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Heritage
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| 2006 |
Jersey lies in the Bay of Mont St Michel and is the largest of the Channel Islands. It has been an island for approximately 8,000 years and at its extremes it measures 10 miles east to west and six miles north to south. The earliest evidence of human activity in the island dates to about 250,000 years ago when bands of hunters used the caves at La Cotte de St Brelade as a base for hunting mammoth. There was sporadic activity in the area by nomadic bands of hunters until the introduction of settled communities in the Neolithic period which is marked by the building of the ritual burial sites known as dolmens. Archaeological evidence shows that there were trading links with Brittany and the south coats of England during this time.
Although part of the Roman world we know very little about the island until the eleventh century. Various Celtic saints such as Samson and Branwaldr were active in the region and Charlemagne sent his emissary to the island which was called Angia in 803. The island took the name Jersey as a result of Viking activity in the area between the ninth and tenth centuries. The Channel Islands remained politically linked to Brittany until 933 when William Longsword, Duke of Normandy seized the Cotentin and the islands and added them to his domain. In 1066 Duke William II of Normandy defeated Harold at Hastings to become king of England however he continued to rule his French possessions as a separate entity. The islands remained part of the Duchy of Normandy until 1204 when King Philippe Auguste of France conquered the duchy from King John of England. The islands remained in the personal possession of the king and were described as being a Peculiar of the Crown.
From 1204 onwards the Channel Islands ceased to be a peaceful backwater and was thrown into the spotlight as a potential flashpoint on the international stage between England and France. Mont Orgueil was built at this time to serve as a Royal fortress and military base. During the Hundred Years War the island was attacked many times and was even occupied for a couple of years in the 1380s. Because of the island's strategic importance to the English Crown the islanders were able to negotiate a number of benefits for themselves from the king. During the Wars of the Roses the island was occupied by the French for seven years (1461- 68) before Sir Richard Harliston arrived in the island to claim it back for the English king.
During the sixteenth century the islanders adopted the Protestant religion and life became very austere. The increasing use of gunpowder on the battlefield meant that the fortifications on the island had to be adapted and a new fortress built to defend St Aubin's Bay. This was named after the queen by Sir Walter Raleigh when he was governor. The island militia was reorganised on a parish basis and each parish had two cannon which were usually housed in the church - one of the St Peter cannon can still be seen at the bottom of Beaumont Hill. The production of knitwear reached such a scale that it threatened the island's ability to produce its own food and so laws were passed regulating who could knit with whom and when. The islanders also became involved with the Newfoundland fisheries at this time. The boats left the island in February/March following a church service in St Brelade's church and they wouldn't return again until September/October.
During the 1640s England was split by Civil War and hostilities spread into Scotland and Ireland as well. Jersey was divided and while the sympathy of islanders lay with Parliament the de Carterets held the island for the king. The future Charles II visited the island in 1646 and again in 1649 following the execution of his father. The Parliamentarians eventually captured the island in 1651 and in recognition for all the help given to him during his exile Charles II gave George Carteret a large grant of land in the American colonies, which he promptly named New Jersey.
Towards the end of the seventeenth century Jersey strengthened its links with the Americas when many islanders emigrated to New England and north east Canada. The Jersey merchants built up a thriving business empire in the Newfoundland and Gaspé fisheries. Companies such as Robins and the Le Boutilliers set up thriving businesses. The eighteenth century was a period of political tension between Britain and France as the two nations clashed all over the world as their ambitions grew. Because of its position Jersey was more or less on a continuous war footing. During the American Wars of Independence there were two attempted invasions of the island. In 1779 the Prince of Nassau was prevented from landing at St Ouen's Bay but two years later in 1781 a force lead by Baron de Rullecourt captured St Helier in a daring dawn raid but was defeated by a British army lead by Major Peirson. A short lived peace was followed by the French revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars which when they had ended had changed Jersey for ever. The number of English speaking soldiers stationed in the island and the number of retired officers and English speaking labourers who came to the islands in the 1820s saw the island gradually moving towards being an English speaking culture.
Jersey became one of the largest wooden shipbuilding areas in the British Isles building over 900 vessels around the island. In the late nineteenth century island farmers benefited from the development of two luxury products - the Jersey cow and the Jersey Royal. One was the product of careful and selective breeding programmes the other being a total fluke.
Emotionally, the twentieth century has been dominated by the Occupation of the island by German troops between 1940 and 1945 which saw about 8,000 islanders evacuated, 1,200 islanders deported to camps in Germany and over 300 islanders being sentenced to the prison and concentration camps of mainland Europe. 20 died as a result. Liberation Day - May 9th is marked as a public holiday. The event which has had the most far reaching effect on us today is the growth of the finance industry in the island from the 1960s onwards.
