Five new locations have been proposed to be declared national monuments by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. The Trust has proposed to declare the Geddes Great House, Eltham House, Albion Great House Ruin, Holland Estate Ruins and Ruins of Colbeck Estate Aqueduct & Works Yard in the parishes of St Ann, Manchester, St Thomas and St Catherine.

Founded in 1958, the National Heritage Trust has the responsibility of promoting, preserving and developing Jamaica’s material and cultural heritage.  Some of the current National Monuments in Jamaica include The Carlton House in Trelawny, Orange Park in St Thomas, Rio Nuevo Battle Site in St Mary, Clock Tower in Kingston and Pedro Bank in Westmoreland.

Once declared a national monument, there are several effects put in place which include an entitlement for compensation to owners of these monuments who suffer from any financial loss as a result of the declaration. In addition to this, owners or individuals in possession of the monument are not allowed to destroy, remove or alter the location in any way unless approved to do so. The Trust can also choose to assist with the maintenance of the monuments to prevent them from falling into a state of ruin.

Our Today attempted to get clarification on the Trust’s reasons for adding the locations to the monuments list but representatives who could speak on the matter were out of office.

Through a notice published in the daily newspaper’s on Friday, the Trust requested input from the public on the proposal.

Below are the proposed national monument sites:

The Geddes Great House

The Geddes Great House Hotel, located in the Garden parish of St Ann, is said to be a great location for lovers. Visitors to the property are able to partake in birdwatching, hiking and horticulture. Couples who wish to rekindle and relax can book their stay at The Geddes Great House. The location also allows for couples to wed and honeymoon. Dubbed a home away from home, the hotel provides a tour experience, spa treatments and all natural locally sourced food.

Eltham House

Also found in the garden parish of St Ann, this 19th Century two-storey timber and cut stone structure has Jamaican Georgian architectural features.

Albion Great House

The Albion Great House, located in St Thomas, was one of the largest sugar estates in the old parish of St David. The estate played a vital role in the introduction of new sugar technology. Initially covering 1,492 acres of land, overtime the estate expanded and by 1492 covered 4,074 acres. Since then, the size of the property has changed. In 1880, the estate was the leading sugar producer on the island.

The Holland Estate Ruins

Constructed in 1791, The Holland Estate, through a 48-year period, saw its fair share of owners. The estate housed several buildings and is famously known for being a sugar plantation which occupies a large portion of the easternmost extremity of the valley of Plantain Garden River. The view from the estate shows works from the south. The works are situated on the northern bank of a stream. In a painting created by James Hakewill, the large brick building seen on the left was once the barracks and the lodging house was for white employees who were bookkeepers. Beyond the barracks is a boiling-house and still-house. Across from the barracks, on the right, is a building that the overseers resided in.

Ruins of Colbeck Estate Aqueduct & Works Yard

Found in St Catherine, remains of the Works Yard structures can be seen on the plantation. The aqueduct walls run through the Works Yard which pilots one to the reserved road. The reserved road leads to Colbeck Castle. The Colbeck Castle is a large stone and brick ruin with walls still at their original height. Built in 1680, the four storied tower-like structure was used by the English as defense against the Spaniards. The Palladio style of architecture was adopted for this building. The ruin is located approximately two miles north of Old Harbour.