The history of the Channel Islands is unique. There are stories of shipwrecks, smuggling and buried treasure that have filled pages. From Roman times through to the World Wars, there are tales of independence, occupation and heroism. Many historical sights on Jersey and Guernsey are underground – such as the war tunnels, Neolithic burial mounds and clues to the Ice Age. The beautiful scenery and panoramic sea views make for leisurely drives. While the secrets that lie beneath the surface will make a historian of any visitor. Here is our unique guide to a historical tour of Jersey and Guernsey…
Photo by: Philip Clyde-Smith/Fotolia
Jersey
Sea views, rescued buildings and buried treasure…
With beautiful coastal roads, and many eateries with a beach view, St Helier is a great place to start. Pick up the A1 which will take you around St Aubin’s bay. Park and catch the ferry to Elizabeth Castle – a 300-year-old fort built on a rocky islet. History comes to life here with demonstrations and re-enactments.
Further inland, 16 New Street is a building with many stories. Constructed in 1730, it began life as a family residence, before becoming a Gentlemen’s Club, YMCA and curtain and blind workshop. It was then neglected for 20 years and fell into a state of disrepair and due to be demolished. In the mid-1990s, Warwick Rodwell began a campaign to save and restore the building. Ownership eventually passed to the National Trust and thanks to a bequest of £1m it has now been fully restored. Step through the front door and back in time and see what life was really like in 18th Century Jersey.
Follow the A4 around the coast before heading inland to La Hougue Bie, Grouville. A historic site and museum where you can watch the live conservation of the Celtic Coin Hoard. In 2012 two metal detectorists hit the headlines when they literally struck gold in a farmer’s field in Jersey. Reg Mead and Richard Miles had devoted 30 years to searching for precious metals and were finally rewarded when they found a hoard of over 70,000 coins and items of gold and silver jewellery. Find out more here.
Photo by: roboroborob/Fotolia
Guernsey
Shipwrecks, secret codes and ancient burial sites…
Begin at the Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum at St Peter’s Port. Here, you can view items salvaged and washed ashore from shipwrecks 1777 to 2003. The fort itself was built in 1804 to defend Guernsey’s West Coast.
The German Naval Signals HQ is well-hidden in the grounds of La Collinette Hotel; this just adds to the feeling of discovery surrounding it. This is the other side of the famous Bletchley Park decoding, where the enigma signals came from. An important site where you will get unique personal and national accounts of WWII. Largely run by volunteers, check the opening times when planning your trip.
Continue along the coast to Bordeaux Harbour – popular for fishing and snorkelling. There is a small kiosk and seating area here where you can enjoy refreshments whilst watching the activity on the water.
Then head to Les Fouaillages Burial Mound at L’Ancresse Common. This is believed to be the oldest man-made structure in Europe. There are numerous burial mounds on this site. Ponder the deep history of these islands as you enjoy sunset over the sea as so many did before you…
Ready to discover the secrets, stories and scenery of these beautiful islands for yourself in your own historical tour of Jersey and Guernsey? You can browse and book here. Want to read more? Check out our other Channel Island blogs. Make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest travel tips and news. Remember to sign up to our newsletter below for the latest deals.
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Written by Kirsty Favell.
