Transport

Throughout much of recorded history, this small island has depended on its harbours for all contact with the outside world. Mail, essential supplies, imports, exports – all involved travel by sea, and relied on safe and efficient harbours. The island is ringed by small havens, although most of these dry out at low water.

As time and technology moved on, the first plane services to the Island landed. The first planes were seaplanes, designed to land on water and then to motor or be towed into harbour. Other early air services landed on the sands of St Aubin’s Bay at low tide. Air travel had to prove its viability before a permanent airport could be built.

Travel within the island has also been important. For many years, this was primarily on foot, or using horse power. Then the railway era arrived, and two major train lines were built, from St Helier to the east to Gorey, and from St Helier to the West to St Aubin and on to Corbière.

These modes of transport have been well documented, and in many cases also well illustrated.

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