Corozal Town, Corozal, Belize — Central America

Her Majesty's Prison

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 18, 2017

1. Her Majesty's Prison Marker

Inscription.
Her Majesty’s PrisonThe mid to late 1800's was unquestionably a period of unrest and instability along the Rio Hondo and Corozal Town. A substantial migration of Yucatecos fleeing the Caste Wars in Mexico led to an increase in population and consequently a increase in criminal activity; mostly due to cross border illegal trading. This was compounded by threats and incursions of both Cruzob and Iciache Maya.

In the early 1870's the British colonial authourities built a police station manned by a constabulary force of Jamaicans and Barbadians and a thick high walled prison for criminals serving 3 months or less imprisonment. This was Her Majesty's Prison, built during the long reign of Queen Victoria. The structure has survived many hurricanes, including catastrophic Hurricane Janet in 1955. Her Majesty's Prison was abandoned as a result of post Hurricane Janet's reconstruction of Corozal Town. Since 1986 the structure has been occupied by Kiddy Kinder Preschool, transforming it from a detention centre to a children's classroom.

Erected by National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). (Marker Number 2 of 7.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Man-Made Features • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.

Location.

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18° 23.417′ N, 88° 23.205′ W. Marker is in Corozal Town, Corozal. Marker is on 2nd Street South just south of 4th Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Corozal Town, Corozal 7M0ZW L1XJ4, Belize. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. House of Culture/Public Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Parish Office/Priest’s Residence/Xavier College (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Corozal Town Hall (about 120 meters away); Schofield Residence (about 120 meters away); Corozal Town Central Park (about 150 meters away); Felipe Santiago Ricalde (about 180 meters away); Fort Barlee (about 210 meters away); Mr. Ignacio Filiberto Sabido Padilla (approx. 14.5 kilometers away in Mexico). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corozal Town.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 18, 2017

2. Her Majesty's Prison Marker

The marker is just in front of the vehicle in this view of the former prison, now a preschool.

Her Majesty's Prison - Wall Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Elizabeth Westerhoff, February 7, 2018

3. Her Majesty's Prison - Wall Mural

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3. submitted on February 8, 2018, by Elizabeth Westerhoff of Beamsville, Ontario.