Did you know Jamaica has castles? Though in most instances Jamaica’s historic castles are actually former great houses constructed by plantation owners during the colonial era, serving as symbols of wealth and power.
Today, these historic structures lie in varying states of ruin, their once-grand facades now cloaked in mystery and intrigue. Each crumbling wall and overgrown pathway hints at untold stories of a complex and often painful past, leaving visitors curious and captivated by the secrets they hold.
Edinburgh Castle, St. Ann
Nestled in Pedro District, St. Ann, Edinburgh Castle was built in the 1700s by Scottish doctor Lewis Hutchinson—Jamaica’s first recorded serial killer. Small and square with two towers at opposite corners, the castle became a deadly playground for Hutchinson, known as “the mad doctor.” From these towers, he would take aim at unsuspecting passers-by, later forcing his slaves to dispose of the bodies in a nearby sinkhole.
Hutchinson’s reign of terror began shortly after his arrival in the 1760s. Travellers passing through the isolated area would often stop at Edinburgh Castle for rest, only to meet a grisly end. Hutchinson’s sport was killing for pleasure, targeting anyone who came his way. His brazenness escalated when he shot a neighbour and a soldier in full view of a witness, leading to his eventual arrest.
A search of his home uncovered 43 watches and clothing belonging to his victims. Hutchinson, along with accomplices James Walker and Roger Maddix, was convicted of murder, and he met his end at the gallows in 1773.
Ackendown Castle, Savanna-La-Mar
On the road between Savanna-la-Mar and Black River, the ruins of Ackendown Castle stand as a national monument. Built by Archibald Campbell, (1781-1833) of the family of Auchenbreck in Argyll in Scotland. The castle’s stone towers were once connected by an underground passage. Its medieval-style architecture is rare for Jamaica, making it a one-of-a-kind structure on the island.
The castle’s origins and Campbell’s story are engraved on a plaque within the walls, declaring it both his home and his final resting place. The inscription on the plaque reads :
“Here lie the remains of Archibald Campbell of the family of Auchenbeck in Argyll in Scotland third son of the Hon. John Campbell of New Hope in this parish died 21st April 1833 aged 52 years. This Castle which is now His monument, was built by him. R.I.P.”
Ackendown Castle was declared a national monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in 2006, preserving its historic significance for generations to come.
Stewart Castle, Trelawny
Built in 1754, Stewart Castle in Trelawny was a grand great house on a 1,230-acre sugar plantation owned by Scottish planter James Stewart. With fortified walls and towers, the castle was strategically designed to defend against potential attacks from Maroons and European rivals. From all indications the building seemed to be of three storeys consisting of a cellar, ground floor and first floor.
After the Stewart family left Jamaica in the 19th century, the estate changed hands several times before the Kaiser Bauxite Company acquired it in 1930.
Though the castle now lies in ruins, its rich history includes an excavation in 1957 that uncovered a Taino midden, offering insight into the island’s pre-colonial past. Materials excavated included a variety of marine shells perforated and unperforated e.g. giant conchs, giant crab limbs, breast bones of birds and turtle bones.
Colbeck Castle, St. Catherine
Standing tall two miles north of Old Harbour, St. Catherine, Colbeck Castle is a grand structure built in 1680 by Colonel Jon Colbeck. Having arrived with the British army that seized Jamaica from the Spaniards in 1655, Colbeck was granted 1,340 acres of land, where he built his massive fortress.
The rectangular site consists of four storied tower-like structures at each corner rising to a height of about 40 feet and an imposing Palladio-style design. It is solid and imposing and designed along the lines of a Seventeenth Century Italian mansion and was once the largest buildings in Jamaica, serving as both a residence and a defensive stronghold.
Despite its current ruined state, the castle’s grandeur is still evident. Today, Colbeck Castle is a national heritage site, open to visitors eager to explore its once-mighty halls.
Preserving the Past
Jamaica’s castles and great houses offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s colonial history. From the chilling stories of Edinburgh Castle to the architectural uniqueness of Ackendown, each structure carries the weight of centuries past. Though in ruins, these sites continue to capture the imagination, reminding us of the complex legacies they hold and the importance of preserving them for future generations to explore and learn from.
Information for this article was sourced from the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
