St. Elizabeth, affectionately referred to by locals as ‘St. Bess’ is located on the south-east coast of Jamaica and is the third largest of the island’s 14 parishes. The sleepy, laid back nature of the parish belies its history as one of the favourite haunts of English high society in the 19th century.

Early settlement in St. Elizabeth began with the Tainos, the first known inhabitants of Jamaica. Though the original Taino population had disappeared by the 17th century, persons of Taino descent from Suriname settled in the parish in the 18th century and their descendants are there to this day.  The arrival of Columbus in 1494 saw the area being colonized by the Spanish, and later by the English, after the 1655 invasion of Jamaica.

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The Spanish were helped in their efforts at repelling the English invasion by the slaves who they had brought to Jamaica throughout their 150-year occupation. When the Spanish were defeated, those slaves who did not manage to flee to Cuba, retreated to the impenetrable mountains of the Cockpit Country, which included parts of St. Elizabeth. They became known the Maroons and, today, St. Elizabeth remains home to the Maroons of Accompong, one of the most famous Maroon towns in Jamaica.

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Black River, the capital of St. Elizabeth, is one of the oldest towns in the island. In the late 19th century it was one of the richest towns due to its exports of logwood, and the first town in Jamaica to receive electricity. Apparently it was also a favourite haunt for the glitterati of the day, with horseracing, hunting and partying providing the main attraction.  It is said the two wealthiest families, the Leydens and Farquharsons, were constantly trying to outdo each other in throwing lavish cocktail parties and balls. 

Today the social scene has changed significantly, with only its breath-taking views  and the architecture of its old houses, providing a hint of St. Elizabeth’s former glory. However, the parish maintains its economic importance to the island providing the bulk of Jamaica's vegetable and fruit provisions. The Black River, which runs through the parish, also supports an important shrimp and freshwater fish industry.​

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