Hidden Gems of St Brelade

Continuing the exploration of some of the Jersey coastline without my kayak today I walked along part of the St Brelade coastline and discovered some delightful gems.  Unfortunately the haze reduced the quality of the more distant views but there was plenty to see up close.

Having spent most of the last 43 years living in this parish it was interesting how much was revealed in just a couple of hours.  Too often we focus on the big picture and miss out in some of the more interesting details.

I joined the south coast cliff path which offered great views of the cliffs on the western side of Fiquet Bay.

 This is the Boot's family grave above the beach at Bouilly Port.   Jesse Boot moved to Jersey where he met Florence.  They worked hard to build up Boots the Chemist.  One of Jersey's main sports fields, the FB Fields are named after Florence Boot.  He died in 1931 whilst she lived until 1952.  They became know as Lord and Lady Trent.

 This section of road looks unlike anything else in Jersey.

Jersey is split into 12 parishes, each with its own church but the parish church of St Brelade has to be the closest to the sea.  At high tide on springs the waves lap around the base of the walls.  It is one of the oldest on the island, the origins can be traced back to the 5th or 6th century AD.

It was a day of activity on the water.  Stand up Paddleboards were racing, the end of the winter season.  The Polar Bears swimming club were in the water in nothing but their costumes and there were significant numbers of kayakers and sit on tops on the water.

In between all the modern development there is Jersey Round Tower.  It has been converted into a private residence and the front has been modified.

 I found this sign amazing.  I have lived in St Brelade since 1969 but I hadn't come across this person before.  It says:

IN MEMORY OF
CONSTANCE BROWN MBE

1904-1984

WHO BETWEEN 1926 AND 1958

SAVED 22 LIVES IN ST BRELADE'S BAY

 The magnificent sweep of St Brelade's Bay, voted the second best beach in Britain by Trip Advisor. A slow walk along this section of the coast revealed a rich and varied history and a beautiful March morning.