Trelawny Parish

History of Trelawny

Formation and Early Development
Trelawny Parish was formed in 1770 after complaints that neighboring St. James was too large. Named after Governor Sir William Trelawny, its first capital was Martha Brae. However, the town’s location and size made it unsuitable, and Falmouth, a nearby coastal village, was designated the capital around 1790. Falmouth flourished as a bustling port, exporting sugar and rum, and was home to wealthy planters like John Tharpe and Edward Barrett.

Economic Shifts
Historically, Trelawny was a major hub for Jamaica’s sugar industry, boasting over 100 sugar estates and 40 factories. However, by the early 1900s, the global decline in sugar prices caused the industry to wane, and banana farming briefly replaced it as the dominant agricultural activity. Today, yam cultivation is the parish’s leading agricultural enterprise, contributing 60% of Jamaica’s production.

Notable Figures
Trelawny has produced influential Jamaicans, including:

• Hugh Lawson Shearer: Former Prime Minister.
• Rev. William Knibb: Abolitionist and missionary.
• Rex Nettleford: Scholar and cultural icon.
• Usain Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown: World-renowned athletes.

Cultural and Historical Sites
Trelawny is rich in historical landmarks, reflecting its colonial past and cultural heritage:

• Fort Balcarres: Built in 1811 to defend Falmouth Harbour, now the site of Falmouth Primary School.
• William Knibb Baptist Church: Constructed in 1844, rebuilt in 1948 after a fire.
• The Dome: An iron foundry from 1801 used for repairing sugar estate machinery.
• Falmouth Parish Church: Built in 1795, the oldest church and public building in the parish.
• Falmouth Courthouse: Built in 1915 and rebuilt after a fire in 1926.

Heritage and Recognition
Falmouth’s historic district was declared a Protected National Heritage Site in 1985 and a National Monument in 1996. The town’s Georgian architecture and preserved colonial-era layout continue to attract visitors and historians alike.

Modern Trelawny
Though its sugar industry has declined, Trelawny remains vital to Jamaica’s agricultural output and cultural legacy. Its yam production and celebrated athletes, like Usain Bolt, symbolize the parish’s enduring contribution to the nation.