15th December 1651
Elizabeth Castle is bombed into submission
After Charles I’s execution, the Prince of Wales, Charles II, sought refuge in Jersey, and the island proclaimed him king in Royal Square in 1649. Two years later, Parliamentary forces landed at St Ouen’s Bay and made such rapid progress across the island that most of the forces loyal to the king quickly surrendered.
The exception was the forces holed up in Elizabeth Castle, who managed to hold out for almost two months under heavy bombardment. Sir George Carteret, sheltering there, realised that his position was hopeless and surrendered to Parliamentary forces on 15 December on the agreement that he would leave the island. Charles II awarded him territory in America in recognition of his loyalty and the state of New Jersey was born.
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Other events that occured in December
Channel Island cargo ships collide
- Two British Transport Commission cargo ships serving the channel islands collided in December 1955 resulting in significant damage.
- Read more…
Father Clifford Cohu is born
- Fr Clifford Cohu was a retired priest in Jersey during the Occupation. He was deported in 1943 for sharing BBC news.
- Read more…
Last ever episode of Bergerac is broadcast
- The BBC's long running Jersey-set detective drama series, Bergerac, finally drew to a close on Boxing Day 1991.
- Read more…
Old-school pornographer is sentenced to hard labour
- A pornographer printing photographs for distribution worldwide was sentenced to a year's hard labour as punishment.
- Read more…
