Glorious

Places to Visit

Gorey

Mont Orgueil Tel: 853292 Fax: 854303 www.jerseyheritagetrust.org Built in the thirteenth century to protect the island against the French, this dramatic castle is one of the best preserved castles in Britain. Winter Open 10am to 4pm, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday until 18th March Adult, Senior citizen, Student over 16 years and Child (6-16 years) .......................................7.50 Family Ticket .........................................................22.00 Summer Open 10am to 6pm daily (last admission at 5 pm) 18th March to 2nd November Adult ...........................................................................9.30 Senior Citizens ........................................................8.50 Student over 16 years and Child (6-16 years) .......................................5.50 Family Ticket .........................................................26.00

Churches
Gouray Church La Grande Route de Faldouet, St.Martin. Tel: 853255 Our Lady of the Assumption Church Gorey Village, St.Martin Tel: 853953

www.jersey.com
Jersey Tourism, Liberation Place, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1BB Tel: +44 (0)1534 448877 Fax: +44 (0)1534 448897 E-mail: info@jersey.com All information correct at time of print January 2010

For further information visit

Places to stay Shop Eat & drink

Sunrise Sunset

What do you like about Gorey? Its tranquil, picturesque, and on a summers evening it could be the Mediterranean
Renzo Martin The Moorings Hotel

Guarded to the north by the majestic castle of Mont Orgueil, and fringed by the soft sand of the Royal Bay of Grouville, Gorey has something for everyone; gourmet, history buff or sun seeker. The natural features found here; the tall granite mound on which the castle is built and the hook in the coastline, which forms a natural harbour, are the foundation of the Gorey that we see today. For four hundred years, the castle was the seat of island government while the port was the closest link with the neighbouring coast of France. This made the area important, and by the 17th century a small village had sprung up in the shadow of the castle. But it was at the turn of the 19th century that the area really began to grow. Hundreds of oyster fishermen, from the south east coast of England, moved to Jersey following the over-fishing of the Whitstable oyster beds. Whole families moved over, and the population of the village doubled in size in a short space of time. Around 2,500

people were employed in the industry, either fishing or cleaning and packing the catch, and rows of fishermens cottages sprang up to house the newcomers. But the industry was not destined to last forever. Each of the 250 Gorey boats was bringing back around 12,000 oysters on every trip, and before long the Gorey oyster beds became over-fished. By 1864 the fleet had dwindled to just over 20 boats. During the second half of the century, the principle livelihood of Gorey inhabitants was boat building. The most prolific boat builder was John Picot, who built 44 boats, between 1858 and 1883. By the end of the century, steel had superseded wood, and Jersey boatyards went into decline. Today, Gorey is a haven for holiday makers and gourmets. The safe sandy beach offers recreation for all the family, and the number of good pubs, cafes and restaurants ensures that no one will go hungry. 3

Did you know?

Gorey comes from the Norse Gorroic; vorr meaning landing place and vic meaning a creek. In the early 12th century it was the centre of a district called Gorroic.

Mont Orgueil

The castle was built in the early part of the 13th century on the site of an earlier Iron Age fort. At that time, Jersey had just become an outpost of King Johns territory, due to the recent loss of his lands across the water in France. The castle had been a defensive position from the Iron Age right up to World War II. The keep dates from the time of King John, The Harliston Tower from the reign of Edward IV and the tops of the three narrow towers went up during the German occupation. During its long history the castle has only fallen into enemy hands twice. In 1461, it was betrayed into Lancastrian hands during the War of the Roses, and during World War II when the island was occupied by German forces.

Mont Orgueil is essentially a bow and arrow castle, and when gunpowder was introduced in the 16th century, it became somewhat obsolete. Its true that huge modifications were made to accommodate cannons, but the castles very position on the hill opposite Mont St. Nicholas, meant that it was a sitting target for any artillery arrayed there. We have to thank Sir Walter Raleigh for the castles preservation. In letters to Queen Elizabeth he said that it was a fort of great capacity and that it is a pity to cast it down. If Sir Walter hadnt made this plea, its likely that much of Mont Orgueil would have been recycled at Elizabeth Castle, which was being built at the time.

Did you know?

The castle was named Mont Orgueil, Mount Pride, by Thomas, Duke of Clarence, the brother of Henry V.