Islanders are constantly thinking of new and more exciting ways of bringing their rich history to life so visitors can also join in the celebration of Jersey’s colourful heritage. There's nothing dry and dusty about the way past, present and future are merged in the island's award-winning museums and castles.
A visit to any of its heritage attractions will show that Jersey knows exactly what history is really about – people. From the superb medieval castle of Mont Orgueil, to Hamptonne Country Life Museum where you will be greeted by the "Good Wyf" with all the latest gossip from the 17th Century farming community, Jersey’s attractions are very much about allowing visitors a glimpse of what island life was like in the past and immersing them in the experiences of their ancestors.
This is very much apparent at Jersey’s largest testament to its World War two occupation – the German Underground Hospital. A network of tunnels first created to protect arms and troops from bomb attacks by the Allies; it was then converted into an elaborate hospital to deal with casualties from any counter-invasion. New for 2001 is a superb multi-million pound interactive exhibition that tells the true-life stories of the islanders and foreign prisoners who were involved in the hospital’s construction, as well as the families who lived through the trying years of occupation.
Battle of Flowers Museum
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
Founded by Florence Bechelet, one of the Battle's most prolific exhibitors. Many of her handmade prize-winning floats can be seen. Open from mid April until the end of October.
Channel Island Occupation Society - Bunkers
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
The society has restored some of the best examples of the island's German fortifications, including the naval command bunker and tower at Noirmont Point, an army artillery complex at Les landes, and various defence bunkers with associated weaponry around the coastline. For details of opening times please call.
Channel Islands Military Museum
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
The only display of all authentic German WW2 militaria as well as a superb collection of civilian Occupation items. Also, the island's only display of running military motorcycles, all displayed in a 10.50m coastal defence bunker which formed part of Hitler's extensive Atlantic Wall. A 40 minute commentary of first hand Occupation experiences, the museum gives an accurate insight into the island's recent history. Open from mid April until the end of October.
Elizabeth Castle
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
Built on a rocky islet in the 1590's, the castle was named after Queen Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh whilst he was Governor of Jersey. There are exhibitions explaining the role of the castle in Jersey's history. The Hermitage, a small chapel, has been a holy place since the 12th century and is dedicated to the saint from whom the town of St Helier takes its name. Member of the Jersey Premier Attractions Group. Open from 2 April.
Greve De Lecq Barracks
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
Explore The Barracks wherever you find the doors are open. Feel free to wander around and discover the many different things there are to see. Find information on Jersey's north coast, Greve de Lecq's history, scenes from 19th century military life and the story of the defence of the island. A collection of horse-drawn vehicles and farm implements are on display and local artists exhibit their work. The Barracks are also home to the National Trust for Jersey shop. Free admission. Closed on Mondays. Open from 2 May until 24 September.
Grosnez Castle - Ruin
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
Located alongside the race course on the north-west coast of St Ouen, this castle is now a ruin but was once important for the Islanders protection. The distant views over the clifftops are spectacular and they take in the rest of the Channel Islands and the huge swells of the Atlantic Ocean. Grosnez's origins are obscure but evidence suggests a date around the fourteenth or fifteenth centuries and that it has deteriorated through age rather than being destroyed in battle. The Castle relied mainly upon the precipitous cliffs for defence, which surround it on three sides.
Hamptonne
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
You can get close to 300 years of Jersey's rural heritage in this collection of farm buildings and meadows. The site is brought alive by talkative characters from the past, demonstrations of by-gone skills, guided tours and plenty of small animals. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the buildings and stroll around the kitchen garden and meadows. Open from mid February for weekends only and daily from 2 April. Member of the Jersey Premier Attractions Group.
Island Fortress Occupation Museum
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
An extensive collection of uniforms, military equipment, field vehicles and documents, together with a video cinema showing a 45 minute film on the Occupation. The original World War II film depicts how the war affected Jersey and how the islanders coped with no food and no new supplies.
Jersey Museum
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
A visit to the award-winning museum is an excellent start to any stay in Jersey. Here you will find the real history, traditions and culture of the island explained in a way that is both exciting and understandable. Voted the "most outstanding tourist attraction to open in the British Isles" in 1992 by the Guild of Travel Writers and winner of the British National Heritage IBM Museum of the year award 1993-94, there is something for all the family. Major exhibition for 2006 - TBC. Member of the Jersey Premier Attractions Group.
Jersey War Tunnels
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
This complex of tunnels was excavated between October 1941 and January 1944 by the occupying German forces using forced and slave labour. In January 1944, with the Allied Invasion looming it was converted into a bomb and assault-proof casualty clearing station. The result was almost a kilometre of concrete-lined tunnels and galleries comprising of wards for 500 casualties, staff quarters, operating theatre, kitchens and stores. Within the complex is the award winning 'Captive Island' exhibition, the definitive and chillingly realistic story of the German Occupation of Jersey. A number of recent facets have also been added, these are a Garden of Reflection, War Trail and a Research Centre, along with a permanent exhibition entitled Szabo, dedicated to the life of a war heroine whose daugher lives in Jersey. Children under 16yrs old must be accompanied by an adult. Attraction open from 10 February until 17 December.
