The most beautiful military monuments Saint-Helier

Elizabeth Castle is built on an islet in the middle of Saint-Aubin Bay and has defended the island of Jersey for no less than 400 years. It is accessible on foot at low tide, from the Jardins de la Mer, by a 1 km long paved road. When the tide is high, a shuttle service is provided by World War II amphibious vehicles, the famous DUKWs, or ducks(departing daily from Victoria Avenue from mid-March to mid-October). Intended to replace Mont Orgueil Castle, which could not withstand cannon fire, construction began in 1590 and lasted nearly ten years. It was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth^I by Sir Walter Raleigh, then governor of the island (the castle was then used as the governor's residence). A Royalist stronghold during the Civil War, the fortress had to capitulate to Cromwell in 1651 after a 50-day siege. It was also used to repel French troops during the Battle of Jersey in 1781. The troops then moved to Fort Regent. Elizabeth Castle opened to the public in 1923. You can visit the barracks, which have been converted into a museum. They are particularly interesting: the exhibits illustrate the role of the castle in the history of the island and present many surprising details about the life of the soldiers and officers. From the upper courtyard, you can access the dungeon, the top of which offers a superb view. Visit and photos are mandatory!

It is easily identifiable, thanks to its large white dome that covers the hill overlooking the city center. It was King Edward VI who decided in 1550 that a fort should be built on this strategic hill. The aim was to provide the island with a defensive fort, a place of retreat for the inhabitants in case of invasion. But in the end, it would be a long time before the fort was built, long after the fortresses of Gorey and Elizabeth Castle. The plans for the Regent were drawn up during the Napoleonic Wars (there was a fear of invasion by Napoleon's troops) by John Hambly Humphrey. The beginning of the work was delayed for financial reasons. The fort was nevertheless built between 1806 and 1814 and named Regent, in honor of the Prince Regent of the time who would later become George IV.

The defensive system included towers, batteries, ramparts, arsenals and barracks. All this... for nothing. Because before its completion, the battle of Waterloo put an end to the reign of "the one for whom" the fort had been built: Napoleon. The British troops nevertheless remained there until 1928.

After the departure of the military, the islanders did not know what to do with this immense building that dominates the city. In the 1970s, it was finally transformed into a temple of sports and leisure. Swimming pool, tennis, gym, games, auditorium, etc., and always a beautiful view on the city and the sea. There are also promenades.