Scenic sea views frame the stone façades of this religious complex and its medieval Fisherman’s Chapel on the site of the original 6th-century wooden church.
The Parish Church of St. Brelade stands out on Jersey for having one of the island’s few remaining medieval chapels. Its stone interior is filled with ecclesiastical gems, with colorful stained-glass windows a highlight. Relax on a bench behind the church and appreciate the absolute serenity, with a panoramic vista of the English Channel.
Snap photos of the tower and rooflines of this stone church in its setting on the western end of St. Brelade’s Bay. The date of the church’s construction is lost, but it goes back at least as far as the 11th century. Enter and sit on a wooden pew between the nave’s stone arches and pillars.
Next door see the iconic Fisherman’s Chapel that dates back to the 11th or 12th century. It became a burial place for a family of note in the 1300s. Gaze up at the frescoes adorning the interior arch, portraying kneeling figures adoring the Virgin Mary.
In the late 19th century, the church was restored to past glory by removing plaster from the stone walls. Inspect the intricate and colorful patterns in the stained-glass windows that depict biblical scenes. Church legend claims that fairies moved the construction from Les Quennevais to this more remote part of the island.
The adjacent Church Hall can be rented for children’s parties and other ceremonies. It comprises a spacious room with a varnished wooden floor.
Note that this is an active church, with weddings, funerals and baptisms as well as regular services. It provides live online streaming for certain services. Attend one of the monthly Men’s Breakfasts or Ladies Lunches to mingle with local residents.
The Parish Church of St. Brelade overlooks St. Brelade’s Bay in the southwestern corner of Jersey. It stands on the southern side of Les Mielles Nature Reserve, a little west of St. Helier. See nearby sights such as Sir Winston Churchill Park, St. Brelade’s Bay Beach and Beauport Beach.
