Historical church choir meets school children in the pub!

Pupils from Moyles Court School near Ringwood recently joined the choir from Ellingham Church for a round of carols in the Red Shoot Pub.

The school has growing links with the Ellingham Church, stretching right back to the 17^th Century. Moyles Court was originally a Queen Anne Manor House, home to Dame Alice Lisle who was executed following the Monmouth rebellion in 1685. Dame Alice was charged with the treason of harbouring the King's enemies. During her trial at Winchester the infamous Judge Jeffries sentenced Dame Alice. This only happened after the jury found her innocent three times during the course of the trial. Each time, however, Judge Jeffries refused to accept the verdict. Only after much coercion, and probably in fear for their own lives, the jury found her guilty. Dame Alice was beheaded in Winchester Town Square that year on 2^nd September. Her remains rest at Ellingham Church which celebrates the 850^th anniversary of its foundation in 2012. Moyles Court pupils take part in a remembrance service at Ellingham Church each September to remember Dame Alice and will be joining the 850^th anniversary celebrations of the church throughout the year.