As you head towards Longwood House, as you undoubtedly will, just past Napoleon’s Tomb you will come across St Micheal’s Church on a nice little elevation on your right at Hutt’s Gate (just an intersection). Do stop for a closer look at this small but rather quaint church and its old graveyard either going up to Longwood or on your way back down. Continue reading “St Michael’s Church and Edmund Halley”
In my review on Longwood House I left the reader to ponder a question. Did he (Napoleon) really die from the wallpaper? If you do not jump to the immediate conclusion that I am mad and move on immediately I will explain shortly. Continue reading “Napoleon I – His St Helena Tomb”
Napoleon had been exiled to St Helena following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon was not impressed with St Helena and on his first sighting of the island is said to have referred to it as ‘questa piedra maladetta’ – ‘this cursed rock’ – adding, ‘Better we had stayed in Egypt.’ Continue reading “Longwood House – Napoleon’s Pad in the Tropics”
My Reader will be aware (if only from my earlier review – Famous Visitors and Napoleon) that following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon was exiled to St Helena.
The Governor of St Helena was advised of Napoleon’s exile to the Island when he was already en route. Where was his uninvited guest going to stay? Continue reading “Briar’s Pavilion – Napoleon’s Bedsit”
St Helena has had many famous visitors over the years including Charles Darwin, Edmund Halley, Vice Admiral William Bligh, Captain James Cook, TheRamblingWombat, the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte. Continue reading “Famous Visitors and Napoleon”
Somewhat of an institution in St Helena, Anne’s Place has been serving yachties and other visitors to St Helena now for over 30 years. Anne’s Place was originally run, as the name suggests, by Anne Sim and is now run by daughter Jane retaining its very nautical feel with flags and ships memorabilia in abundance. The ‘ceiling’ is actually a canopy constructed of flags from all over the world, many signed by the vessel’s crew and telling the story of their visit. Continue reading “Anne’s Place: “Nautical Ambiance””
It is very easy to think of places like St Helena as idyllic little tropical backwaters of Empire where nothing much happens and all the people are jolly happy chappies. Indeed this often holds true but Her Majesty’s Government doesn’t pump millions into places like with no expectations of future return or sense of repayment for past favours. Continue reading “Jamestown War Memorial and the RFA Darkdale”
In my review of the Jamestown Museum I draw my reader’s attention to a very informative exhibition on St Helena’s role in the the abolition of slavery and the liberation of thousands who would have otherwise ended up as slaves. Continue reading “Waterwitch Memorial”
If these beautiful little tranquil gardens were in any other city in the world I would recommend you visit them to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I can hardly do that for Jamestown, as, off course, there is no hustle and bustle to get away from!
For Jamestown just further indulge yourself and visit. Your whole trip is one of self-indulgence after all! Continue reading “The Castle Gardens”
This small plaque on a wall by St James’ Church in the centre of Jamestown, St Helena could easily be missed. Indeed, I almost walked by it just catching it in the corner of my eye. I wasn’t going to bother looking closer but had second thoughts. Being a bit of a history buff with a particular interest in the British Empire I am glad I had a closer look. Continue reading “Back in the Bosom of Mother England”
The Rambling Wombat 