Port Royal, Kingston Parish, Jamaica — Surrey County (Caribbean Region of the Americas)
The Historic Royal Naval Hospital
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 22, 2015
1. The Historic Royal Naval Hospital Marker
Built around 1818, the Historic Royal Naval Hospital is an early example of the use of cast iron in construction. It was designed by a team headed by naval architect Edward Holl and constructed using the labour of enslaved Africans. The prefabricated cast iron units were imported from Sheffield, England, and the bricks were made from local clay. The building rests on a raft foundation, that is, all supporting iron columns are linked beneath the surface.
The hospital was built on the foundation of an earlier one erected in 1743 and destroyed by fire in 1812. Outbuildings included kitchens, staff quarters, isolation ward, mortuary and a storeroom. The services at the new hospital received high praise from those who were treated there. One of the first to be nursed at the hospital was Captain Botelier, RN.
Over the years and since the naval station at Port Royal closed in 1905, the building has been used for a variety of purposes.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Man-Made Features • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.
Location. 17° 56.273′ N, 76° 50.57′ W. Marker is in Port Royal, Kingston Parish. Marker can be reached from Broad Street close to New Street. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Peter's Church (about 150 meters away, measured in
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Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 22, 2015
2. The Historic Royal Naval Hospital, under restoration
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 22, 2015
3. The Historic Royal Naval Hospital Marker
This panoramic photo of the hospital creates the impression that the building is curved, while it is actually completely square.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 541 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 16, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
