In 1204, King John built the royal castle of Mont Orgueil on a rocky promontory at Gorey to show the French that he had a stong grip on Jersey. The castle was garrisoned by English soldiers but the rest of Jersey was protected by its people who formed themselves into a militia. The first real mention of this force was in 1336 when Edward III issued an order for the militia to be reorganised into companies. By the 18th and 19th centuries service was compulsory for every man between the ages of fifteen and sixty-five.


Mont Orgueil Castle

Holyoake's copy of 'The Death of Major Peirson'

William Holyoake copied the original painting by John Singleton Copley to capture an historic moment in the Battle of Jersey. The Copley original was bought by the Tate Galllery in London (where it can be seen today). The States of Jersey celebrated the Battle's centenary by commissioning the Island's own version. The battle took place on 6th January 1781 when a twenty-four year old major, Francis Peirson, led British and Militia troops to defeat a French invading force at the Market Place (now the Royal Square). At one time a print of 'The Death of Major Peirson' would have hung in almost every house in the Island as a symbol of patriotism and loyalty.


Although Peirson did not survive the battle he was immortalised as the island's liberator. After his death Peirson's personal items, like this silver inkwell, became highly prized by local families.

This musket ball was taken from the shoulder of an onlooker who was shot while watching the battle from her window. The paintings and artifacts displayed at the Jersey Museum tell the story of the history of the Millitia and its development through the centuries. Collections of Militia silver trophies, ceremonial swords and mess silver are also displayed in the Militia Museum at Elizabeth Castle.


Major Peirson's silver inkwell


Evidence of the Battle of Jersey, 1781

A large collection of Militia documents held at the Jersey Archive includes a Militia Orders book covering the time of the Battle of Jersey. Twentieth century Militia documents include First World War pay lists, and attestations forms listing those who joined the Militia prior to the Occupation of Jersey in 1940.