ED.EM.04 - Victoria and Albert: on the piers

For island communities, their ports and piers hold symbolic as well as obvious practical significance. They facilitate trade and communication, as an islands economy grows beyond the means by which it can support itself, they come to symbolise survival and possibility. For much of the 20th Century the mailboat and ferries berthed along Albert pier, it was the point at which loved ones were kissed goodbye and welcomed home as they disembarked. Victoria continues to serve commercial ends, receiving small freight services and fishing boats, it has nursed livelihoods and businesses for approaching two centuries.The piers have been adapted as needs have changed, this process is ongoing. During 2021 Geomarine has started constructing deep water berths for yachts off Albert Pier and renovating the pontoons in St Helier Marina. As always, the changes reflect the island at the time, they will not be the last these piers see, as they continue to serve our island community.

Doug Ford, Maritime Historian and former Community Learning Director at Jersey Heritage, has written a new text for this issue, which provides a concise history of the piers up to date, within the broader context of a working harbour for an island community.