Preserving Jamaica's Heritage Since 1958876-922-1287info@jnht.com
JNHT

Enriching Our Heritage

Mandeville Court House

Site details

Status
Declared
Date
15 March 2001
Category
Other Historic Sites

About this site

The Mandeville Court House was built in 1817. It was constructed in the Jamaican Georgian style with two storeys, the top floor having columns, louvers and sash windows. A double spiral staircase leads from the lower storey on to a portico and the top storey.

Limestone blocks were used to build the courthouse. The original structure has not been changed over time and is still used as a courthouse with supporting offices on the premises.

The courthouse is actually the oldest building in the Mandeville Square, having been erected only two years after the town had been incorporated in 1815. Slave labour was used in the construction of this bastion of justice. The lower storey was used as the first schoolhouse during the early days of the town. In 1955, while on tour of the southern parishes, Princess Margaret was officially welcomed to the parish of Manchester at the courthouse.

Mandeville Court House