Life in the ‘Wicked City’ |
Oliver Cox.
Illustration of an inn in Port Royal, ca. 1680.
From Oliver Cox, Upgrading and renewing a historic city: Port Royal, Jamaica (London, 1984).
©O.J. Cox.
Since the 1960s, Oliver Cox has been a leading researcher of Port Royal’s architectural heritage. |
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By 1692 Port Royal had an estimated population of 6,500, of whom perhaps 2,500 were enslaved Africans. Many of the white residents of the city were indentured servants. Though a portion of the population lived in great luxury, most survived under much more humble circumstances.
In 1680 there were approximately 1,000 houses in Port Royal, built in a manner that resembled an English town. Large houses were often multi-story brick structures with four-room floor plans. Ground floor rooms that fronted the street were sometimes used for shops or offices. In their private chambers, ladies fussed and primped, received guests and penned letters. A man’s bedchamber, on the other hand, doubled as his office or study—a place to secure money, weapons and books. The splendour of the finest homes was comparable to that of London. |
 German stoneware cup (Westerwald).
17th century.
15.7 x 17.0 cm.
Institute of Jamaica, 2006.1.97 (R).
Greyish stoneware from the Westerwald region of Germany was often decorated with blue floral patterns. |
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Port Royal was a city of pomp and prestige. Official events were grand displays of the King’s authority with parades and the changing of fort guards to fife and drum bands. While there were lavish balls and banquets, much of Port Royal’s social life revolved around the numerous taverns and included the usual drinking, brawls, smoking, eating and even sleeping. Other activities, considered inappropriate for polite discussion, contributed to the city’s reputation for decadence and wickedness. Though freewheeling, Port Royal was certainly not all wicked. According to observer John Taylor, ‘they allow of a free toleration of all sects’. Indeed, there were Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Quakers and Jews, along with the Anglican congregations of Christchurch and Saint Paul’s. |
 Glass wine bottle.
Ca. 1680-1730.
15.4 x 13.9 cm.
Institute of Jamaica, 1997/0335.
The onion shape is the oldest type of glass bottle found in Port Royal. |
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 Pewter baluster measure.
17th century.
17.0 x 14.0 cm.
Institute of Jamaica, 2006.1.113 (R).
This type of vessel was typically used to measure quantities of wine or ale in taverns. |
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 Pewter porringer.
17th century.
4.9 x 15.2 cm.
Institute of Jamaica, 1998/0542.
Porringers were used to eat soup or porridge. The handle for this one is in the shape of a seashell. |
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 Pewter spoon. Ca. 1690.
18.7 x 4.6 cm.
Institute of Jamaica, 1997/0266.
Following the joint coronation of William III and Mary II in 1689, commemorative spoons were made with relief busts of the monarchs on the handle. The presence of such spoons in Port Royal by 1692 indicates how quickly fashions spread to the city. |
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 Silver wine taster’s dish.
17th century.
2.3 x 8.8.
Institute of Jamaica, 1998/0515.
This vessel was used for judging the colour, clarity and taste of wine. |
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White clay smoking pipe.
17th century.
23.0 x 2.1.
Institute of Jamaica, 2006.1.74 (R). |
White clay pipes were imported in large numbers from England and the Netherlands. Local tobacco was smoked by men, women and even children in Port Royal. |
Next: 1692: The Port Royal Earthquake |
