Parish location map
That Was Jersey |
Local history for everyone |
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
Population (2001 census) 3,803
Area (in vergees) 8,546
St Ouen is the largest parish by area, occupying the north-west corner of the Island. The coastline varies from the cliffs in the north to the long sandy sweep of St Ouen's Bay in the west. On the north coast is Plemont Bay and Grève de Lecq (the latter shared with St Mary). Grosnez Castle is located on the north-west corner of the Island, and nearby is the current home of Jersey horse-racing.
This aerial view shows much of the new residential area at the heart of St Ouen. The parish hall can be seen in the lower right corner. The old parish school is to the left of it, now used as a centre for youth work in the parish.
The patron saint of Normandy, St Ouen founded a religious centre shortly before the Viking invasions of the Island. His symbol is a gold cross on a blue background, as a reminder of a vision he had of a miraculous cross.
Here the parish emblem is seen above the entrance to the Parish Hall. It can also be found on many of the road name signs.
St Ouen's church was mentioned in a document signed by William before he conquered England, so part of the building may predate 1066. St Ouen is one of the western parishes where the church bells are rung by parishioners and others on Christmas Day.
The daughter church of St George was built in 1880 in the north of the parish.
The Parish Hall is situated in the heart of the village, which is about half a mile away from the church. The war memorial is in the forecourt of the hall.
Next to the Parish Hall is the old school, now used as a youth and community centre. Les Landes School is near St George's Church.
The Cross is by the entrance to St Ouen's Manor.
The Stone overlooks L'Etacq from the hillside above.