Victoria Tower

Victoria Tower is surrounded by many interesting sites such as the Dolmen de Faldouet, Mont Orgueil Castle, or Le Saut Geoffrey, all within walking distance. It is a place which enables visitors to have a glimpse of Jersey’s 19th century defence policy, whilst enjoying stunning views of La Deroute channel.

Further enjoyment can be provided by hiring the site, especially during the summer season, when the surrounding flora is in full bloom.

Description

Situated on a hill-top, the site is surrounded by wooded slopes and côtils, overlooking Anne Port Bay, St Catherine’s Pier and Mont Orgueil Castle.

The tower is set deep into the ground and unlike others in Jersey, is surrounded by a dry moat 4 metres wide and 3 metres deep, which would have prevented the under-mining of the walls. Victoria Tower also has a drawbridge to protect the entrance.

A 32 pound gun was mounted on a traversing platform on top of the tower. The gun crew of 5 used the central hall as their living space whilst on duty and would sleep in hammocks slung from the hooks in the vaulted ceiling. A coal fire provided warmth and heat for cooking and rainwater was collected from the roof into a cistern in the lower chamber beside the magasin and store. There are 2 gun ports (now blocked) in the central area, as well as loopholes for close fire. As you can see the front door is sufficiently stout to withstand an onslaught. The doors under the bridge within the moat provided a little privacy for ablutions in an otherwise exposed situation.

The grassland is a colourful sight in summer with Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Yellow Bartsia (Parentucellia viscose), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and Lesser Burdock (Aretium minus) which attract many butterflies and other insects. Migrant butterflies recorded recently include the Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclidus podalirius) and Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus).

History

This tower is a true Martello, and was the last tower to be built in Jersey. It was constructed in 1837, and named after Queen Victoria to commemorate her accession to the throne. Victoria Tower would have been one of the first military buildings to be constructed under the reign of the newly crowned queen.

The purpose of the tower was to prevent the enemy landing at Ann Port and to prohibit access to Mont Saint Nicolas, thus safe-guarding Mont Orgueil. Following a survey of the island's fortifications by Lieut.-Colonel G. G. Lewis (the Commanding Officer of the Royal Engineers), in 1831, the Defence Committee ordered a series of forts to be built. The tower was constructed under the guidance of Lieutenant-Colonel K. H. Oldfield, the Commanding Engineer in Jersey.

During the 20th century, the German occupying forces also fortified this hill-top, but most of their works are now inaccessible. The requisitioned land was used as the headquarters for the 2nd Battalion Artillery Regiment 3, who built 3 bunkers. One had eight rooms and was used as a telephone exchange. The others were 2 roomed and served as sleeping quarters for the troops. The Germans heavily armed Victoria Tower and equipped it with flame-throwers and machine-guns. The tower may have also had an anti-aircraft position. By June 1942, Victoria Tower had a German personnel shelter, mortar, ammunition shelter, an observation/command post and a search light.

The tower was probably one of those sold to the public in the 1920’s. It was used, for a few years in the 1970’s, as an observatory by the Victoria College Astronomy Society, before being purchased together with the surrounding farmland by the Trust in 1980.

Site Access

Victoria Tower is located within walking distance (600 metres) of Gorey Harbour. The site is at the end of the narrow lane passing by Haut Garenne and Seymour Farm. It can also be reached by buses either leading to Gorey Harbour (1, 1a & 1b) or St. Catherines (20). There is a little car-park on the site. Victoria Tower can be hired all year round.