Trelawny Parish – created in 1770, with Falmouth as its thriving port
Trelawny was created in 1770, when planters in St James and St Ann succeeded in having parts of those parishes form a new parish, as they were too far from the administrative centres. It was named after Sir William Trelawny, then Governor of Jamaica, whose family came from Cornwall in England. Its first capital was Martha Brae, a short way inland.
Trelawny had more sugar estates than any other parish, and Falmouth grew into a busy seaport and social centre with two newspapers of its own. This history, including the hardship of enslaved people on the estates, is remembered today. Now Trelawny is famous for its Olympic sprinters. Have a Trelawny story? Share it with the community!