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PHOTO TOUR These photos may take a few moments to load....please be patient, they are worth the wait. My photos are protected by and can be tracked. All content subject to copyright. All rights reserved. Contact me here |
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St. Brelades Bay St. Brelades Bay is possibly the most popular bay in the island, with visitors and locals alike, and, as a result, is a bustling, lively beach. Its sheltered position on the south west of the island makes it warmer than some of the other island bays and the gently sloping white sands provide an ideal location for water sports. Opportunities to hire all the paraphernalia associated with a day at the beach (sun loungers, umbrellas etc.) are available all along the bay and there are plenty of small shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants right by the promenade that hugs the sea wall. I have written more about this beach (and there are more photos) here. There is, however, more to see in this beautiful bay than sea and sand. |
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Little fishing boats are moored at the western end of the bay and although all the activity of the beach is only yards away, here the atmosphere is very different, being cool and tranquil. A walk along the tiny pier gives good views of the whole of the bay, stretching right across into the adjoining Ouaisné Bay. Leading up from the beach and into the churchyard above is the shortest 'perquage' in the whole island. |
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Each Parish church in the island has a 'perquage' or sanctuary path, leading from the church grounds to the sea. These paths were set up during the Middle Ages to allow criminals, seeking the sanctuary of the church, safe access to the sea where a waiting boat would take them away to permanent exile from the island. All of our island churches are very attractive, being constructed of our local granite. What I find particularly attractive about St. Brelades church is its tranquil setting at the end of a beautiful bay and the charming little 'Fishermen's Chapel' that sits adjacent to the main church. The Fishermen's (St. Mary's) Chapel dates back to the twelfth century but excavations under the building suggest that there was a wooden or stone building there dating from before 1000AD. As St Brelade is credited with having founded the Celtic religious communities in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany, it is quite possible that he visited Jersey and may have founded a church on this site during the 400s. This simple stone building contains wall paintings that were completed in the 1300s and are the finest in the Channel Islands. |
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Biblical scenes from the Old and New Testament are represented, including the Annunciation, The Last Judgement and events leading up to the Crucifixion of Christ. It's hard to believe that after the Reformation this little chapel remained unused and totally neglected for 300 years - at one time even being used as a workshop. It was only in 1933 that it was restored as a place of worship. |
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Out in the churchyard you can see the pretty lychgate - a gift of Lady Trent, in memory of her husband Jesse Boot (founder of the 'Boots' the chemists chain in the UK). This is a peaceful place to get away from the bustle of the bay and definitely worth a visit. |
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