Harry Vardon
Vardon was born in Grouville, on 9th May 1870. He was the fourth of eight children born to Philip Vardon and his wife, Elizabeth Bouchard. As a child he had little interest in golf. He only played golf occasionally with other boys in the village, using home-made clubs and marbles. In those days, the village school teacher was George Boomer, father of Aubrey and Percy Boomer, two distinguished golfers. So it comes as no surprise that several village boys were encouraged in the sport, in fact, three of the six Vardon boys went on to become professional golfers. When Harry was seventeen he became a gardener for Major Spofforth, who was the captain of the Royal Jersey Golf Club at the time. It was Major Spofforth who encouraged Vardon, he gave him a couple of old clubs and some clothing, and they often played together. It was when Harrys brother, Tom, won 20 in a competition that Harry considered turning professional. Tom had told Harry that a green-keeper was required at a new links being created on Lord Ripons estate near Harrogate. He applied, got the job and began his professional career. During his life, Vardon had an unparalleled number of golfing victories. He won the American Open, the German Open and the British Open, the latter no less than six times!

The Railway
The Jersey Eastern Railway Company opened for business in August 1873. At that time trains ran from Green Street in St.Helier to Grouville Station, which still stands today, opposite the road that leads to the Golf Club. This station serviced the rifle range and the race course that were situated on the common. Around twelve trains a day ran between St.Helier and Grouville. The extension of the line to Gorey Village was opened a few weeks later, on 27th August. In September that year, a one day fete was held at Gorey and over 2,000 people used the railway to get there. In May 1874, a new town terminus was opened at Snow Hill. By 1881, a new railway line had opened on the Normandy peninsula. A line ran from Carteret onto Paris and this was supported by a steamer that ran between Gorey and Carteret. It was now possible to buy a through ticket from St.Helier to Paris, though one had to transfer from Gorey Station to the pier by horse and cart. It was ten years before the line was extended to the pier. Because the area between the station and the pier was a sandy beach, flanked by cliffs, a sea wall had to be built and the area behind it filled in. The train track ran between the seawall and a new road which went to the pier. The line ran profitably for a number of years, but the introduction of buses to the island, in the 1920s, made train travel less attractive. The company acquired a bus fleet in an effort to compete, but this was unsuccessful. They purchased two electric railcars, as these were cheaper to run, but unfortunately the seed was sown. In June 1929, the Jersey Eastern Railway Company stopped both its bus and train services, and went into liquidation. The station at Snow Hill became a bus terminus in 1935, and it remained as such until March 1964. 7

Did you know?

When golfers first started playing on the common, the hazards included grazing sheep and piles of seaweed, drying out for use as fertiliser.

Coastal Defences
The flat sandy beach along the coast was as inviting to invaders centuries ago as it is now to visitors and at one time this part of the coast was littered with sea defences. In Napoleonic times, there were six Jersey Round Towers here; they stretched from near Gorey Village to the far corner of the bay at La Rocque. In addition to these there was Fort Henry, just to our left, now used by the golf club. At the other end of the golf course is Fort William, now a private residence. In 1781, when the French invaded, there were five companies of the 83rd Regiment of Foot, the Royal Glasgow Volunteers, stationed here. It was a company of grenadiers from Fort Henry who attacked the French rearguard at La Rocque. In the engagement, twenty French were killed and fourteen captured. The seven grenadiers that were killed are buried in the graveyard at Grouville Church. The concrete bunkers and the seawall are relics of the German Occupation. The two coastal casements housed 105mm guns, and are of fortress strength, which means that both the roof and sides of the bunker are made of two metre thick reinforced concrete. During the Occupation they were painted to resemble beachside cottages. The Germans also modified Fort Henry, a search light platform was built into the tower walls, and a personnel shelter and ammunition magazine were constructed at its base.

Did you know?

The bunker attached to the old Salem Chapel, at the bottom of Daisy Hill, was built during the German Occupation to protect the East Telephone Exchange that was housed in the old chapel.

