the Forging of Stones: Tales Decadence and Murder Behind Walls Jamaican Castles

This project began over twenty years ago when I discovered the book Ian Fleming Introduces Jamaica, edited by Morris Cargill. The insights provided by scholars such as John Hearne, Frank Hill, and Clinton V. Black, etc., inspired me to research the island's colonial history and its unique architectural fortifications. My collection focuses on five specific structures: Colbeck Castle, Stokes Hall, Edinburgh Castle, Stewart Castle, and Auckendown Castle. The central theme of these stories explores the tension of building such grand structures amidst a large enslaved population and the constant threat of Maroon attacks or foreign invasions. Built on the wealth of sugar and slavery, these "castles" served as both symbols of supremacy and necessary barriers for survival. From the Italian Palladian style of Colonel John Colbeck's estate to the chilling legacy of Lewis Hutchinson (Hutchison)-Jamaica's first known serial killer/ cannibal at Edinburgh Castle-each story delves into the horror and intrigue contained within these limestone walls. My research covers the defensive loopholes of Stokes (Stoakes) Hall, the fortified legacy of the Stewart family in Trelawny, and the secret passages of Auckendown Castle in Westmoreland.