Historic Jersey buildings
 A photograph taken by Thomas Cutch of Southampton in the 1860s showing buildings to the right of the Courthouse which were progressively demolished to make way for the library and later extensions to States offices. The building immediately to the right of the statue became the library
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Property name
4 Royal Square
Other names
Public Library
Location
Royal Square, St Helier
Type of property
Former town house and shop, demolished to build a new public library in 1886. The property also appears to have been an inn in the 1870s
Acquisitions
- 10 September 1881 the Public acquired a former house to the west of the Royal Court from Francois Jean Le Maistre.
- 19 September 1881 the Public acquired a former house to the west of the Royal Court from Philip Jean Ouless.
- 19 September 1881 the Public acquired a former house to the west of the Royal Court from Walter Bertram Godfray.
Families associated with the property
Census returns
- 1861 - Joshua Taylor (44), cordwainer, Mary (42), two sons, three daughters
- 1871 - David Misson (29), innkeeper
- 1881 - Philip Le Neveu (48) Notary public and civil registrar, Esther (28), Isabella (2)
- 1891 - Philip Le Neveu (56), notary public, civil registrar, Esther (38), Juliette (12)
- 1901 - John Gaudin (53), under court usher, Elvina (50) tailoress
Almanac listings
- 1874 - H L Manuel, registrar [1]
- 1880 - Registrar's office; Philip Le Neveu, notary public
- 1886-1900 - J T Le Riche, commis greffier
- 1900-1925 - W H Gough, usher
Historic Environment Record entry
Listed building
Ancell and Orange, who had designed the States Chamber, were also commissioned to design the new library. This is in granite, embracing a pediment borne on Ionic columns, a large round-headed central window with segmental-headed windows on either side, a portico on rusticated columns, flanked by a domed tower. Of particular note to the interior is a richly carved oak ornamental fireplace and the patterned stained glass ceiling light.
