fort into a new asset for the citizens of the town, and the entire former fortress area has now been transformed into a conference and recreation area, with halls for meetings, sports and events of many kinds. Among the activities are some walking trails in the area, and from the fort’s bastions there are beautiful views of St. Helier.
On top of Fort Regent is the only remaining, working signal station in the British Isles. The station’s history dates back to 1708, when three signal stations were built on Jersey. Their purpose was to act as communication posts in the event of a possible invasion. After the Battle of Jersey in 1781, the island’s parliament ordered a further seven stations to be built along the coast of Jersey.
After the Napoleonic Wars, three signal stations were left standing, including this one at Fort Regent. They were now to provide maritime services with weather reports and information about ship installations.
In the 19th century, 86 different signals were used, using not least various flags and balls. Today, few signals are maintained, while other communications have taken over the previous tasks from the station.
Mont Orgueil Castle is Jersey’s mighty, historic defence, built to protect the island and its inhabitants. The castle sits majestically above the harbour and town of Gorey, and its strategic position is clearly visible.
The current castle was built in 1204 on the site of an earlier fortified castle. In 1204, the Duchy of Normandy was divided, creating new defensive needs in the area; this led to the construction of Mont Orgueil Castle, which was completed in 1450.
The castle’s military role expanded with the development of weapons and military strategies, and in its place, Elizabeth Castle was built off St. Helier. After being used as a prison for some decades, Mont Orgueil Castle ceased to be used in the 17th century, and in 1691 the site was described as a ruin.
In the 1730s, repairs were made to Mont Orgueil Castle to serve as a barracks. In 1907, ownership passed to Jersey, and 22 years later the castle was opened as a museum. During World War II, German troops used the castle as a barracks, but it has otherwise been open to visitors.
Mont Orgueil Castle stands with walls and towers as a monument to a bygone military era. You can walk everywhere in the quite nice building, and as the residence of the island’s governor there was also housing and other civilian facilities in the castle. From the top of the castle there is a magnificent view of the countryside, the town of Gorey and the vast sea.
Le Hocq Tower is a typical example of the defensive towers that were built around Jersey to counter a possible French invasion in the late 18th century. The island’s governor, General Conway, initiated construction, and the first four towers were completed in 1779.
The tower’s entrance is located at the height of the first floor, which was a way of defending itself. The entrance ladder could be easily removed if enemies approached. On the ground floor there were storage rooms and ammunition, while on the top two floors there was accommodation for the tower’s one officer and eight to ten private soldiers.
The exterior of the tower slopes inwards towards the top. The diameter at the base is 10.5 meters against 8.7 meters at the top. A cannon position was arranged at the top of the tower, and four loopholes allowed the tower’s soldiers to fire down on enemies.
This part of the Jersey coast is also one of the most exposed at low tide, exposing the rugged seabed. It can also be interesting to see.
La Hougue Bie is one of Jersey’s interesting historical monuments. It is a burial of boulders, a so-called passage tomb, which is a passage grave. The large structure consists of a 20-meter long burial chamber, on which a 12-meter mound of earth has been established on top. On top, a chapel was built in the Middle Ages.
La Hougue Bie was excavated in 1925, but the site’s history dates back to the Neolithic period, around 6,000 years ago, when it had ritual significance. La Hougie Bie is now one of the largest and best-preserved European passageways of its kind.
On the mound above the trench lies a chapel from the Middle Ages. From here there is a fine view, and during World War II it was used as a lookout post, and an underground bunker was also built below the mound; this is now open to visitors.
There is access to La Hougue Bie, which is located in beautiful natural surroundings. The experience of standing in a 6,000-year-old room gives a special feeling.
Samares Palace is particularly famous for its beautiful gardens, which were established by Sir James Knott in the 1920s. The gardens are among the most beautiful in Jersey with their many plants and diverse plants. Among other things, you can see a Japanese garden, a vegetable garden, a water garden, a herb garden and various formal gardens.
Tours are arranged at Samares Palace. You can also see the other buildings on the site, which include the Jersey Rural Life and Carriage Museum.
