Throughout history, Jersey built wooden ships from as early as the 11th century, with the first recorded examples near Mont Orgueil, Gorey.
Shipyards later lined the south-east coastline, thriving until the 1840-80s, when steel-hulled steamships—better produced in the UK—brought this era to a close.
Over the centuries, Jersey constructed around 400 vessels of varying sizes, and at its peak, ranked third in shipbuilding volume within the British Isles—driven largely by its advantage of being free from English duties and taxes.
At the heart of this industry were the skilled craftsmen—shipwrights whose precision, strength, and artistry shaped every vessel by hand.
When shipbuilding declined in the 1840 - 80s, these highly skilled men did not fade—they were in demand. Their craftsmanship was sought after by the gentry in the UK who recognised the quality of their work.
They turned their skills to building fine Victorian homes here in Jersey—what we now know as "Cod houses”—as well as elegant Merchants’ residences.
So, what began on the slipways of shipyards, lived on in the very fabric of the island’s architecture. It all came down to ‘Being Free of English Duty/ Taxes!
