Saturday, July 16, 2011

St Helier

16 July is the feast day of St Helier, patron saint of the "capital" of Jersey and of one of the twelve civil parishes on the island.

Helier was a 6th century hermit who came to the island of wandering from what is now Belgium, through Normandy and eventually to the island. On arrival in Jersey Helier settled on a rocky outcrop just offshore that is now called the Hermitage Rock. From this viewpoint he could spot pirates and other ne'er do goods sailing toward the island and warn the people onshore.

Legend has it he was beheaded by pirates on 16 July 555.

If it wasn't pouring down I'd take a picture of l'Hermitage to put up so here is one from Wikipedia instead:

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