The tunnel complex Ho8 (Höhlgangsanlage 8) is also known as the Jersey War Tunnels. It was built by the Germans between 1941 and 1945 as a colossal facility dug into the rocks of Jersey. The complex, with its natural protection inside the mountain, was intended, among other things, for weapons storage and production.
Due to the fighting in World War II, the many tunnels were instead converted into an underground hospital, with a capacity of 500 patients. However, the site was never used for this purpose.
Today, the impressive structure stands as a monument to Jersey’s history from 1940 to 1945. In the tunnels, a thorough exhibition has been built up, so that you can go through the course of the war on Jersey in chronological order. The start is the first threats to the island, and after experiences of the course and themes of the occupation, the exhibition ends with the German surrender on 9 May 1945 and the subsequent reflection on the years.
Prisoners helped build the tunnels, and there is also a memorial at the site to those who participated in the work.
On the north-west corner of Jersey, Grosnez Castle was built around 1330 by order of Sir John des Roches. It was built 60 metres above sea level and surrounded by water on three sides. A moat was built to secure the fourth side of land, and access to the castle was only via a drawbridge at the castle gate.
In 1373 and again in 1381, French troops captured the castle, and it is believed that it was destroyed in the years 1461-1468 during the French occupation of the island.
Today the castle stands as a ruin, and the castle gate is seen as the most characteristic of the few preserved parts. Originally there was also a castle wall, and within the castle there were two buildings that were to house personnel, ammunition and supplies.
From the beautiful natural area by the castle, in clear weather there is a magnificent view of the coast and, among other things, the islands of Guernsey and Sark to the northwest. In 1806, a naval signal station was established here with the purpose of sending messages to Guernsey.
La Corbière Lighthouse stands picturesquely atop rugged cliffs off Jersey’s southwestern tip. It was commissioned in 1874 and was the first reinforced concrete lighthouse in the British Isles. In 1976, the 19-metre-high lighthouse was automated.
The rocky island on which La Corbière Lighthouse stands is a tidal island, so at low tide the island is connected to the island of Jersey itself. The location and the tides have made the lighthouse one of Jersey’s landmarks.
Guernsey is an island where exotic nature and history are very interesting. You feel like you are in an oasis everywhere, even though it is a short distance from metropolises such as London and Paris. With its pleasant climate and pure idyll, Guernsey is a haven that you wouldn’t believe is in the middle of Western Europe.
St Peter Port is the capital, and its cozy streets with an urban environment offer shopping, café life and cultural offerings. From the city, it is a short distance to all the island’s many attractions, not least the omnipresent nature and the many buildings from World War II.
Guernsey, along with the rest of the Channel Islands, is also called the Tidal Islands, and it is not without reason. The difference between high and low tide is colossal, and the phenomenon is something that you don’t forget when new small islands suddenly become accessible on foot after having been isolated in the sea only a short time before.
50-52 King Street, Saint Helier
degruchys.com
Albert House, La Route De La Liberation, Saint Helier
libertywharf.je
26-32 King Street
voisins.com
King Street, Queen Street
Aquasplash
La Rue de l’Etau, St Helier
aquasplash.je
Valley Adventure Center
Mont a la Brune, St. Brelade
valleyadventure.je
aMaizin! Adventure Park, La Hougue Farm
La Grande Route De St Pierre, St Peter
jerseyleisure.com
Jersey Zoo
La Profonde Rue, Trinity
durrell.org
The Pallot Steam, Motor & General Museum
Rue de Bechet, Trinity
pallotmuseum.co.uk
Jersey’s history as an inhabited area goes back a long way, and many places today can see tombs and stonework from Neolithic times.
Jersey, along with the other Channel Islands, were part of the Roman Empire until the British conquered the island in the 400-500s during their migration to today’s British Isles. The 500s was also the time when Saint Helier of present-day Belgium brought Christianity to Jersey, then called Angia, and the island’s capital has since been named after him.
