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Jamaican architecture is composed of an integration of a number of different architectural styles, it's diversity spanning from pre-columbian Jamaica,.[1] Colonial Jamaica, to the present day. The large variation in architecture throughout Jamaica is a result of the multiple influences during it's history, including the Spanish colonisation in 1503[2] followed by Britain's take-over in 1655[3], the introduction of slavery and natural elements such as it's tropical climate. Architectural styles such as Georgian designs are eminent throughout the region[4]. Many buildings have been restored in the past years to maintain their authentic Georgian appearance, whilst some have adopted more contemporary constructions since the 1970s.[5]

History[edit]

Pre-colonial Architecture[edit]

Main article: Taíno
Main article: Arawak
Taíno homes, Bohios, created from wood, straw and palm leaves.

Pre-Columbian Jamaica in 1200 AD was inhabited by two indigenous peoples, the Arawak and Taíno, originating from South America.[1] They relied on nature and the surrounding natural resources, and due to this the constructions and homes of these two groups were mostly formed from wood, palm leaves and straw, built in a circular shape. The use of hammocks, palm sitting mats and wooden seats were also used within these communities. The Arawak and Taíno upheld the creation of structures like this until the European settlement in 1503.[2]

Spanish Influence[edit]

Further information: Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony of Santiago

The Spanish colonisation of Jamaica in 1503 created a change in the region and introduced a Westernised idea of architecture, beginning the era of Colonial Jamaica[6]. 1534 saw the founding and creation of the first Spanish capital, Villa de la Vega, or as it is now known, Spanish Town. This is where the first European settlements and buildings were built[2]. The Spanish colonisers implemented classical architectural styles, with symmetry and single levels, using a minimal approach to decoration[7].

Spanish Influence of Slavery on Jamaican Architecture[edit]

Rose Hall, a former sugar plantation in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Plantations were established around the island due to a shortage of gold and resources. Later, there was a development specifically in sugar plantations where slaves were captured and forced to work.[8] These plantations became the most predominant group of construction in Jamaica, with over 15 on the island. The plantations took up extensive amounts of land and integrated typical European features into their construction with elements suited to the climate. These include a change from low roofs, solid walls and a lack of cellars to high roofs, deep cellars and thick walls that still allowed the wind to come through.[9] The sites usually consisted of multiple sections, including the central mansion inhabited by the owner, adopting classical architectural styles and the slave villages that were mostly composed of small mud huts and the overseer quarters[9].


Spanish Town[10] was the British and Spanish capital of Jamaica[11] between 1534 to 1872. The influence of Spanish architecture is visible in the town's buildings.

British Influence[edit]

Main article: Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaican Georgian architecture
Further information: Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony of Jamaica

Georgian Architecture[edit]

The colonisation of Jamaica by Britain in 1655[3] led to a shift in architectural style as British influence became increasingly prominent. The introduction of Georgian architecture is a result of this influence, and it became one of the most eminent architectural styles in Jamaica. Despite maintaining the habitual elements such as it's classical proportions, symmetry, and decor[12], unlike it's usual collection of features, the Jamaican Georgian style was adapted to survive the tropical climate of the region, including extreme heat and hurricanes. This was achieved through opening the house to the East, where most of Jamaica's winds came from, installing shutters as to avoid the entering of rains, the plantation of trees to create shade and the building of "double houses" in which the rooms were sorted into two adjacent wings[9]. Many Jamaican Georgian constructions, like Devon House, include balconies and warm-toned paint that increase airflow and divert the heat of the sun.

British Influence of Slavery on Jamaican Architecture[edit]

An example of the loopholes used to fortify buildings in Jamaica against Spanish privateers as well as the threat of Slave insurrection.

The enslavement and importation of African Slaves to Jamaica by the Colonisers throughout the 15th to 19th century altered a number of features of the region's architecture. This was to ensure protection for the British in cases of insurrection and what was perceived as danger from the slaves. An increased fortification and defence was implemented into the buildings of many British occupants in Jamaica throughout the 17th century to create protection from slaves who rose in violent protest against their circumstances. This is evident through features such as loopholes embedded into the walls of varied infrastructures[9].


Devon House[13] is a key architectural site in Jamaica[14] that exhibits Georgian features. Previously the residence of Jamaica's first black millionaire, it is now a National Heritage Site[15].

Present-day Jamaican architecture[edit]

Present-day Jamaican architecture remains a mix of all its previous influences, with the exclusion of new modernist and contemporary elements.[16] Many Georgian constructions are still widespread throughout Jamaica, some becoming heritage sites[5], including the Kingston Railway Station, the Court House, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Admiralty Houses. A number of plantations can now also be viewed as tourist attractions, including Rose Hall[17].

Key Sites[edit]

Devon House[edit]

Built in 1881, Devon House was built by the first Black millionaire in Jamaica, George Stiebel on a corner now known as the "Millionaire's Corner".[18] It is a key architectural site in Jamaica as despite having recent renovations to maintain its condition, the house still contains many of its original elements which exhibit typical Jamaican Georgian features. These include it's large wooden frame, decorative window bracketing, crystal chandeliers and marble engravings.[18] Since 1982, the house has been opened to the public and is now a tourist attraction, where tours, cafes and shops are available. In 1990, Devon House was chosen to be a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

Spanish Town[edit]

Main article: Spanish Town

As previously mentioned, Spanish Town was built as Villa de la Vega in 1534 acting as the capital for both the Spanish and British colonisers from the 16th Century until the 19th Century (1534-1872).[19] The town is situated along Rio Cobre, 15km from Kingston, the present day capital of Jamaica. It is now a historical site attracting large numbers of tourists every year. A combination of Georgian and Columbian architecture is visible throughout the area, with original construction and buildings still standing, though much of the town has faced major damage due to Hurricane Ivan in 2004[20]. Buildings like, St. Catherine's Cathedral (1655), the Court House and the House of Assembly are key historical sites found in Spanish Town and present typical Georgian features.

