States Chamber - La Chambre d's Êtats

The States building in St. Helier houses the Royal Court, the States' Chamber, the Bailiff's Chambers, the Law Officers' Department, the States' Greffe and the Law Draftsman's Office, the old library, the Law Library and three Committee Rooms.

The Royal Court House has always stood on the site of the present building and can be traced back to the 12th century. Subsequent reconstruction and building was carried out in 1648, 1769, and 1879.

The existence of a States' Assembly can be traced back to the 15th century. The States' Assembly grew out of the Royal Court as the result of the Bailiff and Jurats consulting together with the Rectors and Connétables of the 12 parishes in times of emergency. Until the late 18th century the Assembly had no Chamber of its own and met in the Royal Court. After a further period of reconstruction to the Court buildings undertaken between 1864 and 1866 the States yet again were compelled to sit in the Royal Court.

In March 1876 a plan drawn up by the States' architect was lodged "au Greffe". The plan provided for the establishment of a States room above the strong rooms then in the course of construction on the States' property east of the Court House. By the end of October 1879 the strong rooms were completed, the top portion still remaining unfinished and no decision yet reached as to its final use, although an Act had been lodged "au Greffe" on 20th October 1879, recommending the establishment of a States' room above the strong rooms east of the Court House. An alternative plan was presented to the States in early 1880, to which, some two years later the States gave their approval. At the same time the States decided to advertise the competition for the submission of plans for the new premises west of the Court House on the site of two houses recently purchased. It was proposed that the site would accommodate the new library and the Greffe offices. By 25th June 1886 the Library and Greffe offices were completed and handed over to the States. The library was opened to the public on 1st December of the same year.

In the meantime the question of the proposed States' room was still under consideration. Eventually the States gave their approval and on 21st June 1887 - the 50th anniversary of the accession of Queen Victoria to the throne - the present Chamber was opened. The Chamber is in early Jacobean style - oak - nine large panels carved and panelled and moulded in plaster of paris, and 12 pilasters with shields (on which it was intended to paint the 12 parish crests).

During the past 100 years very few alterations have been made to the States' Chamber, the most recent being the installation of microphones on members' desks. In 1919 a tablet on the wall to the memory of Sir Walter Raleigh (Governor of Jersey 1600- 1603), was erected at the expense of La Société Jersiaise. A second tablet was erected in 1995, again a gift from La Société Jersiaise, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Island from enemy occupation.

The Banner of Arms of the Sovereign of England that hangs over the Presidential dais is of the same heraldic significance (three gold leopards on a red ground) as those on the Public Seal granted to the Island of Jersey by King Edward I in 1279. It was placed in position on the occasion of the visit of HM King George V and HM Queen Mary to the Island in 1921.

The Royal Mace is carried before the Bailiff at the sittings of the Royal Court and meetings of the Assembly of the States of Jersey. It was presented by King Charles II to Jersey on 28th November 1663 in gratitude for the hospitality he received from the Island on two occasions during his years in exile.

The mace is one of the great maces of the seventeenth century. It consists of eleven pieces, made of silver gilt, is 4 ft. 9½ inches long, weighs 237 ounces (14 lbs. 13 ozs.) and bears no hallmarks. Engraved on the foot knop is a Latin inscription, which translated reads-

"Not all doth he deem worthy of such a reward. Charles II, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, as a proof of his royal affection towards the Isle of Jersey (in which he has been twice received in safety when he was excluded from the remainder of his dominions) has willed that this Royal Mace should be consecrated to posterity and has ordered that hereafter it shall be carried before the Bailiffs, in perpetual remembrance of their fidelity not only to his august father Charles I but to His Majesty during the fury of the civil wars, when the Island was maintained by the illustrious Philip and George de Carteret, Knights, Bailiffs and Governors of the said Island"

At the sittings of the Royal Court and meetings of the States, the Mace is placed standing upright in a socket in front of the Bailiff's desk.

The library, which opened on 1st December 1886, remained in that location until it became necessary to construct new and larger premises, which are now located in Halkett Place. The new premises were opened by HM Queen Elizabeth, on 25th May 1995.

The old library (as it is now known) in the States' Building has been converted. The upper floor now accommodates the Law Library, used by all legal offices, and the conveyancing section of the Law Officers' Department. The main room at the lower level is used for a variety of purposes, including meetings of the Court, Committee Meetings, presentations, functions and receptions.

As the administration of the States and Royal Court outgrew the accommodation available, the States decided that additional accommodation should be provided. In 1934 the construction of a new wing on the west side of the existing building was completed - on land that had been derelict since 1885. This extension presently houses the Law Officers' Department, States' Greffe and Law Draftsman's Office, and a meeting room.

As there was urgent need for additional accommodation for the judiciary and the legislature, the States in 1987, on behalf of the public of the Island, purchased Nos. 2- 10 Halkett Place, and subsequently purchased Nos. 21 and 23 Hill Street. The new building, Morier House, rises opposite the States Building

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