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All the pages on Saint Helena Island Info are listed on this page, in alphabetic order of the page title, together with a brief overview of the salient features of each page.
A ⋅ B ⋅ C ⋅ D ⋅ E ⋅ F ⋅ G ⋅ H ⋅ I ⋅ J ⋅ L ⋅ M ⋅ N ⋅ O ⋅ P ⋅ Q ⋅ R ⋅ S ⋅ T ⋅ U ⋅ V ⋅ W ⋅ Y ⋅ Z
PAGE DATA | PAGE CONTENT |
QUICK READ Why is this site here? How do you get the best from it? What policies are in force? How does the site work? Will I be bombarded with adverts? [No!] On this page you can learn more… PAGE SECTIONS What is this site for? ⋅ How To Use This Site ⋅ Updates, Site History & Status ⋅ Regulation & Complaints ⋅ Errors ⋅ ‘What the Saints did next ’ ⋅ Technical Information ⋅ More ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ How good is the air quality here? We’re a long way from any major sources of pollution, so it might be pretty good, yes? In fact, of all the world’s reporting stations, St Helena’s air is in the top 15%! Learn about our unpolluted air on this page. PAGE SECTIONS How do we know this? ⋅ Why is this? ⋅ What does this mean? ⋅ Even Jamestown? ⋅ The sunset puzzle ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Alarm Forest is St Helena’s newest district, and has now become a sought-after place to live - close to Jamestown but cooler than Half Tree Hollow. There is much here of interest to explore. You can learn about it on this page. Like all Districts, we answer the question ‘Should I stay here?’ PAGE SECTIONS About Alarm Forest ⋅ The Briars ⋅ The future ⋅ Stay here? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Before international telephones and the Internet there was Amateur Radio, a way for ordinary people to communicate with people overseas. And despite these innovations coming to St Helena, it’s still going strong here. In addition to our local ‘Hams’, the island is also a much-sought after destination for visiting amateur radio operators, undertaking a ‘DX-pedition’. Over the years local amateurs have made some interesting contacts, including with the International Space Station. Learn about our Amateur (‘Ham’) Radio scene on this page. PAGE SECTIONS History ⋅ The radio scene today ⋅ Visitors ⋅ World War 2 ⋅ World Amateur Radio Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The Art & Crafts Association provides support for local artists and producers of crafts, including running a shop to sell locally-produced art and crafts. Learn about how Art & Crafts Association operates on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Should we stop having humans write our pages and just hand the whole job over to Artificial Intelligence (AI)? We did some experiments, which are reported on this page. See St Helena, as described by Artificial Intelligence… PAGE SECTIONS St Helena by A.I. ⋅ Other Experiments ⋅ St Helena’s Batsh!t Crazy ⋅ Here, and only here | |
QUICK READ Over the years, many artists have turned their talents to making a visual record of St Helena. On this page you can discover some of the best of them and explore their work. PAGE SECTIONS The Artists ⋅ Others discussed elsewhere ⋅ Even more ⋅ Celebrations ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Part of the Territory of ‘St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha’, Ascension Island is our nearest neighbour, lying some 1,300Km to the northwest of St Helena. Frequently described as a cinder, there is actually much of interest to explore here. We introduce the island’s primary features on this page. PAGE SECTIONS One of three ⋅ About Ascension Island ⋅ When was Ascension Island discovered? ⋅ One that got away | |
QUICK READ Want to really see the stars? Want not to freeze while doing so? Many famous astronomers have visited because of our exceptional air quality and almost non-existent light pollution. Read more on this page, then maybe join them? PAGE SECTIONS Light Pollution ⋅ Other advantages ⋅ Walking in the footsteps ⋅ Our Night Sky ⋅ Eclipses, Comets, etc. ⋅ Astronomical Data ⋅ The Weather and the Moon ⋅ Just before dark ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena played an important part in ending the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, providing facilities to support disruption of the trade and a landing place for the Slaves freed from the ships. The story is on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Context ⋅ The Vice-Admiralty Court ⋅ Life after ‘liberation’ ⋅ Indentured ⋅ Slavery Commemorations ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index of all the sound clips that appear throughout Saint Helena Island Info. All of them are playable from here. | |
QUICK READ Bees were introduced here in the 1920s, and our island’s isolation has protected them from the many challenges threatening bees the world over. We also produce some of the world’s purest honey… Learn about our bees and our honey on this page. PAGE SECTIONS History ⋅ Beekeeping today ⋅ Honey Import Ban ⋅ If you discover a swarm ⋅ Fascinating Bee Facts ⋅ Bee Observances ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena is right in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, so how come most of the world was known before St Helena was discovered? We propose an explanation on this page, and present some other pre-discovery information. PAGE SECTIONS Early European Explorers ⋅ Known before discovery? ⋅ Sailing to The Cape ⋅ ‘Stone Age’ Inhabitant(s)? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Napoleon’s relationship with a young girl, Betsy Balcombe, while he was living on St Helena has led to much speculation, but what do we really know? The details are on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Bringing the two together ⋅ At The Briars ⋅ In Longwood ⋅ The Balcombes Depart ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ We have an eclectic collection of land-birds, but only one of them is an Endemic Species - there were others but they didn’t survive the arrival of humans. You can learn about them all on this page. We also have plenty of Seabirds. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Various people have written Blogs about their time on St Helena, whethe living here or just visiting. On this page we present a selection that we found particularly interesting… PAGE SECTIONS “Visitor” Blogs ⋅ History Blogs ⋅ Other Blogs ⋅ Any more? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Originally designed as an annual status report on a possession of The Crown, The ‘Blue Book’ has become a valuable reference for the history of St Helena from 1845 to 1973. You can learn about it on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Blue Hill is the least densely populated District of St Helena. It is mostly undeveloped, agricultural land, though there has been new building recently by people seeking escape from the over-development of areas like Half Tree Hollow. It has a strong, resilient, community. We take you there on this page. Like all Districts, we answer the question ‘Should I stay here?’ PAGE SECTIONS About Blue Hill ⋅ What happens in Blue Hill? ⋅ How to get there ⋅ History ⋅ Wirebirds ⋅ The Future ⋅ Blue Hill in pictures ⋅ Stay here? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we describe the band, comprising Indy Blue - Guitar and Vocals; Marico George - Drums; and Andrew Turner - Bass. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ From 1900 to 1902 St Helena became the world’s first overseas prisoner-of-war camp, when around 6,000 Boers PoWs were brought here to be imprisoned. As this more than doubled the island’s population, the logistics provided a real challenge for the authorities. The funding (from the War Office) saved the island from near-bankruptcy. Learn about this extraordinary event on this page. PAGE SECTIONS In advance ⋅ Arrival ⋅ Boers on St Helena ⋅ Departure (for most) ⋅ Impact on St Helena ⋅ Remembrance Sunday ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Before Longwood House was ready for Napoleon to occupy it, he chose to stay at the Briars Pavilion (in The Briars, of course). You can learn about it on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Before ⋅ Napoleon ⋅ Later History ⋅ Today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Jamestown’s Bridge Memorial Clock helps to keep the town running on time…more or less (it is, after all, years old). Learn about its rather chequered history on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Erection ⋅ History ⋅ ‘Standing Tall’ ⋅ ‘Age shall not weary them ’ ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ We present the highlights of what happened on St Helena in its -year recorded history. This is part one - up until the takeover by The Crown in 1834; learn about our earlier history on this page. Part two can be found on the page A Brief History (continued). PAGE SECTIONS Before Settlement ⋅ The English take over ⋅ The Dutch Invasion ⋅ The East India Company again ⋅ Napoleon Bonaparte and after ⋅ Later ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ We present the highlights of what happened on St Helena in its -year recorded history. This is part two - from the takeover by The Crown in 1834 until the present day; learn about our more recent history on this page. Part one can be found on the page A Brief History. PAGE SECTIONS Crown Colony ⋅ 20th Century ⋅ 21st Century ⋅ ‘What the Saints did next ’ ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we describe the campaign that sought to re-unite two children, kidnapped in 2012, with their mother. It succeeded in September 2020. This page is here for historical interest only. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ St Helena is one of the community of British Overseas Territories; one of the few remnants of the British Empire on which the sun never set. Learn about the system of British Overseas Territories on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Building St Helena Airport was probably the largest single construction project in the island’s history (we can’t think of a bigger one), and you can read about it on this page. It may also have been its longest, spanning 74 years from 1943, when the idea was first explored, until completion in 2017. It also posed many logistical problems, all of which had to be solved - sometimes in ingenious ways - to bring the project to completion. Just don’t mention the Mole Spiders… PAGE SECTIONS A long time coming ⋅ Building the Airport ⋅ An Air Service at last! ⋅ ‘How will St Helena change?’ ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Some think the growing and exporting of Cannabis should be St Helena’s next industry. Not everyone agrees, for various reasons. Some of the issues are explored on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Legal Status ⋅ Use on St Helena ⋅ History ⋅ A Cannabis Industry? ⋅ Cannabis-related ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Every second year St Helena has its Carnival, a massive and noisy party through the streets of Jamestown, in aid of charity. On this page you can read about its history (since 1983) and current-day style. PAGE SECTIONS What happens for Carnival ⋅ Images of Carnival ⋅ History ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The Castle has been the seat of Government for years, and remains so today. Read on this page about its fascinating history, and also some of its quirks and mysteries. PAGE SECTIONS History ⋅ The Castle Today ⋅ Castle Images ⋅ Myths and Legends ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Formerly the Garden for feeding The Governor of St Helena, when he lived in The Castle, Castle Gardens is now a peaceful flower-filled spot in the heart of Jamestown; a great place to just sit and watch the world bustle by or to explore the monuments and plaques detailing the island’s history. Learn about the most peaceful spot in Jamestown on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Where is it and what’s there? ⋅ History ⋅ The Fountain ⋅ The Waterwitch Monument ⋅ Ann’s Place ⋅ Garden Hall ⋅ ‘No Loitering’ ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Read’s 19th Century map shows ‘The Castle of Otranto’ - a curious name with no obvious link to St Helena. It’s still here, but under a different name. On this page we explain where it is and investigate why it was so named. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Some of the island’s residents have been somewhat outside the normal…☺ We celebrate them and their many idiosyncrasies, and often controversies, on this page. PAGE SECTIONS People ⋅ Some Honourable Mentions ⋅ Some Dishonourable Mentions ⋅ Some we’d like to know more about ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ From 1810 to 1836 large numbers of Chinese labourers were brought here to work, taking the place of the Emancipated Slaves (and with not much better living and working conditions). On this page we present their history. PAGE SECTIONS Arrivals ⋅ Treatment & mistreatment ⋅ Crime & Punishment ⋅ Departures ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Christmas in St Helena occurs in the early summer so the fun and festivities have a distinctly outdoor flavour. On this page we set out our Christmas traditions - some may surprise or amuse you. And watch out for the snowman in a country where it has never snowed… PAGE SECTIONS How we celebrate Christmas ⋅ Images of Christmas ⋅ Christmas Past ⋅ A snowman in St Helena? ⋅ ‘Christmas Lights Day’ ⋅ New Year ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we provide a selectable subset of the island’s chronology (based on our Events Database), ranging from our discovery right up to date, selectable by range of years, month and/or date, or keyword(s). PAGE SECTIONS Select by year range ⋅ Select by month and/or day ⋅ Select using key words ⋅ ‘What the Saints did next ’ ⋅ Events Database Statistics ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena has a wide variety of historic and modern church buildings to investigate, providing a variety of interests. We list the most important and/or interesting on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Important Churches ⋅ Other religious buildings ⋅ Churchyards ⋅ The Portuguese Chapel, Jamestown ⋅ A curious bell ⋅ Related Structures ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Before the arrival of TV, videos and Internet streaming, what could be better than a night out at the cinema? Sadly, none of the island’s cinemas survive, but open air movie screenings do sometimes happen and attract large audiences. Learn about our cinema history on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Early movie theatres ⋅ The ‘Talkies’ ⋅ Later Developments ⋅ Other Uses ⋅ Public Information Films ⋅ Decline and closure ⋅ Modern Cinema ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Bringing cars to St Helena is a complicated and expensive process, so when we do get one here we make it last! Hence the island has many classic cars, not just in running order but many in day-to-day use. On this page we explore the island’s motoring history, right back to the very first car (‘The Number One’), and show pictures of what you could see (and maybe ride in) when you visit. PAGE SECTIONS Why are there so many classic cars on St Helena? ⋅ Photographs of some cars ⋅ Other Car Stuff ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Based on possibly the world’s purest strain of the Arabica bean, our coffee has been judged the best in the world. It’s certainly one of the rarest. On this page we describe its history and the present day coffee industry. PAGE SECTIONS The history of our coffee ⋅ St Helena coffee today ⋅ Protected Coffee? ⋅ International Coffee Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ OK, in technology terms we’re not really up-to-date, but we can still communicate with the world in various old and new ways, as we explain on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Post ⋅ Freight ⋅ Telephones ⋅ Internet and Email ⋅ Radio ⋅ FAX ⋅ Communications Companies ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we explain how St Helena’s Community Development Organisation provides support to the island’s community groups. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index, which is a subset of our Island Information pages covering the 16 pages featuring community groups and activities. PAGE SECTIONS The Community Pages ⋅ Other Community Organisations ⋅ The Three Sectors ⋅ Community Days ⋅ Subject Groups Explained | |
QUICK READ On this page we set St Helena’s history into the global context. See how what was happening on St Helena fits in with major events in Britain and elsewhere in the world. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Saint Helena Island Info is configurable, and on this page you can select options for how you want it to operate differently. There also is explained a reset process, in case you make a serious mistake. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ All of St Helena’s local laws are made under the authority of St Helena’s Constitution. On this page we explain what St Helena’s Constitution is and why it’s important. PAGE SECTIONS What it is ⋅ Changes Needed ⋅ How is our Constitution revised? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Whatever you need to contact us about, you can find out how on this page, but first please check that your question isn’t already answered on Saint Helena Island Info (e.g. on page Frequently Asked Questions about St Helena). We always welcome feedback from our users! PAGE SECTIONS How to contact us ⋅ Meet us in person? ⋅ How QQQQQNOTQQQQQ to contact us ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Is living here your dream? Before you start packing, on this page we set out a few realities which you would be wise to consider before you commit, as well a some tips and tricks for successfully moving here. PAGE SECTIONS Do you want ⋅ Can you cope with ⋅ How to live here ⋅ What to bring (and what to leave behind) ⋅ Bringing or buying a vehicle ⋅ Can I become a Saint? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ If you like good ol’ country music this is the place for you - learn more on this page. And if you don’t, rest assured that all the other music styles have their proponents on St Helena too. PAGE SECTIONS Country music and St Helena ⋅ Why? ⋅ Local Country ⋅ Take part! ⋅ Country Music Day ⋅ Other music ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Covid‑19 impacted St Helena long before actually spreading here, but when it did arrive our experience of it was far less severe than in many other places. Learn about how Covid‑19 affected us on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On this page we show how Creative Saint Helena strives to create opportunities for communities and individuals to access, engage and participate in the Arts. PAGE SECTIONS About Us ⋅ IN+VENTIVE ⋅ Books ⋅ Contact | |
QUICK READ Some of the material on Saint Helena Island Info is sourced from elsewhere, and on this page we list them and thank all these contributors. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ When a cruise ship arrives, St Helena becomes an unusual hive of activity; especially in Jamestown, the commercial hub of the island. Learn about the welcome we offer to cruise ship passengers on this page, and also some tips and tricks if you are onboard. PAGE SECTIONS Tours ⋅ Cruise Ship Markets ⋅ Visitors’ Comments ⋅ Failure to land - what to do ⋅ Early cruise ship visitors ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Like everywhere else, St Helena’s history has its darker parts: murders; mistreatment; excessive punishments; battles; disasters and more. We highlight them on this page. PAGE SECTIONS What is ‘Dark Tourism’? ⋅ The darker aspects of St Helena’s history. ⋅ Tips for Exploring ⋅ Dark History Tours ⋅ Nearly-Dark Tourism ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ We do periodically check that the sites to which we link are still there. In some cases, we think they may have gone but aren’t sure they won’t be resurrected, so we flag them (you will see a flash if you hover on the link) and list them here. Please let us know if you find a dead link on Saint Helena Island Info, or if one of those listed on this page has reappeared. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ We have no marine scrapyard and the nearest one is about 1,900Km away in Namibia, so unwanted ships are not broken up - they’re re-purposed as part of the Artificial Reef. On this page you can read about some of the vessels that are down there. PAGE SECTIONS The MV Frontier, 1994 ⋅ The MV Bedgellett, 2001 ⋅ The MV Atlantic Rose, 2006 ⋅ The MV Portzic, 2008 ⋅ And also ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Diana’s Peak and its accompanying Peaks (known collectively as ‘The Peaks’) are the highest place on the island, with great views for little relatively-easy walking. Many endemic species live here, so the area is also one of the most interesting. Learn about The Peaks on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Not just one, but three ⋅ The Diana’s Peak National Park ⋅ Walking Diana’s Peak ⋅ Names confusion ⋅ But who was Diana? ⋅ Is Diana’s Peak a ‘Mountain’? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ From the 1960s until the early 1970s St Helena hosted a Diplomatic Wireless Station for ‘government communications’, but what did it actually do? On this page we give the official answers and also report some popular speculations, as well as providing details of the station’s creation, operation, and remnants today. PAGE SECTIONS What we know ⋅ What we think we know ⋅ Community Work ⋅ The DWS in action ⋅ The Staff ⋅ Remnants ⋅ Keeping in touch ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ From the island’s histories, everybody knows that St Helena was discovered on 21st May 1502…but actually it wasn’t. On this page we explain how the mistake occurred, and go looking for the actual date. PAGE SECTIONS The official version ⋅ The feast day of Saint Helena ⋅ So where did the date of 21st May come from? ⋅ Maybe da Nova didn’t discover St Helena? ⋅ Maybe it was 18th August after all? ⋅ What about another date? ⋅ And the answer is ⋅ Events ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena is divided into eight administrative districts. On this page we list them, and explain that St Helena’s districts are more important than just administration. PAGE SECTIONS History ⋅ The Districts ⋅ Issues and peculiarities ⋅ Phantom Districts ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ We have warm, unpolluted waters, and there is plenty to explore, including reefs, wrecks and some marine life you can see nowhere else in the world. What more could you ask for? On this page you can learn more about diving around St Helena - including how to learn. PAGE SECTIONS Wrecks to explore ⋅ Facts/Laws/Etc. ⋅ A selection of dive sites ⋅ The St Helena Dive Club ⋅ Dive Companies ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The waters around St Helena provide ample opportunities for all sorts of marine activities. We introduce many of them on this page and show how you can participate in them. PAGE SECTIONS Watching dolphins ⋅ Whales, Whale Sharks, etc ⋅ And while you’re out there ⋅ Dolphin Fishing ⋅ World Dolphin Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Before motor vehicles, donkeys were the mainstay of St Helena transport. Numbers peaked at 1,161 in 1955, after which growing mechanisation steadily reduced their numbers. A few are still working, but mostly those remaining spend their days at the island’s Donkey Sanctuary, where you can visit them… Learn about these lovable animals on this page. PAGE SECTIONS History ⋅ The Present Day ⋅ Donkey Facts ⋅ Meet a donkey! ⋅ A New Beginning? ⋅ ‘You have donkeys; why not horses?’ ⋅ World Donkey Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Many of the people who write about St Helena have never been here, and what they write can be both fascinating… and very wrong!☺ On this page we present our collection of the more amusing and outrageous published misinformation about St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS The Features ⋅ It was ever thus ⋅ Not Our St Helena ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ There are downloadable files throughout Saint Helena Island Info, providing more information about the topics we have covered. On this page we have provided an index to them all{1}. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ If you want to see all that St Helena has to offer it’s best if you hire a car and drive, but driving on St Helena may not be quite what you expect… Do you know the rules of the road? When to give way? The speed limits? Learn on this page how to drive on St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS Your vehicle ⋅ Driving Technique ⋅ How it all began ⋅ More ⋅ And finally ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Originally the site of a graveyard, the Duke of Edinburgh Playground was opened by HRH Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit in 1957. The equipment has now mostly rotted away and today the space is little used{2}. It might again be an important recreational space in the heart of Jamestown if somebody can find the funds to refurbish it. PAGE SECTIONS Origins ⋅ The Duke of Edinburgh Playground ⋅ Decline ⋅ The Trees ⋅ Proposed Developments ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena was discovered in 1502, but it wasn’t until 1659 - 157 years later - that the English colonised it. On this page we set out what happened in those years. PAGE SECTIONS A Portuguese Island, 1502-1633 ⋅ A Dutch Island, 1633-1659 ⋅ An English Island, 1659- | |
