Green Castle Estate’s recorded history of human activity begins with Jamaica’s original inhabitants the Taino in 600 AD, extends through the period of Spanish conquest in the 16th and 17th centuries and the British colonial plantations, and of course continues to the farm and estate we recognize today. A detailed narrative of this history can be found at (link to Paul Larsen summary here).

The Heritage Sites that remain from the various peoples that have occupied Green Castle Estate include the following:

• Taino Archeological Excavation Site – At the top of Davey Hill is the site of several years of archeological work that occurred at Green Castle and surrounding areas to assess the Taino inhabitation. The Green Castle site produced the most substantial middens and associated artifacts, as well as the skeletons of an adult and a child. The work, by Murray State University in Kansas, U.S. and the University of the West Indies, Jamaica is documented at the following site (Taino presentation link here). Though nothing is visible of the Taino or the archeological work, the site itself is still both fascinating due to the work and information that was discovered, and is a beautiful location to overlook the estate and coastline to the east and west.
• British Plantation Sites – Intensive farming of cacao began at Green Castle in the late 1600s that transitioned to sugar cane farming and production in the early 1700s that continued for more than a century until slavery was beginning to be abolished in the early 1800s. Many sites remain from the plantation period that can be explored; all are in beautiful locations on the property. Information is available at the Estate House regarding the construction and use of these heritage sites.
  • The most prominent vestige of this period is the stone base of a windmill tower constructed circa 1730, which iconically overlooks the coastal plain from the middle of the estate. The tower can be explored inside and out. the tower and the surrounding foundations of sugar production works and an animal mill
  • During the 1740s and 1750s slave insurrections were a common occurrence in the region. A British Army barracks was constructed during this period adjacent to Jack’s Bay Beach that can be explored.
  • Another sugar works was located on what is referred to as the Newry portion of the estate. Currently a gazebo is located on top of the base of a sugar mill, the remnants of which can be viewed in conjunction with a striking view of the Calabash Bottom from the gazebo.
  • A wharf and warehouses were created to support the transfer and shipping of goods. At Jack’s Bay, a portion of the old wharf can be seen as well as remnants of the warehouse. Note that the remnant of an old bridge from the 16th century that was likely built by the Spanish can also be viewed from Jack’s Bay, if one looks underneath the bridge of the current road.
  • A Cacao Walk was established in the valley west of the Estate House, which was used by interior plantations as they transported their produce to the sea for shipping to Europe. A double-arch stone bridge is a striking heritage site from this period.
• Modern Estate Sites – In the 20th century the estate has seen a diverse and changing agriculture, including tree crops like coconuts and pimento, fruits, vegetables, cattle and orchids. Since 2003, much of the agriculture has been organic. The heritage sites related to this period include:
  • The Newry House, a 1950s era farm house and related farm buildings:
    • Coconut Oil House – A converted dwelling used to dry and press organic coconut oil.
    • Welcome House – A converted dwelling used as a reception center and gift shop for tours.
    • Education House – A converted dwelling used to house students, teachers and researchers.
  • The Estate House, which was built from a small cottage into the current villa by the American MacMillan family, who owned Green Castle from the 1950s until 2007, when it was solid to Richard Padgett of England.
  • The Sidewalk – a concrete sidewalk built on the top of Davey Hill by John MacMillan that affords spectacular views as well as an interesting short walk through the dense forest.
  • Several smaller houses, including a 1920s era farm house occupied by the long-term manager of Green Castle Robin Crum Ewing and his wife Sue.
• Everything Else – There are wonderful examples of Green Castle’s rich past scattered throughout the estate, such as pottery shards from the Taino or colonial houses. Please have a look for yourself and share what you find with others. If you find the old Great House that nobody else can, we will be especially grateful.