Sightseeing in Jamaica

Mandeville

City View


Parish Church and Court House

A harmonious contrast between the old and the new, Manchester's capital is a booming business centre set amidst rolling hills and lush vegetation. The town is situated some 2000 feet above sea level, and is one of the more peaceful and attractive places on the island.

The name Manchester comes from the days when the Duke of Manchester, who later established the capital and named it after his son, the Viscount of Mandeville in 1816, governed Jamaica. Even back in those days, wealthy English settlers and expatriates favoured this part of the island, building impressive mansions and country homes here because the landscape reminded them of their own countryside in climate, temperament and aesthetic.

Today, a large number of the residents here are Jamaicans who have lived abroad for many years, usually in England, and who have returned to retire. But Mandeville is a far cry from the prim English town it used to be in the earlier part of the twentieth century. In the 1950s large quantities of Bauxite, the mineral ore used to manufacture Aluminium were found deposited in the surrounding countryside and the discovery changed the way the town evolved tremendously.

ALCAN, one of the first companies to mine in Jamaica, set up their offices one mile outside the village green and began excavating around Manchester. The Kirkvine Plant at Kendall was erected to process bauxite into aluminium, the first of its kind in Jamaica, and an important economic and social development for Manchester and the whole country. In the past fifty years, the influx of bauxite money from the nearby factories has thrust the once quiet village into a new role as informal commercial capital of central Jamaica.

Mandeville, however, has not lost touch with itself and its roots, and still, traditions like the Annual Flower Show of the Mandeville Horticultural Society continue, and elegant establishments in town still serve afternoon tea. For Jamaican residents returning to the island, Mandeville is a top choice for retirement, because the town is pleasantly rural, yet offers city conveniences.

At the centre of Jamaica, Mandeville is appropriately a base for travelers and business people alike, with branches of all the nation's major banks, a variety of trendy shopping malls and office buildings easily accessible. When in town, do take time to appreciate the delightful examples of Jamaican architecture; a blend of classic Georgian style created with local materials.

Of particular interest is the Mandeville Court House, built in 1820 with limestone blocks cut by slave labour. The courthouse, one of only four original public buildings, has a portico supported by Doric columns flanked by a curving double staircase. See also the Manchester Parish Church, the Mandeville Jail and Workhouse (now the Police Station) and afterwards, stop for drinks at the historic Mandeville Hotel.

For golf enthusiasts, a visit to the Manchester Club provides a prime opportunity to play an excellent nine holes on Jamaica’s oldest golf course. Hikers and bird watchers will also be pleased to know that some of the best nature opportunities are available in and around town.

The quiet calm of the town is never really disturbed, although throughout the year there are other festivals and events worth stopping by for. In addition to the Annual Flower Show, there is the Manchester Club's Tennis Week, usually held in mid-August, Rebel Salute in January, and a number of food festivals.

Credits: Jamaica Travel visitjamaica.com