QUICK READ Apart from the religious activities, Easter is a time for outdoor activities like fishing and camping. Unfortunately, the weather is rarely conducive to either, but that doesn#’t stop anybody. Learn about our Easter celebrations on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Although St Helena was settled by the English in 1659, it was not by The Crown. A private company, the East India Company, settled then administered St Helena from 1659 until 1834. Learn about it, and how it affected our island, on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Company History ⋅ St Helena ⋅ The Dutch East India Company (VoC) ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Nowadays, for most, food comes from shops, but there is much that’s reputedly good to eat growing wild around the island, some just tasty and some with claimed medical benefits, but you need to know what you’re looking for. Read what’s on this page before you go off foraging… PAGE SECTIONS Introduction ⋅ The Plants ⋅ To Avoid ⋅ Celebrations ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ In the early days St Helena was quite advanced in its attitude to education, and schooling remains free for all up to the age of 18 years. Learn more (!☺) on this page. PAGE SECTIONS An Overview ⋅ Some key people ⋅ Premises, Premises ⋅ ‘Clara’s School’ ⋅ What schools were there, and when? ⋅ Current schools ⋅ Recognise anybody? ⋅ Education Observances ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena is officially Britain’s wealthiest place on Earth for natural treasures. We have more Endemic Species than any other British Overseas Territory - about a third of the total: one bird; lots of invertebrates; many fish; a heap of plants and some other lifeforms make up that total. And it seems every year we discover more… You can learn about our extraordinary natural environment on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The facts ⋅ Invertebrates (‘bugs’) ⋅ Trees, Ferns, mosses, etc. ⋅ Fish ⋅ Others, now probably extinct ⋅ ‘Gobblegheer’ ⋅ Other Information ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ You probably arrived at this page due to an error. On this page you can find out what you should do now. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Nowadays people generally want to come here, but that wasn’t always the case. Some of the people who found themselves here didn’t want to be, and set about doing something about it - with varying degrees of success. You can learn about them on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The first (recorded) escapee ⋅ The Jackson mutineers of 1693 ⋅ The Century of Escapes ⋅ Many plots; Zero escapes ⋅ Andries Smorenburg’s crate ⋅ Captain Willem Merk and his yacht Frontier ⋅ HM Prison, Jamestown ⋅ Sanctioned departures ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena had some ‘visitors’ who were not at all pleased to be here. An isolated island that was hard to get away from was an obvious place for Britain to put people that you wanted to keep out of circulation, but that began a long time before the island was colonised in 1659… Learn about the exiles we hosted on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The Exiles ⋅ Almost, but not quite ⋅ And maybe ⋅ What’s wrong with this picture? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Given that we are not one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, you might ask What could St Helena possibly have to do with space exploration? Read the information presented on this page - you may be surprised… PAGE SECTIONS Studying Space from St Helena ⋅ Space Treaties ⋅ Other Contacts ⋅ Our 16th Century Astronaut ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ If you want to trace relatives or friends on St Helena, both long lost and current, or just find a pen-pal, on this page you will find some tips and many useful links. PAGE SECTIONS Who QQQQQnotQQQQQ to contact ⋅ Who to contact ⋅ How to find a pen-pal ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Because of our strategic position in the South Atlantic, in the days of ship travel many famous people visited. Now, in the era of air travel, the numbers are somewhat lower, though we have still had two Royal visitors this century. On this page we list all our known famous visitors. The page is organised chronologically, but there is also an alphabetic index. PAGE SECTIONS Index by Name ⋅ 16th Century ⋅ 17th Century ⋅ 18th Century ⋅ 19th Century ⋅ 20th Century ⋅ 21st Century ⋅ Infamous visitors? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present ten of the most fascinating and curious facts about St Helena. Come back to this page frequently - the selection changes every day. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ The English settled ‘uninhabited’ St Helena unopposed in 1659, but about 35 years before it seems they fought to conquer it (and failed). We tell the story on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Well known history ⋅ The story ⋅ A similar story ⋅ Another version ⋅ So is the ‘commonly known history’ wrong? | |
QUICK READ Inspired by our many diverse visitors, and constrained by limited supplies from overseas, St Helena has developed a distinctive cuisine. And if you follow the recipes on this page you can try it at home (though coming here to try it is far better!) PAGE SECTIONS Recipes ⋅ How to go food shopping on St Helena ⋅ Restaurants ⋅ Food Events ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Surrounded by sea for at least 1,300Km in any direction{3}, fishing is inevitably part of our culture. Read all about it on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Climate & Currents ⋅ So what is caught? ⋅ History ⋅ Decline ⋅ More Fishy Things ⋅ Other information ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Surrounded by water, it’s not surprising that for more than a century St Helena has been trying to earn money from the sea (with varying degrees of success…). Learn about our fishing industry on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Early Days ⋅ Mr Mosely’s curing business ⋅ Between the wars ⋅ Inward Investors ⋅ Recent Developments ⋅ The Future ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ As a British Overseas Territory, for official purposes we fly the Union Flag, but St Helena also has its own flag, flown at all important events and occasions. We also have an official Coat of Arms and Public Seal. We also have a motto, but there’s a mystery about that. All are described on this page, as are helpful instructions on what to display when. PAGE SECTIONS Our flag ⋅ Our Coat of Arms ⋅ Our Public Seal ⋅ Where is the flag flown? ⋅ Other flags and crests ⋅ The official crest ⋅ The motto mystery ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ For the first 60 years of the 20th Century our flax industry was the engine of our economy, but was it worth the ecological damage it caused, remnants of which still despoil parts of the island today? We discuss this question on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Since 2017, flying is the usual way to get to St Helena… We have a weekly (twice a week in our Summer) scheduled air service from South Africa (Johannesburg or Cape Town), with connections from anywhere in the world. See details on this page, then contact your travel agent for details. PAGE SECTIONS Scheduled Commercial Air Service ⋅ Check-in times ⋅ Other Airport Uses ⋅ ‘Category C’ ⋅ Other Flying Things ⋅ Fake Telephone ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena Airport does not just accept scheduled flights. On this page we explain how you can fly here in your own plane and on your own schedule. PAGE SECTIONS Runway Numbers ⋅ Regulations & Charges ⋅ Fuel Available ⋅ Other Useful Information ⋅ Other Flying Things ⋅ Aviation Observances ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Forgotten Colony was a band formed on St Helena during Covid‑19, featuring two Saint musicians stranded on the island by the pandemic. Learn about them on this page. PAGE SECTIONS About ⋅ Who ⋅ Caught in a Moment ⋅ Status | |
QUICK READ St Helena was always defended; before, but more strongly since, the Dutch invaded in 1672 and were evicted a few months later. Then when Napoleon arrived, with accompanying fears of an invasion by the French to free him… Many (sadly, not all) of our Forts and Batteries are still in good condition and can be visited and inspected. A great historical treasure which you can read about on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Introduction ⋅ Featured Forts ⋅ Other fort images ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we explain why a Freedom of Information Ordinance for St Helena would improve the way Government decisions are made. PAGE SECTIONS What is Freedom of Information? ⋅ Doesn’t the UK’s Freedom of Information Act apply? ⋅ Who is behind the campaign? ⋅ What has actually been done? ⋅ International Right to Know Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we set out the answers to the questions we are often asked about St Helena. If you have a question that isn’t covered here you can contact us. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On this page we set out the answers to the questions we are often asked about Saint Helena Island Info. If you have a question that isn’t covered here you can contact us. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Before Social Security there were the Friendly Societies, helping working people to insure themselves and their families against unexpected adverse events. They also held rather colourful annual marches. Learn about the Friendly Societies on this page. PAGE SECTIONS History ⋅ Societies in more detail ⋅ Friendly Societies Union ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we introduce the Friends of St Helena, a UK Charity which provides information on St Helena and practical support to the St Helenian community. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index to the significant places and structures on St Helena, with links for where to you can go to learn more. The index is grouped alphabetically. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Volcanic islands are, of course, created by an undersea volcano, which erupts until the lava reaches the surface. But the St Helena we have today was created by not just one but two volcanoes. The first one erupted and created the initial island, and the second, almost adjacent, gave our island its distinctive shape. There are also, in the surrounding sea, some ‘Seamounts’ - volcanos that did not quite make it to the surface. Lots for geologists (professional and amateur) to explore, and don’t forget our golden sandy beaches, which are not where you might expect to find them… Find them and learn about our unusual geology on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Type ⋅ Formation ⋅ Resultant geology ⋅ Erosion: how we got the current island profile ⋅ Seamounts ⋅ Myths ⋅ Geology-related ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ If you want an unusual place for your wedding, choose St Helena. Anyone can get married here and there are many interesting wedding venues - the oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere; The Castle, dating back to the 17th Century; High Knoll Fort and many more. You can learn about your options on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Anyone can get married here! ⋅ Photos ⋅ Some history ⋅ Marriage Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Despite its physical isolation, St Helena is not quite as difficult to get to as you might imagine. On this page we explain the usual, and not-quite-so-usual, ways of getting here. PAGE SECTIONS How to get here ⋅ Can I bring my pet dog/cat/parrot/elephant? ⋅ Travel Advice ⋅ More visitor information ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena has more than its share of ghost stories, spooky tales and superstitions, which we have collected here. Some are detailed and well-known; others are just fragments, and we’d like to know more. Enjoy them on this page! PAGE SECTIONS The Stories ⋅ Fragments ⋅ Ghosts at the CCC? ⋅ Vampires? ⋅ Superstitions ⋅ World Paranormal Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page you will find definitions of some terms used on St Helena or within Saint Helena Island Info which we thought might benefit from some further explanation. PAGE SECTIONS Businesses ⋅ St Helena Government ⋅ Medical Terms ⋅ Places ⋅ UK Government ⋅ Legal Terms ⋅ Other Terms | |
