Youngsters stage history

Tuesday 30 September 2014

A group of primary school children have been reenacting Jersey’s famous 18th century battle in the Royal Square.

The children from St John’s School have been learning all about the Battle of Jersey and yesterday marched into town to bring the Island’s history to life.

The older children took on the role of the Jersey Militia and the English soldiers and were led into the Square by Major Peirson aka 10 year-old Harry Waters. The younger ones played the defeated French soldiers led by Baron de Rullecourt aka 10-year-old James Worboys.

Once their mock fight was over it was back to the classroom to take up new roles as journalists writing up their Battle stories.

The whole school have been involved in the project which aims to teach them history in an exciting, motivating and interesting way and will end with an exhibition all about Jersey on Friday 17 October.

Headteacher Trudi de la Haye said: “It is important that our children are knowledgeable about the history of the community in which they live.
“Learning about the history of one’s community creates a sense of belonging, and drama is a memorable and fun way to teach it.”

The Battle of Jersey took place on 6 January 1781 when the French forces tried to invade during the American War of Independence. It led to the deaths of both the French Commander Baron Phillipe de Rullecourt and the British Officer Major Peirson who’s death was captured by artist John Singleton Copley. The death of Major Peirson now hangs in the Tate Gallery and appears on the Island’s £10 note.