Guilty or not guilty?
As part of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council’s ‘Year of the Child’, Quay Arts will host a re-enactment of one of the most important events in Newport’s history, the death of ‘Little Sweep’ Valentine Gray 200 years ago.
Recreation of trial against master sweep
This Thursday (28th Apr) the theatre will become Winchester Lent Assizes as The IW Sealed Writ Society (which includes Island legal professionals past and present), recreate the trial against master sweep Mr Benjamin Davies and his wife Margaret, based on original court documents and newspaper articles.
You decide
After hearing the evidence, the audience will then decide the verdict…. Will they agree with the original jury?
Roger Fruen of The IW Sealed Writ Society, said,
“200 years ago the death of Valentine led to a great injustice but highlighted the cruelty that chimney climbing children were accustomed to.
“Although we no longer send children up chimneys, there are still too many instances of modern child slavery and related abuse, even in this country.
“By supporting this event you will be helping the IW Youth Trust as they provide essential support for youths on the Island.”
Due to the graphic nature of the evidence, this event is not suitable for under 14s.
Where and when
The Trial of Valentine Gray takes place at Quay Arts on Thursday 28th April from 7.30pm.
Tickets are £10 with proceeds going to the Isle of Wight Youth Trust available from Quay Arts in person, via the Website, or by telephoning the Box Office on 822490.
News shared by Lucy on behalf of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council. Ed
Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm under CC BY 2.0
