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.