Garden Centre

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Anne Port Le Saut Geoffroi

Faldouet Dolmen

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Map Key
Restaurants
1 The Castle Green Gastro Pub The Village Bistro Jersey Pottery: The Garden Restaurant Jersey Pottery: Spinnakers Bar & Grill Caf Poste Sumas Restaurant The Dolphin Hotel Restaurant Seascale Hotel Restaurant Feast

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4 7 8 1

Cafs
12 Caf Louise 13 Caf de Gouray

Pottery 3 16

Gorey Jersey Village 4 2

1 5 1 8

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2 6 1 10 9

Mont Orgueil Castle

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Hotels
7 8 The Dolphin Hotel Seascale Hotel

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Gorey
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Gorey Harbour

10 The Moorings Hotel 15 The Old Bank House Hotel 16 The Maison Gorey Hotel 17 Beausite Hotel 18 The Old Court House Hotel

Fort William

10 The Moorings Hotel 14 Ingalills Swedish Kitchen

Self Catering
17 Beausite Hotel

Ville s Renauds
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Pubs
7 1 The Dolphin Hotel The Castle Green Gastro Pub Gorey Walking Route Main Road B Road Minor Road Green Lane

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Royal Jersey Golf Club Fort Henry

11 The Bass and Lobster Foodhouse

ROYAL BAY OF GROUVILLE

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I just love the area. I grew up at Faldouet, went low water fishing behind the castle, for me Gorey is an integral part of my life
Robert Jones Jersey Pottery

The Ramsar Site

In 1971, an inter-governmental treaty was signed in Ramsar, Iran, whereby a number of countries agreed to conserve and protect their wetlands. Jersey became a member in 1976. The first local site was designated in 2000. This was the area that ran from St.Helier Harbour in the south, to Gorey Harbour on the east coast. This 3200 hectare site has one of the largest ranges of tide in the world, a rise and fall of over 12 metres. This, combined with the warmth of local waters, because of the Gulf Stream, means that the site has a diverse range of habitats and species within a small area. Among the creatures found here is the Green Ormer, a single shelled gastropod that feeds on algae. These are more usually found between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast of France. Here in Jersey they are prized as a local delicacy. The waters along this coast are often home to one of the largest breeding groups of bottle-nosed dolphins in British waters.

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(Please see map centre pages)

Step back in time

The best way to see Gorey is to take a stroll around the area. Here are two walks, one a shortened version, that will introduce you to this delightful corner of Jersey. The starting point is the bus shelter at the start of Gorey Pier. Cross over towards the shops, turn left and then sharp right to climb the short path towards the castle. At the top, turn left along the gravel track. At the road bear left and cross over into Haute de la Garenne. The steep fields on the left, called cotils produce some of the earliest new potatoes grown in the island. As we climb, take a moment to study the dry stone wall on the right, if its warm and sunny, well be rewarded with the antics of the wall lizards that live there. Its thought that these harmless little creatures are descendants of lizards kept by French prisoners of war in Napoleonic times.

At the top, turn left to follow the sign: Public footpath and steps to Gorey. The view from the top of the hill is inspiring, the landscape that we can see from Gorey to La Rocque, at the far corner of the bay, is a protected conservation area. When the steps emerge onto the hill, turn right and walk on. At the end of the pavement, using care, cross over and continue on the left hand side of the road. After the hill bends, take the foot path on the left, down towards the village. The church opposite, Gouray Church, is an Anglican church built in 1834, to service the needs of the recently arrived English oystermen and their families. At that time, local churches conducted their services in French which the newcomers couldnt understand.

Did you know?

In 1891 the train took 24 minutes to reach Gorey Pier from Snow Hill in St.Helier. The first class return fare was one shilling and three pence. About six pence in todays money.

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When the path ends, turn right and descend into the village. Pass the Old Bank House Hotel and take the first left into New Road. This lane, like Old Road, is lined with fishermens cottages, and was apparently called New Road because it was surfaced before Old Road was! Follow New Road as it curves to the right and becomes Old Road. At the end of the lane, notice the old petrol pump standing in the garden on the right. This house belonged to Mr.Thomasse, the local dustman, and the petrol pump was used to fill up the dustcart. Turn left and carry on through the village. In the past the village was certainly not short of places to worship. Since we left the church on the hill we have passed what was Salem Chapel, now a private house, with a German bunker attached, as we entered the village. At the beginning of New Road, the brick building on the left was the Salvation Army Citadel until 1966, and we have just passed a Catholic Church at the end of Old Road. In a few yards, we shall pass the original Catholic church, built in 1908, it eventually became too small for the congregation. Today it is the Village Bistro, only the crosses on the gates give its origins away.

