Stokes Hall Great House, located in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica, holds a significant place in the island’s history. Built by Luke Stokes, the former Governor of Nevis, the property is situated on fertile land along the Plantain Garden River and Negro River delta, an area known for its agricultural potential due to the periodic flooding by the rivers, much like the Nile River in Egypt. Stokes was among the first English settlers in Jamaica, arriving in 1656 after driving out the Spanish from the southeast corner of the island. Initially called Hato de Morante by the Spanish, the area was renamed Stokesfield by Luke Stokes. Along with over 1,600 settlers, he established one of the first prosperous sugar estates in Jamaica, making Stokes Hall a symbol of early English colonization. Unfortunately, the settlers faced harsh conditions, with many succumbing to malaria and yellow fever, brought by the mosquitoes from the fertile delta.
