Our destination for today will be Jersey. Yes, I know most probably all of you might imagine at first sight New Jersey in the USA, but for this time, we will be discovering another side of Atlantic Ocean, to be more exact Jersey in United Kingdom. But where is it located, and how can we even get there? Jersey is the British Crown dependency near the coast of Normandy, France, is Jersey, formally the Bailiwick of Jersey. It is the second closest of the Channel Islands to France, after Alderney. Under a constitutional monarchy, Jersey is a self-governing representative government, with its own economic, legal, and judicial structures, and the power of self-determination. On the island, the Lieutenant Governor is the Queen’s personal representative. Jersey is a rediscovered island whose ecosystems are only waiting to be experienced. If it comes to the view from the battlements of a 12th-century fortress, a beach stroll along Jersey’s unspoilt coastline or having time to think as you watch the sun fall into the sea over St Ouen’s Bay, Jersey is there to be explored. However, in this blog, we will not be only talking about the most interesting places, but our main focus will be on 10 things you might not know about Jersey!
1. Which country is Saint Helier the capital of?
The city sits on the south side of Jersey Island near St. Aubin’s Bay opposite a tidal island known as L’Islet. Saint Helier Jersey United Kingdom, a Frankish apostle who was allegedly martyred there in 555, is the name of the town. St Helier has a population of around 33,500, about 34.2 per cent of Jersey’s total population. The town was initially a fishing town that developed next to the church building. There the king’s trials traditionally met from the 13th century and markets were organized. Much of the largest city in Jersey is the urban area of the parish of St Helier, while some of the areas of the city are centred in the neighbouring St Saviour. So, if someone asks you which country is Saint Helier the capital of, then you should answer that none! Yes, I mean it is a capital city of the Jersey Island, but if we consider the fact that the island is not seen as an independent state, then our answer will be “none”.
2. Ommaroo hotel Saint Helier
Since the 1920s, the Ommaroo Hotel Saint Helier is located on the seafront on the beach of Havre des Pas and comprises a collection of traditional Victorian villas, characteristic of that area. Jersey has one of the world’s biggest tidal ranges, and the island almost doubles in size at low tide, so no two days will provide the same view. On 16 December 1916, the original hotel was established. This time, however, much of its impressive and distinctive façade was originally a terrace of four private houses, named Ommaroo 1 to 4. Two of these were the work of Adolphus Curry, a renowned local designer, famous for many of the most popular structures in Jersey. It is no wonder why this Saint Helier hotel is seen as one of the best ones on the island.
3. More of History
Prehistoric fossils of Paleolithic humans were discovered at La Cotte de St. Brelade, where there is ample evidence of the Neolithic Period and the Bronze Age. The island was called Caesarea by the Romans. Moving a little bit forward, it was ruled in 1617 that the bailiff was concerned with justice and civil affairs. When it came to be known, the Royal Court took the same shape as Guernsey’s; the remaining court now reveals its medieval roots. The Assembly of States now rules Jersey under the British monarch in Council, in which the royally appointed bailiff presides over eight senators, twelve constables, and 29 deputies, all popularly elected. There are seats for the lieutenant governor and crown officers, and they can speak out but not vote in Saint Helier Jersey United Kingdom.
4. Geography of Jersey
The island of Jersey has a territory of 119 square kilometres, with a coastline of 70 kilometres. It is located north of Bretagne and west of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. Jersey claims a territorial sea of 3 nm and an exclusive fishing zone of 12 nm. At the same time, it is the oldest and southernmost of the Channel Islands. In Saint Helier, the island’s parish, and capital city, about 30 per cent of the island’s population is based. There are dunes on the west coast. Throughout the island, narrow valleys stretch north to south. Very large tidal fluctuations reveal large expanses of sand and rock to the southeast at low tide. Surprisingly enough, arable land is the primary natural resource on this island. As such, 66 per cent of the island’s land is used, and the remaining 34 per cent is used for other purposes.
5. Map of Saint Helier Jersey
As the city is pretty small, you will be able to easily navigate yourself throughout your trip without any problem and, surely, without any map of Saint Helier Jersey. The pedestrianized King Street forms the heart of the capital and has a bustling public thoroughfare as well as the shopping mecca of the island. To reveal the capital’s contemporary fringe, take a stroll around this network of pedestrian-only shopping avenues. In the capital of the island, Jersey’s food scene shines brilliantly with starry culinary spots, from street food and buzzy cafes to forward-thinking and creative fine dining.
6. Hotel Revere Saint Helier Jersey
Hotel Revere Saint Helier Jerseywas a teaching estate in the 17th century and has been owned by families for the past fifty years. The Revere is Jersey’s most stylish boutique hotel in St Helier with its main rich furniture, scenery, and “personality”. The Revere is a three-star Jersey luxury hotel full of old-world charm, located only a short walk from St Helier’s main shopping area, the downtown area, St. Aubins Bay beach, the ferry terminal, the main bus lines, and Elizabeth Castle. So, make sure to visit Hotel Revere Saint Helier Jersey when you travel to Saint Helier Jersey United Kingdom.
7. Fortresses in Jersey island
The conquest by the Germans during WWII was another historical event which influenced the island. During the war, castles, bunkers, trenches, underground hospitals and fortifications were constructed and used on the island and have become a popular tourist attraction on the island. Local people also uncover remnants that frequently wash up on the beach to this day. The celebration of Independence Day takes place in Jersey and Guernsey on 9 May as a state holiday since the end of the invasion.
8. Jersey Museum
By being one of the hidden gems in the islands, history from 250,000 years ago, when the first humans arrived in Jersey, this interesting museum offers history and proceeds over the ages to explore the variables that shaped this remarkable island and the people who live here. Discover why, despite being so close to France, Jersey kept true to the English Crown. The beautifully renovated Victorian House is also on display, ready to discover and where you join the drama of a crisis-ridden Victorian household.
9. Seymour Tower and its history
The tower was built in 1782 after the Battle of Jersey. Seymour Tower is a coastal defence tower constructed on a rocky tidal island named L’Avarison, 2 km east of the shoreline of Jersey, a region on the southeast coast of Jersey included in the Ramsar site. Acquired by Jersey Heritage in 2006, it has been used for self-catering accommodation ever since. From swooping gulls to small crabs and sea snails, there are plenty of awesome creatures and birdlife to enjoy. Please keep in mind that Seymour Tower is only available for rent if the tide and weather provide safe and manageable access. It is not very easy to access it by car and is not appropriate for small children.
10. Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth Castle, on a coastal island within the parish of Saint Helier, Jersey, is a castle and a tourist attraction. Construction began in the 16th century when cannon power meant that the already-established fortress at Mont Orgueil was inadequate to try to protect the island and St. Helier’s port was vulnerable to cannon-armed ship attacks. It is named after Elizabeth I, who was the Queen of England at the time the castle was built. Visitors usually get to it by a pair of ferries, but it’s accessible on foot across the causeway at low tide.
