@jerseyheritage

HISTORY IS WORTH A ‘FORT’! One of our most popular Heritage Lets is Fort Leicester, which sits above the picturesque harbour of Bouley Bay and has been restored to reflect its diverse military history, which dates back to the late 16th century. Named after the Earl of Leicester, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, the Fort initially housed single cannon when it was constructed in the 16th century, before a boulevard and battery platform were later installed as part of Jersey’s northern defence plan. This was deemed inadequate by the Island’s Lieutenant Governor, who instructed the battery should become a fort. Numerous guns were positioned there and these required the site to house around 30 of the Island’s militia up until it was rebuilt in 1836, when the Fort was considered ineffective due to the threat of steam navigation. The property has stayed much the same since it was rebuilt, with the guardhouse converted into the property’s main bedroom and the lower level magazines transformed into a cosy bunk room and a bathroom. A later addition to the Fort is the searchlight housing constructed by Occupying forces during the Second World War and this now houses a fully-fitted kitchen with a lounge and diner. There is also a terraced area where a gun emplacement once stood, which is perfect for watching the local fisherman go in and out of the harbour. #StaySomewhereWithAStory #HeritageLets #Holiday @visitjerseyci