Unveiling Jamaica’s built heritage – Port Royal and Seville

World Heritage Day was commemorated on April 18, and Jamaica’s rich tapestry of built heritage beckons us to embark on a journey through time. Among the myriad stories woven into the island’s architectural fabric, two stand out prominently about Port Royal and Seville.

Nestled at the entrance of Kingston Harbour, Port Royal wears its tumultuous past like a badge of honour. Once a bustling haven for pirates, buccaneers, and adventurers, this vibrant city earned the notorious reputation of being the “richest and wickedest city on Earth” during the 17th century.

Founded by the Spanish in the late 15th century, Port Royal quickly became a hub of trade and debauchery. Its narrow streets were lined with taverns, brothels, and gambling dens, attracting characters like the infamous Henry Morgan and Calico Jack. However, Port Royal’s prosperity was short-lived, as it was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake on June 7, 1692, sinking much of the city beneath the sea. Today, its remnants serve as a poignant reminder of its storied past, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its sunken treasures.

The forts in Port Royal hold profound historical significance, serving as tangible remnants of the city’s strategic importance during the colonial era. Fort Charles, for instance, stands as a symbol of British naval power in the Caribbean, protecting the lucrative trade routes and defending against foreign incursions. Its imposing walls and strategic placement showcased British dominance in the region. It remains the only British fort completely standing in Jamaica today. In contrast, Fort Rocky, with its strategic position guarding the entrance to Kingston Harbour, exemplifies Jamaica’s tumultuous history, witnessing battles and changing hands between colonial powers.

Port Royal had seven forts: Fort Carlisle, Fort James, Fort Charles, Fort Rocky, Fort Morgan, Fort Rupert and Fort Walker. These forts not only provided defence but also shaped the cultural and economic landscape of Port Royal, influencing trade, settlement patterns, and even the development of nearby towns. Today, they serve as poignant reminders of a bygone era, attracting tourists and historians alike, while also underscoring the enduring legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean.

COLONIAL LEGACY

In stark contrast to Port Royal’s raucous history, Seville stands as a testament to Jamaica’s colonial legacy. Originally inhabited by the Taino people, this idyllic village was claimed by the Spanish in the early 16th century, who saw its strategic potential as a maritime outpost.

Seville serves as a poignant site of the Encounter, embodying the convergence of four distinct worlds: Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. This historic encounter, catalysed by Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1494, marked a transformative moment in world history, initiating the transatlantic exchange of peoples, cultures, and goods. Seville’s location on the northern coast of Jamaica made it a strategic hub for Spanish colonisation and trade, facilitating the influx of European settlers, African slaves, and indigenous Taíno peoples. The Encounter at Seville in Jamaica represents not only the beginning of European expansion in the Caribbean but also the interconnectedness and complexity of global interactions during the colonial era. Under Spanish rule, Seville flourished as Jamaica’s first capital, serving as a pivotal centre for trade and administration. Its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture bore witness to centuries of conquest and cultural exchange, as the Spanish brought their customs, language, and religion to the island.

Despite its significance, Seville’s prominence waned with the rise of other coastal towns like Port Royal. Today, it stands as a quiet testament to Jamaica’s complex colonial past, awaiting recognition for its historical importance.

As we commemorate World Heritage Day, it is imperative that we recognise the importance of preserving Jamaica’s built heritage for future generations. Whether it be the sunken ruins of Port Royal or the colonial charm of Seville, these architectural treasures offer invaluable insights into the island’s multifaceted history.

Efforts are underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for both Port Royal and Seville, a testament to their outstanding universal value. Such recognition would not only safeguard their physical integrity but also promote sustainable tourism and cultural exchange in Jamaica.

Let us celebrate Jamaica’s rich architectural legacy and reaffirm our commitment to protecting these precious links to the past. From the “richest and wickedest city” to the colonial capital, the stories of Port Royal and Seville continue to captivate and inspire us, reminding us of the enduring spirit of Jamaica’s built heritage.

Contributed by Tamika Clough, Jamaica National Heritage Trust