Guest Article: The Georgian Period in Jamaica - A Personal View

The Georgian Era

Part 1: The Whys and Wherefores of Colonialism

By: Guest Blogger - Nerissa Braimbridge

The Georgian period (1714 to 1830) architecture is said to have developed in England out of the Classical Revival that dominated Europe during the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. 

This period, characterized by an enthusiasm for classical antiquity, was popular during the reigns of King George I, II, III, and of course, the notorious IV of England. Scattered around the island of Jamaica are some still intact buildings of this glorified period, when wealthy estate owners built their homes in this particular style while competing with each other in acquiring lavish traditional luxuries that were appropriate for the tropics.  

Many of these buildings still stands in the historic town of Falmouth, Trelawny, which was conceived, planned and developed during this phase of the British colonization of the island, and are unique in the Caribbean; to the point where this town, which was known for its role in sugar production, was declared a national monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) in 1996. And while presently undergoing major restoration and development; is fast becoming a major destination for tourists.

Unfortunately however, elsewhere around the island, a disheartening number of these Georgian structures are succumbing to the damaging effects of natural disasters, neglect, or what is often referred to as “progress.” 

The Georgian Society of Jamaica, which was founded in 1967 by Geoffrey de Sola Pinto, recognizes the historical value of these period buildings, and over the years has sought to prevent further destruction by promoting the preservation, restoration and maintenance of these landmarks, monuments and artifacts.  One has  to wonder: “why isn’t there more appreciation for, and concern in maintaining these magnificent edifices? What happened to our Jamaican pride in this regard?”

Jamaicans are a proud people, who are usually quite comfortable in their distinct sense of self, but history, as we all know, is a matter of perspective. While admiring the elegant extravagances of these stately homes and celebrated opulent lifestyles, we should not ignore the gravity of this period’s malevolent history and its decadent effects on the psyche and sensibilities of our populace.

Most of this populace are the direct descendants of those wretchedly treated African slaves, who got no credit for their back-breaking efforts in building these massive structures of brick, cut stone and mortar. These were under some of the most miserable inhuman conditions (many of whom died in the process), and whose descendants still bears the pathological scars and ongoing negative repercussions of this appalling segment of history. 

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