Gorey, Jersey

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Gorey
Village
A view of Gorey from Mont Orgueil
Map of Jersey zoomed on Gorey.
Crown Dependency Jersey, Channel Islands
Time zone GMT
 • Summer (DST) UTC+01 (UTC)

Gorey (French: Gouray; Jèrriais: Gouôrray) is a village in the parishes of St. Martin and Grouville on the east coast of Jersey. The harbour is one of the three main harbours of the island, and is located in St. Martin.

History

Its position as the closest strategic mainland point to the Cotentin peninsula has meant that it has a history of fortification going back at least to the Iron Age. After the division of the Duchy of Normandy in 1204, the strategic location of the harbour led to the construction of the castle of Mont Orgueil to protect the island against the French, also serving as residence for Governors of Jersey until the late 16th century when Elizabeth Castle was constructed off Saint Helier.

In 2010, it was announced that the Harbour Master's house would be sold, and the proceeds used to carry out restoration work to Gorey Pier.[1] In the same year, plans were submitted for 52 homes on the Jersey Pottery site.[2]

Local economy

The pier below the castle has been the site of the annual Fête de la Mer (seafood gastronomic festival) until 2010,[3] and also contains an interpretation centre exhibiting the history and environment of the area. The annual Gorey Fête in August is one of the largest such events in Jersey.[4]

There are a number of hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars. Many of these facilities are located along the pier, and are used by tourists and locals.

Notable buildings

Buildings of note in Gorey include Mont Orgueil castle, and Gouray Church, an Anglican church, which serves the village and surrounding district.

Gallery

  • The castle of Mont Orgueil dominates village and harbour of Gorey

  • Another view of Gorey

  • The pier below the castle contains restaurants, cafés and shops

  • Gorey Harbour, looking south from the pier across the Royal Bay of Grouville towards La Rocque

  • A view across the harbour from the pier at low tide

  • Gouray Church can be seen on the hill at left

  • A sculptural ensemble commemorates the 19th century shipyards of Gorey

  • On 19 January 1945, the harbour was the scene of an escape by two American officers

  • A view from Mont Orgueil

  • Gorey Village

  • Oyster boat in the harbour at Gorey

References

  1. ↑ Proceeds from sale of Harbour Master's House to restore pier
  2. ↑ Homes plan unveiled for Jersey Pottery
  3. ↑ Axed Jersey seafood festival could return
  4. ↑ Gorey Fete in full swing

Coordinates: 49°12′00″N 2°01′17″W / 49.199887°N 2.021304°W / 49.199887; -2.021304

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