Parish location map
That Was Jersey |
Local history for everyone |
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
Population (2001 census) 28,301
Area (in vergees) 5,198
St Helier parish includes most of the town area that is known as St Helier. Some areas to the north and east of town are in the parish of St Saviour, and town also flows toward and along the coast,in the area of Grève d'Azette which forms part of St Clement.
St Helier has more rural areas of the parish, to the north and north-west. The coast is mostly taken up with the harbours, and the main historic landmark is the offshore islet of Elizabeth Castle.
According to tradition Helier, Jersey's first martyr, was attacked by pirates armed with axes and murdered. He had lived on the rocks now occupied by Elizabeth Castle, and had protected his followers from attacks for several years before the fatal blow. The crossed gold axes on a blue background commemorate this event.
The emblem is used throughout the parish, and is seen here on a street planter, and by the entrance to the Town Hall.
St Helier's church is usually known as the Town Church. It was a key feature in local life for centuries, as a haven from threatened invasions, a place for elections, and its bell served to start the market day's selling and also as a fire alarm.
Inside can be seen this montage of the parish emblems.
There is a Parish Hall in each parish, except for St Martin and St Helier. In St Martin there is a Public Hall, and in St Helier (Town) is the Town Hall. Parish administration is based here.
There are several primary schools throughout the parish, due to the size of the population. There is therefore no "parish school" in St Helier, as would be found in most other parishes.
The Cross is situated in the Triangle park, at the side of the Grand Hotel.
The Stone is on the esplanade at Havre des Pas.