79-550: MyBus was a bus operator on the island of Jersey providing route and school bus services under contract to States of Jersey under the MyBus brand. It was a subsidiary of Veolia Transport , then later Veolia Transdev from 2011. MyBus began operating the bus services on Jersey in September 2002 after being awarded a seven-year contract with a three-year option taking over the services from JMT, which had traded as Jersey Bus. The award of
158-633: A chief minister and nine ministers, makes up the leading body of the government of Jersey . Each minister may appoint up to two assistant ministers. A chief executive is head of the civil service. Some governmental functions are carried out in the island's parishes . Jersey is a distinct jurisdiction for the purposes of conflict of laws , separate from the other Channel Islands, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Jersey law has been influenced by several different legal traditions, in particular Norman customary law , English common law and modern French civil law . Jersey's legal system
237-679: A "self-governing, democratic country with the power of self-determination ". Because Jersey is a dependency of the British Crown , King Charles III reigns in Jersey. " The Crown " is defined by the Law Officers of the Crown as the "Crown in right of Jersey". The King's representative and adviser in the island is the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey – Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd since 8 October 2022. He
316-643: A blocking mechanism for depressions that originate in the North Atlantic and that produce stratiform clouds and rain; these are deflected northwards towards the UK mainland. Furthermore, the Azores High further reduces the type of convective cloud formations (particularly Cumulus and Stratocumulus ) that are common over more northern and inland areas of the UK during summer through subsidence . In 2011, Jersey generated controversy for calling itself "the warmest place in
395-581: A government language, strong cultural ties to mainland Normandy as a part of the Normandy region , and place names with French or Norman origins. The island has very close cultural links with its neighbouring islands in the Bailiwick of Guernsey , and they share a good-natured rivalry. Jersey and its people have been described as a nation. The Channel Islands are mentioned in the Antonine Itinerary as
474-642: A history of fishing in the Bailiwick's waters. The management of this permit system has caused tension between the French and Jersey authorities, with the French threatening to cut off Jersey's electricity supply in May 2021. Before the end of the transition period after the UK withdrew from the EU in 2020, Jersey had a special relationship with the EU. It was part of the EU customs union and there
553-466: A large L-shaped battery, known as the Grand Battery (circa 1560), which faced westward. These extensions were largely in vain, however, and Mont Orgueil was to be superseded by the construction Elizabeth Castle , which was constructed on a small islet near the harbour of St Helier , in 1594. Walter Raleigh , Governor of Jersey in 1600, rejected a plan to demolish the old castle to recycle the stone for
632-676: A large grant of land in the American colonies in between the Hudson and Delaware rivers, which he promptly named New Jersey . It is now a state in the United States. In 1769, the island suffered food supply shortages, leading to an insurrection on 28 September known as the Corn Riots . The States met at Elizabeth Castle and decided to request help from the King. However, in 1771 the Crown demanded reforms to
711-498: A large proportion of the island's retail and employment, such as the finance industry. Outside of the town, many islanders live in suburban and rural settlements, especially along main roads leading out of town, and even the more rural areas of the island have considerable amounts of development (St Ouen, the least densely populated parish, still has 270 persons per square kilometre ). The south and east coasts from St Aubin to Gorey are largely urbanised. The second smaller urban area
790-472: A new white livery with blue and yellow decals. These were limited to operating on routes 1 and 15 having been granted derogation from Jersey's limitations on oversize vehicles, and were followed in June 2011 by the acquisition of two Enviro400s (one of which was the vehicle demonstrated the previous year), which were restricted to route 15. Unlike most other Connex subsidiaries, Mybus retained its Connex branding after
869-467: A port on the east coast of the Island. It is known as Gorey Castle by English -speakers, and the " Old Castle " ( lé Vièr Châté ) by Jèrriais -speakers. The castle was first referred to as 'Mont Orgeuil' in an ordnance survey made in 1462, when the castle was under French occupation in the late Middle Ages . The castle was the seat of royal authority on Jersey throughout the medieval period and served as