QUICK READ When it’s hot, there’s nothing like a dip for cooling off. Swim in the sea in the safe locations listed on this page, or in St Helena’s full-sized swimming pool in Jamestown. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Like all British Overseas Territory, St Helena has a degree of self-government underneath overall control by the Heads of State. The arrangement is complicated and we try to explain it on this page, along with detail on how our internal self-government works{4}. We conclude that St Helena is nearly a democracy. PAGE SECTIONS Government Today ⋅ History ⋅ Independence? ⋅ Youth Parliament ⋅ Do and Don’t Do ⋅ ‘Hansard’ ⋅ Does UK Legislation apply to St Helena? ⋅ Freedom of Information ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ When The East India Company owned the island it appointed a Governor with almost unlimited power to run the island. We are now a British Overseas Territory, but we still have appointed for us by the UK a representative of the British Monarch. The functional role of the Governor has changed over the years - we explore the current role on this page, also listing all our past Governors (with a bit about what each did, or didn’t do) and also a few Governor mishaps…☺ PAGE SECTIONS Role of The Governor ⋅ Selection ⋅ Governors of St Helena ⋅ Governors: Audio ⋅ Governor Janisch Memorial ⋅ That could have gone better ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The Governor’s Cup is a bi-annual yacht race from South Africa to St Helena, first run in 1996 and most recently branded as the ‘Cape to St Helena Race’. The race prize is a trophy donated by The Governor of St Helena - the Governor’s Cup. Learn about this exciting race on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Concept ⋅ Race History ⋅ Some of the trophies ⋅ How do the yachts get home ? ⋅ Yachting and St Helena ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Until recently, for all ceremonial occasions, our Governor wore a uniform with a special hat. Then it just stopped - 350 years of history ended. On this page we illustrate The Hat and try to explain why it is now in our Museum. PAGE SECTIONS Description ⋅ Introduction & Replacement ⋅ When was the hat worn? ⋅ Why is it no longer used? ⋅ Hatless ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ OK, it wasn’t exactly Formula 1… On this page we explain what it was, how it worked and why it has been (temporarily, we hope) stopped. PAGE SECTIONS About Gravity Rush ⋅ Gravity Rush 2015 ⋅ Gravity Rush in pictures ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ An early, but sadly unsuccessful, attempt at conservation, The Great Wood Wall was built to keep stray (and not-so-stray) goats and pigs from eating The Great Wood. It failed; the stones were largely robbed for other building projects. What little remains of it makes an interesting explore. On this page you can learn all about The Great Wood Wall. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ We have Forts and Batteries, so naturally we also have lots of old guns, many of them in relatively good condition (some preserved), and others just lying where they were abandoned, centuries ago. A boon forhoplophiles! On this page we have gun history; gun preservation and gun re-purposing. PAGE SECTIONS Introduction ⋅ Guns and their Sites ⋅ Munitions ⋅ More gun stuff ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Close to Jamestown but cooler and away from the bustle of town, Half Tree Hollow (‘HTH’) is the most populous district of St Helena. It used to be heavily wooded; now trees are in relatively short supply… Learn about this popular (and populous) District on this page. Like all Districts, we answer the question ‘Should I stay here?’ PAGE SECTIONS About Half Tree Hollow ⋅ What’s Here? ⋅ Contemporary Images ⋅ History ⋅ Images through the years ⋅ Stay here? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Recently some people on St Helena have started wishing each other ‘Happy Holidays!’, rather than ‘Happy Christmas’. We discuss why on this page. PAGE SECTIONS ‘Christmas’ or ‘The Holidays’ ⋅ Winter/Summer Holidays ⋅ Other seasonal celebrations | |
QUICK READ On this page we provide an index to the major events of St Helena’s history set into the context of the Heads of State serving in England/Britain at the time. PAGE SECTIONS Heads of State ⋅ In line for the throne ⋅ Question Answered ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ In a physically isolated and largely closed population, it is only to be expected that health issues will develop. Genetically-based conditions are just some of these. Learn about island health on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Why is there a problem? ⋅ What are the health issues? ⋅ Health inequalities ⋅ Census data ⋅ Other Facts ⋅ Observances ⋅ Hypothermia on St Helena? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ If you travel out of Jamestown towards the Napoleonic Sites you can’t miss the Heart Shaped Waterfall, details of which we provide on this page, including how to get there. PAGE SECTIONS The waterfall itself ⋅ Name ⋅ Visitor warning! ⋅ Barnes Road ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ People contact us to ask us for help with many things. On this page we present an index of the Saint Helena Island Info pages where useful information can be found. PAGE SECTIONS Can you just give a message to ⋅ I’ve decided I’m moving to St Helena. Can you help? ⋅ Would you like to buy my product/service? It’s great and ⋅ Will you exchange stamps/postcards/banknotes/coins/etc. with me? ⋅ Can you help me research the history of St Helena? ⋅ Can you help me find a pen-pal on St Helena? ⋅ Can you help me find work, set up a business or set up trading links with a St Helena business? ⋅ Can you help with permanent residence in St Helena? ⋅ Can you help me research my family’s history on St Helena? ⋅ Can you help me find a property to rent in St Helena? | |
QUICK READ High Knoll Fort is the largest military installation on the island - a ‘redoubt fort’ where the island’s entire population could shelter in the event of an invasion, though it was never used. Now it’s used (occasionally) as an entertainment venue. Important; and also interesting. Learn about our primary fortress on this page. PAGE SECTIONS History ⋅ Rough Plan ⋅ Early 21st Century ⋅ Use Today ⋅ Other Photos ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Over the years, various people have taken it upon themselves to document St Helena’s history, and we introduce many of them on this page, including those who are still working today. PAGE SECTIONS Historical ⋅ Currently Working ⋅ Brief Mentions ⋅ Saints ⋅ The Definitive Island History? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena has an abundance of interesting historic buildings to explore. On this page we introduce the subject and provide some general details; pages Historic Buildings, Jamestown and Historic Buildings, Country index some actual buildings. PAGE SECTIONS Introduction ⋅ The Listing System ⋅ How buildings change ⋅ Restoration problems ⋅ Purposed Buildings ⋅ The Model Cottage Mystery ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena has many historic buildings. On this page we introduce some of the more notable ones located outside Jamestown. There is a general overview of our historic buildings and what appertains to them on the page Historic Buildings. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ St Helena has many historic buildings. On this page we introduce some of the more notable ones located within Jamestown. There is a general overview of our historic buildings and what appertains to them on the page Historic Buildings. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ The Historic Environment Record is a database of old and important structures on the island, created in the 2010s at the request of the Government of St Helena. It was originally intended to replace the 1974 Crallan Report as the baseline for Planning, but this has not happened. Since 2021 it has been maintained by the St Helena National Trust. Learn about how The Historic Environment Record works on this page. PAGE SECTIONS About ⋅ Built Heritage Report ⋅ Replacing Crallan ⋅ Update 2021 ⋅ See The HER ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena celebrates nine public holidays each year where all businesses and government departments are closed, and there are also many other widely celebrated events. We describe them all on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Public Holidays Calendar ⋅ Other significant days that are not official holidays ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ People (mostly) live in houses. On this page you can learn about the houses people live in on St Helena - what they are, where they are, and a little of their history. PAGE SECTIONS Grand Country Houses ⋅ Ordinary houses ⋅ Where do people live? ⋅ Addresses ⋅ Buy property here? ⋅ Developments ⋅ Government Landlord Houses ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ You will often see St Helena described as a ‘small island’, but most people cannot grasp just how small St Helena actually is. Find out on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ St Helena’s Human Rights Project began with the new Constitution in 2009. On this page we explain how it developed, and provide links to sites where you can learn more. PAGE SECTIONS What are Human Rights? ⋅ Developing Human Rights on St Helena ⋅ Contacting the Equality & Human Rights Commission ⋅ Human Rights Observances ⋅ Free To Be Me ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ There are many images on Saint Helena Island Info - over 9,000 at the last count. On this page we provide a facility to find images anywhere on our site based on the image title - we hope it’s helpful. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ The legal Terms & Conditions for your use of this website are set out on this page. Please read these carefully before using Saint Helena Island Info because by continuing use of the site you are deemed to have accepted them. PAGE SECTIONS Website Use ⋅ Copyright ⋅ Warnings ⋅ Accessibility Statement ⋅ Technical Information ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Many people really made their mark in the lives of the people of St Helena, and we celebrate them on this page. What makes someone ‘Important’? We set out here our criteria. PAGE SECTIONS George Gabriel Powell (c. 1710-1779) ⋅ Sir William Webber Doveton (1753-1843) ⋅ Saul Solomon (1776-1852) ⋅ Clara George (1784-1859) ⋅ Dr. James Barry (1789-1865) ⋅ John Charles Melliss (1835-1910) ⋅ William Alexander Thorpe (1842-1918) ⋅ Dr. W. J. J. Arnold (1867-1925) ⋅ Canon L C Walcott (1880-1951) ⋅ Winifred Ida Walcott (?-1941) ⋅ Captain Tom Whatley (1909-1986) ⋅ Eric ‘Mr. Music’ George MBE (1936-2001) ⋅ Johnny Drummond (1956-2003) ⋅ Cathy Hopkins MBE (1946-2017) ⋅ Mike Olsson (1963-2024) ⋅ Some Honourable Mentions ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Published every Friday, The Independent is one of St Helena’s weekly newspapers, An independent newspaper in association with SaintFM and St Helena Online. You can learn about its history and present on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Content ⋅ Publication ⋅ Advertising ⋅ History ⋅ Contacts ⋅ Funding ⋅ Regulation & Complaints ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The East India Company saw St Helena as a necessary expense because of its strategic value, but when The Crown took over in 1834 it expected the island to ‘earn its keep’. It never has, though not for the want of trying… You can learn about our limited successes and many failures on this page. PAGE SECTIONS East India Company ⋅ Crown Colony ⋅ Snippets ⋅ Why did they fail? ⋅ Government Assistance ⋅ The Future? | |
QUICK READ On this page we present the master index of all our island information pages. Every island information page is listed here. Choose a subject that interests you and dive in, or select one of our sub-indexes to explore all the pages related to a specific subject. PAGE SECTIONS Subject Groups ⋅ The Seven Wonders of St Helena ⋅ Our National Symbols ⋅ And if all else fails | |
QUICK READ Welcome to Saint Helena Island Info. This is the ‘home page’ of Saint Helena Island Info, and on this page are listed many ways to help you explore the site. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Since England colonised St Helena in 1659, the island has been successfully invaded only once. Read on this page the full story of this ultimately-failed capture. PAGE SECTIONS Background to the invasion ⋅ The invasion ⋅ The English are coming back! ⋅ Down but not out ⋅ Places and people of note ⋅ A Constitutional issue ⋅ The Dutch Territorial Stone ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index, which is a subset of our Island Information pages covering the 93 pages featuring things to see and do during a visit to St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS Tip for Exploring ⋅ The Island Activities Pages ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index, which is a subset of our Island Information pages covering the 130 pages featuring aspects of St Helena’s history. PAGE SECTIONS The Island History Pages ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ As if being a beautiful sub-tropical island paradise is not enough, St Helena has many interesting, and sometimes curious, aspects… On this page we present an index which covers all the information pages on Saint Helena Island Info, arranged alphabetically by title. PAGE SECTIONS The Island Information Pages ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained ⋅ Features for today | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index, which is a subset of our Island Information pages covering the 26 pages featuring our island’s media (of which there is a surprising amount for fewer than 5,000 people). PAGE SECTIONS The Island Media Pages ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index, which is a subset of our Island Information pages covering the 46 pages featuring our natural environment. PAGE SECTIONS The Island Nature Pages ⋅ Butterflies ⋅ Animals Farmed ⋅ Unwanted ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index, which is a subset of our Island Information pages covering the 66 pages featuring items related to St Helena people. PAGE SECTIONS The Island People Pages ⋅ Can I become a Saint? ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index which is a subset of our Island Information pages, covering pages dedicated to showing images of St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS The Island Pictures Pages ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index, which is a subset of our Island Information pages covering the 68 pages featuring places on St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS The Island Places Pages ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained ⋅ Features for today | |
