Le Hocq Tower
La Grande Route de la Côte, St Clement, Jersey, JE2 6LF
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Details
Le Hocq Tower is a historic coastal defence tower located in St. Clement on the south-east coast of Jersey. Built around the late 1770s or early 1780s, it was one of a series of round towers ordered by General Sir Henry Seymour Conway to defend the island against potential French invasions. The exact construction date is unknown, but it was standing by the time of the Battle of Jersey in January 1781. The name 'Le Hocq' originates from the Jèrriais word for headland or cape.
The tower's design is characteristic of the Conway towers, tapering slightly from its base to the top. Internally, it was divided to store gunpowder and provisions on the ground floor, with the upper floors serving as living quarters for militia. It featured machicolations for defence and was originally armed with an 18-pounder carronade on the roof and additional cannons nearby. Over the years, Le Hocq Tower has served various purposes, including a base for the Jersey Amateur Radio Society and as a daymark for shipping. Today, it functions as an interpretation centre, managed by Jersey Heritage on behalf of the Parish of St Clement, showcasing the history of the tower, local geology, and the surrounding RAMSAR site.
Location
Opening Hours
Open on the first Sunday of every month until October, 10:00 - 16:00.
Contact
[email protected], +44 (0) 7797 741176 (Jersey Uncovered). For Le Hocq Tower specific enquiries related to Jersey Heritage, refer to their general contact information.