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#1732884503721948-605: A prohibition against arbitrary detention (such as the mainland's Habeas Corpus ). The regicides Thomas Waite , Henry Smith , James Temple , Hardress Waller , and Gilbert Millington were also transferred to Mont Orgueil in 1661. During the English Civil War , the then Lieutenant-Governor and Bailiff of the island, Sir Philippe de Carteret held Elizabeth Castle for the Royalists, leaving his wife Anne de Carteret, and their son Philippe de Carteret to occupy Mont Orgueil. It
1027-489: A ruinous condition and subsequently was abandoned as a prison, because Elizabeth Castle had been built and the castle was neglected and not needed any more. Repairs were carried out 1730–1734 and for the rest of the century, parts of the castle were adapted for garrison accommodation. In 1770, the rooms inside the Keep were occupied by officers and soldiers from the Island's garrison. The old Catholic chapel, known as St Mary's Chapel,
1106-484: A school curriculum following that of England, and the popularity of British sports , including football and cricket . The island also has a strong Norman-French culture, such as its historic dialect of the Norman language, Jèrriais , being one of only two places in Normandy with government status for the language (the other being Guernsey ), as well as the use of standard French in legal matters and officially in use as
1185-686: A solid mass of granite rock. The castle was finally taken by a French force in May 1461, in a plot hatched by Margaret of Anjou , wife of Henry VI of England , and her cousin of Pierre de Brézé , the Seneschal of Normandy. This was to secure French military support for the House of Lancaster during the Wars of the Roses . A sally-port was left open for the French and the English garrison had been plied with alcohol. This suggests
1264-514: A thriving smuggling industry. During the Second World War , the island was invaded and occupied for five years by Nazi Germany . The island was liberated on 9 May 1945, which is now celebrated as the island's national day. Jersey is a self-governing parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy , with its own financial , legal and judicial systems, and the power of self-determination . Jersey's constitutional relationship
1343-672: Is a member of the British-Irish Council , the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie . Jersey independence has in the past been discussed in the States Assembly. Former external relations minister Sir Philip Bailhache has at various times warned that the island may need to become independent. It is not Jersey government policy to seek independence, but
1422-737: Is a point of contact between Jersey ministers and the UK Government and carries out some functions in relation to immigration control, deportation , naturalisation and the issue of passports. In 1973, the Royal Commission on the Constitution set out the duties of the Crown as including: ultimate responsibility for the 'good government' of the Crown Dependencies; ratification of island legislation by Order-in-Council ( royal assent ); international representation, subject to consultation with
1501-647: Is an island measuring 46.2 square miles (119.6 km ) (or 66,436 vergées ), including reclaimed land and intertidal zone . It lies in the English Channel , about 12 nautical miles (22 km ; 14 mi ) from the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France, and about 87 nautical miles (161 km; 100 mi) south of Great Britain. It is the largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands and part of
1580-400: Is divided into twelve parishes (which have civil and religious functions), the largest being Saint Ouen and the smallest St. Clement. They are all named after their parish church. The connétable is the head of the parish. They are elected at island general elections and sit ex oficio in the States Assembly. The parishes have various civil administrative functions, such as roads (managed by
1659-456: Is reserved to the Crown, Jersey has been developing its own international identity over recent years. It negotiates directly with foreign governments on various matters: for example, tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs) have been signed directly by the island with several countries. The government maintains offices (some in partnership with Guernsey) in Caen , London and Brussels . Jersey
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#17328845037211738-547: Is the Les Quennevais area in St Brelade, which is home to a small precinct of shops, a school , a park, and a leisure centre. Most people across Jersey regularly travel from the rural settlements to St Helier and from the town to the rural areas for work and leisure purposes. Housing costs in Jersey are very high. The Jersey House Price Index has at least doubled between 2002 and 2020. The mix-adjusted house price for Jersey
