Eccles, Edinburgh Castle & Emancipation

Source

Clancy Eccles: was one of the pioneers from the ska era. He had a varied musical career which ranged from song writer to talent scout. He had his first hit in 1961, left the music industry briefly and returned as a recording artiste and producer. He produced several songs for the PNP for their political campaign in the sixties and is credited with encouraging the younger set to vote.  Eccles hits include Sweet Jamaica, What Will Your Mama Say and Sammy No Dead. Eccles died in Jamaica in 2005.

Source

Edinburgh Castle: was built in the 1700’s in Pedro, St. Ann. The original owner Lewis Hutchinson was known as the Mad Master of Edinburgh Castle. He came from Scotland to run an estate and is reputed to have studied medicine at some point before his arrival in Jamaica. Hutchinson became known as Jamaica’s first serial killer as he would shoot unsuspecting passersby for the fun of it. He also killed invited guests to his home.  

He is reputed to have drunk their blood, dismembered the bodies and forced his slaves to dump them in a sinkhole. Over time, Hutchinson grew more reckless and shot two people in view of another white person. Hutchinson attempted to escape via ship, but was jailed, tried and hung in 1773. No one knows for sure how many people were murdered at Edinburgh Castle, however, when the authorities searched the castle, they found forty-three watches and scads of clothing. The only thing left of the castle today is the ruins. The site is now listed in the heritage sites kept by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. 

Jamaican Flag

Emancipation Day: although slavery was abolished in 1934, it wasn’t until 1838 that the slaves were emancipated. Since 1834 the British Parliament issued directives regarding how the slaves were to be granted improved living and working conditions. This included putting an end to flogging women. The Jamaican authorities refused to comply and the slaves became restive, which led to massive riots across the island. The slaves believed they had been freed, but were being held in the same condition by the planters. The rebellion pushed the British government toward ending slavery and on Friday, August 1, 1838, all slaves became free men. 

Today, Jamaicans celebrate both Emancipation Day and Independence Day, which are public holidays. This year we’ll be celebrating JAMAICA 50. 

Other participants in the A-Z Challenge. 

Last year's A-Z 'E' Posting