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
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* 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

Thank you to those that attended the Indochina presentation and the St. Ann/St. Mary AGM on April 2nd. We will be sending the minutes and reports in due course.

 Our next event is the outing on SATURDAY APRIL 30th. We are lucky enough to have been invited to several historical properties in St. Mary. Details to come. Please bring water, hat, cameras, sunblock and your picnic. The cost will be $1,000- $1,300 depending on numbers.