Christopher Journeaux (Jersey Heritage Trust) writes:

"For many years Fives was a popular sport in Jersey and was played by teachers and students in purpose-built courts at Victoria College. Following a restructuring of the recreation fields the 3 courts were lost with only a hand-full of people still playing. It was thought that Fives had died out completely here. A couple of years ago, however it was pointed out that one of the Island's castles still had a Fives Court, built for serving officers in the 19th century."

(Editors Note : James Woodcock (Uppinghamian Fives Secretary and Jersey resident) has established that the courts at Victoria College were Rugby courts and that the Island's castle court still exists).

James reports:

“I visited the court at Elizabeth Castle on Sunday 8th February 2004 with Chris Journeaux, his girl-friend Louise (who works for the Jersey Evening Post) and my father. It is essentially an Island castle accessible by foot or vehicle across a causeway for about four hours a day. At other times the tide limits access to boats. There are some converted ex troop carriers which are used in high season to take tourists across.

The court is a type of rugby fives court, width 22 ft, length 35ft.The front wall is very high with no realistic back wall, in my opinion the wall visible serves as a perimeter to the floor playing space. There is a ledge at knee height and no other markings. The court is large enough for 3 a side. I attach some photos with a brief description, I took these with Chris' digital camera, apologies for the poor photography on my behalf.

Picture 1 | Picture 2 | Picture 3 | Picture 4

I understand that the castle is open to the public during the summer and that demonstrations of guns firing, parade ground marching etc take place. I believe that the intention is for the game to be played by people in costume to show the visitors one of the ways the officers used to relax/play sport. This court must be a one-off as it has been tacked onto the end of a military block (image 4). (Editors note: the court is similar to the Warminster Court ).

On a dry day the court is in good playing condition and does not appear to be in need of any restoration as things stand.”

J.W.W./C.J.

Fives in Jersey by James Woodcock & Christopher Journeaux (Jersey Heritage Trust)
Created 24th December 2004 by Mike Fenn
efa@etonfives.co.uk

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