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Castles on Jersey |
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Castles
reflect the dramatic history of Jersey |
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Elizabeth
Castle and The Hermitage St Aubin's Bay, St
Helier |
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This fortress stands on the rocky
islet of St Helier in St Aubin's Bay. The castle, built
in 1590, was named after Queen Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh.
In use until the early 1900s -defensive work was carried out
on the islet by the Germans during the Occupation. Exhibitions
illustrating the castle's role in the history of Jersey.
From the battements are views of St Aubin's Bay. During
the summer the noon day gun is fired daily from the ramparts
by the Guardiens wearing uniforms of the Royal Jersey Artillery.
The Hermitage is a small chapel,
a holy place since the 12th century, dedicated to the saint
from whom the town of St Helier takes its name.
The islet is joined to
the mainland by a 1,000 m causeway, submergerd at high tide
the islet can be reached by a privately operated amphibious
craft (DUKW).
Open May-Nov, 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00) Tel:
01534 723971 
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Grosnez
Castle (ruin) and Le Pinacle |
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Grosnez Castle stands on a headland
on the north west coast of Jersey. On a clear day all
the other Channel Islands can be seen from here. The ruined
fortification dates back to the 14th century and was used as
a refuge during the constant French attacks on the island.
To the south of the castle stands a 200 ft rock, known as Le
Pinacle. For thousands of years the rock was an object
of worship and used as a ceremonial site. |
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Mont
Orgueil Castle La Rue de la Cote, Gorey |
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Dominating the east coast above
Gorey harbour, the Castle is the, 'Jewel in Jersey's crown'.
The spectacular castle was built by King John in the 13th
century as the island's protection against French attack.
Granite foundations meant that it was virtually impossible
to undermine the castle.
For centuries the castle also
served as the residence of the Govenor of Jersey and as a
state prison for political offenders and criminals.
In 1907, after two centuries
of neglect, the castle passed from the Crown into the ownership
of the States of Jersey. During the German Occupation
the castle became a self-contained strongpoint and the keep
was used as a barracks. Mont Orgueil Castle is one of the
best preserved castles in Britain with views across to France.
Open daily Mar-3 Nov: 10:00-18:.00 4 Nov-Mar:Fri-Mon
10:00-dusk. Tel: 01534 853292
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