Capital of Jersey - Saint Helier

St Helier began as a small fishing town whose main building was a Parish. At that time, the parish stood next to the shores of the water.

In 1155, an Abbey was constructed in Saint Helier on L’Islet. During the reformation age, this abbey was closed and later reconstructed to form the town’s largest fortress.

In the thirteenth century, the town was upgraded when the meetings of the kings’ courts were held in Saint Helier, making the town the centre of government power. Also, a market place was built in the town. Saint Helier became the main capital of Jersey.

Saint Helier was characterized by houses and shops which stood on either side of the town parish and a market place. A courthouse was positioned on one side of the market place. This courthouse is currently the royal court and States Chamber (State House).

The modern day library was built in sixteenth century. In the 16 century, George II, who was a refugee on the Island donated money so that a new harbour could be constructed. To show their gratefulness, the town occupants set up his statue in the market place which was renamed the Royal Square in 1751. But up to date, the citizens still refer to it as the old market place.

On January 6 1781, the Battle of Jersey took place in the market place. In this battle, the French were trying to take over Jersey but they were repulsed. This did not deter the French and they continuously tried to take over Jersey. This led to the building of Fort Regent (1806), on Mont de la Ville.

In the 1800s, relative peace between France and Saint Helier led to economic development in the town. New transport infrastructures were built and new buildings came up and agriculture improved. This led to many people migrating from England and other areas into the town leading to much marshy land being reclaimed due to the population growth. Up to date, Saint Helier is the main focus point of Jersey’s activity in terms of Transport, trade, customs and administration.

Why It’s Called Saint Helier

The town was named after a missionary who relocated to the Jersey Channel Island. The missionary, Helier, was martyred in the town in 555 and the town parish Saint Helier, was named after him.

Saint Helier was born in Belgium to a pagan father. He converted to Christianity when he grew up and then moved to France. He was under the tutelage of St. Marculf and he relocated to Jersey where he lived in a rock where St.Austin Bay stands today. There he lived for 15 years preaching Christianity. Then a group of Saxon Pirates landed on the Island and Saint Helier preached to them.

The leader of the pirates feared that his men would convert to Christianity and follow Saint Helier, so he chopped off his head with an axe. Since then, Saint Helier has been revered as a martyr by the townspeople. Saint Helier day is celebrated every July the 16th.