Saint Martin, Guernsey facts for kids
Saint Martin (also called Saint Martin in Guernésiais and French) is a beautiful area in Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. These islands are located in the English Channel, between Great Britain and France.
The postal code for homes and businesses in Saint Martin starts with GY4. People from Saint Martin used to have a special nickname in the old Guernésiais language: dravans.
A famous artist named Pierre-Auguste Renoir visited Guernsey in 1883. He loved the beaches, cliffs, and bays so much that he painted fifteen pictures in just over a month! Many of these paintings show Moulin Huet, a bay in Saint Martin. Later, in 1983, special stamps were made to celebrate these paintings.
The main church in Saint Martin was officially opened on February 4, 1199. Near the churchyard gate, you can find a special old stone statue called La Gran'mère du Chimquière.
Saint Martin has also won awards in the "Britain in Bloom" competition for its lovely flowers and gardens. It won the small town category twice, in 2006 and 2011.
Quick facts for kids
St. Martin
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Location of St. Martin in Guernsey
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| Crown Dependency | Guernsey, Channel Islands | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 7.3 km2 (2.8 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2019)
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| • Total | 6,593 | |
| • Density | 903/km2 (2,339/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | GMT | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+01 | |
Contents
Exploring Saint Martin's Geography
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Saint Martin is located in the southeast part of Guernsey. It shares its borders with other parishes. To the southwest, it meets the Forest parish. To the northwest, it borders Saint Andrew. On the northeast side, it touches Saint Peter Port.
Saint Martin also has a very small part of land that is separate from the main area. This small piece is called an exclave and is located to the west.
Cantons of Saint Martin
The parish is divided into four smaller areas called Cantons. Each Canton has three Douzeniers, who are like local representatives. The Cantons are:
- Canton des Hamelins
- Canton de Hatenez
- Canton de Bon Port
- Canton de Fermain
Highest Points and Property
Saint Martin is the second highest parish in Guernsey. Only the Forest parish has higher land. The highest parts of Saint Martin are in the middle, around an area called Carmel, which is about 110 meters high. From there, the land gently slopes down to the coast, where you can find steep cliffs.
Buying a house in Saint Martin can be quite expensive. It is one of the most costly parishes on the island for property. For example, a four-bedroom house costs around £615,000 on average.
Key Features and Landmarks
Saint Martin has many interesting places to visit and see.
Churches and Historic Sites
- St Martin's Parish Church is the main church.
- St Martin's Mission Methodist Church and Les Camps Methodist Church are also here.
- La Gran'mère du Chimquière is a famous ancient stone statue near the parish church.
- Sausmarez Manor is a historic house and estate.
Military History
- You can find the parish war memorial at the parish hall.
- Tower 14 is located at Saints Bay.
- There are old batteries (military forts) from the Napoleonic Wars at Bec du Nez, La Moye, and Mont-Au Nord.
- You can also see German fortifications that were built during the occupation from 1940 to 1945.
Natural Beauty and Bays
- Jerbourg Point is the most southeasterly point on the island.
- Moulin Huet Bay is a large area that includes Saint's Bay, Moulin Huet, and Petit Port.
- Icart Point offers beautiful views.
- There are many natural springs and wells called Abreuveurs (for cattle) or Fontaines (spring/well) throughout the parish.
Beaches to Explore
Saint Martin is home to several lovely beaches and bays:
- Part of Petit Bot Bay
- Saint's Bay
- Moulin Huet
- Petit Port
- Divette
- Marble Bay (also known as Le Pied du Mur)
- Part of Fermain Bay
Community Places
- The St Martin's Douzaine Room and Parish Hall are important community buildings.
- The St Martin's Community Centre is a place for local events.
- St. Martins A.C. is a local sports club.
- There are several hotels, pubs, and restaurants.
- St Martin's primary school serves the younger students.
- You can enjoy many countryside walks in the area.
Important Roads for Travel
These roads help connect Saint Martin to other parts of Guernsey:
- Forest Road leads to the Forest parish and the western side of the island.
- Les Varioufs connects to Saint Andrew's and the northwestern part of the island.
- Fort Road goes to Saint Peter Port, the east coast, and the northern part of the island.
These roads are also very important because they lead to the village center and most of the shops:
- Rue Maze
- La Grande Rue
- Route de Saumarez
Famous People from Saint Martin
- Lee Savident (born 1976) is a well-known cricketer.
- G.N. Georgano is an award-winning author.
- William Caparne was an artist who had his workshop in an old tram.
- Heidi Soulsby is a politician.
See also
In Spanish: Saint Martin (Guernsey) para niños
Images for kids
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La Gran'mère du Chimquière, the Grandmother of the Cemetery, is an important prehistoric statue near the Saint Martin parish church.