1817-681: Is therefore described as 'mixed' or ' pluralistic ', and sources of law are in French and English languages, although since the 1950s the main working language of the legal system is English. The principal court is the Royal Court , with appeals to the Jersey Court of Appeal and, ultimately, to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council . The Bailiff is head of the judiciary; the Bailiff and
1896-565: Is with the Crown ; it is not part of the United Kingdom . The Bailiff is the civil head, president of the states and head of the judiciary; the lieutenant governor represents the head of state, the British monarch ; and the chief minister is the head of government . Jersey's defence and international representation – as well as certain policy areas, such as nationality law – are the responsibility of
1975-403: Is £567,000, higher than any UK region (UK average: £249,000) including London (average: £497,000; highest of any UK region). The island has an oceanic climate , with cool to mild winters and lukewarm to warm summers. The highest temperature recorded was 37.9 °C (100.2 °F), on 18 July 2022 , and the lowest temperature recorded was −10.3 °C (13.5 °F), on 5 January 1894. 2022
2054-720: The Nazi occupation , a resistance cell was created by communist activist Norman Le Brocq and the Jersey Communist Party , whose communist ideology of forming a 'United Front' led to the creation of the Jersey Democratic Movement. The Channel Islands had to wait for the German surrender to be liberated. 9 May is celebrated as the island's Liberation Day , where there are celebrations in Liberation Square. After Liberation,
2133-519: The October 2011 elections . Jersey has one of the lowest voter turnouts internationally, with just 33% of the electorate voting in 2005 , putting it well below the 77% European average for that year. From the 2022 elections , the role of senators was abolished and the eight senators were replaced with an increased number of deputies. The 37 deputies are now elected from nine super constituencies, rather than in individual parishes. Although efforts were made
2212-482: The UK government , but Jersey still has a separate international identity. The island has a large financial services industry, which generates 40% of its GVA . British cultural influence on the island is evident in its use of English as the main language and pound sterling as its primary currency. Additional British cultural similarities include: driving on the left, access to British television, newspapers and other media,
2291-451: The donjon by Robert Raymont had left it so weak it was vulnerable to musket shot; "lyke a nadyl eye scarse abyll to byde a hagboshe ." In 1543 he had asked for a "saker" cannon that would cover the sands between " Grovyll " and the castle, where the French had landed in the past. Other later renovations included the extension of the medieval Keep into a D-shaped bastion (1551), which was suitably strengthened against artillery fire, and
2370-424: The Bailiwick of Jersey, such as Les Minquiers and Les Écrehous, however unlike the smaller islands of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, none of these are permanently inhabited. The largest settlement is the town of St Helier, including the built-up area of southern St Helier and neighbouring areas such as Georgetown, which also plays host to the island's seat of government. The town is the central business district, hosting
2449-626: The British Isles" during an advertising campaign, as Jersey is neither the place with the highest maximum temperature in the British Isles (40.3°C was recorded in Coningsby , Lincolnshire in July 2022 ) or the highest winter temperatures in the British Isles (which would be the Isles of Scilly ). Typical wind speeds vary between 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph) and 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph). During
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2528-497: The British Isles, with a maximum land elevation of 143 m (469 ft) above sea level. About 24% of the island is built-up. 52% of the land area is dedicated to cultivation and around 18% is the natural environment. It lies within longitude -2° W and latitude 49° N . It has a coastline that is 43 miles (70 km) long and a total area of 46.2 square miles (119.6 km ). It measures roughly 9 miles (14 km) from west to east and 5 miles (8 km) north to south, which gives it
2607-563: The Conqueror became King of England in 1066, the island remained part of the Norman possessions. However, in 1204, when Normandy was returned to the French king, the island remained a possession of the English crown, though never incorporated into England. Traditionally it is said that Jersey's self-governance originates from the Constitutions of King John , however this is disputed. Nevertheless,