Continue on, passing shops, hotels and private houses until we reach a short road on the left. This is Union Road, sometimes known as Dairy Road, because the curious building on the far corner, Wisteria Cottage, was once a dairy. If you prefer the shorter route, turn left and walk up Union Road to the main road. Cross carefully and once on the other side, enter the gravel car park on the left, and make for the standing stone on the high ground on the right. For the longer route, walk on through the village. On the way through look out for Les Houmets Residential Home. In 1857, a small cottage called Villa Rosa stood here, this was the holiday home of the celebrated author George Eliot and her married lover George Henry Lewes. When the buildings peter out, we reach a narrow tarmac path on the right. Take this short path, and cross the road ahead, to follow the path that runs through the common. When the path forks, bear right. This path finally arrives beside the main road, here we turn right to follow the gravel path alongside the road. Pass the filling station and at the corner, cross over to the pavement on the far side. The restaurant on the corner was once Grouville Post Office. Follow the pavement as it approaches the war memorial in the distance.

The village has a great atmosphere, from the working man to the millionaire everyone gets along well
Sean Copp The Village Bistro

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Once past the war memorial, take the first left, immediately before the Harry Vardon statue, to head towards the sea. Exercise some caution here, as we are passing through the links of the Royal Jersey Golf Club. Pass the clubhouse on the right, and head towards a gravel track at the far end of the car park. When we reach the sea wall, turn left and continue on beside the sea wall back towards the castle. After passing Fort William at the end of the golf course, follow the sandy path as it dips and rises towards the standing stone ahead. Those who chose the shorter route will rejoin us here.

The standing stone was erected in 2000, to celebrate the Millennium. Each of the islands parishes has a similar stone, this being the Grouville Millennium Stone. At the end of the car park, turn left towards the road, and then right to continue along the pavement. The building on the corner was originally the water tower for the railway that ran to Gorey, while the building alongside was Gorey Station itself. Within a few yards we shall leave Grouville and be in the parish of St.Martin. Look out for a modern parish boundary stone set into the wall on the right. Ruellans Village Inn, previously The Welcome Inn, is the former site of the National School, which numbered among its pupils the golfer Harry Vardon. At the slipway bear right and walk along the promenade back to the start.

Did you know?

The largest ship built at Gorey was the 365 ton barque, the Montrose, built by George Asplet in 1861

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Accommodation Hotels
The Dolphin Hotel Tel: 853370 Fax: 855343 Grade H H Email: dolphinhotel@jerseymail.co.uk Web: www.dolphinhoteljersey.com Seascale Hotel Tel: 854395 Fax: 856795 Email: reservations@seascalehotel.com Web: www.seascalehotel.com The Moorings Hotel Grade H H H Tel: 853633 Fax: 857618 Email: reservations@themooringshotel.com Web: www.themooringshotel.com The Old Bank House Hotel Grade H H Tel: 854285 Fax: 854725 Email: oldbankhousehotel@jerseymail.co.uk The Maison Gorey Hotel Tel: 857775 Fax: 857779 Email: maisongorey@jerseymail.co.uk Web: www.maisongorey.com Beausite Hotel Grade H H H Tel: 857577 Fax: 857277 Email: beausite@jerseymail.co.uk Web: www.southernhotels.com The Old Court House Hotel Grade H H H Tel: 854444 Fax: 853587 Email: ochhotel@itl.net Web: www.ochhoteljersey.com

Places to Shop Guest Accommodation

The Lavender Villa Hotel Grade H H H H Tel: 854937 Fax: 856147 Email:lavendervilla@jerseymail.co.uk

Gifts
Jewellery Warehouse Tel: 483390 Jersey Pearl Tel: 855197 Pound World Tel: 857819 Gorey Gallery Tel: 856839 Eclat Gifts Tel: 840511 Fountain Court Tel: 858120 Jersey Pottery Tel: 850850 De La Mare Florist & Carnation Nurseries Tel: 851538

Food & Drink

Gourmet Delights Limited Tel: 856383 Gorey Fruit Shop Tel: 851241 The Village Butcher Tel: 855744 Rosedale Stores Tel: 854602 R Store & Post Office Tel: 851026

Self Catering
Beausite Hotel Grade H H H Tel: 857577 Fax: 857277 Email:beausite@jerseymail.co.uk Web:www.southernhotels.com

