enhancement with new high quality architecture that
demonstrates the modern styles and imagination of the time. It should be remembered that every building, even ones as venerable as the town church and Elizabeth Castle, were once brand new. Well-designed contemporary architecture contributes to the vitality and forward progress of the town, but the preservation of important historic buildings and character is also essential to the heart and soul of a place. We all participate in the historic environment and experience it every day of our lives in buildings, streets and public spaces. We are not talking
about the ‘museum’ preservation of buildings in a supposedly ‘frozen-in-time’ condition but understanding and celebrating the cultural and heritage value of a building and place, and
managing change to it to avoid the loss of things that are well designed or that link us with our past in a meaningful way, whilst ensuring it can continue as part of a living and working
community. As the first keeper of the USA National Register of Historic Places succinctly put it “At its best, preservation engages the past in a
conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future”.
St. Helier should embrace its history and take pride in its unique architectural heritage, ensuring that this is a core part of future visions. To quote the Count of Montalembert from 1830 “Les longs souvenirs font les grands peoples - Long memories make great peoples”, but heritage should be as much about the future as it is about the past. There are many good and proven reasons for this. People understand the core ‘intrinsic’ value of heritage in terms of knowledge and identity.
We care about the historic town, in part because we simply value the familiarity and memories associated with it. Its historic buildings and streets are also critical to the town’s identity and distinctiveness, generating a sense of stability and longevity which people value. On another level, interesting and attractive historic streets can encourage people to feel more positive about their local area,
contributing to a stronger shared sense of place and enhancing community pride. Old buildings are also a unique source of information about the town’s past and help to illustrate its history and the achievements of past residents. There are also more pragmatic and economic benefits in working with the historic town. Studies have shown that preserving an historic town is good for the environment, maximising the use of existing materials and infrastructure, and reducing waste.
Historic places should be seen as assets to the town’s revitalization. We must work to ensure the integration of St. Helier’s historic buildings in its future, thereby presenting opportunities to create successful developments with local character and distinctiveness where people enjoy working, living and visiting.
On the 29th May 2012, metal detectorists and lifelong friends Reg Mead and Richard Miles made an amazing discovery: the result of a chance conversation which then spanned a 30 year search. The pair had combed an area of farmland in the parish of Grouville on the Island of Jersey having heard a story of ‘funny looking silvery buttons’ that had been disturbed in a pot beneath the roots of a tree. Through diligence and determination they went on to discover what turned out to be the largest hoard of Iron Age coins ever discovered in Western Europe.
Comprising ancient gold and silver coins fused together with precious metal objects of jewellery, the treasure was buried in Jersey 2000 years ago by the Gaulish tribes inhabiting modern day North Western France; the land that now can be seen to the east and south of the Island of Jersey. The treasure was concealed deep in Jersey soils and lay beyond the hands of man until its discovery and evacuation in June 2012. This is the story, in words and pictures, of this unique and rich archaeological treasure trove of worldwide importance. In time, its evacuation will add much to our understanding and knowledge of Iron Age communities.
20/20 - St. Helier
Page 29
The book can be purchased from Jersey Museum for
£6.99
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