Friends of the Georgian Society of Jamaica
Spanish Town
Falmouth
Port RoyalThe English, who called it Spanish Town, also made it their capital, until 1872, when Kingston became the premier town. They built the fine Georgian square, for which Spanish Town is justly renowned.
At the north end is the impressive statue by John Bacon, which the Jamaican House of Assembly had erected as a memorial to Admiral Rodney for the victory over the French at the Battle of the Saints in 1782.
On the east side are the ruins of the King's House, which was occupied by the Governor when Spanish Town was the capital. It was described by the 18th century historian, Edward Long, as 'the noblest and best edifice of the kind in North America, or any of the British Colonies..' (Edward Long, The History of Jamaica, Vol.2, p.15, London: Frank Cass, 1970). The King's House was occupied until 1925, when it was badly damaged by a still unexplained fire.
On the west side stands the House of Assembly, the Assembly being Jamaica's first essay at representative government, although on a very limited franchise. The building is still in use as the offices of the Parish Council. On the south side stands the burned-out but still imposing shell of the Court House.