QUICK READ St Helena is a small island…surrounded by even smaller ones, and many of them are more than just rocks, often with an interesting history, which you can learn on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The named ones ⋅ Islands of note ⋅ More pictures ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ We have sen our island refered to as ‘St. Helena’; ‘St Helena’; ‘Saint Helena’; ‘St. Helena Island’; ‘Island of St. Helena’; and some others, but which is the correct name? There is an answer! We provide it on this page. PAGE SECTIONS How to QQQQQpronounceQQQQQ ‘St Helena’ ⋅ Variations of the name ⋅ Abbreviations ⋅ Maybe we should adopt another name entirely? ⋅ Name of this site ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present an index, which is a subset of our Island Information pages covering the 49 pages featuring buildings and other structures on St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS The Island Structures Pages ⋅ Non-Group Pages ⋅ Subject Groups Explained ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ ‘Jacob’s Ladder’? That’s something to do with the Bible, isn’t it? Well, sort of! On this page we explain all about St Helena’s Jacob’s Ladder (including what it was before!), and also about others around the world. PAGE SECTIONS What is ‘Jacob’s Ladder’? ⋅ History ⋅ ‘The Ladder’ today ⋅ Why ‘Jacob’s Ladder’? ⋅ Other places called Jacob’s Ladder ⋅ Other uses of the term ⋅ Jacob’s Ladder Challenge ⋅ Special Events ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ If something is going to happen in St Helena, it’s likely it’s is going to happen in Jamestown, still the island’s commercial and administrative hub, as it has been for years. Learn about our capital city on this page. PAGE SECTIONS About Jamestown ⋅ Why ‘Jamestown’? ⋅ A quick guided tour ⋅ Town Plan ⋅ Climate ⋅ Busy and quiet days ⋅ Other matters ⋅ Stay here? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Jamestown (city) is in Jamestown (district), but so is much more. While to many the city may eclipse the surroundings, there is so much here of interest and beauty to explore, as you can discover on this page. Like all Districts, we answer the question ‘Should I stay here?’ PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ If something happened in the history of St Helena, it’s likely it happened in Jamestown, the first part of the island occupied by the English colonists who arrived in 1659 and later (and still) the island’s commercial and administrative hub. Learn about Jamestown’s history on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The history of Jamestown ⋅ History Images ⋅ Then and now ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ So you want to live here, and you’ve checked our page Could you live here?, but you will need to work to support yourself. On this page we provide some suggestions, tips, tricks and warnings… PAGE SECTIONS Stop reading if you’re independently wealthy! ⋅ So you want to work here ⋅ Starting your own business ⋅ Employment Profile ⋅ Can I become a Saint? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Jonathan is believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, and yet we don’t actually know his exact age. He has a long and interesting history on St Helena, set out on this page, and don’t forget his companions… PAGE SECTIONS Who is ‘Jonathan’? ⋅ Jonathan’s Birthday ⋅ So how old is Jonathan, really? ⋅ More about Jonathan? ⋅ Not a Turtle ⋅ Other giant tortoises at Plantation House ⋅ Important Visitor Information ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The making of handmade Lace started here in the 19th Century, and the tradition continues today. You can buy handmade St Helena lace in our Souvenir Shops. Read on this page about the history of the craft. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ You were directed here because something has been changed externally to Saint Helena Island Info, as a result of which we can’t locate the page you wanted. Learn on this page how to find it yourself. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Formerly a government building-works yard, more formerly a tennis court, and even more formerly part of the island’s defences, The Leisure Park is now a place to relax and enjoy life. Learn about the Leisure Park on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ So named because it used to be full of lemon trees, a boon for preventing Scurvy in old sailing ship crews. Nowadays the trees have gone but it remains a popular recreation spot, accessible by a long hike or a boat from Jamestown, with added points of historic interest. Learn all about Lemon Valley, past and present, on this page. PAGE SECTIONS What’s here? ⋅ How to get here ⋅ History ⋅ Local Lemons ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Levelwood is as rural as Blue Hill, though it is somewhat smaller. It has some interesting features worthy of a visit, including the Bellstone - a rock which, when struck, rings like a bell. Learn about the secrets of Levelwood on this page. Like all Districts, we answer the question ‘Should I stay here?’ PAGE SECTIONS About Levelwood ⋅ The Bellstone ⋅ The Future ⋅ Stay here? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena does not discriminate in law based on your sexual orientation, and any body or organisation that tries to is subject to challenge under Our Constitution. Embodying that, most people are open-minded and accepting. Be relieved by what you learn on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Law and Constitution ⋅ LGBTQ+ Life on St Helena ⋅ Pride ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ If you link to us from your website or blog, we’re happy to reciprocate… On this page we list some blogs about St Helena that may be of interest. If you find one (including yours) that is relevant and might be of interest please contact us. PAGE SECTIONS Why link to us? ⋅ Linking information ⋅ How to link to us - the technical information ⋅ Crediting content | |
QUICK READ You could argue that, on a small island like St Helena, everything is ‘local’, but you’d be wrong… We discuss the issue on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ The District of Longwood is most famous for housing our best-known exile, but it also has strong connections to the island’s future. On this page we describe the District’s history, what’s there now and what’s coming. Like all Districts, we answer the question ‘Should I stay here?’ PAGE SECTIONS About Longwood ⋅ Activities ⋅ Places ⋅ History ⋅ Exiles ⋅ Longwood in pictures ⋅ Stay here? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ For most of his time on St Helena, Napoleon Bonaparte lived at Longwood House, a modest residence hastily converted for his needs, far smaller than the palaces to which he was accustomed. As you can read on this page, the house had its problems, and Napoleon was far from the ideal guest. PAGE SECTIONS Before Napoleon ⋅ Napoleon in residence ⋅ After Napoleon ⋅ Recent History ⋅ Touring Longwood House ⋅ Bicentenary events (2015-2021) ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Conservation and heritage are relatively new concepts on St Helena, so many of St Helena’s historic buildings have been lost. We detail on this page some of the more important ones. PAGE SECTIONS The Buildings ⋅ What Was This? ⋅ The Heritage Society ⋅ Almost lost, but now ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. On this page we introduce some of the ships that didn’t survive, and whose wrecks lie around St Helena, many providing exciting Diving opportunities. The most important are presented most-recent first. PAGE SECTIONS 1991: MV Oman Sea One ⋅ 1942: SS City of Cairo ⋅ 1941: RFA Darkdale ⋅ 1920: SV Spangereid ⋅ 1911: SS Papanui ⋅ 1613: Witte Leeuw (White Lion) ⋅ Various others ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we explain how Making Ends Meet works to give immediate support to people on St Helena who are struggling financially. PAGE SECTIONS About ⋅ Where does the money come from? ⋅ Questions - answered! ⋅ About ⋅ Questions - answered! | |
QUICK READ The Maldivia Gardens, at the top of Town, were formerly one of the island’s more productive plantations. On this page we explain their rise and fall. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ St Helena has been mapped, accurately and not so accurately, for five hundred years. On this page you can read through the history of St Helena maps back to 1506 - only four years after our discovery, and see also some more recent specialist maps of our island. And where is the middle of the middle of nowhere? PAGE SECTIONS Historic maps ⋅ Recent maps ⋅ Specialist maps ⋅ Not exactly a map, but ⋅ The Middle of the Middle of Nowhere ⋅ A curious addition ⋅ Spot the error! ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present a collection of short stories about St Helena supplied by people who visited here in the past. They are organised chronologically, most-recent first. We welcome contributions! PAGE SECTIONS Late 20th Century ⋅ World War 2 ⋅ Early 20th Century ⋅ 19th Century ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena aims to recreate the ‘Great Wood’ - a natural forest destroyed in the 17th Century. We describe the project, and progress on it, on this page. PAGE SECTIONS In the beginning ⋅ Decline ⋅ Re-birth ⋅ Anniversaries ⋅ Activity Reports ⋅ Your contribution? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The Rockfall Memorial Fountain was installed in the 1890s to commemorate a large rockfall in 1890 which caused many deaths, but the monument disappeared mysteriously in the 1940s. Our investigation is set out on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The Rockfall Memorial Fountain ⋅ Why was the Fountain removed? ⋅ What happened to it? ⋅ Re-creation ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The Mule Yard, described on this page, is currently the main permanent outdoor performance and event venue in Jamestown, and when there is no entertainment scheduled it functions as a Bar. The area was formerly part of the island’s fortifications, and later the stabling place for the many Donkeys that worked in Jamestown (hence the name). PAGE SECTIONS Where is it? ⋅ Why the name? ⋅ What’s on? ⋅ Want to discuss a booking? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ All of St Helena’s history is summarised in this one place. There is much to explore. Entrance is free. On this page we discuss the museum’s history and present. PAGE SECTIONS Visit Our Museum ⋅ Museum History ⋅ Activities ⋅ Future Plans ⋅ Contact ⋅ International Museum Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ When researching this website we are frequently told many things that ‘everybody knows’, many of which later prove to be completely untrue… Perhaps the island has as many myths as it does truths? Explore them on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Napoleon Myths ⋅ João da Nova Myths ⋅ In and around Jamestown ⋅ Creatures ⋅ Geology & Geography ⋅ And plenty more ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Napoleon may be our most famous exile, but how much do you really know about him? Some of what people ‘know’ turns out to be myth. On this page we separate the fact from the fiction and help you learn more about his time on St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS What we all know ⋅ 25 Fascinating Facts ⋅ Napoleon on St Helena ⋅ Napoleon’s Death ⋅ Anniversaries ⋅ Other Stories ⋅ Events Database ⋅ Is Napoleon all St Helena is known for? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The Bicentenary of Napoleon Bonaparte’s time on St Helena was celebrated here from October 2015 to May 2021. On this page we detail the celebrations, and their disappointing interruption by Covid‑19. PAGE SECTIONS Arrival, 1815/2015 ⋅ Death, 1821/2021 ⋅ Napoleon Impersonator ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ At his own wish, Napoleon was buried in Sane Valley, a peaceful spot for quiet contemplation which he often visited when he was alive. But Napoleon’s body is no longer there… On this page we introduce the beauty of the spot, record the details of his burial, and then explain what happened nearly twenty years later. PAGE SECTIONS The burial ⋅ Removal and re-burial ⋅ Remembrance ⋅ Bicentenary, 2015-2021 ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ In the National Conservation Areas you can find the very best of St Helena’s plants, animals, landscapes, landforms and heritage. We index them on this page, with links for where you can learn more. PAGE SECTIONS What are they? ⋅ What NCAs are there? ⋅ Marine Protected Area ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The St Helena Ebony (no relation to the well known tree) was thought to be extinct, until it was rediscovered in 1980 half way down a near-inaccessible cliff. Now growing throughout the island, in 2011 the people of St Helena decided it should become our national flower. Learn about our National Flower on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The flower and its re-discovery ⋅ History of The Ebony ⋅ Our previous national flower ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we explain how an American Country & Western singer who had never even been to St Helena came to record the island’s national song… PAGE SECTIONS How it came about ⋅ The song itself ⋅ For posterity ⋅ National Hymn ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we index the National Symbols of St Helena; official and otherwise… In most cases, the symbol is described more fully on a linked page of its own. PAGE SECTIONS How does something become a National Symbol? ⋅ The current set ⋅ The official crest ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The St Helena Nature Conservation Group promotes the conservation and enjoyment of St Helena’s unique natural environment, in the ways described on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Who are we? ⋅ How to get involved ⋅ Gumwood Guardians - the GGs! ⋅ Our achievements ⋅ Contacts | |
