Exploring the Great Houses in the Garden Parish - Part I
by Latoya Gail
 
I took a refreshing break from my mundane life to go exploring with the  Georgian Society – St. Ann/St. Mary chapter. We didn’t go very far, our journey kept us in the garden parish. There are so many wonderful historic buildings hidden away in the hills and though the routes to get to them were rough and rocky, it was well worth it!

Liberty Hill Plantation
 The first stop was Liberty Hill Plantation on the outskirts of Lime Hall [told you ... we didn't go far!], which was originally built in the 1740's at 1200 feet from sea level and was a thriving pimento plantation. It originally had cut stone walls which were later plastered over though you can still see the outlines.

I’d been there before but this was the first time I actually went inside. I absolutely fell in love with the upstairs attic. They still had the ‘trap doors’ leading to spaces which were used to hide contraband.

It also stands as an archaeological site -- an Arawak kitchen midden was found which is thought to have been used to supply Columbus and his men with food.  Other artifacts were also discovered over the years. 

The garden and landscaping is lovely and I was quite captivated by it. It has undergone somewhat dramatic restoration and is now marketed as a destination for weddings, retreats and other such events. They also have a spa which uses  numerous ingredients found on the property, including loofah scrubs. Finally,  one cannot miss the breathtaking views!  
 

Check back soon to read about the next leg of our tour -- the one great house
that I can only describe as a surreal experience.

 - Latoya

This Historic Site, Ruins of a Sugar Estate, was Recently Visited by Ivor Conolley

I arrived at the site at Hart Hill at about 10:00 am and met with Devon Baldy who identified himself as the owner of some eight acres of land in the area. He said the original buildings of the factory works and residences are spread out on other privately owned properties in the area. He showed me one structure fairly preserved and several foundation features in
various parts of the property. These foundations may be the location of the mill house, still house, overseer’s house and great house. However, careful investigation, including archival research, is needed to ascertain what these foundations were.

The most outstanding feature of the property was the ruins of a nineteenth century windmill. A date of 1827 was inscribed on a stone panel on the inner part of the structure. A name, possibly Murphy, was also inscribed next to it.  Other period markings were observed but were defaced by modern writing.  Inscriptions found were located in a cubicle between the conical structure and the mill house on the left wall when facing away from the mill house about 1.5
metres from the floor.

The structure is entirely of cut stone, faced on six sides typical of the method used during this period. The height is approximately 10- 12 metres, and is one of the largest windmill ruins I have observed to date. Another large windmill structure is located in Clarendon and has been adapted for use as a small library. The structure in Hart Hill has been kept free of foliage and is relatively intact. There are several openings in the structure reflecting damage and in need of reinforcement by supporting beams and other repairs using lime mortar and cut stone.

The windmill ruins in Hart Hill are located on the property of Devon Baldy, originally from St. Thomas, but who has made his home in Hart Hill for over 20 years. He has an avid interest in the history of Jamaica and has done research at the National Library where he has obtained
copies of maps and documents of the area. He says that the Jamaica National Heritage Trust visited the property some years ago. He plans to use the site as a heritage attraction.

- Written by Ivor Conolley

Please click on the images below to enlarge them and read the captions:

My Visit to A 17th Century Spanish Fort 
by Andrew Roblin
About five years ago, after reading a description in the estimable "Rough Guide To Jamaica," I spent the night at River Lodge, Robins Bay at what may be our island's best-preserved Spanish fort. According to the "Rough Guide," River Lodge is near the cove from which the last Spanish Governor Don Cristobel Arnaldo de Ysassi* fled Jamaica. It seems likely Ysassi stayed at the fort.

I slept in the fort's turreted tower. My room overlooked a lovely piazza framed by vine-covered walls and centered on a large outdoor fireplace. This Spanish fort, which is believed to have been built in the 17th century, includes several other rooms adapted for travelers and a cool thatched-roof dining area served by a modern kitchen. I had a wonderful breakfast there.

At last notice, River Lodge was run by a friendly German expatriate, Brigitta Fuchsloder  (Telephone: 995-3003). [Full disclosure: I like Ms. Fuchsloder. She safeguarded a pair of  flippers I forgot at River Lodge, allowing me to retrieve them six months  later.]

