Many
roads still retain the original name of 'Le Perquage', as this
street sign in St. Helier shows
An
ancient law of Jersey stated that when adults broke the law, they
could take refuge in their nearest church.
They could
stay there for eight days, whilst their family brought them food, but
on the ninth day, they would have to decide - whether to be punished in
the Royal Court, or to leave Jersey forever.
Every church
had a safe path to the beach, and these paths were called Les Perquages.
As long as you walked along this path, you couldn't be arrested. Many
criminals walked these paths to the beaches, where they were put on boats,
and left Jersey for good.
