Brown's Town

History

 

Brown's Town is one of the largest and most important inland towns of St Ann, primarily because of the high concentration of educational institutions in the area as well as the large Brown's Town Farmer's Market. Just to the north of the town centre is the Minard Estate, the pimento plantation and home of the eccentric and caustic Hamilton Brown, for whom the town is named. In the 19th century, Hamilton Brown owned the twin estates of Minard and Huntley, and because of his wealth and clout in the area, was instrumental in local politics. In the 19th century, he led a group called the Colonial Church Union, a coalition of Anglican congregants who would routinely persecute non-conformist missionaries and their followers by burning churches and free villages. For his efforts, Brown was honoured with a monument in the Anglican churchyard. Ironically, the main thorn in the side of the Colonial Church Union at the time, Dr James Johnson's Jamaica Evangelistic Mission (known popularly as the Tabernacle Church), is today one of the institutions that residents are most proud of. Brown's Town is heralded as the birthplace of this movement, an offshoot of the Baptist Church, which today is one of the largest groups of churches in the island.

 

Local Flavour

 

Brown's Town is also an important trading centre for local farmers who live in the surrounding Dry Harbour Mountains. Norman Market, one of the oldest in the island, was famous for the bells atop the steeple, which would ring on major holidays, echoing through the mountains and surrounding towns. Today, the market is in transition, having outgrown its original location, but is still the largest and most prosperous in the area, attracting sellers from as far away as St Elizabeth. 

 

Famous For

 

Some of Jamaica's most respected educational institutions are located in and around Brown's Town. St Hilda's High School for Girls and York Castle High School in particular have longstanding reputations and alma mater lists that include some of the most prominent names in Jamaican society. One of the newer institutions, the Brown's Town Community College, in just a few years has managed to make a name for itself with its rigorous and effective skills training and university preparatory programmes.

 

Don't Miss

 

In the 19th century, this area of St Ann was home to many sugar and cattle estates and plantations, producing sugar, pimento and other crops. Today the legacy of the Colonial period remains, with many elegant homes scattered over the rolling hills and valleys around Brown's Town. Many are privately owned, but most owners are proud of their properties and sometimes allow viewings if politely asked. Of note is the Minard Estate, now a cattle-breeding estate with the New Hope Great House, and the ruins of the Minard Great House.

 

Say Hello To:

 

Do call the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's office to inquire if Ms Norma Walters will speak with you. Although she is an extremely busy woman, she is a former teacher and an excellent resource for information on Brown's Town, St Ann and Jamaican culture in general. Ms Walters is well connected and respected in and around Brown's Town, and can direct you to scenic routes and interesting places in and around the area.