First impressions of ST HELIER - The capital of JERSEY Channel Islands

Hi everyone! In this video, I visit St Helier (or Saint Helier), the capital and only town of Jersey. The Bailiwick of Jersey, together with the Bailiwick of Guernsey, make up the Channel Islands which are situated in the English Channel.

As Jersey is a Crown Dependency, I've added this vlog to the 'British Overseas Territories & Crown Dependencies' playlist.

Jersey is the largest Channel Island and is renowned for its mix of French and English culture. It is closer to France than England but it was still only a 30 minute plane journey away from Gatwick Airport!

The video shows me giving my first impressions of Jersey in general and St Helier in particular. I start the vlog by showing my room for the weekend and I talk about the dimensions of Jersey as shown on a map in the reception area of my guest house.

I then hit the streets and walk towards the town centre. I'm immediately struck by the volume of traffic and the interesting architecture, whilst noticing the similarities with the UK in things such as the road signs and post boxes. I then come across a beach in town where I marvel at the amount of seaweed or kelp that are washed ashore and talk about the apparent significance of seaweed as a fertiliser for Jersey Royal potatoes.

Back in the town, I talk about the development of Jersey's road infrastructure in the 19th century and also give my first impressions of the town centre. I also stumble upon statues of the famous Jersey cows as well as other interesting monuments such as the Jersey Girl statue.

I then get to Liberation Square where I talk a bit about the history of the island, in particular its occupation during the the Second World War. I also then take an even further step back in time and briefly mention other key eras, dates and events in Jersey's history - including the significance of 1204 and how the development of steam technology changed the demography and culture of the island. I also talk about the development of Jersey's tourism and offshore finance sectors and how the island needed to attract seasonal workers and immigrants from Madeira.

As I try to find my way towards Elizabeth Castle, I'm again reminded about the traffic and the number of boats or yachts in St Helier. I also talk about the significance of knitting on the island and tell a story featuring Charles II...

In the latter part of the vlog, I meet a local man who gives me some information about the tide. I then walk towards Elizabeth Castle and Hermitage Rock - the latter features a small church or oratory dedicated to Saint Helier.

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