Vikings lived in the region from the 8th century, however, the island’s political ties continued toward England until 933, when Duke William I of Normandy conquered the Cotentin Peninsula and the Channel Islands. In 1066, Duke William II won the last Saxon king of England, Harold II Godvinson, and he became king of England. However, he ruled the Channel Islands separately.
In 1204, the Duchy of Normandy became the fate year. King Philip II of France won the area from King John of England, but at that event the Channel Islands were separated from the continental part of Normandy, and they were granted self-governing status directly under the English crown; a status that continues to apply according to the wording of the Constitution of King John (Johan).
After 1204, the Channel Islands lay as a potential point of contention between England and France, and its location close to France caused the French king to claim the islands until 1259, when the claim was abandoned with the Paris Treaty. At the same time, the English king gave up claiming the possessions on the French mainland of the former duchy lost in 1204.
Following the status of the Paris Treaty and the Channel Islands directly under the crown, the king introduced a form of government in which the government was made by a bailiff and a direct representative of the king, the lieutenant governor of the day. At this time, the division into Jersey and Guernsey also happened as separate areas with each their autonomy.
In the following centuries, however, the Channel Islands were not spared wars. During the Hundred Years War, the islands were attacked several times and also occupied in the 1380s. During the Rose Wars between factions in the English royal house, France occupied the islands 1461-1468 before Sir Richard Harliston demanded them return to England.
Around the year 1600, the defense of Jersey was expanded to withstand the modern weapons of the time with ever-stronger cannon power. Not least this resulted in the establishment of the castle of Elizabeth Castle off the capital St Helier. The castle was started during Sir Walter Raleigh’s reign as Governor 1600-1603.
In 1646 the later King Karl II visited Jersey, and on February 17, 1649, he returned to the island. On this day he was proclaimed king for the first time after his father’s death at Royal Square in St Helier. The order made the Jersey bailiff, George Carteret, who stood on the king’s side during the battles between royalists and parliamentarians. As Karl II’s thanks for Carteret’s support, a colony in America was named New Jersey.
At that time, Jersey developed significantly in trade and production. Wool and fishing were great in business, including large catches in the seas at Newfoundland. This development led to the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce in 1768.
In the latter half of the 18th century, war again came to Jersey, which became a piece of England and France’s struggle for colonies and dominions in various parts of the world. However, it was the Dutch who attempted an invasion of Jersey in 1779. Two years later, on January 6, 1781, French troops under the command of the Rullecourt briefly captured St Helier after a surprise maneuver. However, the Battle of Jersey was quickly over as English troops under Major Peirson overcame the French on the same day.
After a time of military focus in the context of the Napoleonic wars, peace came, and it lurked on the many military roads that connected the defense forces and St Helier. Previously isolated agricultural areas could suddenly get rid of goods easily and efficiently, and with exports to England and France it created growth on the island with the mild and favorable climate.
In the 19th century, an avalanche also occurred against an English-speaking island. Traditionally, the main language had been French, but the presence of English soldiers and an increasing number of English-speaking newcomers changed the balance.
In the 19th century, a significant part of the economy was shipbuilding, with Jersey being one of the most productive places in the British Isles. Traditional wool and cider production was back in the same period, but with Jersey Jersey a new agricultural success was established. The 19th century also marked the beginning of the development of tourism to Jersey.
In the 1900s, Jersey became very involved in World War II, with German troops occupying the island in the years 1940-1945. The Channel Islands were the only British territories occupied during the war, and in Jersey the Germans remained until 9 May 1945, despite being cut off from direct support from the mainland following the Allied invasion in 1944. During the war years there was considerable construction activity by the defense works, and it is seen everywhere on the island today.
In the latter half of the 20th century, tourism increased, and from the 1960s Jersey became known as the home of head offices or branches of many international banks and financial institutions.
Saint Helier Jersey[/caption]
Overview of Saint Helier
Saint Helier is the capital of the Channel Island of Jersey, which is an exotic natural gem located geographically close to metropolises such as London and Paris, but at the same time very far away. It is a place with beautiful nature, interesting sights, pure relaxation and idyllic towns.