2686-685: The Deputy Bailiff are appointed by the Crown. Other members of the island's judiciary are appointed by the Bailiff. The external relations of Jersey are overseen by the External Relations Minister of the Government of Jersey. In 2007, the chief minister and the UK Lord Chancellor signed an agreement that established a framework for the development of the international identity of Jersey. Although diplomatic representation
2765-526: The European mainland occasionally occur, but are usually not severe. Thunderstorms advecting north from the Bay of Biscay tend to occur during the summer if the influence of the Azores High temporarily weakens and a cut-off low develops in the region. Cool season thunderstorms are more common compared with other parts of Europe, as the relatively warm sea surface temperatures drive moderate surface based convection into
2844-594: The Germans constructed many fortifications using slave labour imported onto the island from many different countries occupied or at war with Germany. After 1944, supplies from France were interrupted by the D-Day landings , and food on the island became scarce. The SS Vega was sent to the island carrying Red Cross supplies and news of the success of the Allied advance in Europe. During
2923-560: The Road Committee) and policing (through the Honorary Police ). Each parish is governed through direct democracy at parish assemblies, consisting of all eligible voters resident in the parish. The Procureurs du Bien Public are the legal and financial representatives of these parishes. The parishes of Jersey are further divided into vingtaines (or, in St. Ouen, cueillettes ). Jersey
3002-693: The States was reformed, becoming wholly democratically elected, and universal franchise was implemented. Since liberation, the island has grown in population and adopted new industries, especially the finance industry. Jersey is a Crown Dependency , and is not part of the United Kingdom, being officially part of the British Islands . As one of the Crown Dependencies, Jersey is autonomous and self-governing, with its own independent legal, administrative and fiscal systems. Jersey's government has described Jersey as
3081-401: The affectionate name among locals of "nine-by-five". The island is characterised by a number of valleys which generally run north-to-south, such as Waterworks Valley, Grands Vaux, Mont les Vaux, although a few run in other directions, such as Le Mourier Valley. The highest point on the island is Les Platons at 136 m (446 ft). There are several smaller island groups that are part of
3160-596: The castle and the Gardien and his family were evicted. This included elements of the Army Coastal Artillery Regiment 1265, who manned the three observation towers at the top of the Keep, and a small detachment of German Infantry. In July 1944, a makeshift bunker was constructed within the castle; which served as the headquarters for the 1st Battalion of the Army Coastal Artillery. In 1846, the castle
3239-573: The castle was occupied by the Germans. Initially a small picket was installed on the top of the Keep and the Gardien of the castle, Captain Joe Dorey, was allowed to stay in his cottage in the Lower Ward. This soon changed when Adolf Hitler ordered that Channel Islands undergo an intensive building programme, aimed at turning the Islands into "an impregnable fortress". In 1941, more troops were billeted inside
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3318-465: The castle, known as Mont St Nicolas. The Castle was adapted to accommodate artillery; which involved the crenulated embrasures being lowered in height (so the muzzle of a cannon could fit over the battlements) as well as the widening of the battlement walkways. This renovation project was initiated under the direction of Henry Cornish, Lieutenant of the Earl of Hertford . Cornish complained that earlier repairs to
3397-558: The coast of north-west France. It is the largest of the Channel Islands and is 14 miles (23 km) from the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. The Bailiwick consists of the main island of Jersey and some surrounding uninhabited islands and rocks including Les Dirouilles , Les Écréhous , Les Minquiers , and Les Pierres de Lecq . Jersey was part of the Duchy of Normandy , whose dukes became kings of England from 1066. After Normandy
3476-514: The cold, dry air aloft. This tends to result in small hail and weak waterspouts driven by convection and frequent shear brought on by cold fronts . In November 2023, Jersey was hit by extratropical Storm Ciarán , causing heavy rainfall, extremely high winds with gusts of up to 104mph. A supercell thunderstorm associated with the cold front of this system hit Jersey at around midnight on 2 November 2023. With severe wind shear , exceptional storm-relative helicity and temperature contrast of
