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
Operation Hardtack targets the Channel Islands
- Needing to find out what was happening in the .Channel Islands during the Occupation, the British government launched Operation Hardtack.
- Read more…
Author and Chinese army chief William Mesny dies
- William Mesney was born in the Channel Islands and became a distinguished officer in the Chinese army.
- Read more…
Occupation government head, Alexander Coutanche, dies
- Alexander Coutanche was head of the civil government in Jersey through the Occupation of the Second World War.
- Read more…
Who owns Minquiers, Britain asks International Court
- Britain and France asked the International Court to rule on who was the official owner of Minquiers, the reef close to Jersey.
- Read more…