QUICK READ Every week, St Helena gets two newspapers, published by different organisations. The history of St Helena’s newspapers is, however, far more complex and definitely interesting, as you can learn on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Our current newspapers ⋅ Regulation & Complaints ⋅ Brief history of newspapers on St Helena ⋅ Special Days ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The New Year is noisily celebrated each year from the evening of 31st December through to the early morning of 1st January. Learn about St Helena’s New Year celebrations on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Celebrating New Year ⋅ Other New Year Stuff ⋅ History ⋅ And then ⋅ Dry January ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Because we have so few surnames (see our page Origins of island surnames to learn why), most people have and commonly use nicknames. Sometimes you will discover that the name by which you know somebody is not actually their legal name! Learn about St Helena nicknames on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Why nicknames? ⋅ Are nicknames only for Saints? ⋅ The Napoleonic connection ⋅ What name appears in the phone book? ⋅ So who on earth is ‘Gavin Ellick’? ⋅ Some curious nicknames ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ In the early days, St Helena accepted whatever money a visitor had to hand, with a wide variety of disparate currencies in circulation. Since takeover by The Crown in 1834 this was steadily whittled down to just UK Sterling (GBP), but since 1984 St Helena has had its own currency, The ‘St Helena Pound’ (SHP), with unique banknotes and coins, usable only here and on Ascension Island. Set out on this page is our monetary history as well as detailed descriptions of our current SHP banknotes and coins. PAGE SECTIONS Current Circulating Coins ⋅ Commemorative Coins ⋅ Current Banknotes ⋅ History ⋅ Other money ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Because of our location on the planet, St Helena was chosen for many scientific observations. For example, from here you can see the stars of the Southern Hemisphere but also much of the Northern. We are also located on a geological anomaly, for different types of observations. All is explained on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Astronomers ⋅ Magnetic Variations, Tides and Weather ⋅ Ladder Hill Observatory ⋅ Longwood Observatory ⋅ Other Observatories ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page you can find listed all the major events that happened on St Helena on this current day in history, and other relevant information. PAGE SECTIONS This day in history ⋅ Annual events today ⋅ This month in St Helena’s history ⋅ This Year in past Centuries ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Events Database Statistics ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The origins of the current surnames on St Helena are as interesting as the ancestry of its people, the two being intrinsically linked. This is explored on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Commonest names and their origins ⋅ The first English settlers ⋅ Saints Around the world ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ In addition to a large number of Forts and Batteries, St Helena has many other military-related structures that are worth exploring. We detail the most interesting of them on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Need to know when in the history of Saint Helena Island Info a page was created? The answer’s on this page, with pages in chronological order of creation, grouped by year. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Carrying on from our page Updated This Release, on this page we provide information about earlier updates to Saint Helena Island Info which may be of interest. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Every year since 1975 the ‘Ivylets’ treated us to a Pantomime (Oh yes they did!). You can learn about it on this page. Sadly since 2016 there seems to be a hiatus, but we hope Pantomime will resume. PAGE SECTIONS Origins ⋅ More recent Ivylets ⋅ People ⋅ The South Atlantic Players (SAPS) ⋅ Earlier stage productions ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ With its variety of scenery and outdoor activities compressed into such a small space, St Helena offers much to the keen photographer. On this page we give some suggestions and examples. PAGE SECTIONS Opportunities For Photographers ⋅ What To Bring ⋅ Photo examples ⋅ Images from various photographers ⋅ John Isaac Lilley: our first photographer? ⋅ Photography Days ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ There are many images on Saint Helena Island Info - over 9,000 at the last count. On this page you can enjoy a gallery made from a selection of current pictures of St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ There are many images on Saint Helena Island Info - over 9,000 at the last count. On this page you can enjoy a gallery made from a selection of historic pictures of St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ We have so many interesting place names, many of which we can explain but quite a lot that we (currently) can’t. Help with the latter would be welcome! Learn about our curious place names on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The ones we can explain ⋅ and the ones we can’t ⋅ Contradictory names explained? ⋅ Coastal Features ⋅ Strange business names ⋅ House names ⋅ Even our island’s name is uncertain ⋅ St Helena Island in Scotland, UK ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Plantation House is the official home of the Governor of St Helena, as it has been since 1792. Many Famous Visitors have stayed there. It is sometimes open for tours, usually on Cruise Ship Days but at other times too, and is well worth a visit. And while at the house, you can also visit Jonathan, the world’s oldest land animal, and the other Giant Tortoises. Learn about all of this on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Description ⋅ Tours ⋅ Grounds ⋅ Giant Tortoises ⋅ History ⋅ The Forest ⋅ ‘Plantation Notes’ ⋅ Walks around Plantation House ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena issued its first postage stamps in 1856, only 16 years after the world’s first ever stamps were issued in the UK. Since then, the island has constantly issued unique and very collectible designs, right up to the present day. Learn about our postal history on this page, from when letters were left under rocks for collection by passing ships, through the Monarchs and the stamps bearing their image, and on the way discover some of the world’s rarest postage stamps. PAGE SECTIONS Post Office first; stamps second ⋅ The first St Helena stamps ⋅ King Edward VII ⋅ King George V ⋅ King George VI ⋅ Queen Elizabeth II ⋅ King Charles III ⋅ Other Stamp-stuff ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena has never had a large tourist industry, but it has always had plenty of postcards, spanning back to the 19th Century, all of which are very collectable. Learn about our fascinating range of postcards, old and new, on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Despite St Helena’s sub-tropical climate, no dangerous animals live here. There are, however, some that can be a bit of a nuisance. You can learn about them on this page. PAGE SECTIONS No Dangerous Snakes ⋅ Centipedes ⋅ Scorpions ⋅ Spiders ⋅ Mosquitoes ⋅ Buzzy Things ⋅ Other bugs ⋅ Gallery ⋅ Larger nuisances ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ There are lots of facts about St Helena distributed throughout Saint Helena Island Info, but if you just need a simple overview you can find it on this page, with links to more detail if you need it. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On 21st May 2002 we celebrated the Quincentenary of our discovery. As explained elsewhere, the exact date of our discovery is unknown, but that didn’t stop anybody from partying! Learn about this special celebration on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Discovery of St Helena ⋅ Celebrations in St Helena ⋅ In the UK ⋅ Artefacts ⋅ Sexcentenary ⋅ Events on 21st May ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we have collated all the quotes used on Saint Helena Island Info; not just those used in each page header but also the ones embedded within the text. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ With three current stations and several amateur operators St Helena’s radio waves are truly buzzing! On this page we explain St Helena’s current radio scene and the history of how we got to here. PAGE SECTIONS Broadcast Stations ⋅ Amateurs ⋅ A brief history of radio on St Helena ⋅ World Radio Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The result of some radio enthusiasts ‘trying to see if it could be done’, the island’s first broadcast radio station, Radio St Helena broadcast to St Helena on AM and sometimes to the world on Shortwave for 45 years, closing in 2012. Its remarkable history is on this page. PAGE SECTIONS About this station ⋅ Radio St Helena Day ⋅ Audio Clips ⋅ More ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Most people know that Jacob’s Ladder was originally the ‘Inclined Plane’, a steep railway up the side of Ladder Hill, but that was not our only railway… Learn about the other on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Read on this page how St Helena has been reported in the world’s media. Many of these articles are also included on the pages where they are relevant. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ A continuation of our page Read articles about St Helena with some older articles. On this page read how St Helena has been reported in the world’s media. Many of these articles are also included on the pages where they are relevant. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Every August Bank Holiday, Saints from all over the UK (and beyond) gather in Reading for a weekend of fun. On this page we explain what it is, how it works, and how to go along. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ The whole world is reducing, reusing, repurposing and recycling, and St Helena is no exception. Because of the physical distances involved our ability to recycle is restricted, but we do our best. On this page you can find out about what we can and do achieve. PAGE SECTIONS SHG Waste Management Services ⋅ Reduce ⋅ Reuse, Repurpose, Salvage and Recycle ⋅ Compost ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The St Helena Regiment was the most popular military corps to serve the Island during colonial times, and remains of interest today. We discuss its creation, disbandment, and some other related military matters on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Background ⋅ Regiment History ⋅ Uniform ⋅ Accommodation ⋅ Not always best behaved ⋅ Serving Soldiers ⋅ Other St Helena Military Corps ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ In general on Saint Helena Island Info, links to external sources of related information are embedded in the text, but on this page are a few we thought worth highlighting. | |
