Plizio Visual Lab
Rodney Memorial, Spanish Town
The Rodney Memorial in Spanish Town is a grand neoclassical monument dedicated to Admiral George Rodney, following his victory at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. This naval battle was crucial as it prevented a combined French and Spanish invasion of Jamaica, securing British control over the Caribbean. The memorial features a life-sized statue of Rodney dressed in a Roman toga, sculpted by the renowned English artist John Bacon. The statue is housed under an elegant domed temple supported by columns, located on the northern side of the historic Emancipation Square. Flanking the statue are two massive bronze cannons captured from the French flagship, the "Ville de Paris." The entire ensemble, including the surrounding administrative buildings like the Old House of Assembly, represents the height of 18th-century colonial architectural ambition. It remains a significant symbol of Jamaica's long association with British naval history and the strategic importance of the old capital city.
- Location: Jamaica
- Top sights: Spanish Town · St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre · Prison Oval
- Nearby: Hellshire Beach (7 km)
- Population: ~145.018 (2022)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 33 | 19 | 29 | 41 | 111 | 89 | 69 | 104 | 127 | 170 | 87 | 49 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Erected in 1792 to celebrate Admiral Rodney's naval victory in 1782.
- The central statue was carved by the famous English sculptor John Bacon.
- Rodney is depicted wearing a Roman toga, symbolizing classical heroism.
- Includes two bronze cannons taken from the defeated French ship "Ville de Paris."
- Located in Emancipation Square, the former administrative heart of Jamaica.
- The monument cost the Jamaican government over 30,000 pounds at the time.
- The surrounding square features some of the best Georgian architecture in the region.
- The memorial's design was inspired by classical Roman temple architecture.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Rodney Memorial, Spanish Town (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who does the Rodney Memorial represent?
In what style is the memorial built?
Where exactly in Spanish Town is it located?
What do the reliefs on the pedestal show?
Is admission free?
Rodney Memorial, Spanish Town: where is it located?
Rodney Memorial, Spanish Town: what is there to see?
Rodney Memorial, Spanish Town: when is the best time to visit?
Rodney Memorial, Spanish Town: why is it worth visiting?
