Saint Helier has a real urban environment with shopping, café life and cultural offerings, and from here there is not far to the island’s many sights. They span neolithic monuments to the many World War II buildings. The war story is told in many places, just as the whole island is like a photo book with beautiful new sights and panoramas around every street corner.
About the Whitehorse travel guide
Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
Published: Released soon
Author: Stig Albeck
Publisher: Vamados.com
Language: English
About the travel guide
The Whitehorse travel guide gives you an overview of the sights and activities of the Canadian city. Read about top sights and other sights, and get a tour guide with tour suggestions and detailed descriptions of all the city’s most important churches, monuments, mansions, museums, etc.
Whitehorse is waiting for you, and at vamados.com you can also find cheap flights and great deals on hotels for your trip. You just select your travel dates and then you get flight and accommodation suggestions in and around the city.
Read more about Whitehorse and Canada
Canada Travel Guide: https://vamados.com/canada
City tourism: https://visitwhite-horse.ca
Main Page: https://www.vamados.com/
Buy the travel guide
Click the “Add to Cart” button to purchase the travel guide. After that you will come to the payment, where you enter the purchase and payment information. Upon payment of the travel guide, you will immediately receive a receipt with a link to download your purchase. You can download the travel guide immediately or use the download link in the email later.
Use the travel guide
When you buy the travel guide to Whitehorse you get the book online so you can have it on your phone, tablet or computer – and of course you can choose to print it. Use the maps and tour suggestions and you will have a good and content-rich journey.
At the Maritime Museum, you can experience Jersey’s historical and contemporary relationship with the surrounding sea. Boatbuilding, sailing and the elements of nature are central themes at the museum, which describes, for example, the impact of tides, wind and weather on the island and its people.
In the same place as the Maritime Museum, you can also admire the Occupation Tapestry, created by Jersey citizens as a reminder of the occupation and liberation during World War II. The tapestry depicts the history of the war, and the work was created by approximately 300 residents, who spent a total of more than 30,000 hours sewing the 7,500,000 stitches that make up the tapestry. The large work is divided into 12 panels, and each of Jersey’s 12 parishes was responsible for the creation of one of the panels.
Liberation Square is one of St Helier’s central squares and is a link between the central town and the harbour. The most striking feature of the square is the fine arrangement of fountains, benches and planting around a statue depicting some of Jersey’s citizens raising the British flag. The statue was erected in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation in 1945.
One of the dominant buildings in the square is the former St Helier railway station. The station dates from 1901 and was the starting point for the line to St Aubin and La Corbière to the west and southwest. The first line opened in 1870 between St Helier and St Aubin, and in 1899 the line reached La Corbière. The last train ran in 1936, and part of the line was later converted into a cycle path.
The Central Market in St. Helier, Jersey, is a bustling indoor market that has been a cornerstone of the community since its opening in 1882. This historic market is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and the wide variety of goods it offers. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the charming Victorian architecture, characterized by fine cast iron structures and intricate detailing that transport you back in time.
The market is a sensory delight, with stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal foods, and an array of colorful flowers. Local vendors proudly display their wares, from seasonal fruits and vegetables to freshly baked bread and pastries. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of blooming flowers, creating an inviting ambiance.
This church is the Anglican parish church of St Helier. The church, like the town, is named after the Belgian hermit Helier, who lived on an island in St. Aubins Bay and was canonized in the year 555. It is believed that the first chapel on this site was built at this time.
The oldest of the current church building dates from the 10th-11th centuries. Several extensions followed in the following centuries, including the tower in the 13th century.
Following the Reformation in the 1540s, this, like other Jersey churches, was greatly simplified in its interior to make it appear as Calvinist churches. During fighting in 1651, the parish church was damaged several times by cannonballs, but was subsequently repaired.
In the 19th century, the church and its cemetery were framed by the wall that can still be seen. Before this and the land acquisitions that took place at the same time, the cemetery faced the water.
