This sightseeing tour starts the moment you are picked up at your Montego Bay or Grand Palladium hotel by a well-trained and professional tour guide. Enjoy the coastal scenery as you make your way to the Greenwood community where you will find the Greenwood Great House.
In 1655 Hersey Barrett, an officer in the expedition commanded by Admiral Penn and General Venables, was sent by Cromwell's parliament to capture Hispaniola from the Spanish. It proved to be too strongly held so they took the easier prize of Jamaica. Hersey Barrett was granted lands in Jamaica and settled on the island. Unlike many of the original settlers the Barretts prospered and by the middle of the eighteenth century had become immensely wealthy, owning over 84,000 acres of land and over 2,000 slaves. When Edward went to live in England in 1795 accompanied by his brother Samuel and his sister Sarah (Pinkie), his cousin Richard Barrett remained firmly attached to Jamaica, becoming Speaker of the House of Assembly, Custos of the parish of St. James and a judge among other things.
Construction on Greenwood Great House commenced in 1780 and the house was completed by 1800 -- it was mainly used for entertainment. Today it is undoubtedly the most original structures left behind by the British.
Arriving at the property you are greeted by one of their friendly resident guides who will walk you to the old English Pub where you get checked-in. After about 5 minutes it will be time to embark on your one hour tour. In this Great House you will find original 17th and 18th Century museum pieces that were carefully and deliberately crafted by extremely talented craftsmen. Pieces includes a piano that was custom built for King Edward the 7th, rocking chairs, polyphons, etc. You actually picture yourself in the 1700s while doing this tour.
At the end of the tour, feel free to relax for awhile and have a beer in the pub.
A stop at Scotchies Jerk Centre where you can purchase your lunch is possible depending on the resort that you are staying.
