Mar. 21 – JAMESTOWN, ST. HELENA
BRITISH OVERSEAS PROTECTORATE
03.21.2019 - 03.21.2019
75 °F
View
Serenity 10
on Swenigale's travel map.
In 1815 the British sent a defeated Napoleon to this remote volcanic island to live out his days in exile.
Jamestown is the only port and it is nestled between the towering cliffs of the James Valley.
The seas were calm enough for us to safely tender ashore.
See the stairway on the cliff? Called Jacob’s Ladder, it was built in the 1800’s up Ladder Hill to Ladder Hill Fort.
A drive along steep switch-back roads and then a walk on a beautiful path led us to Napoleon’s now empty tomb.
He was buried here in 1821 and in 1840 his body was brought to Paris.
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Napoleon lived in Longwood House, now a museum with a wealth of memorabilia.
Exposed cliffs and lush interior vegetation create a remarkable contrast.
We saw the Governor’s house
And met the Island’s oldest resident Jonathan the tortoise.
Driving to the upper town -
To decide whether to climb down…….
Um, no. But – many from the ship did!