Rose Hall[edit]

Main article: Rose Hall, Montego Bay

Previously a sugar plantation, Rose Hall is a large Georgian mansion in Montego Bay, now a key site in Jamaica. Built in the late 18th Century for Fulke Rose, it is composed of a stone base and includes classical architectural features including ornamental balconies and shuttered windows[21]. Rose Hall also has an adojorning plantation, "Palmyra".[19] The estate was split between sugar cane, grass and pasture for cattle and held approximately 250 slaves as seen through the Slave quarters. The mansion was restored in 1960, demonstrating decor similar to its original appearance, including chandeliers and patterned wallpaper, features that became increasingly popular throughout the development of Jamaican-Georgian architecture, and antique European ornaments. Since 1977, Rose Hall has been a museum and now hosts tours that show the mansion's history.

Fort George[edit]

Main article: Fort George, Jamaica

Fort George is a national heritage site of Jamaica, that demonstrates the defensive British architecture of the 18th Century. The thick walls and high fortification were implemented in response to the possible threat of Spanish invasion as well as the numerous Slave uprisings. The fort was built by Christian Lilly in 1729.[22] The bastion at Fort George resembles the royal Citadel in Plymouth, which was also earlier built by Lilly. Since the end of World War I, the Fort barracks have been as classrooms for the local high school, whilst majority of the fort has been lost.

Gordon House[edit]

Main article: Parliament of Jamaica
A stamp depicting Gordon House in Kingston, Jamaica, built in 1960. The building which holds the meetings of Jamaica's Parliament has contemporary, simple architectural features.

Gordon House is the meeting place of the Jamaican Government and it was built in 1960, named in memory of Right Excellent George William Gordon.[23] The building is a contemporary construction with two levels. Unlike other sites in Jamaica, Gordon House has no decorative features and has been built in a simple, rectangular fashion. It is formed in the shape of an 'L' and has a symmetrical design.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Atkinson, Lesley-Gail. (2006). The earliest inhabitants : the dynamics of the Jamaican Taíno. University of the West Indies Press. ISBN 9766401497. OCLC 56876048.
  2. ^ a b c Green, Patricia Elaine (1988). "The Evolution of Jamaican Architecture 1494 to 1838". University of Pennsylvania: 1–21.
  3. ^ a b Green, Patricia Elaine (1988). "The Evolution of Jamaican Architecture 1494 to 1838". University of Pennsylvania: 31.
  4. ^ Barringer, Tim; Modest, Wayne (2018). Barringer, Tim; Modest, Wayne (eds.). Victorian Jamaica. doi:10.1215/9780822374626. ISBN 978-0-8223-7462-6.
  5. ^ a b "Jamaican Heritage Sites". jis.gov.jm. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
  6. ^ Bryan, Patrick (June 1992). "Spanish Jamaica". Caribbean Quarterly. 38 (2–3): 21–31. doi:10.1080/00086495.1992.11671759. ISSN 0008-6495.
  7. ^ Robertson, James (James Craufurd), 1958-. Gone is the ancient glory : Spanish Town, Jamaica, 1534-2000. ISBN 9789766377489. OCLC 859155813.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Whiteley, Henry. (1833). Three months in Jamaica, in 1832: comprising a residence of seven weeks on a sugar plantation. J. Hatchard. OCLC 7409199.
  9. ^ a b c d Nelson, Louis P., author. (15 March 2016). Architecture and Empire in Jamaica. ISBN 9780300214352. OCLC 942588639. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ "Spanish Town", Wikipedia, 2019-05-05, retrieved 2019-05-06
  11. ^ "jamaica - Google Search". www.google.com. Retrieved 2019-05-06.
  12. ^ Lindfield, Peter, author. Georgian Gothic : Medievalist Architecture, Furniture and Interiors, 1730-1840. ISBN 9781782048381. OCLC 1097144764. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ "Devon House", Wikipedia, 2018-09-13, retrieved 2019-05-06
  14. ^ "Jamaica", Wikipedia, 2019-05-04, retrieved 2019-05-06
  15. ^ "List of National Heritage Sites in Jamaica", Wikipedia, 2017-11-09, retrieved 2019-05-06
  16. ^ Dominican Republic., OECD Investment Policy Reviews, OECD, 2004-07-19, pp. 7–62, doi:10.1787/9789264105102-2-en, ISBN 9789264105096, retrieved 2019-05-12
  17. ^ Reo, Joy.; Ozella, Bruce (1997). Boston park rangers nature book /. [s.n.] doi:10.5962/bhl.title.57929.
  18. ^ a b Myers, Gay Nagle (2010) Refurbishment helps Devon House remain a Kingston highlight.(CARIBBEAN). Travel Weekly. 69 (36).
  19. ^ a b Hakewill, James (1825). A picturesque tour of the island of Jamaica. London: Hurst and Robinson & E. Lloyd.
  20. ^ Trollope, Anthony (2015), "JAMAICA—TOWN", The West Indies and the Spanish Main, Cambridge University Press, pp. 11–25, doi:10.1017/cbo9781139924023.002, ISBN 9781139924023, retrieved 2019-05-12
  21. ^ Lewis, JS, 1984, “JAMAICA’S GREAT HOUSES,” Boston Globe (pre-1997 Fulltext).
  22. ^ "PlymouthCitadel". www.polyolbion.org.uk. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  23. ^ "Houses of Parliament". japarliament.gov.jm. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
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