By late 16th century the fortress of Elizabeth Castle was being built, taking over the main defence of Jersey once cannon were used from ships and the medieval castle of Mont Orgueil on the east coast was no longer up to the job. Sir Walter Raleigh, who was Governor of Jersey from 1600-1603, later named the new castle after his Queen; Fort Isabella Bellissima, or Elizabeth Castle.
The Castle protected St Helier and offered a safe anchorage for merchant vessels, and also gave refuge to Charles II – the Prince of Wales at the time – in 1645 during the English Civil War. It was extended throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Most recently, the Castle was re-fortified by German forces during the Second World War.
The Castle protected St Helier and offered a safe anchorage for merchant vessels, and also gave refuge to Charles II – the Prince of Wales at the time – in 1645 during the English Civil War. It was extended throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Most recently, the Castle was re-fortified by German forces during the Second World War.