3555-453: The construction of two railway lines, the improvement of transport links to England, and the construction of new piers and harbours in St Helier. This grew a tourism industry in the island and led to the immigration of thousands of English residents, leading to a cultural shift towards a more anglicised island culture. Island politics was divisively split between the conservative Laurel party and
3634-419: The contract was the subject of a long-running controversy: a commission of enquiry took place in 2005 to establish the circumstances of the award of the contract. In October 2006 Connex was awarded a contract to operate Jersey's school bus services, purchasing 13 new and 17 second-hand buses. In 2008 the States of Jersey took up the three-year extension on the original contract with Connex. In February 2012, it
3713-513: The cooler months, extratropical cyclones can produce gales somewhat regularly. Snow is very rare in Jersey. The last significant snowfall event occurred in March 2013, when 5.5 inches (14cm) of snow fell. However, the most recent measurable snowfall event occurred on 8-9 January 2024, when 3-5cm of snow fell, significantly more than forecasted. Extreme weather is rare due to the island's mild climate. Spring and summer thunderstorms originating from
3792-446: The country, which had the effect of causing hyperinflation , which ravaged the French economy until 1802. In 1800, the Corbelled Tower was fitted out for use by d'Auvergne as his private headquarters. Over the course of the 19th century, detachments of troops were housed in the castle. Until the second half of the 19th century, the castle was open to the public on one day a year, Easter Monday , and crowds used to flock from all over
3871-401: The culprit of this betrayal was the Warden of the Isles, Sir John Nanfan, who was a strong supporter of Margaret of Anjou. Despite De Brézé's rapid fall into disgrace and imprisonment later that year with the ascension of Louis XI , the French maintained control of Jersey until it was retaken by a combined English-Jerseyman force led by the Yorkish admiral, Richard Harliston in early 1468. It
3950-407: The following: Sarnia , Caesarea , Barsa , Silia and Andium , but Jersey cannot be identified specifically because none corresponds directly to the present names. The name Caesarea has been used as the Latin name for Jersey (also in its French version Césarée ) since William Camden 's Britannia , and is used in titles of associations and institutions today. The Latin name Caesarea
4029-439: The group was renamed Veolia Transport in 2006. It was included in the March 2011 merger of Veolia Transport with old Transdev to form Transdev . Jersey in Europe (dark grey) Jersey ( / ˈ dʒ ɜːr z i / JUR -zee ; Jèrriais : Jèrri [ʒɛri] ), officially the Bailiwick of Jersey , is an island country in Northwestern Europe and a self-governing British Crown Dependency near
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#17328845037214108-405: The island authorities before concluding any agreement which would apply to them; ensuring the islands meet their international obligations; and defence. Jersey's unicameral legislature is the States Assembly . It includes 49 elected members: 12 connétables (often called "constables", heads of parishes ) and 37 deputies (representing constituencies), all elected for four-year terms as from
4187-434: The island by migrants from Brittany in c. fifth – sixth century CE. In the sixth century, the island's patron saint Helier lived at the Hermitage on L'Islet (now Elizabeth Castle ). Legend states that Helier was beheaded by raiders and subsequently lifted his head and walked to shore. In the ninth century the island was raided by Vikings and in 933 it was annexed to Normandy by William Longsword . When Duke William
4266-414: The island continued to follow Norman customs and laws. The King also appointed a Bailiff and a Warden (now Lieutenant-Governor ). The period of English rule was marked by wars between England and France, as such a military fortress was built at Mont Orgueil . During the Tudor period , the split between the Church of England and the Vatican led to islanders adopting the Protestant religion. During
4345-443: The island is prepared if needs to do so. Jersey is a third-party European country to the EU. Since 1 January 2021, Jersey has been part of the UK-EU Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement for the purposes of goods and fishing. Goods exported from the island into Europe are not subject to tariffs , and Jersey is solely responsible for management of its territorial waters ; however, permits may be granted to EU fishermen who have
4424-407: The island since at least 12,000 BCE , with evidence of habitation in the Palaeolithic period ( La Cotte de St Brelade ) and Neolithic dolmens, such as La Hougue Bie . Evidence of Bronze Age and early Iron Age settlements can be found in many locations around the island. Archaeological evidence of Roman influence has been found, in particular at Les Landes . Christianity was brought to
