Heritage
While both the historic fortifications houses and other structures remain unspoilt much work needs to be done to maintain and preserve them. The St Helena National Trust is constantly seeking sources of funding in order to get people with specialist skills and knowledge to the Island to help with this task.
There are two main groups of historic fabric on Saint Helena, the military and the civilian. It should be recognised that evidence from both may be found over most of the island.
A full range of 18th century English colonial plantation and urban Georgian buildings feature on the island. The capital Jamestown has the atmosphere of a small English country village. It has a tightly packed row of colourfully-painted houses on both sides of Grand Parade and Main Street. The view of these streets from the top of Jacob's Ladder and the views of the Ladder itself from its top or bottom are awesome. (Jacob's Ladder was built in 1829 as an inclined plane for the removal of horse manure from Jamestown and was rebuilt in 1871 as a stairway of 699 steps.)
Not forgetting the fortresses, shipwrecks, cemeteries and monuments all holding a wealth of historical interest.
Visit the St. Helena National Trust site to learn more about our heritage on St. Helena Island.
Download our list of Historical Monuments and Buildings here.
