19th March 1869
The rector of St Helier is humiliated in the States Assembly
You could almost believe the States members had themselves been under the influence of drink when they met to decide whether the island’s pubs should be allowed to open on Sundays. As things stood, the pubs always been able to do so, but the rectors of the 12 parishes, each of whom had a seat in the States, were arguing for their closure on the day of rest.
The States had already voted on the matter once, but that vote was declared null, so the matter returned to the chamber to be considered a second time, during which the rector of St Helier tried to read the previous week’s sermon to the members.
The members argue
Seemingly none of them wanted to hear it, and a boisterous argument broke out, over which the rector had no chance of making himself heard. When the matter was put to a vote, the case for allowing the pubs to open for an hour and a half, between 5.30 and 7pm, won by the slimmest of margins, but the rector of St Helier wasn’t happy. He moved to have it immediately overturned, and was roundly defeated, with only two other members supporting him and 29 voting against.
He may have taken some comfort in the fact that a proposition that all pubs should be closed at 10pm on weekdays was, at least, successful.
FREE Jersey history newsletter
Don't miss our weekly update on Jersey's fascinating history. We promise never to sell your data to anyone else, and there's a super-easy unsubscribe link on the bottom of each email so you can leave whenever you want.
Other events that occured in March
Bomb hoax brings St Helier to a standstill
- Claims that there was a bomb on the Weighbridge brought St Helier to a standstill in early March 2004.
- Read more…
Harriet Gilbert’s starvation death is finally acknowledged
- 14-year-old Harriet Gilbert was starved to death in prison in Jersey after being arrested for petty theft.
- Read more…
Jersey buys Fort Regent
- The States of Jersey bought Fort Regent from the British government for £14,500.
- Read more…
Coup leader released from Elizabeth Castle
- Robert Overton was critical of Cromwell and planned a coup d’etat, which Cromwell discovered before he could put his plans into action.
- Read more…