Early History

• The Islet on which the castle now lies has its own history, with it being the place where Helier (the Christian anchorite from whom St Helier gets its namesake) lived in solitude for 15 years in a niche in a rock on the south-east of the island before he was named a patron saint. The Hermitage that can now be found there was erected at a much later date, probably in the 12th Century, as Helier’s chosen habitation was in reality nothing more than a rock.

• The site was later that of the Abbey of St Helier, named after the hermit. This was annexed in 1179 to that of St Mary of the Vow, near Cherbourg and was accordingly reduced to the status of a priory.
• This was later the scene of a historic event – in the 14th Century, the Magna Carta (issued in June 1215 by King John) was thus far being ignored by the officials sent by the English monarchy. They were not in fact concerned with the fulfilment of justice but rather more so with using the most frivolous instances to claim heavy fines so as to line their own pockets.
• At last the islanders decided that they would come together on the islet in 1331 and swear to defend their ancient rights before the High Altar of the Priory Church, if need be at the cost of their lives. This was dangerous as, by going against the King’s orders, they could be accused of rebellion or even of high treason. 500 of the Island’s chief men appeared before the King’s Justices in Guernsey to plead their cause, and gained 17 special rights. They were arrested but later acquitted by the jury. The officials were not happy with this and so ordered their arrest once again, but we do not know what happened after this. In 1341 Edward III confirmed by Charter the cherished rights and privileges which they had claimed. 

• The castle was decided to be built in 1550.
• It was named after Queen Elizabeth I in 1600 by her favourite in the court, Sir Walter Raleigh. He did this to earn further praise and adoration from the queen after having fallen out of her favour towards the end of her reign (on account of him having married one of her ladies-in-waiting without the Queen’s permission or blessing). He had escaped the threat of his opponents in court to govern Jersey in 1600.