Elizabeth Castle | |
---|---|
Saint Helier, Jersey | |
![]() Elizabeth Castle at high tide | |
Coordinates | 49°10′30″N 2°07′30″W / 49.175°N 2.125°W |
Type | Castle |
Site information | |
Owner | People of Jersey |
Controlled by | Jersey Heritage |
Open to the public | Yes |
Condition | Intact |
Site history | |
Built | from 1595 |
Materials | Granite |
Battles/wars | Battle of Jersey Third English Civil War |
Elizabeth Castle (Norman: Lé Châté Lîzabé)[1][2] is a castle and tourist attraction, on a tidal island within the parish of Saint Helier, Jersey. Construction was started in the 16th century when the power of the cannon meant that the existing stronghold at Mont Orgueil was insufficient to defend the Island and the port of St Helier was vulnerable to attack by ships armed with cannons.
It is named after Elizabeth I who was queen of England around the time the castle was built.