QUICK READ St Helena has a long history of religious activity, dating back to its discovery, long before the English colonists arrived in 1659. Read on this page the story of religion on St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS The early days ⋅ Religion today on St Helena ⋅ Militant Atheists? ⋅ Witchcraft? ⋅ Freedom of Religion ⋅ A Christian Nation ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ You could (probably correctly) argue that fewer than 5,000 people could not have much impact on global Climate Change whatever we did or didn’t do, but despite that St Helena is moving forward with the use of renewable energy, with some success (5/10, could do better). On this page you can learn about the commitment to Renewable Energy on St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS Our current renewable energy sources ⋅ Energy saving measures ⋅ Progress towards 100% renewable energy ⋅ Cut Your Energy Costs Day ⋅ Connect Saint Helena Ltd. ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ There were two ships named ‘RMS St Helena’ that served the island. This was the first, and the successor has a separate page. Read on this page about why and how she came to be the RMS St Helena and the service she gave. PAGE SECTIONS Why and how ⋅ About the RMS St Helena (1978-1990) ⋅ Stories ⋅ War Service ⋅ Replacement ⋅ Fire, November 1984 ⋅ Earlier ‘St Helena’ ships ⋅ Why ‘RMS’ ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ There were two ships named ‘RMS St Helena’ that served the island. The first was the PAGE SECTIONS About the RMS St Helena (1990-2018) ⋅ Audio ⋅ Other Information ⋅ End of service ⋅ Launch Video ⋅ Not without incident ⋅ Why ‘RMS’ ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Yes, maybe roads don’t sound all that exciting, but many of ours have a fascinating history and the circumstances of their creation tell us a lot about the developing history of the island. You can learn about them on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Earliest History ⋅ Napoleon - good for our roads ⋅ After Napoleon ⋅ More exiles; more roads ⋅ 1933 and beyond ⋅ More recent developments ⋅ Other road-related detail ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The sea around St Helena is normally pretty calm, and even the swells in January through March are moderate, but very occasionally we get much higher seas, which we call ‘Rollers’. You can learn about them on this page, including the worst Rollers in recorded history, in February 1846. PAGE SECTIONS The worst sea in recorded history ⋅ Other Rollers ⋅ Other Types of Rollers ⋅ A wet decade ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Every Capital City needs a river. Jamestown doesn’t really have one (there is nothing big enough on St Helena to be classed as a river), but it does have ‘The Run’; not just a watercourse, but also a largely undeveloped area in the heart of the City which makes a pleasant walk between lower Jamestown and the Hospital. Learn about our capital’s ‘river’ on this page. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Ruperts is the valley next to James Valley to the north. The name has some mystery associated with it - who was ‘Rupert’? Ruperts has recently been designated as our Commercial Port, with all cargo operations being moved there. It was also the home of many of the ‘Liberated Africans’, and is where our Power Station and Fuel Storage facilities are located. It is rarely visited by tourists but the beach is a popular venue for leisure activities. So much to learn about on this page! PAGE SECTIONS Why ‘Ruperts’ ⋅ What’s in Ruperts ⋅ The New Jetty ⋅ Always a place for leisure ⋅ Other matters ⋅ 2020 Development Plans ⋅ The Mundens Tunnel ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Launched in 2005, SaintFM was the island’s first independent-of-government radio station, quickly becoming part of island life and sorely missed when it closed in 2012. On this page we detail its creation, success and demise. PAGE SECTIONS About this station ⋅ Transmission ⋅ Programming ⋅ Adverts ⋅ Photo Gallery ⋅ Funding ⋅ Closure ⋅ Audio Clips ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Since March 2013, SaintFM Community Radio has broadcast music, news and features for St Helena. On this page you can read about the station’s past and present, including how to listen in both on St Helena and elsewhere. PAGE SECTIONS About this station ⋅ Formation and Structure ⋅ Programming ⋅ Transmission ⋅ Contact ⋅ Funding ⋅ Regulation & Complaints ⋅ Closedown, November 2024, and restart | |
QUICK READ Our island is named after the Christian saint Saint Helena, but why? On this page we answer the question - it isn’t as obvious as many people think… PAGE SECTIONS Who was Saint Helena? ⋅ Feast day of Saint Helena ⋅ Other information ⋅ And why is our island named after her? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Renowned for their warm, friendly and welcoming attitude to visitors, what are Saints (the people of St Helena) like to live amongst? We attempt the answer on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Saint Culture ⋅ Why ‘Saints’? ⋅ Where did Saints come from? ⋅ The Final Journey ⋅ And also ⋅ Can I become a Saint? ⋅ Celebrations ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ SAMS Pure Gold was set up in 2015 to broadcast uninterrupted continuous music for St Helena, but closed two years later due to funding issues. We set out its (brief) history on this page. PAGE SECTIONS About this station ⋅ History ⋅ Transmission ⋅ Contacts ⋅ Funding ⋅ Regulation & Complaints ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Since February 2013, SAMS Radio 1 has broadcast music, news and features for St Helena. On this page you can read about the station’s past and present, including how to listen in both on St Helena and elsewhere. PAGE SECTIONS About this station ⋅ History ⋅ Programmes ⋅ Advertising ⋅ Transmission ⋅ Contacts ⋅ Listen Live ⋅ Funding ⋅ Regulation & Complaints ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ SAMS Radio 2 re-broadcasts the BBC World Service. The island’s first radio station, Radio St Helena, took news (off air) from the BBC World Service using Shortwave, later upgrading to a satellite link, which it also used as an overnight filler, but when the new media plan was announced in 2011 it was proposed that the BBC World Service should have its own, dedicated 24/7 channel and the station described on this page was created. PAGE SECTIONS About this station ⋅ History ⋅ Transmission ⋅ Contacts ⋅ Funding ⋅ Regulation & Complaints ⋅ The BBC World Service ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Seaside beaches are in short supply on St Helena but Sandy Bay has one that is regularly visited. The valley also has an interesting history and a particular current culture, which we explain on this page. Like all Districts, we answer the question ‘Should I stay here?’ PAGE SECTIONS About Sandy Bay ⋅ Sandy Bay Beach ⋅ Sandy Bay in pictures ⋅ History ⋅ The ‘Gorilla’s Head’ ⋅ Nude Sunbathing ⋅ Stay here? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Some of St Helena’s historic buildings had got into a parlous state and were thought lost, but have now been restored. Their decay and restoration are described on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Teutonic Hall ⋅ Rock Rose ⋅ Wranghams ⋅ The Hutts Gate Store ⋅ The Emporium ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Every year on 21st May we celebrate our island’s discovery, even though 21st May is almost certainly not the date on which the island was discovered! Intrigued? On this page you can find out why, and how we celebrate. PAGE SECTIONS Discovery ⋅ The Celebrations ⋅ History ⋅ The Photographs ⋅ Events on 21st May ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ One of St Helena’s sea-birds is known as a ‘Seabird’. Confused? The answer’s on this page, as are details of St Helena’s other interesting marine birds (we are a very popular nesting site…). PAGE SECTIONS ‘Fairy Terns’ ⋅ Other sea-birds ⋅ Seeing our sea-birds ⋅ Guano ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The Portuguese discovered St Helena in 1502, and because of its strategic importance, tried to keep their discovery a secret from other world powers. They failed! On this page we discuss why they did not succeed. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ Published every Thursday, The Sentinel is one of St Helena’s weekly newspapers, Serving St Helena and her community worldwide. You can learn about its history and present on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Content ⋅ Publication ⋅ Advertising ⋅ History ⋅ Contacts ⋅ Funding ⋅ Regulation & Complaints ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The ancient world is not alone in having Seven Wonders - St Helena has them too, and these are ones you can see today! We list and explain them on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The 2018 Seven Wonders ⋅ The 2008 Seven Wonders ⋅ The Real Seven ’Wonders’? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ For the first 500 years of St Helena’s history the only way to get here was by ship. On this page we provide an index of all the ships and other vessels mentioned on the pages of Saint Helena Island Info. PAGE SECTIONS The Index ⋅ HMS Waterwitch ⋅ L’hôpital des marinaux ⋅ And more ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Shopping on St Helena is not what you are probably used to. There are no big stores in out-of-town retail parks. There are no ‘Malls’. There is no 24/7 opening. There are just shops, in streets, in towns, that open and close at set hours. Some still have counters where you are served… Learn about the St Helena shopping experience on this page. PAGE SECTIONS In brief ⋅ A different experience ⋅ Eclectic shops ⋅ Prices ⋅ Shortages ⋅ You don’t even have to land here ⋅ Advertising ⋅ Government Foodstocks ⋅ Foreign Currency ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Administratively, St Helena is part of a three-island Territory: St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, but with three such disparate islands this can cause some confusion, as explained on this page. PAGE SECTIONS The rest of the trio ⋅ One that got away ⋅ Confusion ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Many of the ‘Liberated Africans’ died soon after arrival on St Helena. Many remain buried in unmarked graves on Ruperts. Some bodies were disturbed while Building St Helena Airport and have now been re-interred. Learn about it all on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Discovery ⋅ Why were the graves a surprise? ⋅ Reburial ⋅ Origins ⋅ Slavery Commemorations ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Although St Helena is best known for the liberation of the enslaved, its earlier history is rather darker. Much of early St Helena was built using slave labour, right from the first colonists. Learn more this dark period in our history on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Two Phases ⋅ Effects on St Helena today ⋅ Modern Slavery ⋅ Slavery Commemorations ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ From the arrival of the first English settlers in 1659 and for around 180 years, St Helena held and exploited enslaved people, and much of what we have today was built on the backs of their labour. Read the shameful story on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Origins ⋅ The ‘Slave Laws’ ⋅ Life of the enslaved ⋅ Maintaining the stock ⋅ Towards Liberation ⋅ Statistics: ⋅ Slave owners identified ⋅ Emancipation ⋅ Slavery Commemorations ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ There are many images on Saint Helena Island Info - over 9,000 at the last count. On this page you can enjoy a slideshow based on a selection of current pictures of St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ There are many images on Saint Helena Island Info - over 9,000 at the last count. On this page you can enjoy a slideshow based on a selection of historic pictures of St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ St Helena is actively featured on Social Media and you can learn about how the island interacts with it on this page. Saint Helena Island Info has its own feeds, of course, then there are groups related to St Helena, contributors to this website and many more, all listed below. PAGE SECTIONS This site’s feeds ⋅ Other useful feeds ⋅ Contributors ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ There are plenty of opportunities on Saint Helena Island Info to read about and see St Helena. On this page we provide some ways for you to hear it. PAGE SECTIONS Contemporary Sounds ⋅ Other Sounds ⋅ ‘The Big Easy’ 2004- ⋅ Brief Mentions ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ English may be our official language, but isolation and our complex heritage have given islanders a special way of speaking. On this page we tell you how to understand, and maybe even speak, ‘Saint’. PAGE SECTIONS Understanding spoken Saint ⋅ Phrases ⋅ Medical Confusion ⋅ Try for yourself ⋅ Regional dialects ⋅ So how will you communicate? ⋅ Beware what you say ⋅ ‘Speaking Saint’ - the books ⋅ And finally, a cautionary tale ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Despite the island’s tiny population, a wide variety of sports is played on St Helena. Learn more on this page about what we play, and even compete in internationally. PAGE SECTIONS Main Sports ⋅ Other Sports ⋅ Sports Associations ⋅ International Events ⋅ Sport ‘in the before days’ ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Built in 1774, St. James’ Church is now oldest Anglican church in the Southern Hemisphere. On this page we detail its history (including that of its predecessor) and look at some of the changes it has undergone in its -year history, including the tower/spire/no-spire/spire issue. PAGE SECTIONS About ⋅ Towers and Spires ⋅ The Organ ⋅ The Clock ⋅ Other views ⋅ Altar Puzzles ⋅ All creatures, great and small ⋅ Why was St. Paul’s the Cathedral? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St. Matthew’s Church stands at the junction of the routes between Town, Longwood and Levelwood, and is the main Anglican church for the district. But the church we see today is not the original. On this page we discuss both. PAGE SECTIONS About ⋅ The First Building ⋅ The Current Building ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The heartland of St Helena, and yet largely untouched by the events of our history. Also features the island’s main sporting venue, Francis Plain, and a curious rock formation called The Friar which is worth visiting. Learn about the heartland of St Helena on this page. Like all Districts, we answer the question ‘Should I stay here?’ PAGE SECTIONS About St Pauls ⋅ St Pauls in pictures ⋅ Francis Plain ⋅ The Friar ⋅ Arboretums ⋅ The Future ⋅ Stay here? | |