St. Thomas’ Church is the largest church in Jersey, and its grand interior forms a beautiful church space. The church was built in the 1880s for the local French-speaking Catholic congregation. Until 1999, it was named after the Virgin Mary and is called the cathedral by some. However, it is formally subordinate to the cathedral in Portsmouth, England.
After the Reformation, the Catholic Church did not exist on Jersey until refugees from the French Revolution gradually reached a certain number, prompting priests to establish the first Catholic chapel in 1805. Today, the church serves everyone, not least Catholic immigrants from, for example, Poland and Portugal.
Beresford Fish Market, located in the heart of St. Helier, Jersey, has been an asset in the city since it first opened its doors in 1841. This historic market has long been a hub for seafood lovers, offering a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. The market’s enduring charm lies in its ability to blend tradition with modernity, creating a unique shopping experience that has stood the test of time.
As you enter Beresford Fish Market, you’re greeted by the sight of glistening fish and seafood displayed on ice, with vendors proudly showcasing their daily catches. The market is known for its high-quality offerings, including everything from locally caught shellfish and crustaceans to a diverse selection of fish. In addition to the fish shops, the market is home to several small restaurants and eateries that specialize in seafood dishes.
The town hall of St. Helier was built in French style, and it was completed in 1872. The building originally served as the headquarters for the St. Helier Fire Brigade until after the First World War. Following this period, the building transitioned to become the home of the city council, a role it continues to fulfill to this day.
In addition to its administrative functions, the town hall is a venue for a variety of private and public events. Its elegant rooms and historic charm make it a popular choice for weddings, conferences, and community gatherings. The largest and most notable room within the town hall is the Assembly Room.
The history of Jersey opera dates back to 1865, when Henry Cornwall built the Cornwall’s Royal Amphitheatre and Circus. The theatre burned down in 1899.
In 1900 the current building opened, now as an opera house. The opening performance was The Degenerates with Lillie Langtry from Jersey in the cast. After a fire in 1921, the opera house reopened the following year in a rebuilt version, which, among other things, had been designed to better show films, for which there was increasing interest.
In 1995, the state bought the opera, and after a thorough renovation of the building, the opera was able to reopen on July 9, 2000, which was the centennial of the first opera’s premiere.
South Hill is a hill with a lovely park, from which there is a beautiful view of the harbour of St. Helier and an extensive view along the entire south-east coast of Jersey.
Formerly known as Le Petit Mont de la Ville, the site was a fortified outpost of Fort Regent, which lies just north of the hill. The fortification consisted of 6” gun emplacements; they were removed in 1928 when the area was transferred to St. Helier.
Fort Regent is located on the Mount Bingham ridge in the centre of St. Helier and was therefore a suitable site for a fort, as the site was built from 1806 in anticipation of a possible war with Napoleonic France. The site was largely completed in 1814, and it was used as a British military installation until 1927. In 1940-1945, the German occupying forces used Fort Regent as barracks and installed anti-aircraft guns on the high ground.
After being sold in 1804, the Jersey government bought Fort Regent back in 1958 and for the first nine years the area was used as a coal depot. In 1967, the first proposals were made to transform the old fort into a new asset for the citizens of the town, and the entire former fortress area has now been transformed into a conference and recreation area, with halls for meetings, sports and events of many kinds. Among the activities are some walking trails in the area, and from the fort’s bastions there are beautiful views of St. Helier.
On top of Fort Regent is the only remaining, working signal station in the British Isles. The station’s history dates back to 1708, when three signal stations were built on Jersey. Their purpose was to act as communication posts in the event of a possible invasion. After the Battle of Jersey in 1781, the island’s parliament ordered a further seven stations to be built along the coast of Jersey.
After the Napoleonic Wars, three signal stations were left standing, including this one at Fort Regent. They were now to provide maritime services with weather reports and information about ship installations.
In the 19th century, 86 different signals were used, using not least various flags and balls. Today, few signals are maintained, while other communications have taken over the previous tasks from the station.
Similar to Saint Helier Jersey Travel Guide
