Janvrin’s Tomb, Ile ès Guerdain, Portelet Bay

Discover Janvrin’s Tomb at Portelet Bay, Jersey

Tucked away in the picturesque Portelet Bay, Janvrin’s Tomb is a site of both historical intrigue and natural beauty. Over 300 years ago, Philippe Janvrin, a ship captain, was buried on the small Ile ès Guerdain islet in the bay after a tragic turn of events. Janvrin had returned to Jersey from Bordeaux aboard his ship, the Esther, during a time when many French ports were suffering from plague outbreaks. He was forced to quarantine, and while in isolation on 27 September 1721, he tragically died from a fever.

As a precaution, Philippe was buried on the islet, far from the community, to prevent any potential spread of illness. His burial site remained marked by a simple structure, but in 1808, a more substantial building known today as Janvrin’s Tomb, or Portelet Tower, was constructed to commemorate his resting place. The tower now stands as a lasting tribute to Janvrin’s memory and is a unique historical landmark on the island.

Visitors to Portelet Bay can enjoy the stunning views of the bay while reflecting on the fascinating history of the site. Janvrin’s name lives on in the bay’s name, a reminder of the past and the precautions taken during a time of plague and uncertainty.