King's Square, St Jago De La Vega

Plate from James Hakewill's 'A Picturesque Tour in the Island of Jamaica.' It depicts King's Square in St Jago de la Vega (Spanish Town), which was the capital of Jamaica until 1872, when it transferred to Kingston. At the centre of the picture is Rodney's Temple, sculpted by John Bacon, and erected as a memorial to Admiral Rodney. It commemorates his victory over the French at the Battle of the Saints in 1782. To the east of the square is the House of Assembly and to the west is the King's House. The latter was a magnificent building with grand high ceilings.