4503-398: The island's governance, leading to the Code of 1771 and removed the powers of the Royal Court to make laws without the States . In 1781, during the American Revolutionary War , the island was invaded by a French force which captured St Helier , but was defeated by Major Peirson 's army at the Battle of Jersey . The 19th century saw the improvement of the road network under General Don,
4582-424: The island. This is believed to be a survival of the pre- Reformation custom of visiting St George's Chapel inside the castle on St George's Day . The castle continued to decay, and due to its generally ruinous state it was handed over to the people of Jersey by the Crown on 28 June 1907. Mont Orgueil has been managed as a museum site since 1929. During the Second World War German occupation (1940–1945),
4661-455: The main fortress on the Island until the construction of Elizabeth Castle in 1594. It is classified as a Grade I listed building. 1970s excavations found that the site had been fortified during the Iron Age , with an earth rampart at the top of the granite rock, that the castle is built on. Other materials were also found at the site, such as arrowheads and pottery, which date from the Neolithic period (4000–2500 BC). This suggests that there
4740-421: The new fortifications, claiming that "'twere pity to cast it down". The 'old castle' operated as the Island's only prison until the construction of a prison at Charing Cross in St Helier at the end of the 17th century. The English Government found it convenient to send troublesome agitators such as William Prynne and John Lilburne to Mont Orgueil, as Jersey law was distinct from English Common Law and lacked
4819-487: The progressive Rose party, as the lie of power shifted increasingly to the States from the Crown. In the 1850s, the French author Victor Hugo lived in Jersey, but was expelled for insulting the Queen, so he moved on to Guernsey . During the Second World War , 6,500 Jersey residents were evacuated by their own choice to the UK out of a total population of 50,000. Jersey was occupied by Germany from 1 July 1940 until 9 May 1945, when Germany surrendered. During this time
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#17328845037214898-424: The reign of Elizabeth , French refugees brought strict Calvinism to the island, which remained the common religion until 1617. In the late 16th century, islanders travelled across the North Atlantic to participate in the Newfoundland fisheries . In recognition for help given to him during his exile in Jersey in the 1640s, King Charles II of England gave Vice Admiral Sir George Carteret , bailiff and governor,
4977-481: The remove the connétables , they will continue their historic role as states members. There are also five non-voting members appointed by the Crown: the bailiff , the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey , the Dean of Jersey , the attorney general and solicitor general. The Bailiff is President (presiding officer) of the States Assembly, head of the judiciary and as civic head of the island carries out various ceremonial roles. The Council of Ministers , consisting of
5056-415: The seaward side of Mont Orgueil. The makeshift rope did not hold and they both fell to their deaths on the rocks below. In December 1651, the Island was invaded by the New Model Army , commanded by Colonel James Heane. Colonel Heane landed with 3,000 men (comprising his own regiment), six companies of Sir Hardress Waller's foot and two troops of horse. They defeated the Jersey militia during an engagement on
5135-400: The upper atmosphere and sea surface , the storm produced extremely large hail and a tornado, which devastated the eastern half of the Island and was subsequently rated T6/EF3 by TORRO , making it one of the most severe tornadoes ever recorded in the British Isles. Mont Orgueil Mont Orgueil ( French for 'Mount Pride') is a castle in Jersey that overlooks the harbour of Gorey ;
5214-418: The west of the Island at St Ouen's Bay. Faced with the prospect of a siege by a competent military force, the fortress of Mont Orgueil surrendered with generous terms allowing those inside to go to Elizabeth Castle. A report for the States of Jersey in 1691 declared that the barracks accommodation was so dilapidated that it was impossible to quarter troops there. Two years later, the castle was stated to be in
5293-404: Was free movement of goods between Jersey and the EU, but the single market in financial services and free movement of people did not apply to Jersey. Jersey also has close relations with Portugal, including the exchangement of tax information; these relations are specifically strong with the Autonomous Region of Madeira , where St. Helier has one of its sister cities, ( Funchal ). Jersey
5372-435: Was accumulated with nine Plaxton Beaver bodied Mercedes O814s being restricted to school services. The Darts were painted in plain sky blue, the Beavers white. During April 2010 an Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double deck bus was evaluated on the route between St Helier and Jersey Airport , and during August 2010 an Alexander Dennis Enviro200 was also trialled. Five Enviro200s entered service with MyBus in March 2011 in
