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Stokes Hall Great House: A Glimpse into Jamaica's Colonial Past

Explore the ruins of Stokes Hall Great House in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and step back in time to discover the island's rich colonial history.

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Stokes Hall Great House, located near Duckenfield in St. Thomas Parish, Jamaica, is a historical site offering a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Built by Luke Stokes in the 17th century, the great house stands in ruin after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1907, but it still offers visitors a chance to explore the remains of this once-grand estate and learn about its history.

A brief summary to Stokes Hall Great House

  • WPCJ+732, Duckenfield, JM

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the grounds more easily.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Morant Bay, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride to Stokes Hall Great House, located in Duckenfield, typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Ensure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. The estimated cost is between JMD 1,500 to JMD 2,500.

  • Public Transport

    From the main bus terminal in Morant Bay, you can take a local bus heading towards Duckenfield. The bus fare is approximately JMD 200. Inform the driver of your destination, and they will drop you off near the road leading to Stokes Hall Great House. From there, it's a short 10-15 minute walk to the site.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Duckenfield, Stokes Hall Great House is accessible by foot. From the main road, head towards the road marked WPCJ+732. The Great House is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the main road.

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Discover more about Stokes Hall Great House

Stokes Hall Great House, situated in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica, is a significant landmark that echoes the island's colonial history. The great house was originally built by Luke Stokes, a former governor of Nevis, after the English conquest of Jamaica in the mid-17th century. The area was first called Hato de Morante by the Spanish before Luke Stokes renamed it Stokesfield. Stokes, along with 1,600 settlers, established one of the first prosperous sugar estates in Jamaica, marking Stokes Hall as a symbol of early English colonization. Like many early great houses in Jamaica, Stokes Hall was strategically built and fortified. Historical documents refer to it as Stokes Hall Slave House, as it was constructed by slaves brought from Nevis by Luke Stokes. The great house was designed more like a fortress than a house, with gun holes evident in the building walls. In 1840, Stokes Hall and the adjacent Hampton Court sugar estates were owned by Alexander Donaldson and consisted of 1,443 acres. An earthquake in 1907 destroyed the great house, leaving it in ruins. Today, visitors can still see the remains of three towers, the foundations of the kitchen outhouse, and a water tank. The house was constructed from concreted rock rubble faced with dressed stone, with some stucco coating still visible. The ruins offer a spectacular view of the surrounding area, including sugar cane fields, the Duckenfield Hall sugar mill, and the Blue Mountains. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust currently owns the great house.

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