River Lodge makes for a great rustic getaway for travelers looking to escape the beaten path. I enjoyed the wild, secluded beach within a few minutes walk. A picturesque little stream runs beside the property. And the "Rough Guide" says there are several impressive and seldom-visited waterfalls nearby.

Robins Bay sits between Port Maria and Annotto Bay. Coming from Port Maria, you'll see a bus stop on the left with "Robin's Bay" clearly written on it. The road isn't bad to begin with, but quickly deteriorates--even at election time. Best to take this trip in a vehicle with good tires and a high suspension.  I got a flat tire on one of my trips down this road. 

Before visiting River Lodge, it's best to call ahead. I dropped in unexpectedly a few weeks ago. The owners weren't around, but a caretaker let me reacquaint myself with this charming and uniquely Jamaican historic site.

--Andrew Roblin
_____________________________

* GSJ Footnote: In 1657 Don  Cristobal  Arnaldo de Ysassi led strong guerrilla forces in the interior of Jamaica. He had been  appointed the last Spanish Governor of Jamaica. Two expeditions from Cuba came  to the north coast to help him. General Doyley attacked both times by sailing  around the island from Kingston. He defeated Ysassi near Ocho Rios in 1657 and  at Rio Nuevo in 1658, the last named being the biggest battle ever  fought in  Jamaica. Ysassi continued to hold out until 1660, when the defection of Maroon  allies made his cause hopeless, and he and his followers escaped to Cuba in  canoes.
Excerpted from "The Geography & History of Jamaica" published by the Gleaner

The Georgian Society of Jamaica's members were dressed in fine 18th-century style for the second year in a row, celebrating the time period of the four King Georges of the ancient British monarchy.

Coming from Montego Bay, Falmouth, and as far away as Cuba and Spain, the
guests congregated at the Bellefield Great House in Montego Bay on Saturday
night, clad in colourful and creative costumes styled by noted Cuban costume
designer Ernesto Castro. The festivity's site could not have been better chosen,
as the Bellefield Great House was first built in 1735 and was one of the few
great houses to escape being torched during the slave uprisings in Jamaica in
1831.

Besides displaying their era-appropriate clothing, visitors received the
opportunity to tour the great house and learn its history, and also to witness
and learn how to perform the quadrille, which was a keynote fashionable dance of
the time.

Jamaica's Georgian Society, a non-profit organisation, was started in 1967
with the mission of preserving the historical value of period buildings which
were being neglected throughout the island at the time. The organisation today
seeks to heighten awareness of Jamaican history and preserve, maintain and
restore historical sites, artefacts and monuments. Through the costume ball, its
members accomplish this by bringing awareness to the fashion styles, social
trends and architecture of the Georgian period.

All proceeds from Saturday's ball will go towards the restoration of Georgian-era
buildings in the parish of St James.

Source: Photos and article by Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer -  Jamaica Gleaner

Georgian Society member, George Meikle has authored the new book: In Praise of Jamaica, which is a historical, pictorial and contemporary delight. 

The book showcases what it means to be truly Jamaican, incorporating the island's natural wonders, heroes and achievements.

Of particular interest to us members of the Georgian Society who are committed to the preservation, restoration and maintenance of Jamaica's historical buildings, monuments, artifacts,  etc., this book includes many of these structures  such as the Rose Hall Great House, Annotto Bay Baptist Church and more.

If you are interested in Jamaica and its dynamic culture you'll soon learn that Jamaicans have much to celebrate! You can get your copy at the following national and international distributors:

The book can be found on Amazon and various outlets in Jamaica: 
Sangster's Book Stores
Kingston, Jamaica
info@sangstersbooks.com

Novelty Book Stores
Kingston, Jamaica
novtracomarketing@cwjamaica.com 

International Distributors
USA: tropicbran@aol.com
UK: wsgooden@gmail.com
Canada: info@adifferentbooklist.com

I am over halfway through an extended visit to Jamaica and I became particularly interested in the Georgian Society as I'm an architectural journalist in my homeland of Ireland with a degree in the History of Art and Architecture. Conservation lies very close to my heart.

Having been thrown into the vibrant, colourful and slightly mad world of Jamaica a little over a month ago, there are countless subjects and issues which I have been swept up by. The architecture here reflects clear influences of African, Spanish, and British descent, but it is the structures built here during the Georgian period which have really tugged on the heartstrings. This architecture is so often beautiful, intricate and sorrowful when witnessed in anything less than a fair state.