QUICK READ Originally just the ‘Country Church’, St. Paul’s now has Cathedral status, but is not the original building. On this page we tell the story, including the saga of the bells and the ‘experts’. PAGE SECTIONS History ⋅ The Cathedral Today ⋅ The Bell and the ‘experts’ ⋅ Memorial Stones ⋅ Why was St. Paul’s the Cathedral? ⋅ The World’s Most Remote Cathedral? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Saint Helena Island Info, like all good books, contains an index, which we present on this page. The index is too big to display in full (your browser may time out!) so you need to supply an initial character - just one, alpha or numeric - and it will display the index for items beginning with that character (case irrelevant). | |
QUICK READ We get some very spectacular sunsets, and the interesting thing is we don’t really know why. See some beautiful examples and learn about the sunset-mystery on this page. PAGE SECTIONS What is a Sunset? ⋅ Our Spectacular Sunsets ⋅ Where to watch ⋅ Why do we get them? ⋅ The Green Flash ⋅ Sunrises? | |
QUICK READ Television did not reach St Helena until 1995, and then with only one channel. Now there are many channels to choose from, but you need to pay a monthly subscription - there is no free-to-air television on St Helena. Learn about our experience of TV on this page. PAGE SECTIONS What’s on? ⋅ History and developments ⋅ Impact ⋅ Local TV ⋅ The Future? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Currently St Helena doesn’t have a working theatre, but formerly we had several. We discuss what we know about them on this page, but there is more to learn so please contact us if you can help. PAGE SECTIONS The Jamestown Upper Theatre ⋅ The Barracks Theatre ⋅ Other Theatres ⋅ Modern Theatre ⋅ World Theatre Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page you can find listed all the major events happening in this current month in St Helena’s history, and other relevant information. PAGE SECTIONS Annual events this month ⋅ Events Database items this month ⋅ This Month in World History ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Events Database Statistics | |
QUICK READ On this page you can find listed all the major events happening in this current week in St Helena’s history, and other relevant information. PAGE SECTIONS Annual events this week ⋅ This week from our Events Database ⋅ This month in St Helena’s history ⋅ This Year in past Centuries ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Events Database Statistics | |
QUICK READ On this page you can find listed all the major events happening on St Helena in this current year, organised in chronological order. PAGE SECTIONS This Year’s Events ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Events Database Statistics ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Ever wondered why everything on St Helena starts twenty minutes late? On this page we propose an answer to that question, as well as providing information about timekeeping on St Helena. PAGE SECTIONS Official Time ⋅ Telling the time ⋅ But why bother? ⋅ Historical Timekeeping ⋅ Daylight Saving Time ⋅ ‘Tick Tock Day’ ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ The Records contain much information, from the mundane to the fascinating. On this page we present a selection of the more curious and interesting items. PAGE SECTIONS The long arm of the law ⋅ Healthcare ⋅ Equality & Human Rights ⋅ The Environment ⋅ Life on St Helena ⋅ Men of the cloth ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ We know the names of only a few of the island’s enslaved, and mostly because they got into trouble. Toby is an exception. We tell his story on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Who was he? ⋅ Why do we know his name? ⋅ After Napoleon ⋅ Was Toby’s enslavement here legal? ⋅ Toby’s Cottage ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page you can enjoy two of our images of St Helena featured for today, one modern and one historical, selected from the images on Saint Helena Island Info. PAGE SECTIONS Today’s Contemporary Image ⋅ Today’s Historic Image ⋅ Features for today | |
QUICK READ Part of the Territory of ‘St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha’, Tristan da Cunha lies some 2,000Km to the south of St Helena. We introduce the island’s primary features on this page. PAGE SECTIONS One of three ⋅ About Tristan da Cunha ⋅ Not Tristan ⋅ One that got away ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ For at least sixty years, in the late 17th and early 18th Centuries, it was widely believed there were two St Helenas… On this page we illustrate the error on the old maps and put forward our explanation as to how it might have occurred. PAGE SECTIONS Ortelius’ ‘World Map’ from 1570 ⋅ Maps of the 17th and 18th Centuries ⋅ So where is this second St Helena? ⋅ ‘St. Matthew’s Island’ ⋅ Even our (real) island’s name is uncertain ⋅ Wikipedia doesn’t want to know this | |
QUICK READ Jokingly known as the ‘Lavender Hull Mob’ (explained on this page), the Union Castle Line provided St Helena’s shipping service, both goods and people, for 122 years until 1977 when it ceased service and was replaced by the PAGE SECTIONS About ⋅ Serving St Helena ⋅ The ‘Two-Hour Ships’ ⋅ Good Hope Castle Fire, 1973 ⋅ Nickname ⋅ More ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena today is generally peaceful, welcoming and friendly, but it wasn’t always considered so. On this page we look at troubles long past (including one killed Governor) and some rather more recent, and consider how Saints protest today. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On this page we provide information about the most recent updates to Saint Helena Island Info, as well as details of previous updates. You can find information about earlier updates on page Page Updates History. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On this page is what we believe to be the shortest accurate history of St Helena possible without missing anything important. Please contact us if you think there is anything we should have included (or omitted!) PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On this page we present a collage of all the videos about St Helena used on this site. Each can be viewed from here, and there is also a link to the page on which it can be found. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ On this page you will find all the essential information you might need when visiting St Helena, with links to many other pages containing useful relevant information. PAGE SECTIONS Why come here ⋅ How to get here ⋅ Facts about St Helena ⋅ Take a tour! ⋅ Where to stay ⋅ Tips and tricks when here ⋅ Official Tourist Information ⋅ A longer stay? ⋅ Features for today ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ While you can see a lot of St Helena from a car, finding the best places can involve a bit of walking. Walking is safe on St Helena, although some of the routes can be somewhat physically taxing. And you could always collect Post Box Stamps… Find out more about our fascinating walks on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Walks for all tastes ⋅ Some suggestions ⋅ Post Box Walks ⋅ Walking Tips ⋅ Festival of Walking ⋅ Walks around Plantation House ⋅ Celebrations ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena’s fresh water supply has always been an important resource and management of it a national challenge. On this page you will find the history, right up to current day developments. PAGE SECTIONS An Important Resource ⋅ Too Much, Too Little ⋅ Engineering Solutions ⋅ Geography and Geology ⋅ Supplies Today ⋅ Connect Saint Helena Ltd. ⋅ World Water Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena was first settled by the English, so naturally we like to talk about the weather… Actually there’s a lot of weather we don’t get, so we have to talk more about what we do. Learn about our weather and our climate on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Seasons ⋅ Sunrise and Sunset ⋅ Expected weather ⋅ Current weather ⋅ In more technical terms ⋅ Trade Wind or Winds ⋅ Unexpected weather ⋅ The Weather and the Moon ⋅ World Meteorological Day ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Whale Sharks (locally known as Bone Sharks) visit St Helena every year from December to March, and you can swim with them! On this page we tell you about them and how to get amongst them. PAGE SECTIONS About ⋅ Swimming with Whale Sharks ⋅ St Helena Whale Shark Festival ⋅ International Whale Shark Day ⋅ One to take home? ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Whaling was one of the many aspects of world history in which St Helena played a part. Now, like all civilised countries, we just admire whales in their natural environment - you can see them yourself off St Helena. Learn on this page about the darker history of the industry and the uplifting present. PAGE SECTIONS A whaler’s paradise ⋅ Growth ⋅ Decline ⋅ Ecological Impact ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Almost nobody goes home from a visit to St Helena without taking any souvenirs. On this page we have some suggestions for things to take back with you and where to purchase them. PAGE SECTIONS What to look for ⋅ Where to find quality souvenirs ⋅ The Art & Crafts Shop ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present our ‘Top Twenty’ recommended things for any visitor to do during a visit to St Helena. Plan your visit itinerary accordingly! PAGE SECTIONS The Top 20 ⋅ Other Suggestions ⋅ Related Information ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ St Helena is in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,900Km west of the Angola/Namibia border. There is more relevant location information on this page, and you may also want to see the page Getting Here. PAGE SECTIONS Where in the world is St Helena? ⋅ First Map ⋅ Other St Helenas ⋅ From far, far away ⋅ How to get here ⋅ Shipping Lanes ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ If you’re coming for a visit and wondering where to stay, you might benefit from some advice… particularly if you are considering staying in lower Jamestown. It’s all on this page, as is the answer to the question Can I camp?. PAGE SECTIONS Types of accommodation ⋅ Location, Location, Location ⋅ Can you camp? ⋅ Where you QQQQQcan’tQQQQQ stay ⋅ Famous Visitors, exiles, etc. ⋅ Useful links ⋅ Where people live ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Perhaps more than just the enslaved were liberated from intercepted slave-ships. The plague of ‘White Ants’ began around the same time, and it was originally supposed that the invaders arrived on a slaver ship, but subsequent evidence suggests otherwise. On this page we explore the question. PAGE SECTIONS | |
QUICK READ There used to be a variety of endemic birds on St Helena, but only one remains, Charadrius Sanctaehelenae. Commonly known as ‘The Wirebird’ because of its long spindly legs, it is decidedly cute (especially the chicks!) and a major conservation effort is ongoing to ensure its continuing survival. Learn about our unique bird, and how you can see it for yourself, on this page. PAGE SECTIONS About our Wirebird ⋅ Wirebird Gallery ⋅ Wirebird census results ⋅ Airport Danger ⋅ More ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Although 8,000Km away from the primary conflict, St Helena and her people played an active part in World War 1, though the impact of the war was relatively lightly felt on the island. Learn about our experience of World War 1 on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Major related events of the conflict ⋅ Appeals to ‘Join Up’ ⋅ Military Radio ⋅ St Helena wartime events ⋅ Events Database ⋅ Remembrance Sunday ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Although the island was not invaded, St Helena and her people played an active part in World War 2 and some notable actions took place around the island, not forgetting our role in detecting enemy submarines… Learn about our experience of World War 2 on this page. PAGE SECTIONS Major related events of the conflict ⋅ War Stories ⋅ Military Radio ⋅ U-68 ⋅ St Helena wartime events ⋅ Events Database ⋅ Remembrance Sunday ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ Since its discovery St Helena has been a convenient stop-over in the South Atlantic, originally for sailing ships on inter-continental journeys, but now mostly for yachts and pleasure cruisers. On this page we explain why St Helena should be a stopover on your journey and what’s available here. PAGE SECTIONS Why Visit? ⋅ Tips ⋅ In Emergency ⋅ Some Statistics ⋅ Ann’s Place ⋅ Racing & Rallies ⋅ The St Helena High ⋅ The St Helena Yacht Club ⋅ Read More | |
QUICK READ On this page we present items that relate to St Helena, and are relevant for inclusion on Saint Helena Island Info, but just did not fit anywhere else. PAGE SECTIONS Why is this page called ‘Zzyzx’? ⋅ A Treasure Hunt? ⋅ Crime of the week! ⋅ Palm Trees ⋅ What Google™ AI has to say |
Credits:
{a} Eccles, from The Goon Show, in response to the question What are you doing down here?
Footnotes:
{1} @@RepDis@@{2} Except by the birds, who nest in the trees, and some drunks who want to continue partying after the pubs have closed! Learn more on this page about the area’s past, present, and possible future uses.{3} The distance to Ascension Island.{4} If, that is, you accept that it does…☺