The Hermitage

An impromptu and fabulous walk out to Elizabeth Castle at low tide this morning (enjoying my time off work). Behind the rambling castle complex is Hermitage Rock, at the top of which is a tiny chapel. A hermit martyr known as Helier lived and prayed here in the sixth century. Born in Belgium, the patron saint of the island was beheaded by pirates in 555AD (which also explains the crossed axes in St Helier's coat of arms).