The Georgian buildings are romantic and elegant with their formal pillars, balustraded porticoes, sash windows, square, symmetrical shape and usually exquisite fretwork. With the small size of Jamaica, it’s hard to imagine there would be as many wonderfully interesting structures as there are, yet I have been enchanted by buildings in Montego Bay, Ochi and of course Falmouth, nevermind all of those I have only seen in photos.

It's said that the life of a place exists beyond its inhabitants because of its architecture. The buildings that stand hold an incredible amount of history. They have stood through celebrations, wars and revolutions that the country faced in its time. They are the mute testament to that country's soul. I believe that architecture can represent its people better and more aptly than any other facet, because buildings can be almost immortal. It is therefore imperative that these beautiful buildings be conserved and maintained as much as is humanly possible.

Most people say they know what architectural conservation is, and nearly as many say they believe it is vitally important, yet so few really get involved. Jamaica has such a dynamic and varied history, so many stories to tell but many people don't seem to recognise the significance of preserving the fabric of that history. What is a place at all without its history, it's culture, its heritage?

What we need to see is people getting angry enough to make things happen, to make the planning authority wake up and galvanize others into thinking about this issue and taking action too. Architecture is another language of a country, and the glorious patois is alive and kicking in Jamaica while Georgian buildings stutter and disappear.

What can you do to make sure Jamaica's lifeblood is kept flowing?

Best Regards,

Rachel Cooke

The Georgian Period is synonymous with the age of elegance. It spans the reigns of four King Georges, from the accession of George I in 1714 to the death of George IV in 1830.  The Classic Georgian style was never static, it evolved throughout the century, veering between elegant restraint and exuberant ornamentation but always retaining its key elements – a commitment to quality and attention to detail.

The Georgian era was relatively tranquil during the rise of an affluent middle class and a sharp rise in house building. As a result, carpenters, cabinet-makers, stonemasons and metalworkers became wealthy and respected members of society. It was a Golden Age, a time for prosperity to be openly expressed and enjoyed, an era that produced such craftsmanship of the highest standards.

Early Georgian 1714 to 1745   

The style of the early Georgian period was inspired by the architecture of the early Roman Empire. Most influenced was the 16th century Italian sculptor and architect Andrea Palladio. Palladianism became a instant success in Georgian England. The style adhered to the five classical orders: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite – the fundamental basis of classical architecture.

Emphasis was always on the symmetrical grand facade, with columns or pilasters highlighting the importance of the first floor. Houses both large and small followed the same square or rectangular plan, with windows of equal size flanking the porticoed  front door. Sash windows were favoured, and the Venetian or Palladian window ( an arch flanked by the two rectangular windows) situated above the front door, as a popular focal point.

Interiors followed the same strict classical principles in which proportions were expressed as ratios of a basic cube, and ornament was restricted to the classical orders and motifs.

Mid-Georgian 1745 – 1760

By the mid 18th century, fashionable Georgians were tiring of the constrictions of Palladianism and were actively looking for something a little more frivolous. Many embraced the French rococo style,  it was a light airy, asymmetrical style, favouring interiors ornamented with bright colours, complex scrollwork, naturalistic foliage, shell forms and asymmetrical cartouches in giltwood and plasterwork.

The picturesque Gothic  style emerged as a particularly English version of rococo, springing from a love of romantic ivy-clad ruins. The style became popular for interiors, especially for rooms such as libraries where the Gothic style might be said to suggest a reverence for the past.

Alongside the  Gothic, there was a renewed enthusiasm for chinoiserie, inspired by exotic artifacts, fabrics and wallpapers imported from the Orient. Popular motifs included Chinese figures, dragons, pagodas, bells and latticework. This style was adopted by furniture designers, most notably Thomas Chippendale.

Source: “ Classic Georgian Style” by Henrietta Spencer- Churchill.

Sincerely,

Trina DeLisser
President, St. James Chapter

My next post will reference  the late Georgian Period as well as the Regency Period.
Want to experience the Georgian Style? Get tickets to the upcoming "Georgian Soiree" at the Bellefield Great House on November 26. Click here to learn more.