The Great Shrewsbury Snowfight of February 3rd was a battle fought on February 3, 2009, waged between an army of pupils led by Shrewsbury Sixth Form College and nearby Shrewsbury School. The battle was fought at what is now The Quarry, Shrewsbury in Shropshire, England, just feet away from the two colleges.
Background
In 2007, there had been a previous, smaller scale snowball fight between the two sides, leaving rivalries amongst them. It is generally and historically accepted that this was a Shrewsbury School victory, with more casualties being conceded by Shrewsbury Sixth Form leading to their eventual retreat. The two colleges are famous for their rivalry in extra-curricular sports such as rugby. There is always a strong element of class discrimination between to the two colleges, and this was reflected in the 2007 skirmish, and the 2009 Great War.
Battle
The battle itself was only declared the night previous to it occurring. This was done so over the internet, with Facebook groups being set up to organise the troops. [1] The groups were joined by many people, but still less than a quarter of the final figure. The battle was arranged to commence around 1.00-1.30pm, lasting as long as it was necessary. A small clan of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College pupils, around 30, were quick to be mobilized and headed toward Shrewsbury School before a proper formation could be decided on. It was at this point that they were ambushed by around 120 Shrewsbury School pupils who chased them down the embankments adjacent to their college [2], and across the Quarry's Porthill Bridge[3], back in to the Quarry[4]. It looked like all was lost for the Sixth Form college at this point, until over the hill came 100-150 additional fellow pupils. A vicious battle ensued, with snowballs flying from both sides. There was occasional movement of forces so as to move to areas with fresh snow. As the battle developed, SSFC was gradually encircled after several loud charges from Shrewsbury School's pupils. At this point, directed by many shouts and chants of the men around them, the SSFC pupils rose up against the encircling Shrewsbury boys and drove them, stage at a time, down to the bottom of the Quarry, and finally over the bridge. Looking like a certain triumph for the SSFC pupils, chants were heard from both sides, Shrewsbury School favoring 'Where's your caravan?' and 'You're poor'. However, SSFC sung resoundingly back 'We get paid to, we get paid to, we get paid to go to school!' referring to the highly acclaimed EMA system. It was at the peak of these chants that Shrewsbury School, newly equipped with snow from the opposite fresh embankment, charged at the SSFC warriors. There was a stand off on the bridge that lasted for around twenty minutes. Shrewsbury School used a three-man catapult against the unmovable SSFC men. Eventually, the catapult, and the bridge were claimed by SSFC and the Shrewsbury School boys retreated to the sound of 'Cheerio!' echoing across the fast-flowing river.
Aftermath
The aftermath of the battle was of course tense, with the Shrewsbury School boys promising to be back for more. Injuries were nursed in the college's bathrooms, and the bruised veterans discussed their accounts fervently in local coffee shops. With more snow expected, and revenge being sought, further clashes seem likely.
Further Information
- There was a police presence at the battle.
- Chants include:
-"Where's your butler?" SSFC
-"Where's your caravan?" SS
-"Cheerio!" SSFC
Notes
- ^ http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=48621948540&ref=mf
- ^ http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2277/226/35/1291562961/n1291562961_267756_8206.jpg
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porthill_Bridge
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Quarry
Article by James Ashford, and posted to Wikipedia on 03.02.09
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Shrewsbury_Snowfight_of_Feburary_3rd
Good links:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=48621948540&ref=mf
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46514769753&ref=mf
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