Parish location map
That Was Jersey |
Local history for everyone |
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
Population (2001 census) 10,134
Area (in vergees) 7,506
St Brelade occupies the south-west corner of the Island. Its coastline the treacherous area of sea around Corbière, with its tides and currents, and the offshore rocks. The lighthouse was built in 1873. There are several bays around this coast, the largest of which is St Brelade's Bay; smaller bays include Beauport and Portelet.
The Railway Walk is in the parish, from St Aubin to Corbière, climbing steadily up to the height of Corbière station. The Island's prison is at La Moye, on the coast, and further west along the coast can be found the Desalination Plant, which is used to make seawater usable, when other water reserves are unavailable.
The emblem shows a silver fish on a blue background. There seems to be some confusion here between two saints. St Brendan's symbol was the fish, as on the St Brelade emblem, and this was because of his many voyages of discovery.
St Branwalader, it is said, chose St Brelade as a base for his missionary work in the island, and he is known to have founded a number of churches, which were often credited to the more famous St Brendan.
St Brelade's Church is very close to the sea. Next to it is the Fishermen's Chapel, which dates back to the 12th century.
The church is built from a warm pink granite, which can be noted particularly in the interior of the building.
The rounded tower of the parish church can best be seen as you leave the Fishermen's Chapel. The ceilings and walls of the chapel reveal ancient paintings and depict biblical history.
The parish hall of St Brelade is located in St Aubin, by the harbour. It was originally the railway station and Terminus Hotel at the western end of the Jersey Railway, before its extension to Corbière. The station was burnt down in 1936, along with engines and carriages. The railway never recovered.
The Cross is situated on a small grassed area opposite the turning off the main road to Mont à la Brune.
The Stone can be found at La Pulente, on the edge of the dunes, just inland from the coast road there.