Jersey

Travel Guide > Europe > Jersey

Introduction
Brief History
Geography
Parishes
Cities and Towns
Sights and Activities
- Mont Orgueil
- Elizabeth Castle
- La Hougue Bie
- Other Sights and Activities
Events and Festivals
Weather
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Quick Facts

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Capital: Saint Helier
Government: British Crown Dependency
Nationality: N/A (British citizens)
Population: 90,800
Languages: English
Religions: Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)
Currency: Pound Sterling
Calling Code: +44-1534 (landline)
Time Zone: GMT
Daylight Saving: GMT+1

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Introduction

What a view...

Despite its proximity to France and its comparative distance from Great Britain (14 miles from the former, 100 from the latter), the Bailiwick of Jersey is a British Crown dependency. It is not part of the UK, nor of the EU, although the UK is responsible for its defence and external relations. Jersey has English and French as its official languages, and some of its laws are still written in Jersey legal French. Its nearness to France has had pronounced effects upon its history, from its inclusion in the Duchy of Normandy, to its unhappy distinction of being the only British soil that was held by Nazi Germany (well, along with the other Channel Islands). Its fascinating historical heritage is now a prime feature of Jersey's attraction to travellers, with numerous museums and beautiful medieval architecture celebrating the past. In addition, the island's coastline offers ample opportunity to get wet, be it through swimming, water skiing or canoeing.

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Brief History

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Geography

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Parishes

Administratively, Jersey is divided into twelve parishes.

Grouville
Saint Brélade
Saint Clement
Saint Helier
Saint John
Saint Lawrence
Saint Martin
Saint Mary
Saint Ouen
Saint Peter
Saint Saviour
Trinity

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Cities and Towns

Saint Helier, the capital
St John
St Aubin
Gorey

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Sights and Activities

Mont Orgueil

Mont Orgueil is a stunning castle overlooking the harbour of Gorey and is also known as the Gorey Castle. Although there was some sort of fortification on the spot since prehistoric times, the castle in its current state was constructed in 1204. The castle was the primary defense for the island until the invention of gun powder and by the 16th century Elizabeth Castle off Saint Helier was built to replace Mont Orgueil. The castle was used for several purposes over the next few centuries, including a prison. During World War II the Germans actually put modern look-out posts on the castle. The castle was reopened to the public in 2006 after a major restoration project was completed. For the official website click here.

Elizabeth Castle

Elizabeth Castle was built off the coast of Saint Helier in the late 16th century. It was built because the power of cannons made the old castle of Mont Orgueil useless. Eventually the Governors of Jersey moved their official residence to the castle for more protection. The castle was site of many bloody battles during the English Civil War during the mid 17th century. In 1923 the British government gave the castle to the States of Jersey and the castle was opened to the public as a museum. The castle has remained a museum except during a brief period when the German occupied the castle and installed guns, bunkers and other battlements. For the offcial website click here.

La Hougue Bie

La Hougue Bie is a dolmen and mound that covers an ancient tomb, which is 2,000 years older than the Pyramids of Giza. The site has not remained static since 3,000 BC. In the 6th century local Christians tried to remove the pagan influences around the mound and later a medieval chapel was built on top of the mound. The nearby Archaeology and Geology Museum is also an excellent place to visit.

Other Sights and Activities

La Corbiere Lighthouse - Photography this famous lighthouse along the coast of Jersey that was built in 1874 in Saint Brélade.
Biking - Go biking around the island and at many of the famous sights.

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