Vale Royal Great House

Vale Royal Great House is one of Jamaica’s most historically and politically significant properties. Originally known as Prospect Pen, the estate was originally owned by Mrs. Emily Jackson and during the 19th century, it was renamed Vale Royal due to the abundance of Royal Palms that stood at the entrance of the property. The estate had passed through many hands notably, Sir Simon Taylor a Member of the House of Assembly for Kingston and St. Thomas and a key figure in the Jamaican military, The Hon. Joseph Gordon of Gordon Town, father of George William Gordon, one of Jamaica’s national heroes. By the early 20th century, Vale Royal had shifted from a private plantation to become property of the Jamaican government. In 1928, it became the official residence of the Colonial Secretaries and Heads of Government.

Following Jamaica’s Independence in 1962, Vale Royal continued to serve high-ranking government officials. It was also the official residence of Prime Ministers including Edward Seaga who lived there during his term from 1981 to1989.

Vale Royal is a fine example of Georgian vernacular architecture, featuring a gable roof and extended caves, a wraparound veranda with colonnade, decorated doors by architrave and head stones along with a look-out or viewing tower

Though it is currently being refurbished, Vale Royal continues to stand as a monumental structure to Jamaica’s colonial and political growth/ evolution.