Grève de Lecq Barracks

The construction of Grève de Lecq Barracks began in 1810, at the height of the fear of Napoleonic invasion. They were designed for the garrison troops stationed in the island and accommodated 250 men, who were stationed here until the 1920’s. They are the only surviving barracks in the island.

Today, the Barracks are open to the public, and you can admire the sympathetic restoration of the main dormitories, the office quarters, the wash rooms, cells, ammunition stores, stables and store rooms, which now form an important interpretation centre for the north coast of the island.

Description

The Barracks comprises of two blocks for the soldiers, each consisting of two large barrack rooms, with two small rooms for the Non-Commissioned Officers. Between these is a separate block of some five rooms, for the Officers, and this is at present occupied by a National Trust employee. There are also the stable and harness rooms, and at the back an ablutions block, prison cells and various buildings for all sorts of storage. Ammunition was probably kept some distance away.

Dormitories

The men were crowded into their dormitories, about twenty to a room. The large windows, high ceilings and a simple system of ventilation ensured air circulation. A narrow bed and a blanket would have been provided, together with a ration of coal for the fire. A ventilated cupboard with a slate shelf kept fresh food cool. Limited light came from oil lamps hanging from hooks on the overhead beams.

NCOs Rooms

The Non-Commissioned Officers were provided with small rooms at the end of each block. One of these has been refurbished to show how it would have been when occupied by an NCO.

The Officer’s Quarters

The Officer’s Quarters have been recently refurbished by the Trust and would have originally provided accommodation for four officers. Each room had an open fireplace and one room still retains the original grate which bears reference to Queen Victoria and the Arms of the Board of Ordnance. The open style of this hob grate differs significantly from the small later Victorian tiled fireplace in the front room. This is reflective of the movement away from the large open and basic hob grates of the Georgian era to the more efficient and far smaller, decorative fireplaces associated with Victorian times.

The broad corridor in the centre still retains the original coat hooks and leads to a room at the rear, which would have served as either the officer’s mess or kitchen. There is a small privy within the enclosed back yard. The Trust has taken considerable care in refurbishing the property and ensuring that the historic fabric has been retained and preserved.

The Cells

There are two cells for soldiers who had misbehaved. The cell's conditions were very basic and sparse.

Carriage Collection

The Barracks host a magnificent collection of horse drawn carriages and vans. Many of these unique items have been generously donated to the Trust.

History

The meaning of Lecq probably derives from the old Norse La Wik, meaning creek, which was first mentioned in 1215 in St Mary’s parish registers. Grève is French for a sandy shore.

Ever since 1204 AD when King John lost Normandy, Jersey was in continual danger from frequent and violent French attacks, culminating in the defeat of Baron de Rullecourt at the Battle of Jersey in 1781. The danger from France in Napoleonic times caused the coast of Jersey to be ringed with defence works because any beach which could afford a landing place was a potential danger.

An abortive attempt at invasion by a French force under the Prince of Nassau prompted the hasty construction of a guard house and magazine at Grève de Lecq in 1779 on the orders of the Island's Governor, General Sir Henry Seymour Conway. This was closely followed in 1780 by the construction of a Jersey round tower. In 1789 a new guard house and battery were built on the flanks of Le Câtel paid for by the States from the proceeds of a public lottery.

Other defensive constructions followed the appointment of General Sir George Don as Lieut-Governor in 1806. He set about the construction of military roads, arsenals, barracks, batteries and Martello towers with great enthusiasm. A map credited to his senior engineer officer, Lt General Humphreys, shows that by 1811 Grève de Lecq was protected by Le Câtel Fort and Battery, Middle Battery, Valle du Fort battery and a round tower. To accommodate the garrison required to man these defences a barracks was constructed (1810-1815) though the completion of this complex marked the end of the war with Napoleon.

The barracks is an excellent example of a self-contained military unit and it gave valuable service for over a century. The last regiment to be represented here was the 2nd Battalion of the East Surreys. The Devon's served here in 1911, when they were replaced by the South Stafford's, who trained drafts of men to be sent to the front. The British Garrison stationed here became a welcome part of island life and all ranks contributed to the social and sporting activities. The sight of a smart regiment of troops in review, on church parade or drilling, and the sound of a military band added glamour and colour to daily life and was greatly missed when these troops were withdrawn in 1926.

The withdrawal of the regular army left the barracks available for use as housing but the buildings deteriorated and fell into disuse. The Barracks were purchased by the Trust in 1972.

Restoration works

This work included the installation of modern drainage to replace the ancient brick-vaulted conduits and reassessment of the old rainwater cisterns and soakaways. All the stonework required repointing and some doors and windows required repair or replacement. Interior repairs and redecoration were also undertaken. As the project advanced, replacement eaves guttering was fixed and ground level gutters brick lined, with some areas being cobbled. Finally the whole parade ground was levelled and re-laid with the help of the Jersey Militia - the Island Territorial Army Field Squadron.

Site Access

The Barracks are located at the bottom of the eastern slope surrounding the Grève de Lecq Bay, in St. Mary. The site can be reached via Bus route 9 departing from St. Helier. There are several car-parks nearby. The Barracks are open to the public from May to September. Room 3 (a military dormitory) can also be hired all year round.