5451-441: Was also applied to the colony of New Jersey as Nova Caesarea . Andium , Agna and Augia were used in antiquity. Scholars variously surmise that Jersey and Jèrri derive from jǫrð ( Old Norse for 'earth') or jarl ('earl'), or perhaps the Norse personal name Geirr (thus Geirrsey , 'Geirr's Island'). The ending -ey denotes an island (as in Guernsey or Surtsey ). Humans have lived on
5530-451: Was announced that the British company, HCT Group , trading as LibertyBus , would take over Jersey's bus services from MyBus on 2 January 2013. The original fleet comprised 33 short Caetano Slimbus bodied Dennis Dart SLFs . A further 19 Slimbuses were subsequently purchased, though these were to the longer 10 metre chassis. A secondary fleet of 16 Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Darts (a mix of ex-JMT vehicles and former mainland examples)
5609-444: Was constructed after this conquest, being first mentioned in 1212. The castle was the primary defence of Jersey for over 400 years and withstood a number of French assaults on the castle, the most notable of which was in July 1373 when the Constable of France , Bertrand du Guesclin , attacked the castle with 2,000 men. Despite breaching the outer walls, the French could not breach the inner walls of Mont Orgueil, as these rested upon
5688-541: Was converted into a barrack room for 60 men with bedsteads and other fitments installed in the chapel. The castle was given over to a British naval officer, Philippe d'Auvergne , who was tasked with heading a spy network called 'La Correspondance', which was designed to destabilise the French Revolutionary government in Brittany and Normandy . One such scheme was the importation of forged French Assignat notes into
5767-450: Was during this brief period of French rule that the Castle became known as 'Mont Orgueil Castle' rather than its previous anglicised name of 'Gorey Castle'. Mont Orgueil went through an intense period of renovation in the mid-1500s, which was largely a result of the increasing use of cannon in European warfare. The castle was particularly susceptible to cannon fire coming from the hill west of
5846-516: Was from Mont Orgueil that the Royalists under Sir George Carteret retook the island from the Parliamentarian forces in November 1643. The Dean of Jersey, David Bandinel, and his son, Jacques Bandinel, were imprisoned at the castle as they had been leading supporters of the anti-Royalist cause. In February 1645, the two men attempted an escape from the castle, whereby they abseiled out of a window on
5925-460: Was given to fund restoration work. In 2004, a commemorative Jersey pound note was put into circulation depicting Mont Orgueil. The castle is depicted on the 2010 issue Jersey 50-pound note. On 2 April 2006, after a long building programme, the castle was reopened to the public by the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey . Restoration work has opened up previously inaccessible areas of the castle to
6004-538: Was human activity at the site before the erection of the earthwork rampart. These promontory forts are found all across the north of Jersey, as they utilised the natural defensiveness of high cliffs to offer a refuge from raiders. Jersey became part of the Duchy of Normandy in 933 when it was granted to the Normans by the French king. The islands were then joined to the Crown of England after Philip II 's rapid conquest of Normandy from King John in 1202–1204. The castle
6083-563: Was lost by the kings of England in the 13th century, and the ducal title surrendered to France, Jersey remained loyal to the English Crown , though it never became part of the Kingdom of England . At the end of the Napoleonic Wars , Jersey was at the frontline of Anglo-French Wars and was invaded a number of times, leading to the construction of fortifications such as Mont Orgueil Castle and
6162-411: Was the warmest (and sunniest) year on record; the mean daily air temperature was 13.56 °C. For tourism advertising, Jersey often claims to be "the sunniest place in the British Isles", as Jersey has over 1,900 hours of sunlight. Jersey is indeed one of the sunniest places in the British Isles, especially during the warmer months, as it is subject to more influence from the Azores High , which acts as
6241-525: Was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert . The castle has also hosted subsequent royal ceremonies to welcome George V in 1921 and Elizabeth II ; inscriptions mark the occasions. The heritage site has been managed by the Jersey Heritage Trust since 1994. In the early 21st century, the Trust planned to build a Tudor hall within the castle's keep. Around the same time, a £3 million grant
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