La Hougue Bie Museum
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
A Neolithic burial mound, dating back 5,500 years dominates this tranquil site. Following recent excavations, the entrance to the tomb has now been restored to its original glory. A tiny chapel is situated on top of the mound, (Mabon Crypt can be seen in this chapel) and in addition, there are geology and archaeology galleries and a World War Two German bunker. This bunker houses a unique memorial to the memory of the slave-workers in the Channel Islands during the second World War. In the grounds of the museum stands the Neolithic House which is the focus for a number of activities designed to give visitors a better understanding of the day-to-day life of the community that built the burial mound. Member of the Jersey Premier Attractions Group. Open from 2 April. .
Le Moulin de Quetivel
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
This is the only remaining working mill in Jersey. Earliest reference to the mill was in records from 1309. The derelict mill was restored by the Trust in 1979. There is a display on milling and mills in Jersey and also a National Trust shop with organic stone ground flour for sale. Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from May until October. Free admission to worldwide National Trust members.
Living Legend
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
The Jersey Experience is a voyage through time which begins on the deck of a Victorian paddle steamer destined for St Helier. During the early part of this journey visitors have the chance to learn about Jersey as it is today; to discover how it relates to Britain both politically and geographically, how the legislature is organised and to learn something of the traditions of the Island. The Living Legend has its own Adventure Golf course , Craft and Shopping Village and a recently established Go Karting track. Local cuisine can also be sampled in their Jersey Kitchen Restaurant. Attraction open from March until the end of November. Member of the Premier Attractions Group.
Maritime Museum
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
Set in the historic harbour area of St.Helier, the Maritime Museum takes as its theme, the sea and our relationship with it. It reflects the experience of islanders and Jersey's Maritime heritage, both contemporary and historic. Each of the three areas has a different emphasis - the elements, the boats and the people. The elements are the natural phenomena - the tides, the wind, the waves and the coastline. Boats provide the means for people to travel on the sea. This is where you can discover the basic principles of boat design and propulsion. Living in an island means that people have spent the last 8,000 years building on their relationship with the sea. Here we have the human story of Jersey's maritime heritage for you to see, hear, touch and even smell. Before you leave, you will also have a chance to see restoration work being carried out on one of our historic boats in the boat workshop - you may even have some questions for the boat builder. Member of the Jersey Premier Attractions Group.
Mont Orgueil Castle
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
Built in the thirteenth century to protect the island against the French, this dramatic castle towers over the harbour at Gorey. This jewel in Jersey's crown is one of the best preserved castles in Britain and one of the most photographed sites in the island. It makes the perfect back-drop for medieval drama and re-enactment with spectacular views over the island and across the sea to France. Groups by arrangement. For conferences, events and hire of Castle, contact the Jersey Museum. Member of the Jersey Premier Attractions Group. Open from 2 April.
Pallot Steam, Motor & General Museum
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
Step back in time and enjoy a fascinating collection of steam engines, vintage and classic vehicles, bicycles, tractors, agricultural implements and other machinery, together with a variety of organs, including a pipe church and Compton theatre organ and numerous items of memorabilia all housed in this absorbing Museum. Among the collection are two Marshall steam rollers, a superbly restored 1904 Ransomes traction engine and a rare Merlin portable. Train rides in Victorian carriages hauled by steam locomotive may be taken on certain days. Photographic displays on the Jersey Railways, transport and motor sports. Steam threshing fayre will take place late summer. Winter visitors welcome by appointment. Disabled facilities and wheelchair friendly. Open from 1 April until the end of October.
St Matthew's Church, Millbrook (Glass Church)
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
The glasswork including the font, altar rail, cross and pillars, was created by René Lalique of Paris and is considered to be amongst his greatest achievements. Lalique's glass is truly unique as the mould was broken after the glass was produced. Closed on Saturdays.
St Peter's Parish Church - Stained Glass
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
Visit St Peter's new series of stained glass windows designed by local artists to depict scenes from Jersey Life. "Occupation and Liberation", "Jersey Airport", "A Jersey Harvest" as well as several covering religious scenes, all complimenting the Victorian stained glass already within the church. The church is open daily from 9.00am until 6.00pm.
The Harbour Gallery
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
The harbour Gallery at St Aubin is the venue for numerous art exhibitions and work shops. Open daily.
PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information.
19/01/2006
© 2006 Preston Travel Group Holdings Limited. All rights reserved.
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