Island 238 - The Hermitage, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands

The Hermitage is a very small rocky tidal island, which was joined to Elizabeth Castle by a breakwater, which was constructed in 1870.  There is a flight of 65 stone steps leading up to a very small chapel on the top of the rock.  The breakwater extends out beyond Hermitage Rock.  The chapel is very small and when I visited in July 2014 it was a bit damp, smelly and uninviting!

Hermitage Rock and the breakwater are a delightful spot to spend some "stand and stare" time on a sunny day. I would have liked to spend longer there but although the castle was open until 5.30, the gate out to the Hermitage and breakwater was shut almost an hour before that on the day we visited.  

St Helier was born in Tongeren/Tongres in what is now Belgium in the 6th century.  He may have become a Christian through a priest called Cunibert, who was subsequently killed by St Helier's pagan father. He fled to St Marcou(f) at Nanteuil on the Cherbourg Peninsula in France. 

St Helier is thought to have brought Christianity to Jersey.  He lived a life of prayer in a cave on the top of Hermitage Rock for 15 years until 555 AD when he was beheaded by Norman pirates.  A monastery dedicated to him was founded on the island where Elizabeth Castle now stands.  He is the patron saint of Jersey and his feast day is 16th July.  He has of course also given his name to the main town on Jersey.

Hermitage Rock was fortified with a gun battery c1680-1700.

Hermitage Rock from the top of Elizabeth Castle



Elizabeth Castle from the breakwater with The Hermitage on the right hand side

The Hermitage showing the steps up to the chapel

The Hermitage from the end of the breakwater

The Hermitage

Elizabeth Castle from the top of the Hermitage

Hidden in the shadows there is a very small room clinging to the edge of the cliff

Ruined building at the foot of The Hermitage

The Hermitage and Breakwater from Elizabeth Castle