Bonne Nuit (Jersey)

Bonne Nuit (Jèrriais: Bouonne Niet) is a small natural harbour in the Vingtaine du Nord, Saint John, Jersey, Channel Islands. Both Bonne Nuit in French and Bouonne Niet in Jèrriais mean "good night", referring to the shelter sailors could rely on by overnighting in the harbour. The bay nestles between the headlands of Frémont in the West and La Crête in the East.

History

In 1150 Saint Mary's chapel in St John was given to the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte and was described as being the chapel de Bona Nocte. This is the first documentary reference to the name. The priory and chapel continued its existence, owning land at neighbouring Frémont, and being noted for the dinner the prior was obliged to offer to the Bailiff of Jersey, the Vicomte and the King's Receiver every Midsummer day. In 1413 all alien priories were suppressed; the site of the priory and chapel is now unknown.The Bailiwick of Jersey, GR Balleine, London 1951

The bay was used for smuggling in the 17th and 18th centuries. The first fortifaction was a boulevard for two cannons constructed in 1736. La Crête Fort, the official summer residence of the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, is currently used by Jersey Heritage......
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