The mystery of Queen's (or is it King's?) Valley

Friday 05 May 2023

Will Queen's Valley become King's Valley? After a member of the public asked if the reservoir's name would be changed ahead of the Coronation, Express attempted to track down the history of the name –  and find out if there are any plans to change it to honour our new king...

Although the actual reservoir was only built in 1991, the valley's name has been in place since at least the mid-20th century.

But the valley was not always called Queen's Valley.

Though no medieval name for the area is known, according to a Société Jersiaise document from 1990, the valley has been referred to as 'Le Val des Moulins' or 'Les Vaux des Moulins' after the mills that stood there. There are three known mills, but more might have existed.

An 1815 painting by John Tobias Young shows a green valley with woodlands and farms... and the painting is called 'The King's Valley', with 'Queen's Valley 1815' inscribed on the back.

The painting was sold in 2010 by the auction house Christie's for £11,875.

Pictured: An 1815 painting entitled 'The King's Valley'. (Christie's)

Jersey Water said that the land has been referred to as Queen's Valley since at least the 19th century, when this land was owned by the Crown.

There appear to be no sources on the area's name between the 19th century and the Queen's accession.

However, it has been confirmed that there are no plans to change the name of the valley again.

Constable of Grouville Mark Labey said: "In my opinion, I think the Valley should retain its name in honour of the greatest Monarch that has graced our lives for so long."