Torteval, Guernsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Torteval
Tortévas
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Location of Torteval in Guernsey
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| Crown Dependency | Guernsey, Channel Islands | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 3.1 km2 (1.2 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2019)
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| • Total | 1,017 | |
| • Density | 328/km2 (850/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | GMT | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+01 | |
Torteval (in Guernésiais language: Tortévas) is the smallest of the ten parishes in Guernsey. A parish is like a local area or district. Torteval is located on the western side of the island. Its name comes from Guernésiais words meaning "twisting valley."
This parish is actually split into two parts by another parish called St. Pierre du Bois. The eastern part is known simply as Torteval. The western part is a separate piece of land called Pleinmont-Torteval. This area includes the very westernmost point of Guernsey. It also has a special place for nature.
In the Guernésiais language, people from Torteval have a fun nickname: "ânes à pid dé ch'fa." This means "donkeys with horse's hooves."
Contents
Torteval Church
In the middle of the parish, you'll find a church that was built in 1818. It was designed by an architect named John Wilson. This church is special because it has the oldest bell in all the Channel Islands. This ancient bell dates all the way back to 1432!
The church stands on the same spot where an even older church once stood. That first church was blessed on November 4, 1140, but it eventually fell apart. The current church has the tallest steeple (the tall, pointed tower) in Guernsey. This tall steeple was built to help sailors. It acts like a sea mark, which is a landmark that helps ships find their way. In 1849, people thought about putting a light on the steeple to make it even more helpful for ships. However, after checking it out, it was decided that it wasn't suitable for a light.
Life in Torteval
The postal code for addresses in Torteval starts with GY8. The parish also creates its own magazine called Les Tortévalais.
The parish of Torteval is home to the Torteval Douzaine. A Douzaine is like a local council or committee that helps manage the parish. One of the most popular events in Torteval is the scarecrow festival. This fun festival brings the community together.
You can also find a TV relay tower in the parish. There are hotels and restaurants for visitors. The area is also known for its beautiful countryside walks.
Natural and Historical Places
Torteval has many interesting places to explore.
Bays and Coastline
- Portelet Bay: This bay is recommended by the Marine Conservation Society for its clean waters.
- Rocquaine Bay: Another beautiful bay along the coast.
- Pleinmont Point: This is the westernmost tip of Guernsey, offering great views.
- Cliff Paths: You can walk along paths on the cliffs and enjoy the scenery.
Military History
Torteval has several sites that show its military past.
- Parish War Memorial: This memorial is located outside the parish church. It remembers those who served in wars.
- Fort Pezeries: An old fort.
- Les Tielles Battery: A military battery from the Napoleonic Wars.
- Narron Battery: Another battery from the Napoleonic Wars.
- Pleinmont Battery: Also from the Napoleonic Wars.
- Ruined Watch-house, Pleinmont: This old watch-house was even mentioned in Victor Hugo's famous book, 'The Toilers of the Sea'.
- Pleinmont Observation Tower: A tower used for looking out over the sea.
- Batterie Dollmann: Another military battery.
- German Fortifications: These were built during the occupation of Guernsey from 1940 to 1945.
Other Features
- La Tables des Pions: A historical site.
- Protected Buildings: Many buildings in Torteval are protected because they are important historically or architecturally.
- Abreuvoirs: These are special places where cattle used to go to drink water.
- Torteval Nature Reserve: This reserve was created in the 1970s to protect birds. It was updated in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
See also
In Spanish: Tortévas para niños
