c h a n n e l i s l a n d s :
the fishery is somewhat on the decline; and unless tlie
w ry disadvantageous provisional arrangement entered
into by the British government on the representation
of nnce Polignac, be changed, Jersey will lose alto-
get ler this imjiortant branch of trade, whicli will be
transferred to tlie inhabitants of the opposite shores.
But die great attraction of Gorey, is its neighbonr,
Mont Orpieil Castle, which is certainly one of the
most striking and picturesque of any of those remnants
of antiquity, that in any country add ornament to
scenery, or interest to tradition. Its situation is most
commanding, standing upon the summit of a rocky
iieadland wliich juts into the sea; and stretching ite
walls, and mounds, inland, along the neck of land that
connects the rock with the rest of the island. Whether
seen from land or from sea, Mont Orgueil is well
entitled to tlie appellation of an imposing ruin. In
many parts, the walls are yet entire; but in other
places, massive as they are, they have yielded to the
pressure of time; and the mantle of ivy, which in most
parts hangs from their very summits, is in fine union
with tlie grey tint of age, that liere and there is seen,
w lere the walls are bare; and with the loop-holes, and
rents that time has made. ”
riie ascent to tlie summit is somewhat toilsome •
but one is amply repaid for the labour of it, by tl.e’
magnificence of the prospect. It embraces several of
the bays winch lie on either s id e ,-th e richly wooded
range of lieights, that gird the central parts of the
IS a n d ,-tl.e village far below, with its little 1,arbour,
and shipping, the whole expanse of s e a ,-a .id tlie
distant coast of France. This, in ancient days, w-as
an important place. Its origin and builder, are alike
unknown; but it was a place of some consequence in
the reign of King John, by whose directions, its fortifications
were strengthened and enlarged. In Falle’s
history of the island, this castle bears a conspicuous
part,—but these matters do not lie within the scope of
my work, which has reference only to the present
condition of the Channel Islands.
Two noted persons have been inmates of Mont
Orgueil Castle; Charles the Second, who remained
in it several months, and whose apartment is yet
shewn,—and the well known Prynne, who was a prisoner
in it from August 1637, to November 1640.
While in confinement, he celebrated it in verse,—and
entitled his poem, “ A poetical description of Mont
Orgueil Castle, in the isle of Jersey, interlaced with
some brief meditations from its rocky, steep, and lofty
situation.”
Mont Orgueil is not now maintained as a military
defence. Its garrison consists of a serjeant, and two
privates, wTose duty is confined to. hoisting a flag on
holidays. A royal salute used to be fired from the
castle on such days; and there are still some mounted
guns; but this waste of powder has been discontinued.
I have now spoken of the general aspect of the
island,—of its capital, and its two smaller towns, and
of one or two other objects of especial interest. I
have no intention of describing, or even of enumerating
its hamlets; these, I may observe generally, are
to be found in the neighbourhood of each of the
twelve churches; and some of them, are entitled,
almost to the appellation of a village: and besides
It