Other Shops
Lloyds Pharmacy Tel: 854340 Smile Laundry & Dry Cleaning Tel: 840797 Queree Optometrists Limited Tel: 840400 Village Kitchen Studio Tel: 840011 Checkers Xpress and Filling station Tel: 858204 The Hut Kiosk Tel: 857024 Peter Le Lievre Commission Agent Tel: 851101 Gorey Harbour Office Tel: 853616 Les Houmets Residential Home Tel: 855656 Gorey Watersports Tel: 07797816528

Clothing
Neptune Tel: 851243 Old Sail Loft Tel: 855492

Hair & Beauty

Wellbeing Tel: 857775 Hair FX Ladies & Gents hair salon Tel: 857711

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Getting there
There are a number of car parks at Gorey. Payment is by paycard or parking disc. Gravel car park near the Old Court House 1 hour limit Disc/Scratch card Tarmac car park in the village 1 hour limit Disc/Scratch card Gorey Pier 3 hour limit Disc/Scratch card Tarmac car park near the promenade 3 hour limit Disc/Scratch card Tarmac car park near Fort William 3 hour limit Disc/Scratch card Foot of Mont de Gouray 12 hour limit Disc/Scratch card Gravel car park opposite Gorey village 12 hour limit Disc/Scratch card Gravel car park near Caf Poste 12 hour limit Disc/Scratch card

Food and Drink Cafes

Caf Louise Tel: 854130 Caf de Gouray Tel: 853334

Food and Drink Restaurants

The Castle Green Gastro Pub Tel: 840218 Using the best local produce, and accompanied by a superb wine list, the casual atmosphere of the Castle Green is perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, you are assured of excellent service in a comfortable and stylish environment. The Village Bistro Tel: 853429 A popular and friendly restaurant in the heart of Gorey village renowned for its seafood and locally caught fish. Dining is available in the courtyard garden during the warm summer months. Closed Sunday evenings and all day Monday. Jersey Pottery: Spinnakers Bar & Grill Tel: 850850 With a packed play area and popular plasma screen showing movies throughout the day, Spinnakers is perfect for families, giving Mum and Dad a break knowing their offspring are enjoying themselves in the safe play area. Caf Poste Tel: 859696 Polished wood floors, a log burning stove and a big bookcase make this everyones favourite Sunday breakfast haunt. The whole style of this restaurant is flexibility, if you wished, you could eat all your meals here including afternoon tea and dinner. Sumas Restaurant Tel: 853291 The menus offer excellent value, combining English Cuisine with a dash of Mediterranean flair. Sumas Restaurant attracts a strong and loyal following amongst locals and visitors alike, and is recognised by leading food guides and critics. The Dolphin Hotel Restaurant Tel: 853370 The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day. The hotel has a high reputation for its cuisine, which has a continental style, with an emphasis on local produce and seafood, together with the speciality of cooking on hot rocks. The Bass and Lobster Foodhouse Tel: 859590 The restaurant opened in march 2009 and provides excellent high quality fresh food in comfortable surroundings. Roger White is well known throughout the Island for championing fresh local produce. Rogers uncomplicated style of food means you can enjoy food at its finest. Seascale Hotel Restaurant Tel: 854395 The Seascale restaurant is highly esteemed. Adjoining the restaurant is a comfortable, friendly bar in which you may wish to enjoy an aperitif whilst choosing from the extensive a la carte and table dhte menus. The Moorings Hotel Tel: 853633 This award-winning restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. The traditional style of cuisine has a modern influence with a continental flavour. We are renowned for specialising in seafood and fresh fish, carefully selected meats and a range of vegetarian options. Ingalills Swedish Kitchen Tel: 840678 Ingalills Swedish Kitchen uses seasonal produce to create traditional Swedish cooking.

Parking

Takeaways
Caf du Port Tel: 840262 Entwhistles Fish & Chips Tel: 854603 The Oriental Dragon Takeaway Tel: 858811 Rhonas at the Beach

Pubs
The Dolphin Hotel Tel: 853370 The Castle Green Gastro Pub Tel: 840218

Buses
Route 1 To Gorey Pier via the East Coast Road. Route 1a To Gorey Pier via St.Clements Inner road. (Summer Service) Route 1b To Gorey Pier via Longueville Manor. Island Explorer - Green Route To Gorey Pier. (Summer Service)

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