Historical Sites (13th - 17th Century)

Standing at the entrance of St Peter’s Valley, Le Moulin de Tesson is a spectacular landmark building that provides a rare insight into Jersey’s industrial past. Within its walls lies evidence of a large steam engine, which was used to supplement the power required to run the substantial double-width wheel. As one of few remaining mills in the Island, this magnificent National Trust property demonstrates the importance of preserving Jersey’s heritage for future generations.

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14th Century

Grosnez Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle in St Ouen, situated in Grosnez in the north-west corner of the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands.  Philippe de Carteret held it against the French when they held half of Jersey between 1461 and 1467, but it has been a ruin since the mid-16th century

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15th Century

Delve into the past and gain a fascinating insight into 400 years of Jersey’s rural history at Hamptonne Country Life Museum. The Hamptonne farm complex in comprised of 3 houses, a colombier, several outbuildings and an orchard. Each of the 3 houses dates from a different century, reflecting the changing architectural styles of Jersey over time. The houses are named after the families who have lived at Hamptonne, there is the Syvret Building, Hamptonne House and the Langlois Building.

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16th Century

Elizabeth Castle is built on a rocky islet in St Aubin’s Bay, the Castle has defended Jersey for more than 300 years. You can take the amphibious Castle Ferry or walk out along the causeway at low tide. Explore Jersey’s history, climb the battlements dating back to the 1590s and experience history coming to life with live demonstrations and gunfire!

St Aubins Fort – In 1542 Sir Henry Cornish had a small tower built on St Aubin’s islet to house cannon, which could be used to defend the anchorage. An extra gun platform was built at the foot of the tower in 1588 at the time of the Spanish Armada. It became a fort in 1643 during the English Civil War when a wall was built around it. In 1646 the Prince of Wales, later Charles II, visited it while he was staying at Elizabeth Castle. In 1651 despite having 12 cannon it surrendered to the Parliamentarian forces.

Meet Sir Walter at the Castle and he’ll tell you about his adventures at sea. Sir Walter Raleigh has been described as ‘great man of the Elizabethan age’, and ‘Jersey’s most distinguished Governor’, being poet, soldier, historian and explorer, among other things. He was a favourite of Elizabeth I and a ‘peacock’, always in the latest fashion with good looks and obvious charm. Raleigh was also responsible for the preservation of Mont Orgueil Castle from destruction at the time when Elizabeth Castle was being built.

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17th Century

Take a step back in time to find out first-hand about Laurens Hamptonne’s extraordinary life Laurens Hamptonne had an illustrious career. In 1621, when he was just 21 years old, he was appointed Viscount of Jersey. After the English Civil War he was awarded special privileges by King Charles II, before becoming a Jurat in 1651.

Meet Rose Le Brun, the Bouonnefemme at Hamptonne, who will let you in on local secrets and village gossip. Rose’s predecessor, Old Maud, had been at Hamptonne for years, but she travelled to St Aubin to see family and never returned. Perhaps the plague got her – they had a lot of it down there.

It is September 1649, amidst the tumultuous events of the English Civil War, having been exiled from his ‘dear England’, King Charles II, and his younger brother, The Duke of York, have sought refuge in Jersey. Meet the ‘Merry Monarch’ at George III Gate and he’ll take you on a tour of his Castle and he’ll tell you some fascinating stories of his time in Jersey.

Meet Sir Walter at the Castle and he’ll tell you about his adventures at sea. Sir Walter Raleigh has been described as ‘great man of the Elizabethan age’, and ‘Jersey’s most distinguished Governor’, being poet, soldier, historian and explorer, among other things. He was a favourite of Elizabeth I and a ‘peacock’, always in the latest fashion with good looks and obvious charm. Raleigh was also responsible for the preservation of Mont Orgueil Castle from destruction at the time when Elizabeth Castle was being built.

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