Hibbert House

Hibbert House, also known as Headquarters House, is the head office of the [http://www.jnht.com/the_trust/the_house.php Jamaican National Heritage Society] . It is located at 79 Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica. It was built by Thomas Hibbert, a wealthy young English Merchant, in 1755 to serve as his residence. Hibbert migrated to Kingston in 1734, at a time when Jamaica was becoming the largest and wealthiest of the British Caribbean islands and the largest single destination of African slaves. In the early 1750s, he formed a partnership with Nathaniel Sprigg to serve as factors for slaves, purchasing them off the ships from Africa and reselling them to planters and others in Jamaica. Hibbert also helped found a major West Indian house in London, trading in sugar and rum.

The Building

The house is symmetrical, constructed of brick, stone and timber. The walls are of flemish bonded red brick with contrasting limestone quoins, which are pronounced on the exterior of the building. The front of the building has been altered, with the addition of beautiful Jamaican Vernacular fretwork which allows for some amount of privacy and yet allows you to enjoy the sea breeze. [ [http://www.jnht.com/the_trust/the_house.php Jamaica National Heritage Trust ] ]

The house is a two-story building with a large basement used for storage, and an attic with dormer windows. The first floor was used as offices and entertainment, while the upper floor was used as bedrooms. To the back of the building are a courtyard and several outhouses.

Inside the house are several interesting features worthy of note. These include the fine brickwork in the basement and the exquisite staircase leading from the ground floor to the first.

History

Headquarters House or "Hibbert House", as it was known up to the time of the owner's death, stands as a reminder of the wealth and power of the Kingston Merchants in their glory days. Hibbert was among the first of many wealthy merchants to build in the Georgian style of architecture. This style had become fashionable in 18th century England. This style would play a large part in the development of Jamaican architecture.

Hibbert became involved in politics and in due course was named Speaker of the House of Assembly in 1756. When the Capital of Jamaica temporarily moved from Spanish town to Kingston in 1754. the House of assembly and Legislative Council held their meetings at Hibbert House until 1758.

Hibbert never married. but he maintained a 24-year relationship with Charity Harry, dating from the birth of their daughter Jane in 1756. Charity Harry, described as Hibbert's housekeeper and a “free mulatto,” could read and own property. Hibbert provided her with a home, clothes, furniture, and other possessions. Upon Hibbert's death the house was passed to his heir and nephew and not to his daughter Jane or long time consort Charity. In 1814 the house was sold to the War Office of the West Indies Regiment to serve as it's Headquarters,and as the residence for the General of the army that was garrisoned there. This is where it gained the name of "Headquarters House". Since the house is located near the harbor and it also has a good view of the city the house was very desirable as a military headquarter. It was during this time that the crow's nest/ sentinel post was built on the roof.

While Hibbert House served as the Headquarters House, several illustrious commanders resided there.

Willoughby Cotton, who ordered the militia to crush the Slave Christmas Rebellion, led by Sam Sharpe in 1831

William Gomm who founded the Military Hill Station at New Castle, St. Andrew in 1841

Luke O'Connor, Commander in Chief of the Military Forces which put down the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865

John Eyre Mayor, organized his attack on St. Thomas to crush the Morant Bay Rebellion at Hibbert House

Recent History

Hibbert House was purchased by the Jamaican government in 1872 for five thousand pounds Sterling. Kingston became the permanent seat of the Jamaica legislation and Hibbert house was used as the Offices of Colonial Secretary until 1960.

Since 1983, Headquarters House has been used as the head office of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. The building has survived social, political and structural changes as well as the forces of nature to become a truly national historic treasure, worthy of preservation.

References