Royal Square is the historic heart of St Helier, surrounded by the States Assembly (Jersey's parliament), the Royal Court, and a row of granite buildings that give the square a dignified, slightly formal air. The gilded statue of George II in the centre gazes benevolently toward the harbour, dressed in Roman armour. It was here in 1649 that Charles II was proclaimed King — though his kingdom at that point amounted to little more than this island and a few loyal ships.
Today the square fills with lunchtime workers and occasional outdoor markets. The parish church of Saint Helier, just off the square, has a Norman-era core and some elegant medieval stonework. On 9 May each year, Liberation Day is celebrated here with ceremony and, if the weather cooperates, genuine outdoor exuberance.