TRELAWNY
In 1770, the parish of Trelawny was created from part of the old parish of St. James. It was named after Governor William Trelawny. The chief town and first capital of this new parish was Martha Brae. The land from which the town of Falmouth was formed was as a result of a purchase of one hundred and seventy (170) acres of land from Edward Barrett, great grand father of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, poet and wife of Robert Browning. The new capital was named after Governor Trelawny's birthplace. The streets of Falmouth were laid out using the grid system as in the case of Kingston. The streets were named after the royal family and heroes of the eighteenth century for example George, Charlotte, and Rodney. The Township was laid out with all modern amenities, including a water supply piped to the houses of the rate payers. Water was pumped from the Martha Brae River by a 20ft water wheel, known as the Persian Wheel. It raised water up to a trough so that it could flow to the tank in Water Square, Falmouth about two miles away. Interestingly Falmouth received piped water before the city of New York. There are many famous people linked to Falmouth. Some of these personalities include Governor and Lady Nugent, both of whom stayed at Waterloo House; William Knibb Baptist minister and abolitionist; and Joseph Bartholomew Kidd, Scottish painter who is known for his sketches of the island. Interestingly when colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, was being built Falmouth became the model for its builders. Today Falmouth has fallen from its height of prosperity but has retained its old colonial flavour. Many of its structures have seen better times. It must be said that members of the community have tried to keep their structures intact. | |
List of Heritage Sites in Trelawny |
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