Jersey, Channel Islands

A Crown dependency that is closer to France than it is to the UK.

Cannon Fired At Noon - This cannon is fired daily at noon by Master Gunner Gillman. A blank round of 1 pound (about 0.5 Kg) of gun powder is used, it is very loud when it is fired, and creates a lot of smoke and a few floating hot cinders. Master Gunner Gillman encourages the visiting public to join in by getting them to take on the actions to ready the cannon, the procedure is the same as what would have been used when the Castle defended itself against its enemies. Health and Safety regulations are adhered to and no member of the visiting public is placed at any risk. Image Date: 01/06/2010

Gunner Gilman after firing the cannon on Elizabeth Castle, Jersey

The Cannon - Master Gunner Gillman and my Mother, this photo was taken about 10 minutes after the cannon was fired. the rod she holding holds the 'lighter', it contains rope that has been soaked in a solution of saltpetre (Potasium Nitrate) then dried, when the rope is lit it will smoulder for anything upto an hour - enough time to set off many cannon fuses whilst in battle. Image Date: 01/06/2010

Surgeon and surgery at Elizabeth Castle, Jersey, Channel Isles

The Doctor/Surgeon - If you were injured in battle then this is where you would have been taken to be operated on, initially any treatment was performed in front of waiting patients, a curtain (not a room) was later added for privacy. Image Date: 01/06/2010

Steep fortified Walls of Elizabeth Castle in Jersey, Channel Isles

Elizabeth Castle Walls - Showing the steep sides of the Castle. Image Date: 01/06/2010

Parade ground in Elizabeth Castle, Jersey, Channel Isles

The Parade Ground - Square bashing and troop inspections were held in this Courtyard, the Castle (out of view) is to the right of this picture. Image Date: 01/06/2010

Cannons defending Elizabeth Castle in Jersey, Channel Islands

A Row Of Cannons At Elizabeth Castle. Image Date: 01/06/2010

Fortified wall at Elizabeth Castle in Jersey, Channel Islands

Looking Towards the West - View from Elizabeth Castle. Image Date: 01/06/2010

Mont Orguil Castle, also known as Gorey Castle in Jersey

Mont Orgueil Castle - Mont Orgueil Castle, also known as Gorey Castle. If you look to roughly the centre of the picture, you will see a flagpole without a flag, a photo looking down from that position can be seen later in this set of images. Image Date: 02/06/2010

La P'tite Ruelle Muchie - small lane leading to Mont Orgueil Castle

Steep Path To The Castle - This is one entrance to the Castle, it is very steep, but it is well worth the climb. Image Date: 02/06/2010

Solid rock foundations of Mont Orgueil Castle in Gorey, Jersey

Solid Rock - The Castle is built on solid rock. Image Date: 02/06/2010