The Barrett Family
The Greenwood Great House was built in 1780 and was for many generations the home of the famous Barrett family who arrived in Jamaica from Wimpole Street in London. In a short time, the head of the Barrett family -- Hersey Barrett -- had become extremely wealthy, owning more than 84,000 acres of land and 2000 slaves in the parishes of Trelawny and St. James.
Hersey Barrett was not only famous because of his extensive land holdings in Jamaica, but also because he was the uncle of the famous poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning -- her father was Edward Barrett.
Edward Barrett's income exceeded 60,000 pounds a year. When he returned to England--with his brother Samuel and his sister Pinkie--a cousin, Richard Barrett stayed on, becoming entrenched into Jamaican life. He became Speaker of the House of Assembly, Custos of St. James and eventually a judge.
Hersey Barrett was not only famous because of his extensive land holdings in Jamaica, but also because he was the uncle of the famous poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning -- her father was Edward Barrett.
Edward Barrett's income exceeded 60,000 pounds a year. When he returned to England--with his brother Samuel and his sister Pinkie--a cousin, Richard Barrett stayed on, becoming entrenched into Jamaican life. He became Speaker of the House of Assembly, Custos of St. James and eventually a judge.
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The Great House
The great house boasts a fine antique museum and still has many of its original furniture. Greenwood Great House also has a large and rare collection of musical instruments and books. Located on the border of St. James and Trelawny, it is positioned on the top of a hill which commands a view of almost 130 degrees of the surrounding area.
Greenwood Great House Today
| Today, the house is owned by Bob and Anne Betton (a Jamaican/New Zealand couple) who have since 1975 spent considerable time restoring the house to its former grandeur. The great house is regarded as one of the finest museums in Jamaica that exemplifies the grandeur of 18th Century Jamaican life, as lived by the settlers/slave owners. Congratulations must go to the Bettons for their untiring efforts to collect, preserve, and maintain the house. The house is open for guided tours. |  Thomas (left) and Ann Betton (right), owners of the Greenwood Great House in St James, hang out with Patricia Brown, a tour guide at the great house. - Photo by Christopher Thomas of the Gleaner |
