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.