Castel, Guernsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Castel
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Location of Castel in Guernsey
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| Crown Dependency | Guernsey, Channel Islands |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.1 km2 (3.9 sq mi) |
| Area rank | Ranked 1st |
| Population
(2019)
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| • Total | 8,795 |
| • Density | 871/km2 (2,255/sq mi) |
| Time zone | GMT |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+01 |
Castel is the biggest parish in Guernsey by land size. It is also known as Lé Casté in Guernésiais and Sainte-Marie-du-Câtel in French.
This area shows signs of old sea-level changes. You can see tree trunks from an ancient oak forest on Vazon beach when the tide is very low. There's also an old beach found 8 meters above today's sea level.
People from Castel used to have a special nickname in the old Guernésiais language: ânes pur sàng.
Castel is home to two fun annual events: Le Viaër Marchi and the North Show. The North Show includes the exciting Battle of Flowers. The parish also has its own magazine called Castel Matters.
The postal code for streets in Castel starts with GY5.
Contents
Castel's Main Church
The main church in Castel is called St Marie de Castel. It's also known as Notre Dame de la Délivrance. This church was officially opened on August 25, 1203. It's famous for a well-preserved old painting on its wall, called a medieval fresco.
In the churchyard, there's a very old stone statue called a menhir. It was made between 2,500 and 1,800 BC, long before Christianity. This stone is carved to look like a woman, with breasts and a necklace. People think it might have been a symbol for good harvests or new life. It was found under the church floor in 1878. It might have been buried there to help the church move away from older, non-Christian beliefs.
The tomb of James Saumarez, 1st Baron de Saumarez is also in the churchyard. He was a very important admiral in the British Royal Navy.
People believe the church was built on top of an old fort. This might be why it's called Castel or Catêl, which could come from the Roman words Castellum or castrum (meaning fort). Broken Roman roof tiles and pottery have been found in the area, showing that Romans once lived here.
What to See and Do in Castel
Castel has many interesting places and things to do.
Important Places to Visit
- Ste. Marie de Castel church: The historic parish church.
- Saumarez Park: A large park with gardens and play areas.
- National Trust of Guernsey Folk & Costume Museum: A museum where you can learn about local history and see old clothes.
- Fairfield: A local area.
Historical Military Sites
- Parish war memorial: Inside the church, remembering those who served.
- Tower 12: Located at Vazon Bay.
- Hougue Batteries Left & Right: Old forts from the Napoleonic Wars.
- Grandes Rocques Battery: Another fort from the Napoleonic Wars.
- Burton Battery: Also from the Napoleonic Wars.
- Le Guet watchhouse: An old lookout point.
- Fort Hommet: A fort at Vazon.
- Fort Hommet 10.5 cm Coastal Defence Gun Casement Bunker: A strong bunker at Vazon.
- German fortifications: Built during the occupation from 1940-1945.
Ancient Discoveries
- Castel Church Statue Menhir: The ancient stone statue in the churchyard.
Beautiful Beaches
- Cobo
- Grandes Rocques (Saline)
- Port Soif
- Vazon
- Albecq
Nature Reserves
- Fort Hommet
- Port Soif/Portinfer
- Rue de Bergers
Other Local Spots
- Le Guet
- Cobo village
- Kings Mills village
- Fauxquets Valley
- Talbot Valley
- Many protected buildings
- Abreuvoirs: Places where farm animals used to drink water.
Community and Education
- La Chambre de la Douzaine: The local government office.
- Castel School: A primary school for younger students.
- La Mare de Carteret School
- Les Beaucamps High School
- Cobo community centre: A place for local events and gatherings.
Sports and Recreation
- La Grande Mare golf course
- King George V Playing Fields: Sports fields.
- Guernsey Indoor Bowls Centre
- King George VII Hospital
- Guernsey Rovers AC ground: A sports field.
- Surf school at Vazon: Where you can learn to surf.
- Country walks: Paths for enjoying nature.
Annual Events
- Battle of Flowers: A yearly parade with floats decorated with flowers.
- Le Viaër Marchi: An annual community event celebrating local traditions.
Food and Stay
- Numerous hotels and restaurants: Places to eat and stay.
See also
In Spanish: Lé Casté para niños
