Gorey, Jersey

**Gorey**
	Gorey; Jèrriais: Gouôrray
Bailiwick of Jersey
; Gorey from Mont Orgueil
	Location
Island:	Jersey
Location:	49°11’60"N, 2°1’17"W
	Data
	Local Government

Gorey is a village in the Parishes of Saint Martin and Grouville on the east coast of Jersey. The harbour is one of the three main harbours of the island, and is within Saint Martin Parish.

History

The position of Gorey as the closest strategic mainland point to the Cotentin peninsula of France has meant that it has a history of fortification going back at least to the Iron Age. After the division of the Duchy of Normandy in 1204, the strategic location of the harbour led to the construction of the castle of Mont Orgueil to protect the island against the French, also serving as residence for Governors of Jersey until the late 16th century when Elizabeth Castle was built off St Helier.

In 2010, it was announced that the Harbour Master's house would be sold, and the proceeds used to carry out restoration work to Gorey Pier.^[1] In the same year, plans were submitted for 52 homes on the Jersey Pottery site.^[2]

Local economy

The pier below the castle has been the site of the annual Fête de la Mer (a seafood gastronomic festival) until 2010,^[3] and also contains an interpretation centre exhibiting the history and environment of the area. The annual Gorey Fête in August is one of the largest such events in Jersey.^[4]

There are a number of hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars. Many of these facilities are located along the pier, and are used by tourists and locals.

Notable buildings

Buildings of note in Gorey include Mont Orgueil Castle, and Gouray Church, the Church of England church which serves the village and surrounding district.